I can’t believe 2006 is almost over! This year has flown by. I was siked that my third vampire novel A TASTE FOR CONTROL finalled in the well-regarded FF&P Romance Writers of America PRISM contest and that HUNGER AND TEMPTATION was finally released in print! I know my readers were wondering what the heck I’ve been doing considering I haven’t released a book since January when TY’S TEMPTATION came out.
For me, this year has been about growing as a writer and spreading my wings. So I spent a good chunk of this year writing partial after partial (that’s the first 3 chapters and a synopsis describing the rest of the story) to submit to agents. My goal was to secure an agent and hopefully make my first sale to a NY publisher.
Needless to say, rejections can be very discouraging, and I’ve had my share, but I’m here to tell you…NEVER give up, no matter how many you get! You never know if the next story will be ‘the one’! Continue to believe in yourself while you hone your craft. Start a new story and keep plugging!
After I’d written several partials, I was glad to take a break and head to Florida for the Romantic Times conference in May of this year. I had a blast hanging with fellow authors and connecting with readers! It was just the boost I needed after working so hard. Conferences are a great place for networking so never discount them as a waste of time!
Not long after I got back from RT I signed with my wonderful agent Deidre Knight. Deidre went on to negotiate a three book deal with Harlequin Silhouette’s new Nocturne line for me. Not only did I get an agent, but I sold three books! Woot!
The rest of this year has been spent writing and writing and writing! I participated in Paperback Writer’s eBook challenge and challenged myself by writing MY LUCKY CHARMER which was a bit of a departure from my normal style of writing. I also finished my first Nocturne novel RESURRECTION and am now almost done with my edits on it. I recently turned in a cowboy novella called ANTICIPATION to my publisher. Hopefully I’ll get the green light on that book soon. I have three more stories that are completed but need smoothing edits: two contemporary stories (SUSANNA’S SEDUCTION and SNOWBOUND) and a paranormal (TWIST OF FATE). And then there’s the book that wouldn’t let me sleep until I started it! I have a mainstream trilogy I’m working on–these books are high on my radar as they will follow a cool story that unfolds with lots of twists. I can’t wait to dig back into working on that first book in January, but that’ll be after I turn in my partial for my second Nocturne novel!
Giving much thanks for a great 2006 and looking forward to 2007 with excited anticipation.
Congratulations on being a finalist in the Prism.
Tough competition there. Sounds like it’s been a busy, successful year for you. May 2007 continue to be the same. 
Great post, Patrice! You’ve ended 2006 on a high note, and my goodness you’ve been busy.
2006 was a year of growing for me as well. I suppose every writer can say that .
In 2007 I hope to step outside my comfort zone a bit and take a chance on a series that has been knocking on my door for a while. You just never know what’s waiting around that corner.
Have a great Christmas!
06 has been a year for big changes!
Huge congrats on all you’ve achieved. Can’t wait to read your Nocturnes! :yes:
Thanks Jordan! Finalling in the PRISM was a huge honor for me! :yes:
Ooh, best of luck with your new series idea, Julia!
Well, I can say congrats to all of you ladies, too (Jordan, Julia and Charli…you’ve all SOLD to NY this year!) I can’t wait to get a release date on my first Nocturne, Charli. Maybe then it will really sink in. :yes:
Happy New Year, hon!!
I have tagged you twice on my blog, btw, because I’m annoying that way.
Happy New Year, Anya! I’ve been editing like crazy. I’ll have to check out the tags. :yes: