Wednesday, August 26, 2009

It's Your Dream-Never Settle!

We all have dreams, and for some of us, they are to write a novel. If this is your dream, I wish you the sincere best. As you embark on your journey as a novelist, I’d like to state, it’s YOUR dream, never settle, and second, the only path to your dream is the one YOU envision, not anyone else.

Define YOUR dream. Is it to self-publish, e-publish, publish with a large New York house, another writing venue? Regardless of what venue your choose, this is YOUR dream, not your friends, another writers, or anyone else.

One of my biggest frustrations on my writing journey is when writers submit to houses that don’t fulfill their dream, then are dissatisfied. I assure you, I understand the frustration faced in selling a novel. I received over 100 rejections before I quit counting. The bottom line is, it’s a writer’s responsibility to choose where to send their work. If the publishing house doesn’t fulfill your idea of a dream, don’t send it there – it’s that simple.

Now, if the publishing house doesn’t fulfill your idea of a dream, but you perceive it as a step toward your ultimate goal and are HAPPY with your decision, then submit your work to the target house. Looking back, if you’re not happy with your experience in working with that house, use this information as a building tool as you focus on your future. Remember, writing is a huge learning curve.

Along the way, you’ll find people with good intent who tell/advise you what you should do. Do you listen to their advice? It’s always good to weigh your options, but the bottom line is, choose what you believe is the correct path for YOU. Hey, it’s your manuscript, don’t submit it until you’ve done your homework and are thrilled about the house you’re targeting.
I wish you the sincere best as you pursue a career in writing. It’s a unique and tough challenge, but one of the most rewarding. The people you meet, writers and readers alike, touch your life, and often, become your friends. Adversity tests if we truly want our goals. Nothing worth anything is ever easy. Never give up – perseverance is the key. My sincere best to each of you as you follow your heart. Thank you for stopping by!

Diana Cosby
www.dianacosby.com


TRUSTING HER WAS UNTHINKABLE

Lady Isabel Adair is the last woman Sir Duncan MacGruder wants to see again, much less be obliged to save. Three years ago, Isabel broke

their engagement to become the Earl of Frasyer’s mistress, shattering Duncan’s heart and hopes in one painful blow. But Duncan’s promise to Isabel’s dying brother compels him to rescue her from those determined to bring down Scottish rebel Sir William Wallace.

RESISTING HER WAS IMPOSSIBLE

Betraying the man she loved was the only way for Isabel to save her father, but every moment she spends with Duncan reminds her just how much she sacrificed. No one could blame him for despising her, yet Duncan’s misgivings cannot withstand a desire that has grown wilder with time. Now, on a perilous journey through Scotland, two wary lovers must confront both the enemies who will stop at nothing to hunt them down, and the secret legacy that threatens their passion and their lives…

STRANGERS

With a wastrel brother and a treacherous former fiancĂ©, Lady Nichola Westcott hardly expects the dangerously seductive Scot who kidnaps her to be a man of his word. Though Sir Alexander MacGruder promises not to hurt her, Nichola’s only value is as a pawn to be ransomed.

ENEMIES

Alexander’s goal is to avenge his father’s murder, not to become entangled with the enemy. But his desire to keep Nichola with him, in his home—in his bed—unwittingly make her a target for those who have no qualms about shedding English blood.

LOVERS

Now Nichola is trapped—by her powerful attraction to a man whose touch shakes her to the core. Unwilling and unable to resist each other, can Nichola and Alexander save a love that has enslaved them both?

Buy at Amazon or Barnes & Noble

18 comments:

Jennifer said...

Thanks Diana, I will follow my dream of become some sort of a writer and see where I go with it. Love all your little tit bits of encouragements. Hugs and kisses Jennifer

Diana Cosby said...

Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for stopping by. I think it's important that we not only believe in ourselves, but we follow our heart, our vision. Yes, we must always remember, we hold the responsibilities for our choices. One of my favorite quotes is, "We only get upset at things we can change." How amazing is that? Definitely an epiphany.

Take care and I wish you every success!
Sincerely,
Diana
www.dianacosby.com
Romance Edged With Danger

Beth Trissel said...

Always follow you dreams, I agree. Good post, Diana.

Diana Cosby said...

Beth Trissel said...

Always follow you dreams, I agree. Good post, Diana.

~Thanks for stopping by, Beth, and also for your kind words. I think it's ultra important to be true to ourselves. When we're internally happy, the positiveness of the emotion radiates outward and touches others lives.

Have a great day!
Diana
www.dianacosby.com
Romance Edged With Danger

Claudia said...

Diana,

Very well stated! Thank you! I so agree.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Diana. I don't know how to not get discouraged after 100 rejections. But, your determination is an inspiration.

Diana Cosby said...

Claudia said...

Diana,

Very well stated! Thank you! I so agree.

Claudia, thank you so much for stopping by. I sincerely appreciate your time. Have a fabulous day!

Sincerely,
Diana
www.dianacosby.com
Romance Edged With Danger

Diana Cosby said...

RCyndi/Dr. Cynthia Morgan said...

Thanks Diana. I don't know how to not get discouraged after 100 rejections. But, your determination is an inspiration.

Cynthia, thank you very much for stopping by. Many writers receive many more rejections than 100. Once you sell, the possibility of a rejection exists. The bottom line is to focus on your dream, believe in yourself and persevere. I wish you every success!

Sincerely,
Diana
www.dianacosby.com
Romance Edged With Danger

Jeanmarie Hamilton said...

Diana,
Enjoyed your post this morning. You are an inspiration in your actions and perseverance. And always so encouraging. Love your books and can't wait for the next one!
:-)
Jeanmarie

Diana Cosby said...

Jeanmarie Hamilton said...

Diana,
Enjoyed your post this morning. You are an inspiration in your actions and perseverance. And always so encouraging. Love your books and can't wait for the next one!

Hi Jeanmarie, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and say hi! I assure you, your years of perseverence to reach your goal of publication are an inspriation to me as well. Congratulations on your release of Seduction! *Hugs*

Sincerely,
Diana
www.dianacosby.com
Romance Edged With Danger

Anonymous said...

Thanks for stopping by Diana. It took a while for me, but I never let anything stop me from my dream. I took a few detours along the way and published with other houses, both traditional and non-traditional, but the end result was still the same. I finally joined the Harlequin family this Spring after a thirty year dream. (I started young) I hoe the dream continus for another 30 years:)

Nikole Hahn said...

Great words, Diana. What frusterates me is how writer's boohoo traditonal publishing and then try to get everyone on their self publishing band wagon. Both have their benefits, but it is my dream to publish traditionally. I guess I like to choose the most difficult path and work towards it. The journey is so much more satisfying when you don't quit just because its hard. I often pray I never grow cynical as the rejections come (and they will come) and as I work towards my dream. I trust God will fulfill it if it is His will for me. Otherwise, my stories are getting published in small presses and are impacting people. I am content.

Diana Cosby said...

Kim Watters said...

Thanks for stopping by Diana. It took a while for me, but I never let anything stop me from my dream. I took a few detours along the way and published with other houses, both traditional and non-traditional, but the end result was still the same. I finally joined the Harlequin family this Spring after a thirty year dream. (I started young) I hope the dream continus for another 30 years:)

~Kim, CONGRATULATIOS on your sale to Harlequin!!! That's so fabulous, and I'm sending a huge batch of fairy dust your wish comes true. *Hugs*

Sincerely,
Diana
www.dianacosby.com
Romance Edged With Danger

Diana Cosby said...

Nikole Hahn said...

Great words, Diana. What frusterates me is how writer's boohoo traditonal publishing and then try to get everyone on their self publishing band wagon. Both have their benefits, but it is my dream to publish traditionally.

~Hi Nikole, thanks for taking the time to stop by. I agree with you and your frustration. We each have our own dream, just because it doesn't match another person's dream, doesn't make it right or wrong but different. I say be true to yourself.

I guess I like to choose the most difficult path and work towards it. The journey is so much more satisfying when you don't quit just because its hard.

~There is no right or wrong, but your path. Appreciate being aware of what appeals to you, many don't.

I often pray I never grow cynical as the rejections come (and they will come) and as I work towards my dream. I trust God will fulfill it if it is His will for me. Otherwise, my stories are getting published in small presses and are impacting people. I am content.

~We each must choose steps toward our goal. The business end is as much a learning curve as the writing end. We make decisions and learn from each one. If it works, we build upon it. If our decision yields unwanted results, we heed the lesson learned and take steps in a more productive path.
Persevere, believe in yourself and follow your heart. Everything happens for a reason. I have several articles on writing at my website. One is, The Benefits of Selling Later in Your Career. I think you might like it:
http://www.dianacosby.com/articlesforwriters.html
Take care and I wish you every success!

Sincerely,
Diana
www.dianacosby.com
Romance Edged With Danger

crys said...

I love how authentic you are and how that is reflected in what you share. Thanks!!

Caroline Clemmons said...

Diana, Your enthusiasm is contagious. Good article/blog and inspiring. Sorry I'm late stopping by.

Carolyn

Diana Cosby said...

crys said...

I love how authentic you are and how that is reflected in what you share. Thanks!!

~*Hugs* Crys, thank you SO much for stopping by. Always fabulous to see you. How are you doing? You are such an inspiration to me - always! *Hugs* Enjoy your weekend!

Diana
www.dianacosby.com
Romance Edged With Danger

Diana Cosby said...

Caroline Clemmons said...

Diana, Your enthusiasm is contagious. Good article/blog and inspiring. Sorry I'm late stopping by.

Hi Carolyn, I sincerly appreciate you stopping by. I hope it's going fabulously on your end and you're beating the TX heat. Always wonderful to see you! *Hugs*

Diana
www.dianacosby.com
Romance Edged With Danger