I write Appalachian romance. And if you read last weeks post, know that I recently signed a three book contract for the Cadence of Grace Series with WaterBrook/Multnomah. Yippee!
The first book in the series, Be Still My Soul, drops readers in the midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains at the turn of the last century at a time when honor and duty walked the same path as hope and faith. It’s my prayer that this love story will touch hearts and encourage readers.
When I originally sent out queries, I knew this series was going to be a tough sell to agents. If I managed to get an agent, I knew it would be an even tougher sell to a publisher. Which is why I am throwing confetti in the air in honor of my fabulous agent, Sandra Bishop (MacGregor Literary). The woman is a rock star and not only saw potential in my story, but had enough faith in it to sign me on and pitch it to publishers.
When she informed me that WaterBrook/Multnomah was considering my proposal, I was over the moon. I’ve long admired their taste in fiction and am a huge fan of titles from authors like Liz Curtis Higgs, Susan Meissner and Kristen Heitzmann. The journey continued for months and months as my proposal went farther down the conveyor belt, constantly under the scrutiny of publishing pros. I was prepared that most likely, nothing would come of it. If by some miracle anything did, they just might want one…maybe two books. But all three?
As the waiting continued, I checked my email every day, chewed my fingernails down to stubs, and wore holes in my jeans for all the time I spent talking to God about it.
Then one day, I got The Call. Hearing my agent’s voice on the other line with that mysterious-happy-restrained tone, my heart went into over drive. When she broke the good news that all three books had been chosen for publication, I wanted to cry. I think I might have. I immediately called my husband and of course my mom and I know I did the happy dance. I was REALLY pregnant then and let’s just say…no that wasn’t an earthquake you felt. :] That was one happy author!
I love nothing more than reading success stories! Your romances sound wonderful and I'm looking forward to reading them!
Congratulations. Praise God! 🙂 Oh, and Happy Valentine's Day!
Oh, Joanne, those months of waiting had to be sooo tough, but what a thrill it must have been to receive The Call as a reward for your patience. Every time I think about your BIG news, I sport a huge grin. I'm sooo happy for you.
Congrats!! I can't wait to read your stories and through them, see even more of your heart.
I love hearing success stories!
Congratulations to our precious daughter. Your dad and mom are so proud of you! Keep on dreaming, keep on writing, keep on praying and keep on believing. Hugs, Dad and Mom
Jessica and Lindsay, thanks…it's fun to finally get to write one! 😉
Thank you Keli. Your grin makes me grin!
And thanks mom, you're too cute!
Congrats to you! That's great!
Congrats, Joanne! What a great piece of news! I missed it last week while on my tour, but I am really happy to hear it. And I'm excited that it's Appalachian, too. I look forward to reading it.
I love reading these stories of success! And what a cool place to set your books in.
Joanne,
Its been a long time since I first read part of youu Appalachian tales in critique group. They were great then and I'm sure readers will gobble up the first three and want more. I'm sure I'll be ordering some. All the best!
Blessings.
Congratulations!!
So nice to find you on twitter, and I’m so glad I stopped by your blog. Appalachian fiction! Girl, I’m from the Appalachians (moving back there soon). Yes, I get that whole mountain vibe. What a great success story, I’ll have to read some of your older posts. But a three-book deal is awesome!
I just signed with a great agent and I know my waiting period has just begun, ALL OVER AGAIN…sigh. But to get these books into the hands of the readers who need them is so worth it.
Feel free to stop by my blog (http://www.heatherdaygilbert.blogspot.com) or find me on twitter @vikingwritergal (Yes, my book is about Vikings! The old ones, not the team! grin). I’ll be signing up for your blog!
–Heather