Rae’s Story
I’ve often been asked by kids, adults and
other writers (who sometimes don’t quite fall into the kid category or the
adult one either J
) So, while visiting Mindy’s blog today,
I figured I’d share the story – from start to finish.
Sit back, unbutton your suit jacket and
grab yourself a snack and cup of coffee (better make it a small one, my story’s
not that long!)
I wrote as a kid (sadly, I figured I’d make
a wonderful romance, harlequin writer – which, coming from a small Christian
School I should have realized I’d never make the cut J ) However, writing dreams
got pushed aside for Olympic dreams when I began high jumping in tenth grade
and began representing Canada. Well, I never quite made the Olympics (made
World Championships, won Olympic Trials, but never quite made that extra 2cm
required by Canada
to make the standard).
My Dad passed away in 2008 from a strong,
six year batter with cancer. During one
of our last conversations we had, he encouraged me to chase after my
dreams. So, that Christmas (2 mths
later) I began writing again. I wrote a book called Riding Hood (which is
actually being edited with my agent and going out to publishers in the near
future – it’s now titled Seventh Mark).
Rae of Hope, the first book in the Chronicles of Kerrigan came along 2
months later, and ironically, 2 mths later it was finished.
I decided that if I ever wanted my kids to
read my work, I needed to fine tune it so they wouldn’t make fun of me. My kids are 6,5 and 21mths – I figured I had
plenty of time before they start reading a YA book. Anyways, I joined a critique group (www.critiquecircle.com – which I
highly recommend to any writer) and learned loads, met great friends
(especially the Golden Girls – who are not old, but are 5 star worthy) and
learned valuable information. On CC I
was encouraged to look for an agent to represent my work.
I didn’t believe that any of my writing was
publishing worthy but got curious. I
sent Rae of Hope out to five agents and within the week, all five requested the
entire MS. I didn’t realize that in
itself was a big feat – I assumed that was normal. Well, within two months, I had two agents
interested in representing Rae. I did
some homework (not quite sure what I needed to do, but I did ask a lot of
questions). I signed on with Dawn Dowdle from BlueRidge Literary Agency. She was interested in representing Rae of
Hope, and also Riding Hood/Seventh Mark.
Learning about edits, about re-reading and
revising (something I had ALWAYS hated to do as a kid) became something fun J Crazy ‘eh? I had no idea
what track changes were or how to do anything about them when I got my first MS
back. The red lines and comments made me
think I had to rewrite the ENTIRE ms over again! Ha ha – Dawn patiently
explained what needed to be done.
The time came to start publishing rounds
for Rae of Hope. A large number of
houses were interested and it was exciting to get requests, along with
responses of no’s – as a lot of editors gave suggestions what they felt the
story needed. I followed their advice
and I kept writing and learning all the while.
Chicken House – a UK
publisher – showed strong interest and we got fantastic feedback on what they
would like us to do. I rewrote and made
the story stronger. In the meantime (it
took me quite a while as three kids and a business kept me busy J ), CH found a similar story that they were interested in, or they
simply weren’t interested in it anymore.
No matter what the excuse, I learned more valuable information and was
extremely grateful for it.
kNight Romance Publishing contacted Dawn
between Christmas and New Years to say that they were interested in Rae and her
series. So, on January first of 2011, I
signed my first official publishing contract.
(yeah me!)
Mitchell Morris Publishing became on
imprint (or KRP became an imprint) – I’m not 100% sure how to say that one
correctly and Rae of Hope went from a single book to a four book contract.
More edits, more learning and now I began
to be able to share my opinions and understanding of the story and the edits
better – and Rae of Hope hit e-book format in August of 2011, the paperback
released the end of November. It was
original a POD, but is now going to traditional publishing, along with the next
book, Dark Nebula, coming out this fall/winter.
I sit here giggling over the fact that I am
able to hold my story in my hands. It’s
surreal. Amazing. Exhausting. Confusing. Fun. Inspiring.
… The best part – I know my Dad would be as
proud of my writing career as he was of my high jump career. And the better
part? I know he’s prouder of my three kids than anything else J So am I.
Thanks for letting me stop by Mindy and
share my story. I really appreciate it!
Links:
Website:
www.wanitamay.yolasite.com
Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw8CjybgBOk
Also Facebook: Rae Kerrigan
Twitter: @wanitajump
And a special thank you from us for stopping by and sharing your great story... and your fabulous book with us all. Thank you from visiting W.J.May
thanks again for hosting me!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
WJ May
I love to read another's journey. Such a great one, Wanita! Best wishes with the next three books!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Krissy!! I appreciate you stopping by!!
DeleteSo many of us started out writing as youngsters and then stopped, quite often because of self-doubt. I'm glad your father gave you one final everlasting gift: the encouragement to go after your dreams. Good luck to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks Vonnie... So true - I think as kids most authors had the love of reading and writing and playing imaginary! Its when we get big that we actually truely appeciate make-believe ;)
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