March 31, 2008
Release Week
Yes, my new book from Samhain releases at the end of this week.
It almost seems like forever since I had a book come out. Probably because it has been. :razz:
But it’ll be a special treat to see this one become available—mostly because, by all rights, it probably should’ve never seen publication.
Why?
1) The first line of the book is, “It was a dark and stormy night.”
Why? Because I love that line, and wanted to use it. And because it fit the tone of the story, and subtly prepares the reader for what’s to come.
2) The book had been rejected not one, not two, but three times by major publishers. And each editor had given me a different reason.
3) This was my “I don’t give a damn” story. I didn’t worry about GMAC, internal dialogue, plot arc, BM, etc., etc. I set up the playhouse, and my characters and I had fun together. Period.
4) The hero isn’t alpha, the heroine doesn’t know what she wants out of life, and the single setting is extremely isolated.
5) I’d actually offered it as a freebie on this website, and completely dismissed the idea of selling it. Ya just never know.
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March 31st, 2008 at 12:46 am
No, you just never know when that corner is going to appear and squinting into the distance doesn’t help.
When I read that story I had no idea that you were breaking all the ‘golden’ rules. Goes to show you they’re not that golden.
March 31st, 2008 at 3:40 am
Yup. :yesyesyes:
At the time, the publisher I was dealing with was quite adamant about these issues. And I still hear some of this described as ‘undesirable’.
But maybe the field is becoming more open.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:29 am
I think it’s a terrific first line and figuratively tongue in cheek.
March 31st, 2008 at 8:44 am
I look forward to reading it.
March 31st, 2008 at 11:19 am
I absolutely love the pig flying picture. It says so much about how the book got published.
Big congrats on it’s upcoming release.
March 31st, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Big congrats on the new release!
I can’t wait.
And you are in good company with that first line. I love it, too. As do Snoopy *G*, Madeleine L’Engle, and Paul Clifford.
March 31st, 2008 at 3:19 pm
Good for you, Raine, especially in light of # 3. I gave up connecting the dots and started writing what I MYSELF felt was interesting. I have read endless blogs about the damned backstory, plot arc, etc., and I think people take agents and rules WAY TOO SERIOIUSLY (and I have had agents). Some of the most inane comments I have ever received about my novels came from agents who couldn’t write a complete sentence. The most provocative books ever published have been rejected endlessly. Kudos to you.
March 31st, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Congrats on the upcoming release, Raine! You’re so right when you say “Ya just never know” because just when we think we know what will connect with readers and what might tank sales-wise, we get proven wrong. Happens to me a lot. I’m happy for you that this book, with all its precarious twists and turns along the way, is getting published. May you enjoy many sales and positive reviews!
March 31st, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Congrats! I can’t wait to read it. I love the first line. Mercedes Lackey started one of her novels with that gem. :waving:
April 1st, 2008 at 2:04 am
I think it’s a terrific first line and figuratively tongue in cheek
I love it, Bernita, lol. :yesyesyes:
April 1st, 2008 at 2:06 am
I look forward to reading it.
At the risk of repeating myself…
Uh-oh.
April 1st, 2008 at 2:07 am
I absolutely love the pig flying picture.
So do I, Mel! If I didn’t already have a blog theme, I might choose that, lol. :razz:
April 1st, 2008 at 2:12 am
And you are in good company with that first line. I love it, too.
You always had great taste, Mechele.
April 1st, 2008 at 2:15 am
The most provocative books ever published have been rejected endlessly.
That’s true, Billy. Points well-taken—although I certainly don’t count myself in any of that company.
And thank you!
April 1st, 2008 at 2:17 am
May you enjoy many sales and positive reviews!
Aw, thank you, Daisy!
I’m glad it’s seeing the light of day, lol. :yesyesyes:
April 1st, 2008 at 2:19 am
Mercedes Lackey started one of her novels with that gem
Did she??
Did Bulwer-Lytton or Snoopy sue her for plagiarism?? :razz: