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It All Started One Day (Or, "Once Upon A Time An Idea Was Born..")

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By
Happy Thursday All,
 
I've been rather remiss about posting (FYI--if y'all are hoping this is a post about my cover art...sorry, that's not finalized yet, but I've seen a draft and it's gorgeous, dahlings! But keep reading, this is a behind-the-scenes look)
 
Over the weekend I hurried up after discovering I wasn't quite as far along on the edits as I had originally thought. Fortunately, I did get the edits turned in, so hurray!
 
My best friend, Sarah, (the one
who died in February) made this
for me years ago. I'm posting it
in this blog post since she played
a role in my journey. RIP Sarah.
Love you!
Lately I've gotten a little nostalgic thinking about my journey from first starting All's Fair In Love & Lion, to where it is now...with a draft cover, edits turned in, a July release (not sure of actual release date, but still) and in general, on its way to being available to the public.
 
I never thought I'd get nostalgic about it. I always thought I'd just be happy, relieved, and overjoyed. Now I'm sitting here thinking about the first time I came up with the idea, how Monroe insisted on being heard, and how Sasha evolved. It's incredible.
Early graphic I used when
I first started blogging
 

All's Fair In Love & Lion has led me on an incredible journey. 

One that isn't over, but one that's taken me through some amazing places that I never expected to be.

 

Monroe ornament on my Christmas Tree
From first finding out about the NWHRWA, to actually attending a meeting. I felt welcome. Everybody was warm, caring, genuinely interested, and supportive. I am supremely grateful to each and every one of those members. There's so much talent in that group, it's amazing it doesn't burst out like confetti all around the building where we meet, and onto the surrounding area. Maybe we've learned how to contain it to the room, or maybe the confetti is just invisible; either way, each of you is special to me for one reason or another, and I wish you the best on your own writing journeys. (P.S. Shamelessly going to plug the NWHRWA's Lone Star Writers' Contest--click here on how to enter this year's and the upcoming Oct. 5, 2013 Lone Star Writers' Conference featuring Donald Maass).
 
Throughout my journey, I've also had contact with writers outside the NWHRWA. Authors such as Lesley Livingston (whose Wondrous Strange Trilogy I adore), talented mystery author, Laura Childs, and this year I interviewed Lynn Kurland--which was a completely fan-girl moment for me since I've enjoyed her work for many years. And of course, just this year, also striking up a rapport with the talented Sophie Jordan and Mary Lindsey).



As to the writing side of my journey?
 

December 2012 I received this snowglobe
to commerate my first sale,
which  is All's Fair In Love & Lion
 

Throughout every story I've been writing, editing, pitching, querying, going to Conference, meetings, and brainstorming sessions with my invaluable and super-human critique partner (the illustrious Tess St. John) All's Fair In Love & Lion has insisted upon being told. Monroe has demanded I share his story. He growled at me when I faltered, got annoyed when it wasn't the center of my attention, and all around made a nuisance of himself...but he still is firmly planted in my heart. He's one of my favorite creations, no matter what other of my characters I've grown fond of, I still get a smile when I think of that shifter who just really wanted his story told. He has made sure I didn't forget him. And really...that's a huge part of why I kept up with the story. Because I loved it that much. Because the characters insisted I not ignore them...that they get their chance to shine. So, this is their debut as much as mine. I'm grateful to the story and the journey.
Everybody in AFILL (All's Fair In Love & Lion) has taught me something important and many of them hold a special place in my heart. I'm hoping to write a couple more of their stories (one is in the process, the other is being plotted) and I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I have.

Keep watch...once the cover art is finalized, I'll reveal it. And those who are still craving that first sale...as so many published authors (including NY Times Best Sellers) have said to me and to my colleagues:  "Don't give up." Keep writing and keep dreaming. :-)

Have A Thrillingly Terrific Thursday!
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Comments

High Five Bakeshop said…
So happy for you. Can't wait to see the cover and the final release. Congratulations and happy writing!
Hugs!
Thursday, 18 April, 2013
Anonymous said…
It's always nice to take a moment to see how far you've come on a journey. Each step has been due to your hard work and dedication- you should be proud.
As far as feeling nostalgic, that's normal. You've eaten, slept and chatted with these characters for so long, it's hard to see them released into the universe. Good luck and may the next leg of your journey be as rewarding!!
Thursday, 18 April, 2013
C.C. Hunter said…
Great post, Bethany!

CC
Thursday, 18 April, 2013
Bethany said…
Robin,

Thank you so much! You're so upbeat and encouraging. Thank you for being so supportive.

Thank you for dropping by and commenting. :-)
Thursday, 18 April, 2013
Bethany said…
Stacey,

Thank you for your kind words. You've always been so warm and generous. I appreciate everything you've done--from being one of the first to welcoming me in the NWHRWA to always supporting me. You are a gem!

Thank you for stopping by and commenting. :-)
Thursday, 18 April, 2013
Bethany said…
C.C.,

I know what a busy woman you are, but you've always taken the time to offer a kind word, advice, or just plain being your awesome encouraging self. I think Stacey had it right what she said at that one meeting. Being chapter mate with you, fellow writer, and on your Street Team has meant so much to me.

Thank you for dropping by and commenting. :-)
Thursday, 18 April, 2013
Tonette Joyce said…
Fantastic! Good for you, Bethany. When I write, Even when I have been happy with it, polished it, re-written i t until I know it is the best it can be,I find myself thinking of the characters or revisiting the lines.They are from your heart;It is normal.
Best of luck and keep us posted,
Bethany!
Thursday, 18 April, 2013
Bethany said…
Tonette,

Thank you so much! You've been so supportive. I really appreciate it.

Thank you for dropping by and commenting. :-)
Thursday, 18 April, 2013
Anonymous said…
Hi Bethany,
Enjoyed reading about your journey! ~~Emmly Jane
Thursday, 18 April, 2013
Bethany said…
Emmly Jane,

Thank you!

Thank you for dropping by and commenting, too. :-)
Thursday, 18 April, 2013
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