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.
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.
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.
I think it’s a terrific first line and figuratively tongue in cheek.
I look forward to reading it.
I absolutely love the pig flying picture. It says so much about how the book got published.
Big congrats on it’s upcoming release.
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.
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.
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!
Congrats! I can’t wait to read it. I love the first line. Mercedes Lackey started one of her novels with that gem. :waving:
I think it’s a terrific first line and figuratively tongue in cheek
I love it, Bernita, lol. :yesyesyes:
I look forward to reading it.
At the risk of repeating myself…
Uh-oh.
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:
And you are in good company with that first line. I love it, too.
You always had great taste, Mechele. :grin:
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!
May you enjoy many sales and positive reviews!
Aw, thank you, Daisy!
I’m glad it’s seeing the light of day, lol. :yesyesyes:
Mercedes Lackey started one of her novels with that gem
Did she?? :shock:
Did Bulwer-Lytton or Snoopy sue her for plagiarism?? :razz: