Rejection...NOT the end of your dreams!

12 books. That's how many inspirational romances I have contracted and/or published with Pelican Book Group. Twelve. 

Over the last year or so, I have alluded to a tug to write mainstream romance, stories minus a distinct faith element. Sometimes I feel as if I'm the middle of the rope in a tug-o-war. Each side jerks my arm in their direction with equal intensity. 

So, last year I dived in to clean and wholesome romance. No sex scenes, no cursing, no need to hide the books from your kids or grandkiddos. But definitely a tad more heat than most Christian books.  

I finished the first book in the Kester Ranch Cowboys series, Roping the Cowboy, and sent it to four mainstream publishers and two agents. Nine months, four rejections and two no responses later, I finally acknowledged defeat. 

Rejection is NOT the end of your dreams!

Because after reading through the story again, I deserved the rejections. Yes, the romance lacked fullness. Long sentences slowed it down. The first kiss came too late in the story. The heroine wasn't likable. I could go on...

One publisher cited a detailed list of where it fell short, and awesome crit partners offered critical input to strengthen the story...


If I was willing to invest the time and sweat equity.

Was I? 

We're not just talking a few hours of edits. This involved a total remodel and would take an entire month, probably more.

At this point, some writers toss their manuscript in the recycle bin or hurl it into the deep recesses of their closet, and wave the white flag. Others sob buckets and fling fiery insults toward the publisher/agent who rejected them. 

Not me. I am forever grateful!

Because their valuable input...

1. Pointed out serious flaws in my manuscript and offered the chance to fix them before throwing my baby out into the world.

2. Provided the impetus and lit a fire for me to go indie.

3. Proved that I can do this. That I'm in this writing gig for the long haul. That sometimes the old way is not necessarily the best way for me. That rejection isn't necessarily a bad thing...


Rejection is NOT the end of your dreams!

God uses our negatives, our perceived failures, and creates something beautiful, life-changing, and totally mind-blowing.

Like a new author name for my non-inspirational titles. And why not a publisher, too? 



Roping the Cowboy by Tori Kayson
Coming OCT 1 with
Grace Legacy Publishing

More on my new name and the steps to create a business later. For now, just know that rejection does NOT have to mean the end of your dreams. It could be the beginning!


You can do this!

http://torikayson.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ToriKayson
https://twitter.com/torikayson

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Fiction Faith & Foodies: Rejection...NOT the end of your dreams!

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Rejection...NOT the end of your dreams!

12 books. That's how many inspirational romances I have contracted and/or published with Pelican Book Group. Twelve. 

Over the last year or so, I have alluded to a tug to write mainstream romance, stories minus a distinct faith element. Sometimes I feel as if I'm the middle of the rope in a tug-o-war. Each side jerks my arm in their direction with equal intensity. 

So, last year I dived in to clean and wholesome romance. No sex scenes, no cursing, no need to hide the books from your kids or grandkiddos. But definitely a tad more heat than most Christian books.  

I finished the first book in the Kester Ranch Cowboys series, Roping the Cowboy, and sent it to four mainstream publishers and two agents. Nine months, four rejections and two no responses later, I finally acknowledged defeat. 

Rejection is NOT the end of your dreams!

Because after reading through the story again, I deserved the rejections. Yes, the romance lacked fullness. Long sentences slowed it down. The first kiss came too late in the story. The heroine wasn't likable. I could go on...

One publisher cited a detailed list of where it fell short, and awesome crit partners offered critical input to strengthen the story...


If I was willing to invest the time and sweat equity.

Was I? 

We're not just talking a few hours of edits. This involved a total remodel and would take an entire month, probably more.

At this point, some writers toss their manuscript in the recycle bin or hurl it into the deep recesses of their closet, and wave the white flag. Others sob buckets and fling fiery insults toward the publisher/agent who rejected them. 

Not me. I am forever grateful!

Because their valuable input...

1. Pointed out serious flaws in my manuscript and offered the chance to fix them before throwing my baby out into the world.

2. Provided the impetus and lit a fire for me to go indie.

3. Proved that I can do this. That I'm in this writing gig for the long haul. That sometimes the old way is not necessarily the best way for me. That rejection isn't necessarily a bad thing...


Rejection is NOT the end of your dreams!

God uses our negatives, our perceived failures, and creates something beautiful, life-changing, and totally mind-blowing.

Like a new author name for my non-inspirational titles. And why not a publisher, too? 



Roping the Cowboy by Tori Kayson
Coming OCT 1 with
Grace Legacy Publishing

More on my new name and the steps to create a business later. For now, just know that rejection does NOT have to mean the end of your dreams. It could be the beginning!


You can do this!

http://torikayson.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ToriKayson
https://twitter.com/torikayson

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8 Comments:

At August 19, 2015 at 12:03 PM , Blogger Myra Johnson said...

Wow, Dora! Congratulations on your new venture! Can't wait to hear more!

 
At August 19, 2015 at 12:59 PM , Blogger Tanya Hanson said...

Dora, wow, every writer needs to read this post. I am so excited for Tori and her break-put book...you are sure my inspiration. And lest anybody wonder, your Inspy books are wonderful story telling and not afraid to show how a man and woman in love really feel deep down. IMO far too many Inspy books ignore the warmth of live, and I feel neglected somehow as a reader. Please forgive any typos, my friend... I am on my iPhone ... And mega good wishes for Tori! Hugs and love!!!

 
At August 19, 2015 at 3:04 PM , Blogger Dora Hiers said...

Thanks, Myra. I'm excited. Mega congratulations on your latest book, The Sweetest Rain. Love, love, LOVE the cover! :)

 
At August 19, 2015 at 3:08 PM , Blogger Dora Hiers said...

Thank you, dear friend. YOU are such an inspiration to me! Without your editorial input and encouragement, I wouldn't dream of braving the indie waters. You have taught me so much, and I'm forever grateful. Hugs and much love back!

 
At August 19, 2015 at 7:52 PM , Blogger Jill Weatherholt said...

This is awesome news, Dora! I'm so happy for you. Persistence and determination always pays off. Well done!

 
At August 20, 2015 at 12:12 AM , Blogger Terri said...

Dora, I needed this post. I've struggled with rejection lately and at times it has about done me in. Like you I'm not giving up.

Congratulations on your new name, new venture, and new publisher. You're rocking!

 
At August 20, 2015 at 7:13 AM , Blogger Dora Hiers said...

Thank you, Jill. I'm excited to dive into this new chapter in my life.

Congratulations on your BIG news! :)

 
At August 20, 2015 at 7:19 AM , Blogger Dora Hiers said...

Thank you, Terri.

I'm glad my story encouraged you. Don't give up on your dreams, my friend. Hang in there!

 

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