First Sale Stories: Terry Spear, "Killing the Bloodlust"

Lynda: What is the name of your book?

Terry: Killing the Bloodlust.

Lynda: When was it published (or when will it be published)?

Terry: Now Available.

Lynda: Which publishing house?

Terry: Triskelion.

Lynda: What's it about?

Terry: Vampire hunter and Army officer, Robert Parker, craves revenge. Army Captain Crystal Anderson wants out of the vampire hunting business. But nothing goes as planned when Nicolai and his bloodsuckers target Crystal, a huntress who carries an unusual gene, to become his bride and carry a new breed of vampire.

Lynda: What was the inspiration for the book?

Terry: I've been a fan of Dracula for years, but I had read a young adult book about a teen huntress, and wanted to do my own, except the huntress has an aversion to hunting. In this story, the hunters are the good guys, though the vampires are so wickedly sexy. But in all of my other stories, the vampires are to die for....and they win the day. :)

Lynda: Is it part of a series?

Terry: I'm working on the sequel where one of the vampires killed by the huntress has a twin brother who seeks revenge, but meets his match with the huntress's sister-in-law.

Lynda: What do you like most about your main characters?

Terry: They're both Army officers and were based in part on my experiences. So that was fun. :)

Lynda: What's your favorite aspect of your book?

Terry: When one of the head vampires wants Crystal, and can't reach her during the light of the day. After an accident, he comes to her in a hearse, then they end up in the coffin in the river. I have a phobia about enclosed spaces, so I loved writing the scene. Gives me the creeps reading it. :) But it's very sexy too because of the close quarters, and eerie also.

Lynda: How long have you been writing fiction?

Terry: Seven years.

Lynda: Is this your first paranormal manuscript?

Terry: No, I started out with paranormal, ESP. Then I read the Young Adult vampire while I was horribly sick with the flu and couldn't write. I got really hooked on it, though it didn't have a happy ending. I love happy endings, and wanted something sexier than what the YA could have.

Lynda: Is paranormal your main focus?

Terry: Yes. I write Young Adults also and all have had either ESP, telepathic, or other paranormal abilities, or they're ghostly, vampires, etc. Even my Winning the Highlander's Heart, a medieval historical romance coming out with Vintage Romance has a paranormal theme. She's concerned she's cursed, and she sees glimpses of the future.

Lynda: What attracts you about vampires (or whatever persuasion your paranormal characters might be)?

Terry: Sexy, dark, overpowering. A writing friend and crit partner of mine sent a listing of the various kinds of alpha males there are, and what they looked for in a female. A vampire sought a woman who was optimistic, light-hearted, etc. I've always been accused of writing rainbows into my stories, even though I try to make them edgy. The humor is always a part of them. So I'm drawn to the dark. Though I have to say, my heroines always have their own power. That's why I like them to be huntresses, capable of withstanding the lure of the vampire.

Lynda: How long did it take to sell your book, from the time you finished your manuscript?

Terry: A year.

Lynda: Did you have an agent when you sold your book?

Terry: No.

Lynda: Do you recommend that a pre-published writer focus on finding an agent first, or do you think it's OK to submit directly to the publisher?

Terry: For everyone, it's different. For some authors, they found an agent and sold their manuscript through the agent. I think that's a terrific way to go. For others, they've had to have a contract in hand before they got an agent. That's probably how it will be with me.

Lynda: Thinking about the notion of "It's always darkest before the dawn," what was the lowest point in the process for you? Was there a time you almost gave up?

Terry: Good question, Lynda! There are so many authors that have said they literally gave up they were so discouraged. They emptied their hard drives, they threw out manuscripts, they decided they were never going to make it. And then they got the call. I applied to substitute teach a couple of weeks ago because I wondered if I'd ever make any money at this and figured I needed a real job. I have three books coming out this year, but it will be forever before I get any money from the venture. For instance, Medallion pays a year after the book comes out, which for me will be October 2007 for the one, October 2008 for the other. As soon as I applied to substitute teach, a Silhouette Intimate Moments editor contacted me, saying she really liked my paranormal mss, but it wouldn't fit for SIM so she sent it to the new paranormal line editor with her fingers crossed. She also requested two more fulls for her line, and she wants to see another mss once she reads these. And I "auditioned" for a teen paranormal line for Random House. The editor is very enthusiastic about my writing, talked to me personally on the phone several times, and will be contacting me in March with the final word. Nothing is ever a sure thing in this business, and nothing may come out of any of this, but if I had truly given up, look at what I might have missed out on? If you feel you're never going to make it, take a break. And when your heart is in it again, dive back in. For those of us who live to write, we can't live without it. We have to tell the story. So never give up and make your dreams become a reality!!

Lynda: You don't have to mention numbers, but did you get a nice advance?

Terry: On my YAs, yes. One is Ghostly Liaisons, and the other, The Vampire...In My Dreams.

Lynda: What was the process of revisions/rewrites like?

Terry: They're getting a lot easier because I've learned where I need to omit, and where I need to dig deeper.

Lynda: What was it like, working with the editor at your publishing house?

Terry: I'm writing for several. All are different. Some are easier and very encouraging. Others are brusque.

Lynda: Do you have any words of wisdom for us about revisions/rewriting, etc.?

Terry: Pair down sentences that are wordy. Make sure to show the motivation for why the hero/heroine are seeking to fulfill their goals. What deep driving force from their psyche is motivating them? If the pace is too slow, change narration to dialogue where possible. Try not to include too much backstory. Show it throughout. And try to open scenes, chapters with an opening hook, and end with cliff hangers. Make sure scenes are moving the story forward.

Lynda: Were there any surprises for you about the contract you signed?

Terry: On one, the option clause for my next book has caused some problems. Two of my books were moved back a year each, so now that book isn't free until sometime in 2007. If I'd had an agent, I'm sure she/he would have ensured my book wasn't tied up that long. (This has been since early 2005)

Lynda: Do you get a lot of help with marketing your book, or do you have to do most of it yourself?

Terry: You have to do a lot of marketing yourself. But there are a lot of free ways to do so. Writing for newsletters, magazines, papers, with your byline, having a website, including a signature line with your titles and websites, giving interviews, listing your books on sites, getting your books reviewed, book signings. I've also paid to advertise in RT and I'll be advertising in Romance Sells.

Lynda: Did you have input about your cover?

Terry: Yes, I give the descriptions of the people and what I'd like to have on the cover. Two different publishers are working on book covers right now. The cover artist for Winning the Highlander's Heart has talked to me about the kind of Scottish castle I want on the cover and the medieval costuming for the hero/heroine. On Ghostly Liaisons, a lot of the story is set in the jungle-like swamp across from where the story takes place and where I used to explore as a teen. So I sent them images of the jungle, and of teen books with ghostly figures on the front, then a description of my Spanish ghost girl.

Lynda: Have you done any events or book signings? If so, what was that like?

Terry: I'm scheduled to attend them this year, plus school visits for the young adult that's coming out.

Lynda: If you could go back and do something differently, what would that be?

Terry: Started years ago!!!

Lynda: What would you do exactly the same way?

Terry: I'd write what I write now. I love the paranormal. I grew up on Dracula and ghost stories, world mythologies, and just a real variety of literature.

Lynda: What's your next manuscript about?

Terry: "Blood Moon over the Atlantic". It's another vampire Young Adult. This one is the first I'm writing where the heroine isn't a huntress. But she's a telepath. So you see, she still has some abilities of her own and the vampires can't control her. I like uncontrollable women. :)

Lynda: What's the one book you absolutely must write?

Terry: I have the sequel to Huntress for Hire (ImaJinn Books) started. The original is about a hunter who is turned, but falls in love with a huntress. So I'm working on the sequel when the huntress's hunter cousin is turned and he falls for a huntress who hates vampires with a vengeance.

Lynda: What advice are you willing to give to all the pre-published writers out there?

Terry: Whatever you do, don't give up. Keep on submitting, keep on writing, and keep on submitting some more. Perseverance is the key to success in writing.

Terry Spear's website: http://terryspear.tripod.com/author

First Sale Stories: Jeanne Stein, "The Becoming," "Blood Drive"

Jeanne: First of all, thank you Lynda for asking me to participate. It's an honor. I can't tell you how I appreciate the opportunity.

Lynda: You're very welcome. What's the name of your book?

Jeanne: The first is THE BECOMING, the second, BLOOD DRIVE.

Lynda: When was it published (or when will it be published)?

Jeanne: THE BECOMING was published in Dec 2004, BLOOD DRIVE was released just this week.

Lynda: Which publishing house?

Jeanne: ImaJinn Books, a small CO publisher. The series has been picked up by Berkley/Putnam.

Lynda: What's it about?

Jeanne: THE BECOMING introduces protagonist Anna Strong, a thirty year old bounty hunter who is attacked on a job and turned into a vampire. She awakens in the hospital to find she has become Vampire, and her destiny is no longer with the living, but among the undead. With her mentor, the vampire doctor who treated her in the hospital, she strives to make sense of it all. But then her home is burned to the ground, and her business partner and best friend is kidnapped. Anna suddenly finds herself alone on a quest to save more than her missing friend, but herself as well.

BLOOD DRIVE continues the series. She is a vampire caught between two worlds, clinging to what makes her human, her family, her job, her lover. But the pull of the undead is a siren song becoming impossible to resist. She discovers she has a niece, Trish, a child caught up in the worst kind of human nightmare. To save Trish, Anna may have to surrender to the animal side of her nature. Concepts of good and evil are no longer clearly defined as Anna must determine who are the real monsters—the humans who prey on children or the vampire who tries to save them.

Lynda: What was the inspiration for the book?

Jeanne: A love of the genre. Anne Rice, of course, Laurell K. Hamilton and Charlaine Harris. The television series Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Angel. In my opinion, these shows were the first to show vampires as something other than evil.

Lynda: Is it part of a series?

Jeanne: Yes. Berkley has purchased three books. I'm working on the third now.

Lynda: What do you like most about your main characters?

Jeanne: In my series, my protagonist, Anna Strong, is a vampire and a hero in the true classic sense. She gets involved in trouble, both human and otherwise, and has to save herself or someone else to make it come out right. There's a mystery involved and conflict because she does not want to abandon her human family. She did not choose to become a vampire, she wouldn't have believed they existed except in fiction before being bitten. Now, however, she knows better. Her life is a balancing act between her human family and the strange world of the undead. The one common element in both worlds remains the same: monsters. Whether mortal or immortal, the battle between good and evil is a constant. Sometimes the challenge is distinguishing one from the other.

Lynda: What's your favorite aspect of your book?

Jeanne: Blurring the line between reality and fiction. I'm trying to achieve what Ira Levin did in ROSEMARY'S BABY. He makes you believe in the possibility that a witch could be living next door because he shows you the characters doing everyday things. He grounds the fantasy in reality.

Lynda: How long have you been writing fiction?

Jeanne: A LONG time.

Lynda: Is this your first paranormal manuscript?

Jeanne: Yes, actually. I should have started with paranormal. It's the most fun to write.

Lynda: Is paranormal your main focus?

Jeanne: Yes.

Lynda: What attracts you about vampires (or whatever persuasion your paranormal characters might be)?

Jeanne: The idea of immortality and what the concepts of good and evil really mean.

Lynda: How long did it take to sell your book, from the time you finished your manuscript?

Jeanne: Not too long to the ImaJinn publisher. I pitched her at a local RWA meeting and she asked me to send her the manuscript. She contacted me not long after and offered me a contract so I'd say maybe three or four months max.

Lynda: Did you have an agent when you sold your book?

Jeanne: Not to ImaJinn. I subsequently obtained an agent and he made the sale to Berkley in about two weeks. It was fast!

Lynda: Do you recommend that a pre-published writer focus on finding an agent first, or do you think it's OK to submit directly to the publisher?

Jeanne: That's a hard question to answer because I tried for several years to get an agent on my own. It wasn't until I was actually published that I caught the attention of an agent. So I guess I'd say approach both publishers and agents. You have nothing to lose.

Lynda: Thinking about the notion of "It's always darkest before the dawn," what was the lowest point in the process for you? Was there a time you almost gave up?

Jeanne: That's an excellent question. And the answer is yes. In fact, I stopped writing for almost a year at one point. This was maybe five years ago. I had gotten an agent--a "big" name who represented a straight mystery I had written. I was so excited. But I was a very small fish in his large pond and when the manuscript didn't sell after he'd sent it to three editors, I got a "Dear Jane" letter from him! He couched it in what I'm sure he felt were sympathetic tones--he just didn't have the time to devout to such a talented newcomer, etc etc. But the result was the same. I was devastated. In f act, if it wasn't for the support (and nagging) of my critique partners, I probably wouldn't have written another word. They kept after me and it was then I started the vampire series. That's why (and here's another hint to newbies in the writing field) I can't emphasize enough the importance of a good support group. My critique partners and I have been together about six or seven years and in the last year, we've all either been published, (Jeff Shelby, Mario Acevedo and me), or soon to be published, (Sandy Meckstroth) or established in the teaching field (Margie Lawson) while completing her first novel with her husband (Tom Lawson). I owe them a lot.

Lynda: You don't have to mention numbers, but did you get a nice advance?

Jeanne: Not with the small publisher. But then again, if she hadn't taken a chance on me, I wouldn't have gotten the Berkley contract. That advance is larger, but still not as large as I hope some day to command!

Lynda: What was the process of revisions/rewrites like?

Jeanne: Not many revisions with ImaJinn. Now the editor at Berkley says she has some changes in mind. I have a feeling in editor-speak, that means some major rewrites. But she is the expert, and I'm glad to have the help.

Lynda: Did your agent suggest changes?

Jeanne: No. Actually, the agent sold the first two books just as they were.

Lynda: What was it like, working with the editor at your publishing house?

Jeanne: I've had good experiences so far. And the way I see it, they are the experts.

Lynda: Do you have any words of wisdom for us about revisions/rewriting, etc.?

Jeanne: Take them in the manner in which they are offered--to make a good book better. Now, I don't know how I'd feel if someone wanted to completely change my characters or plot! It just hasn't happened yet.

Lynda: Were there any surprises for you about the contract you signed?

Jeanne: Just how long it can take to actually get the contract from the time you agree to terms. Three or four months is not unusual.

Lynda: Do you get a lot of help with marketing your book, or do you have to do most of it yourself?

Jeanne: From ImaJinn, I've pretty much done it all. Berkley has a big marketing department and I look forward to letting them arrange publicity, etc. I do know, though, that it is up to the author to contribute time, money and effort on their own behalf as well.

Lynda: Did you have input about your cover?

Jeanne: Not too much. But I haven't heard that any author really has much input on covers. That's the purview of the marketing dept.

Lynda: Have you done any events or book signings? If so, what was that like?

Jeanne: Yes, and it's great fun!!! My first signing was in San Diego at Mysterious Galaxy. Since I grew up in San Diego, people came who I hadn't seen since high school and college! Former co-workers, friends, family and critique group members were there. A friend of mine recorded the whole thing on tape and it's still fun to watch.

Lynda: If you could go back and do something differently, what would that be?

Jeanne: Hard to say. My first impulse is to say "get published sooner". But I think I did everything I could possibly do to make it happen. And I'm a fatalist. I believe things happen for a reason and in their own time, as frustrating as that can sometimes be.

Lynda: What would you do exactly the same way?

Jeanne: Write the books I want to write.

Lynda: What's your next manuscript about?

Jeanne: It's the third in the Anna Strong series. This one will find Anna making tough decisions about her human involvements. And on a wild ride into the world of witches.

Lynda: What's the one book you absolutely must write?

Jeanne: Like most writers, I'd love to write something that resonates with a larger audience--a straight mystery or thriller. But for now, I'm enjoying getting to know Anna. I like her as a character and believe she has a few more adventures to share with me.

Lynda: What advice are you willing to give to all the pre-published writers out there?

Jeanne: Persist. Learn the craft, write the best book you can, keep knocking on those doors until your knuckles bleed. But never, never give up. By the way, I met my group (as well as our host, Lynda) at a conference hosted by the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. This is an organization well worth joining, especially if you live in the Denver area. Besides a monthly newsletter, RMFW offers classes and programs designed for the fiction writer. You can check them out at RMFW.org for more information.

You can contact Jeanne at: www.jeannestein.com

First Sale Stories

I love reading accounts of authors' first sales. All the drama, excitement, terror, heartbreak, etc. Since I've taken another baby step toward getting my book in the hands of readers, I'm even more fascinated with the process. With that in mind, I'm going to ask a few vampire authors if they'll share a bit of their story on this blog. If you have a particular vampire writer you'd like to hear from, drop me an email and I'll see if I can persuade her/him.

I've Been Offered Agent Representation!!!

I came home today and found a message on my voice mail from Steve Mancino and Joshua Blimes of JABberwocky Literary Agency. They've been enthusiastic about my book from our first contact. They represent Charlaine Harris, Tanya Huff and others. The agency specializes in cross-genre books -- like mine. They said they LOVE MY BOOK. They LOVE IT. That's an exact quote. I can't stop smiling. Steve faxed me a contract and I'll read through it and go from there. He said he wants to pitch my book to two editors during a meeting he already has scheduled for tomorrow. I'm floating on air. And the journey continues . . .

Journey Toward Publication #1

The notion of writing about my process toward publication moved to the front burner this week. Of course, my whole blog is about that. But I think my melancholy feelings about how long it's taking to hear anything solid about my book is causing me to be introspective. An agent. A sale. A pat on the head. Anything. Arf.

But, compared to other writers -- and I often wrestle with the question of whether or not I'm a "writer" -- I really haven't been at this fiction game very long. I know I'm good at writing what I enjoy writing, but I don't know how good I'd be with topics that hold less interest. I doubt I could be a journalist. The inner question came up because I saw an ad in a local women's magazine, asking for writers (for free). I have written lots of articles about various aspects of psychology, women's issues, metaphysics, etc., but when I saw that ad, I didn't get the feeling that I'd be a good applicant. I'm not a writer (my inner voice said). I can write vampire stories. I'm good at that. I have a clever mind and a way with words. Yes. True. But . . . what?

I started writing The Vampire Shrink at the end of January, 2004. Almost 2 years ago. A few months before that, I'd started on a paranormal with vampires, ghosts, and all kinds of things. As I read it now, I can see glaring evidence that it was my first attempt at a full-length fiction book. Anyway, with the help of a few critique partners I met through various RWA lists (even though I'm not a standard romance writer, I think RWA is great because it gives resources to everyone -- published and pre-published, alike), I cranked out the chapters, refined them according to the feedback and took the leap into contests.

I won the first contest I entered. Then finaled in and won others. My first three chapters were POLISHED.

That, and the enthusiastic cheerleading from my crit partners, motivated me to start sending out queries. Apparently, my query letter was pretty good because I got requests for 3 chapters from many agents.

Several of those agents were interested enough to ask for the whole manuscript.

I actually finished the whole thing in March. 2005 and sent the completed ms to those who had asked for it. There was a gap in there when I didn't do any writing at all. I got discouraged. Some of the harsh voices of contest judges finally ripped through my thin, pseudo-teflon layer and tore at my tender bits. I knew I couldn't give great weight to critiques from romance judges who filled my manuscript pages with written finger wagging: this isn't romance. You aren't doing it right. There's no happy ending. You have more than one love interest. Nobody will buy a book like this.

Luckily, chick lit was exploding as I wrote my book. I still don't think my book fits comfortably into that category, but it was a welcome relief from the one heroine/one hero/happy ending I'd been trying to cram myself and my story into.

I got rejections from my first group of agents.

In retrospect, I can see that they were never good choices for me. I don't mean anything negative or derogatory by this, but I'm a "woman of a certain age." I've had lots of life experience and my son is age 30 (we grew up together). Some of the agents who asked to look at my book are very young. Under 30. I shouldn't be surprised that my world-view doesn't jive with theirs.

Anyway, the requests for my full manuscript have continued as I've queried every agent whose website expressed an interest in the paranormal, women's fiction, chick lit, w/romance elements, etc.

Surprisingly, it has been male agents who like my book the most so far. Two have expressed serious interest.

At some point, I'll go back and look at my rejection file. Some of the rejections were from the full ms. Others from 3 chapters. Others from my query letter. Some of the rejections are wonderful. They give encouragement and tell me things like "we just bought a book like this," or "your writing is great, but I don't like vampires," or "this isn't right for me, but it's good enough to get picked up by another agent."

So, it's officially been 15 months since I sent out my first 3-chapter packet to an agent or publisher. Not very long, really. Not compared to the years and years some writers talk about.

I hope the next installment of this post happens very soon. In that one, I'll talk about what it was like to get "the call," to sell my book, and to see it in my local bookstore.

"Still Under Consideration"

I sent an email a couple of weeks ago to the editor who's had my whole manuscript (requested by her) since April, 2005, asking about the status of my submission. I got a brief reply from her this morning saying The Vampire Shrink is still under consideration. (Fingers crossed that "still under consideration" isn't pub-speak for "we haven't read it yet!!") Hope springs eternal.

Encouraging Words

I got a phone call this morning from the agency that has 75 pages of my manuscript. I spoke with the associate agent and he said "they" liked my story "a whole lot." Music to my ears. He asked for the full and made some good suggestions, complete with helpful examples. I rushed around this afternoon, printing out the full so I could get it to the post office by closing time, only to remember that the post office is closed today. Getting positive news feels SO much better than the alternative.

Jim Butcher News

I'm sure half the universe already knows these things, but I'll post it here for the other half. And to be supportive of an author I like both personally and as a reader. Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden (The Dresden Files) books will be coming to a SciFi TV channel near you. The first book in the series (Storm Front) is being loosely adapted to become a tv series. I have reread these books several times now and find something new to laugh out loud about every time. I hope the tv writers/actors, etc. can pull off the subtle, clever humor in the books. Often, what Hollywood thinks is good, isn't. Anyway, yay!! I encourage you all to tune in and support Jim (a delightful fellow) and his paranormal writing.

Also, there's a new conference -- ButcherCon 2006 -- coming this year. Jim is holding a gathering for writers and fans just outside Chicago (the setting for The Dresden Files), October 20-22. Registrations are being taken now. Check out Jim's website for all the latest: www.jim-butcher.com.

One thing, though. Paul Blackthorne has been cast as Harry, which is fine with me. He mostly looks the part. But am I hallucinating, or does Harry have longer hair in the books? Maybe even a tail? Perhaps that's just wishful thinking on my part. Maybe I'm getting the author mixed up with the character? I definitely look forward to when longer hair comes back into fashion for men.