Thursday, December 1, 2011

Getting Started by R. Renee Vickers

Hello! I’m newbie Noble Romance author, R. Renee Vickers. It’s a pleasure to be here amongst such talented writers and dedicated readers, so thanks for having me today.

I’d like to take this opportunity to talk about beginnings. Every author has a story about how they got started down the long, winding, bumpy path of publication. I’m no different. I’ve been writing off and on for half of my life but got serious about it about two years ago, and really only began pursuing publication this year. It’s been quite a year.

There are hundreds if not thousands of books out there dedicated to teaching you the methodology and techniques of writing and many more that can tell you what to do after the story is done. Most inexperienced people who have tackled their first draft and primary edits think the hard part is done, but it’s really only the beginning.

Having a story you believe in is the very first step. No one really tells you why this part is so crucial, but you find out quickly once you’ve waited weeks or months for a response. Or worse, once you’ve received your first rejection. If you don’t believe in what you’re presenting, a rejection can be devastating. For some, it’s fatal (figuratively speaking).

I had a friend who was published before me and showed me all of what he was going through. So I had second hand knowledge of what I getting myself into before I started down this path. (call me a glutton for punishment). For those who don’t know, writing is the easy part. It’s only once you get the shining, glittery email saying that you’ve been accepted that the real work begins. And not just the physical toil of hitting the keys, but the emotional work too. Yeah, it’s work.

I know where I rate in my writing skills so my confidence and ego are kept in check. But part of becoming published is telling the world that not only is your work great, but you’re great too! So while I’m shouting to the world “Read me, you won’t regret it,” my squeaky inner voice is saying, “Excuse me, but I don’t think so missy!”

This causes a problem that’s difficult to get past, but for me there has been one constant and overwhelming solution, my friends. Every step of the way I’ve been lucky to have some extraordinary and kind friends who keep my going with their unwavering support. When I didn’t believe in myself they’d tell me I was worthy. It’s because of them that I’m here today.

And because of the enthusiasm and support of one friend in particular I had the courage to submit my book, Sly’s Surrender to Noble Romance Publication, who, to my delight, picked it up. It was released on November 21st.

Sly’s Surrender

By day, Sly is a take-charge, no-nonsense restaurateur, and at night she plays her hand as a demanding mistress. Sly has everything her heart desires: a successful business with loyal patrons, a gorgeous boyfriend and a flare for dominating in the bedroom. Everything she’s ever tried has gone her way, every decision followed to success, every goal achieved, and yet she yearns for more.

One night, she decides to try something new, giving up her customary control to the tall, dark, and sexy Jake. Jake is put in a position to prove to his lover just what he’s capable of, and Sly experiences the new pleasures to be found in letting someone else handle her reins.

Buy Link and Excerpt

Stop by my blog to find out more about me and to stay up to date with what’s happening in my world: MuseAmpoule.WordPress.com

8 comments:

S.D. Grady said...

Congrats on that first release! And for following your muse all the way to publication. Sly's Surrender sounds yummy!

Unknown said...

Woohoo! Congrats on the release!

Can't wait to see what is coming up next. :-)

J.S. Wayne said...

Congratulations, Renee! #2 at Noble your first week after publication, for a story YOU didn't think had a chance in Hell. :P
Keep it coming; you're doing GREAT!

I'm very proud of you. Now get back to work!! :P

David Kentner -- KevaD said...

Many congrats, Reneee.
Wishing you only the best.

Ren said...

So very happy for you, Renee :)
Congratulations!

R. Renee Vickers said...

@S.D. Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

@Ellie, Thank you very much! Me neither!!

@J.S. :P Thank you and I'm on it!

@David, Thank you so much!

@Ren, Thank you girly! :D

Amber Green said...

Go, Renee! Problem is, you have to *keep* going now. You bit into the addictive chocolate. It's good on your stomach or it's bad, but from now on your life will never be complete without more chocolate.

R. Renee Vickers said...

@Amber Green, Oh, I'm afraid that's all too true! You know what they say, once you go chocolate you never go back. ;)