A Romance Author’s Publishing Life in a 3-act play
by Nancy Brophy
Act I - I am oblivious
I am a romance author, but like the heroine of my own books, I have no idea what my goal is in life. For a few years I told every one I didn’t really care about being published. My goal was to write better. At the same time I went to conferences and submitted to agents and editors. The rejection letters or revise/resubmit letters didn’t once change my attitude. But late at night alone with my thoughts, I fantasized about what name I’d write under, if I got the call.
Act II - I set a goal
After awhile I acknowledged my words were the polar opposite of my actions. Okay, I did want to be published - but only on my own terms. Not an ebook, only New York and only certain publishers with an agent who was both wise and enthusiastic.
My friends and family were polite but refused to speculate on pen names or what dress I’d wear to accept my awards. Like many pre-published authors, I played the wait-and-see game.
Time passed.
Act III - I come into my own
2010 was the year, everyone talked about self-publishing. 2011 the conversation turning to serious money. There were those who thumbed their noses at NY. The playing field was now level. There was gold to be had and like all prospectors we were going after it.
By March I had a plan and was actively working toward it. I took control of my writing career and the name I chose to write under was my own. In April I put my first book on Smashwords, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Then a second followed, a third and finally a fourth.
I am indie published. I write that sentence with pride. I am in control of my destiny. My goal was six books this year. I have sacrificed writing for marketing and my goal will pay the price. At night I lay awake pondering the next step. What else can I do to sell my books?
At this point the curtain should drop.
But as a side note to the audience, you’ll be please to know I’ve not given up my fantasy life. Now I imagine ways to spend all the money I am destined to make as a Romance Author, despite the fact my first check was only for $32.00. My husband and I debated paying off the house, but instead opted for a tank of gas. All I can say is thank goodness we own a Prius.
AUTHOR BIO
Nancy Brophy grew up reading and writing.
Her imaginary friends have rich, larger-than-life lives with definite beginnings, snappy middles, and above all, happy endings. Her personal life is never as clearly defined. Beginnings are hard to locate. A new job, a school term, a family event like a death or wedding might signal the start of something new, but it’s never heralded with any fanfare. It appears as just another link in the chain.
She lives in the beautiful, green and very wet Northwest with her husband, two naughty dogs, PB and J, and forty rowdy chickens.
Like all marriages they’ve had their ups and downs, more good times than bad. Most recently they spent fourteen nail-biting months living in an apartment while their house was rebuilt from a house-fire in 2010. In the process she have acquired an in-depth knowledge of kitchen cabinets, bathroom plumbing fixtures and leaking roofs. If this writing thing doesn’t work out, she plans to investigate becoming a contractor who specializes in on-time, under-budget remodels. There is a fortune to be made by the builder who can deliver on his promises.
Her stories are about pretty men and strong women, about families that don’t always work and about the joy of finding love and the difficulty of making it stay.
AUTHOR LINKS
Czigany “Cezi” Romney is perfectly happy. Yes, she’d have liked to have graduated high school, perhaps even attended college and become a CSI rather than working for her father and Uncle as an asthmatic sidekick. But leaving Armadillo Creek would be impossible. A gypsy without family would be like a ship without a rudder - directionless, unable to function.
Agent John Stillwater's scarred face reflects the life of man dedicated to protecting his country. Currently his team is dealing with a nationwide white slavery ring, but lack evidence to prove it. An unusual set of circumstances in a nowhere town in Texas leads John to investigate.
Cain McIntosh’s career is making him rich. In his chauffeur-driven limo, his tailored suits, his ten thousand dollar watch and his private jet, Cain visits different towns each week and finds the girl of his dreams. Or so he says as he convinces her to come home with him and meet his family. Unfortunately, the girl who agrees to go, knowing she will be the envy of her friends, is never heard from again.
Can a petite gypsy woman bring down a man the FBI can't find? Agent Stillwater isn't giving her a chance to find out. Like it or not, Stillwater plans to remain glued to her side. With her family watching his every move, it doesn't take tarot cards to read the heat between them.
PURCHASE HELL ON THE HEART
GIVEAWAY
Nancy is giving one lucky winner an e-copy of Hell on the Heart. Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below (NOTE! Please look at the title of the form. Make sure it says Hell on the Heart giveaway. If it does NOT say that, click the title of this post and it should become the correct form) Contest is International and winner will receive a Smashword coupon to download book in any format they need.
2 comments:
Fun post Nancy. Thanks for sharing.
thanks :D
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