November 27, 2017, part 2: 

They’re here! The box with 50 copies of my first book arrived at 1:35pm on Monday, November 27^th.  As I tore away the packaging, my first thought was what if they’re ugly? Where did that come from??? I had no way of knowing what my reaction would be, but I certainly didn’t expect that! I lovingly examined the front and back cover from crack to corner before opening the first page. I read the author’s bio, the acknowledgment and the dedication with tears in my eyes. From first word to finished product seemed like a lifetime, but holding the first copy shouted reality. I’m a published author! I quickly tore out of my office and across the hall, up and down the corridor shouting, “It’s here! It’s here!” Some of my coworkers even applauded. My second big news is that I have scheduled my first book signing! It doesn’t get any better than this! 

November 27, 2017:

Busy times! Tomorrow is the production day for my first book, THE SECRET AT ONE BELMONT LANE! It was back in March of this year when I signed the contract…and according to that contract, the publisher had until October 2018 to produce the book. Instead, the production date is November 28, 2017. What have I learned during the crossing over from a wannabe to published author (I still do a double take when I say that!)? I’ve learned a lot about hurry up and wait. There were several hurry up and return revisions, but wait around for long periods to hear back if the revision works. Even one of the publishers told me, “…and now you wait.” Luckily, I had other manuscripts to work on. One thing I’ve learned going forward (and I sure hope there is a ‘forward’) is after the next story is in the best possible shape it can be, work on the blurb. I was amazed at how difficult writing a blurb turned out to be. My suggestion is to read as many back covers possible in the same genre as your book, and tweak until the cows come home. One website stated to lead off with a description of the main character(s), give a brief synopsis of the plot, and end leaving the reader wanting more without giving away the story--all this in somewhere between 100 and 150 words. As I eagerly wait to hold my first book, the second revision on book #2--per that editor--should hit my inbox on December 17^th. I will have ten days to make the changes and return the manuscript--all this during the Christmas holidays--all part of hurry up and wait. I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Author Sandi Underwood

Below is my first interview!! Check out Nancy Kelly Allen's blog at http://nancykellyallen.blogspot.com

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Author Sandi Underwood

Today, I welcome Sandi Underwood, author extraordinaire, to my blog. What makes her extraordinaire? you might ask. Simple answer: She persevered. She didn’t give up her dream of writing a book after receiving a trunkful of rejection letters. She didn’t give up after years of editors saying, “No, thanks!”  

As with many authors, dreams entangle with rejection, and hope seems out of reach, impossible, actually. But when a contract is offered and the impossible becomes possible, it happens suddenly. It’s Sandi’s journey, and mine, too.  

I’ve worked with Sandi as my critique partner for the last 10 years. She’s helped take many of my manuscripts from impossible to possible. Now she has two books in the production line with traditional publishers. I’m so excited for her. She’s living proof that hard work pays off. 

NKA:  Welcome, Sandi. Tell us about your new book.

SU:  Thank you for this invitation. I began THE SECRET AT ONE BELMONT LANE back when my grandson was gearing up to enter sixth grade. I researched what that age group enjoyed and learned that books on shapeshifters were popular. Easy task, right? Not so for this grandmother. That’s probably why the story laid around and collected dust for several years—that grandson is a sophomore in high school now! In my story, the main characters are a pre-teen girl (Erin) and her nerdy neighbor (Elwood). I wanted to write a story that both boys and girls would enjoy. I threw in a sprinkle of Mom and Dad and added a spoonful of bizarre and a dash of unexplainable. The end result is suspenseful and creepy, at times.

NKA: I love mysteries and humorous fiction. THE SECRET AT ONE BELMONT LANE gives me both in one delicious read. Yum! This is your first book. How did your journey lead from dreaming about this book to actually getting a contract? 

SU:  I’ve written most of my life. Growing up, there were books everywhere—being a PK (preacher’s kid), my Dad was most-often found reading. I’ve always loved books, and writing just seemed like a natural path; however, there was a huge jump from writing for my own enjoyment and submitting to publishers. I think the first six years, I submitted around fourteen times and had two small magazine publications to show for it. I didn’t get serious until around 2010 and even then, I was inconsistent. It takes dedication that I definitely didn’t possess in the beginning and a great critique partner. Mine just happens to live in Kentucky and I live in Tennessee, but somehow we make it work. (Shout out to Nancy Kelly Allen for being the best critique partner known to mankind. Nancy and I “met” through an online writing group of four, and we are the last two standing.) I joined her group back in September 2007, and I can honestly say I wouldn’t have this first book without her patient guidance. The give-and-take between critique partners is one of the most important tools a writer can have, and I cannot emphasize enough the value it brings.  

NKA: I’m truly given more credit than I deserve, much more, to be truthful, but I echo Sandi in that working with a critique partner offers numerous advantages to writers.  

What is the theme of the book, the universal experience young readers will identify with? 

SU: As a mom of two boys, (a grandmother of seven and a great-Mimi to one beautiful four-month-old), I’ve read my share of children’s books. My story follows the two next-door neighbors as they stumble onto the big “secret” at One Belmont Lane. I wanted my characters to be believable since very little else in the book is. There are secret codes, suspense, danger and unexplainable events from beginning to end. It was also important that Erin and Elwood were the ones to solve the mystery. Sure, most of the events won’t happen to the young readers; but hopefully, the importance of working together will leave a lasting impression. I wrote about everyday activities and people in ordinary life…things we encounter every day…but with a twist. 

NKA: Books make great Christmas presents, so where can people buy a copy?  

SU:  The publication date for The Secret At One Belmont Lane is Tuesday, November 28, 2017. To pre-order click on this link: https://squareup.com/store/prospective-press/item/the-secret-at-one-belmont-lane.

            To learn more about me and my writing path, visit my website at www.sandiunderwood.net.  

NKA: Congratulations, Sandi. I’m sure young readers will enjoy your book as much as I did. Thanks for sharing your insight on the publishing journey. 

Call for Submissions for Young Writers:

Brilliant Star is a bi-monthly, print magazine for ages 8-12 published by the Baha'i faith. According to their website, "Brilliant Star invites children of all faiths to explore concepts that encourage their development as world citizens, such as appreciation for cultural and racial diversity, peace among all religions and nations, the equality of women and men, and the elimination of prejudices." Through fiction, non-fiction, activities, games, puzzles, comics, interviews, music, and expressive art, the magazine seeks to promote values of kindness, courage, creativity, and helpfulness.

Deadline: January 15, 2018

Submission guidelines: https://www.brilliantstarmagazine.org/uploads/about/FAQs/Submission_Guidelines_2013.pdf

Call for Submissions for Adult Writers:

Spider (for ages 6-9) is looking for fiction, nonfiction, poetry, activities, crafts, and recipes on the theme It’s Raining Cats and Dogs. We want wacky and weird stories about kids and their pets—cats, dogs, parrots, horses, lizards, hamsters, gerbils, bunnies, chickens, fish, guinea pigs, snakes. Tell us about a special relationship with one prized pet or about a whole menagerie. Send us stories about heroism, friendship, loyalty, and odd talents. Take us to a pet or horse show, to the farm, to a city dog park, or in a suburban backyard. Submission guidelines: cricketmag.submittable.com/submit/17817/spider-magazine-for-ages-6-9 

Nancy Kelly Allen has written 40+ children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON COOKBOOK. Check out her blog at www.nancykellyallen.com

 

My Writing Buddy & Me

     Nov. 13, 2017 / Note to self: Never toot your horn until you sign the contract. I realized after I’d announced on social media about receiving a contract for BLOOD MONEY-- my adult mystery--that I hadn’t even read the contract. When I finally got around to reading it, the words “standard format is an eBook,” jumped out at me. I panicked. Yes, I like to read on my e-readers, but I also want a book to take to festivals and book signings. Instead of losing sleep and stressing, I should have emailed for clarification before posting the news. That rookie mistake could have caused huge embarrassment had I needed to backtrack. As luck would have it, or truly by the grace of God, the editor quickly dispelled my fears and assured me my book would go into print. Contracts are elusive and hard to come by, but they are the prize all authors seek. This author will make sure to do her due diligence from now on and cross all the T’s and dot all the I’s before shouting the news from the roof tops. No matter what, 2017 is ending on a stellar note for this author. It was many years in the making and many times, I gave up. This would be a good time to reiterate: A winner is a loser who tries one more time!

 

November 6, 2017: Oh happy day! Who expected a nice little email last night (Sunday!) from the preferred Publisher for BLOOD MONEY! Not me, for sure; but there it was…contract attached. I purposely didn’t open the contract until today. I wanted time to adjust…to stew, a bit. Did the second offer of a contract hold as much excitement? You bet’cha! I’m reading through the contract today and will probably sign sometime later and hit “send.” One thing I’m trying to wrap my head around is their statement that the publisher does not guarantee print copy--only eBook version. They go on to say that doesn’t mean they won’t print hard-copy. Matter of fact, I exchanged messages with two current authors who say this publisher does both. They just don’t guarantee mine will be in both formats. So, I had to look long and hard at what I should do. Then I realized I’m a hypocrite. How do I read most books? Digital format. But I want my book to be something I can hold, look at and love on. Do I give in to my desire to publish my 80k word Adult Mystery, or do I hold out for guaranteed print copy? I held out once before--this story placed in a contest in 2010 and the “prize” was the book would be sold online, only. I even believe you could order hard copy then; but, I decided I didn’t want to go that route. So for seven years, I tweaked and revised and even wrote a sequel…but the book is still mine. Did I write the story just for me, or am I ready to get it out there--however “out there” might be? Do I roll the dice, sign the contract, and hope I see it in print copy, or do I sit on it, again. A bird in the hand…means my second contract! Did I mention I received my second book contract? Woo Hoo!