Friday, July 24, 2009

Progress?

I think I'm making some progress and wanted to share some of it today. I didn't get a chance to get around to some of my favorite blog places yesterday partly due to my next plan, but will today.

Although I'm in the middle of editing and revising my third and latest book, I stumbled across Avon books (check out post here ) and decided I might revise my first book and submit to them. They publish inspirational romance books. The more I submit the better the opportunities. But as I'm looking back at that book, of course, I'm finding all sorts of needs. That takes time.

I wanted to also share abit more about my card writing venture as well. Many of you know it was Blue Mountain who contacted me. I've sent a few in and they are contracting options on some of them.Those cards will then go to Market Review which can take any where from six months to two years. If they do well, then the cards are chosen for publication.

A process for sure but one that I thought I might attempt so I'm writing and sending a few each week. The editor is kind enough to work with me to let me know what they like.

Well there's my progress report for this week for what it's worth. What's yours?

29 comments:

Helen Ginger said...

It's interesting to hear about your card writing endeavor. I hadn't considered that you'd be submitting a few each week. It sounds like a long wait until we can go buy one of your cards, though. But I guess like everything else, it takes time.

Helen
Straight From Hel

Great Grandma Lin said...

good for you. i'm trying to market my book myself-sent out 150 emails to my address book, put info on my weekly article about the book and my email address for my readers to contact me and blogged about it. Will have a table at several upcoming conferences and events. Just a small beginning but I'm learning lots.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

I've made some good progress over the summer but now need to step back for a couple of weeks and get all my kids ready for school. I've asked God for a new writing project this Fall. I'm going to be paying close attention to his promptings along these lines.

Loved hearing about your greeting card adventure. I never even thought of that!

peace~elaine

joe doaks-Author said...

I'm in Elaine's camp. I never consider card writing. Don't know where I thought all these clever and inspirational cards originated, but, they need to be born somewhere. Glad to see you're on the other side of the cards.

As to accomplishments...not many, I'm afraid to say. Essential chores and lots of digital fiddling.

Wishing you a great weekend.

Best regards, Galen

Imagineering Fiction Blog

Jan Cline said...

It seems like the faster I go the behinder I get! I have made some significant progress on my WIP, but I'm also trying to do a lot of reading on how to write fiction. The more I read the more I wonder if I can pull it off. I've decided to stop reading the how 2s for now and just finish the MS. Then go back to the books when I start editing. Sound like a good plan?

Jody Hedlund said...

Congrats on the cards! How cool! And that's great that you found another place to send your MS! The more options the better! Keep up the good work!

Stephanie Faris said...

Congrats! Sounds like things are going well for you. I submit to Avon as well, but for their Contemporary Romance line. I have some friends who write inspirational romance, though.

Warren Baldwin said...

I don't get the cards.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

Glad you had such a productive week.

I've heard good things about Avon's inspirational line.

I got a little behind yesterday, but have caught back up on my WIP today. Yay!

Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder

Jill Kemerer said...

Awesome! I'm so glad you're considering Avon books. Almost every major publisher has an inspirational line. And I know the card venture will be a perfect fit for you.

Progress? I sent out my partials to the editor and agent today. I wrote one presentation handout for my writing group (I'm doing presentations for August and October). Updated my website and my writing group's site. Wrote next week's blogs. Contacted new friends I met at RWA Nationals. Wrote a business plan (yeah, I did!).

Notice no actual revising or writing took place? I want to cry! Next week I'll be back on track!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Eileen Astels Watson said...

Wow, that's a long process for the cards. I never would have thought.

I've taken a shift this week from writing to revising and editing an older ms too. Time consuming it sure is!!!

Jessica Nelson said...

Cool! I'm excited for you with those cards. :-)

I'm halfway through my revisions, so that's nice.

Oh, about Avon, as far as I know they only look at pubbed authors, but it still doesn't hurt to send them something. I just thought I'd let you know. Also, have you checked out Abingdon? They just launched their fiction line and I think they're going to be very successful.

Pat's Place said...

Wow! You really stay busy! I take it that you are feeling better now?

Andrea said...

Praising GOD with you!

Andrea

Wendy Paine Miller said...

Love to here more details about your life, as always.

More w/ me--to the beach tomorrow...a nice little getaway! So I'm pretty excited.
~ Wendy

Tana said...

Cards seem to take a while but I'm so excited for you!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

Congratulations on the Blue Mountain venture!

I submitted to Blue Mountain years ago. Ahem. They weren't impressed.

Hope everything goes well with Avon. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Donna M. Kohlstrom said...

That's exciting about the card company project! Wishing you great success with it!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

6 months to two years???? Could I be that patient? But my next thought is are you having fun doing the cards? If yes, then the time thing is not an issue. Praying God leads with the romance book. He will. He gives us the desires of our heart. Sarah

Billy Coffey said...

Congratulations, Tiffany. Praising God with and for you.

I'll echo Jessica's thoughts about Abingdon. I hear good things about them.

Janna Leadbetter said...

You're doing great, Terri! Keep up the good work.

I made some decent headway early in the week, but the last few days didn't see much accomplished. We're missing two of four family members, though, and it's put a kink in our daily routine. Next week! Back on track.

Susan R. Mills said...

Can't wait to see your first card in print! I'm sure it will be inspirational. I am surprised at how slow the process is, though. Please let us know when one is out on the racks!

Beth in NC said...

This is so interesting to me. I wouldn't even know where to begin to write a book (or a card).

Kathleen said...

"Progress". Now there's a word. It connotes a beginning, a middle, an end. So why is it I want my progress all in one fell swoop, as if drinking it in a measured cup?

Sometimes in leaps; sometimes in bounds ... there are many areas in my life in which I see progress. But none undo me quite so much as those areas involving things like patience, or genuine love for an enemy, or the ability to stay long & work hard on something.

I'm so glad you're making progress too, and equally glad you've found such an amazing outlet!

Hugs,
Kathleen

Ginger said...

I think this is wonderful! I'm so excited for you. Keep us posted on the cards!

Nancy said...

This week finds me busy with three new short essays. I enjoy this type of creativity. You pros are getting me excited and moving. Thanks!

Melissa Amateis said...

I used to use Blue Mountain e-cards all the time, but haven't checked them out in awhile. I always liked them, though! Congrats on that new gig!

My progress report isn't the greatest, but I had a guest all week (my mom) so I'm going easy on myself. I'm in research mode and I've gathered lots of resources, so I suppose that's good progress.
:-)

Lynnette Bonner said...

Two years, huh? But what in the publishing industry doesn't take a long time? :) LOL.

I hope the card writing works out great for you! And I hear you on editing those pesky books to fit a target market. Not a fun prospect, but we do what we need to.

Blessings on your week!

Angie Ledbetter said...

Terri, you're clicking on all cylinders! Amen. :)