NETT ROBBENS, Writer …Aspiring Romance Novelist

The two longest months of my life resulted in the best rejection letter I’ve ever received.

Originally, I had an appointment with an agent at Romance Writers of America Conference in July. However, they were unable to attend and allowed me to pitch via email.

Prior to pitching this agent, there was something I liked from the start. They were cordial and professional, and we’d established a bit of a rapport through email. It could have been when they said, “Sorry I won’t be able to meet you in person, but have fun at the conference.”

I was excited about the prospect of pitching via email, but wasn’t sure how one went about it. However, I did what I thought was normal, I sent my query.

To my utter amazement, the agent requested my full manuscript. Not only was my manuscript requested, but I was able to email it, which I found so much better. I was over-the-moon delirious.

After checking my manuscript for proper formatting for the tenth time, I clicked the send button, and then played the game all writers have experienced–the waiting game. I queried in June and received a response in September, which is very good considering how busy agents are.

As I mentioned, this was the best rejection letter I’ve ever received. It was an email specifically telling me what they liked about my book and why they couldn’t represent me. They explained that, “the chick lit voice” in my book really didn’t work for them.

Honesty, and constructive criticism? It doesn’t get better than that!

I continued to read my rejection letter and instead of the usual display of disappointment, I smiled. The agent ended by saying, “However, I do think it was well written and will find a place in the market I’m just not the right person to represent it. I wish you the very best in your literary career and I have no doubt you will sell.”

That sentence was golden. Not only did it confirm that I was on the right track, but it gave me a boost to forge ahead. Every day I get closer to having my baby on a shelf or two at Barnes and Noble, and on Amazon.

There’s an old adage my mother said often, “What doesn’t kill us, will make us strong.” Sound familiar?

It’s true. This particular rejection didn’t kill me. It made me stronger, as do ALL my rejection letters, especially the overly nasty rejections. (Unfortunately, I’ve had a couple.)

However, THIS rejection letter was unique because the agent spoke to me, the author. I almost felt as though I was told in person, as opposed to email.

I was impressed and would definitely query this agent again–sans the chick lit voice.

Posted in My "Write" of Passage, Thoughts, Writing
Tags: agents, determination, rejection, Writing

A while ago I compared my inability to focus on writing to Baby’s reaction to Johnny Castle’s dance lesson. And now Johnny Castle is gone.

I’d like to remember Patrick Swayze and honor him by recalling five of his movies, my personal favorites:

I know, I know. It’s been a long time. I’ve been a rotten blogger.

The summer is winding down, and Fall is in the air. Kind of, maybe, sort of. Some parts of the country are still sweltering while the east coast is finally cooling down. I say that with my fingers crossed. After all, it is only September. Indian summer is still a major possibility.

I’ve been working on my second manuscript and trying to churn it out during the past few horrendous hot days. It’s hard to put my fingers to computer keys when I’m constantly drinking water, ice tea or anything else I could get my hands on that would help beat the heat.

But I have five chapters down and it’s coming together.

Unfortunately, I haven’t done much reading. I usually don’t read while I’m writing, and I’ve heard quite a few writers say the same.

Can you read while you write, or do you have to wait until you’re finished?

If I do read, it’s usually not my genre. I catch up on my westerns, my ménages and paranormals. One-on-one erotic or steamy romance, I won’t read while writing.

However, I continue to add to my ever-increasing wish list of books. I have a few books that I’ve purchased, and lovingly placed on my shelf for near future reading.

Here’s my very short list:

Celeste Norfleet – When it Feels So Right
Kimberly Kaye Terry – The Sweet Spot
Beverly Jenkins – Captured (To be released in Sept.)
Brenda Jackson – One Night with a Wealthy Rancher
Lena Matthew and Eve Vaughn – Ever After
Francis Ray – And Mistress Makes Three
Maya Banks – Unbroken
Rochelle Alers – Man of Fate

As I mentioned, this is a short list. I can’t, and won’t list all the items on my wish list. There are just too MANY. And if I did decide to list them all, you’d probably think I’d succumbed to the heat. I would.

My writing goal today was 1,000 words. I’m at 743. I should get back to Chapter 6 before, I stray any further and pick up one of the above mentioned books.

Everyday I work to balance the joy I get from writing and reading. Setting a writing goal helps a great deal. It helps me stay focused, because the quicker I write, the quicker I can read!

Posted in Thoughts, Writing
Tags: books, reading, Writing

I love some of the reactions I receive when I mention that I’ve just completed my manuscript, and I’m submitting for agents and editors. One of the following usually happens:

1. The person is as elated over my accomplishment as I am. They wish me well and tell me to keep them posted on my progress.

2. The person will say, “that’s great” and then mention they’ve just written a book as well, and are submitting. We both suggest putting some time aside to encourage each other.

3. The person will say, “Oh, you know most books only sell 500, and it’s so competitive out there. By the way, if you don’t mind my asking, how much does a book sell for these days? I have a few I’m looking to publish.”

By far, number 3 gives me the most grief.

You know the old adage. “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” There are too many who don’t take heed.

I don’t mind having the reality of the publishing industry quoted. Frankly, I’d prefer good wishes that aren’t doused by the flames of insecurity or envy, with industry statistics used as a cover.

I follow the industry and I’m learning the business. Everyone has a story to tell. Yes, authorship is competitive, but so is practicing law. According to WikiAnswers, there is one lawyer for every 265 Americans.

While, I can’t surmise that there’s as many would-be authors as lawyers in the world, I will say that each of us has a chance to sell our work, and without belittling someone’s else dream to do the same.

Someone has suggested that becoming a bestselling author is like trying to win the jackpot. That dose of wisdom really made me wonder. What’s that say for all the authors that ARE bestselling novelists? My guess, is that it’s a mighty big jackpot and that means there’s room for me.

I’m going to continue to write, and hone my skills with the wonderfully encouraging words of well wisher number 3, etched on my brain. I will learn the business, and listen to the advice of the experts. Also, I will hand well wisher number 3 a copy of my book.

Does anyone else get these types of well wishes?

Posted in My "Write" of Passage, Thoughts, Writing
Tags: beating the odds, faith, persistence, Thoughts, Writing

It’s Christmas in August. Okay, not really. But I was watching the movie, “This Christmas” with Delroy Lindo and Loretta Devine.

Cute movie.

Nice warm family movie with the usual trials and tribulations that usually end with a happily-ever-after, or at least a happy-for-the-moment.

But then the credits started to run, the soul train line introduced the cast, and my heart started to race.

Two words: Idris Elba.

Hot damn.

Now, mind you I’ve seen this movie before. But I guess I wasn’t paying attention to how Idris moves. Good gracious. He did this little hip sway and this bop, and it was all over for me. It’s the subtle things that catch my attention. As I’ve mentioned before, dancing can be sex standing up.

I had to get this off my chest … Now I can finish the stalled love scene I was working on, with Idris (one of my yummy pops) on my mind.

Inspiration certainly comes in all shapes, forms and moves. Woo hoo!

Posted in My "Write" of Passage, Romance, Thoughts, Writing
Tags: Idris Elba, Writing

Okay, I’m sure most of us have seen “Dirty Dancing” with Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, right?

Do you remember the scene where “Baby” is taken to a party with just the hotel workers and she dances with “Johnny” for the first time? His hips are plastered to hers, and he teaches her how to move them in a sensuous dirty dance.

The dance ends and she has learned the moves (lucky girl). However, he leaves her standing in the middle of the floor exhilarated, and looking like a nut because she doesn’t know what to do next.

That’s how I feel right now.

After two weeks, I’m finally coming off the RWA Conference high. After two successful pitches, and a slew of wonderful workshops, and my winning honorable mention in the Stroke of Midnight contest, I’ve had a little trouble staying focused. A pure nut.

I have managed to complete the first three chapters of my second manuscript, (Woohoo) but it’s been like pulling teeth.

I’m probably trying to do too much at once. My new office is coming along, but it’s taking a lot of my writing time because I’m moving shelves and setting up printers. I need to be settled in one place so I can focus.

I’m going to keep plugging away. There will come a moment when I look at the sign hanging over my computer, which reads, “ASS IN CHAIR” –a piece of advice I’ve borrowed from Nora Roberts, and get busy. So, enough blogging for today. It’s time to get my AIC.

Care to share? How do you stay focused after doing something equivalent to dirty dancing with Patrick Swayze?

Posted in My "Write" of Passage, Romance, Thoughts, Writing
Tags: Dirty Dancing, Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze, Writing

As promised, a few pictures of a few friends and authors at RWA. These authors are just a few of my favorite people. Everyone was really great and down-to-earth. As I mentioned, RWA was exhausting and exhilarating. However, meeting some of my favorite authors added to the fun and an atomsphere of creativity.

Next year’s conference is in Tennessee, Grand Ole Opry country and I’m hoping to attend.

Pictured: Romance authors Kimberly Kaye Terry, Celeste Norfleet and Farrah Rochon take a break from RWA activities.

Kimberly Kaye Terry and Candice Poarch smiling for the camera phone!

Posted in My "Write" of Passage, Thoughts, Writing
Tags: Authors, conference, RWA, Thoughts, Writing