Bad, Sherry, bad

Yes, I have neglected my poor blog while I finished revisions on my new book. "Bad, Sherry, bad!" Sorry for being out of touch for so long. As some of you know, I’ve had some personal tribulations going on with my daughter and numerous computer issues, but now I’m back and ready to talk books and life with all my lovely followers.

I have to admit that I find it daunting to find time to promote, write, edit, and blog. I don’t know how other writers do it. It’s a difficult juggling act. It’s exhausting. It’s overwhelming.

And I am in awe of other writers that seem to do all those things so effortlessly. Maybe most of them don’t have kids. :)

Anyhoo, I wanted to chat about my new novel with you today. I actually wrote the first draft of IMMORTAL ECLIPSE aka IE about nine years ago. A year later, I also made the mistake of sending it out on submission to editors and agents. I did get a lot of requests for fulls and partials, but no one I sent my manuscript to offered a publishing contract or representation. I spent about six months querying agents and contacting editors, before giving up. However, I did get some really nice and helpful rejection letters. Every time I read this thoughtful letter from Sable Grey (doesn’t that sound like a movie star’s name?), it reminds me not to give up hope. That one day I’ll be able to make a living as a writer.

Even rejection letters that offer useful advice from literary agents or publishing editors should help your writing. Yes, rejections suck, but take a deep breath and put your ego aside, and then use it to become a better storyteller. That’s what I did.

IE's story has evolved over the years; however, the basic plot elements remained, which featured a young woman relocating from New York to California and moving into a supposedly haunted house, and then later discovering a story about girl that died on the property, who mysteriously resembles the main character. 

The early drafts had the protagonist as a disillusioned runway model, but I wasn’t sure most readers would be able to relate to her, so she developed into a fashion photographer instead. 

I knew in my gut that it was a good story, but it needed more revision. A lot more. And an insightful professional editor. But before I found the right editor for IE, I found an amazing critique partner named, Carmen. I have mad respect for this woman, because not only is she a fantastic writer, but she’s also an astounding editor. I was so impressed by her skills that I asked her to join my editing services business.

Then, luckily, I found Beth Hill of A Novel Edit. I spent about a month searching for the perfect editor for my work before deciding to hire this remarkable freelance editor. Now, no editor is perfect and any lingering grammar goofs or missed punctuation is probably my fault, because as many of you know, I like to endlessly edit. LOL

Then I worked with the amazing, Deelylah Mullin, who cared about my main characters as much as I did. She is such a brilliant and talented editor. And a romance guru! Working with an editor like Deelylah forced me to be more creative and strive to be a better writer.

I have learned so much from these extraordinary writers/editors that my own writing skills have flourished and has been greatly enriched by working with them. IE would not be the gripping tale it is today without their support.

So, "IMMORTAL ECLIPSE" has been a very long labor of love for me (almost a decade), and to see it finally published after all these years is an accomplishment that I am immensely proud of. The novel incorporates all the things I personally love: spooky atmosphere, snarky heroine, thrilling suspense, humorous respite, romantic tension, and even a dash of fashion fun!

I knew while writing this book, that I was creating a narrative that wouldn’t speak to the overall market, but I really wanted to write this story. A tale about a different kind of heroine not found in most new adult, horror, urban fantasy, and darker paranormal romances. My idiosyncratic, yet tough heroine is brave, considerate, stubborn, and somewhat of a fashionata. I think all these quirky aspects of her personality make her somewhat unique.

In closing, I hope readers will give my heroine, Skylar a chance and hopefully enjoy reading my new book. And for aspiring writers, I hope this post gives you the determination to keep writing. It took a long time for IE to be published, but all good things come to those who wait….