Susan Anne Mason: The Courage To Dream

Everyone's Story welcomes back author Susan Anne Mason. One of the things I've come to enjoy about hosting authors on my blog is that I get to see their writing careers blossom through the months and years since they've been on last. That's the case with Susan! It was a delight to walk into a store just last week and to see her novel on the shelf. I'm so happy for you, Susan! Yet, ever wonder about the effort it takes to accomplish what Susan has--not only the physical part about sitting down to write and committing to do so, but the emotional journey of many ups and downs? Susan shares with you insights about this journey. Also, check out her cover blurb of IRISH MEADOWS. Both Susan and I look forward to hearing from you!

Just One by Susan Anne Mason

Thank you for having me back on your blog, Elaine! Last month my first historical romance, IRISH MEADOWS, came out with Bethany House Publishers. I am thrilled at the wonderful response this story is receiving, especially since at one time, I doubted it would ever get published.

I wrote most of Irish Meadows during the November Novel Writing Month in 2011. I continued working on it and finished the book by Christmas. (Keep in mind this was a VERY rough draft!) I worked on editing the manuscript for probably a year and then started entering it in contests.

At the ACFW conference in 2013, I came prepared to pitch Irish Meadows to both agents and editors. I was aware that it posed some challenges, such as the fact that it contained two distinct love stories, and the fact that one of the heroes was in the seminary studying to become a priest! Sure enough, these issues were huge stumbling blocks, and I got nowhere with my pitches—only lots of advice how to change my book.

But I loved my story and I had no intention of changing it. I had faith that either the right editor would come along, or I’d eventually publish it myself. In early 2014, I learned that Irish Meadows won a contest I’d entered and that Dave Long from Bethany House wanted to see the whole manuscript! I was so excited that he loved my book and couldn’t believe it when a few weeks later, I was offered a 3-book contract!!

The moral of the story is that it only takes one person to love your story. Keep on trying to find the right fit and don’t give up!

Note: Book 2 in the Courage to Dream Series, A Worthy Heart, releases in January and is available for pre-order on most sites!

Book cover blurb for Irish Meadows:

Irish immigrant, James O’Leary, has spent his life building Irish Meadows into a thriving horse farm and is not about to let hard economic times threaten its success. He intends for his daughters to marry prosperous men—ones who will secure the family’s rightful place in society, and at the same time, guarantee the future of Irish Meadows. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.

Brianna and Colleen O’Leary know their father expects them to marry well. Yet despite his wishes, Brianna, the quieter sister, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry—as long as her father’s choice meets her exacting standards. When stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from college and distant family member Rylan Montgomery stops in on his way to the seminary in Boston, the two men quickly complicate everyone’s plans. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?

Susan's previous Everyone's Story's feature: When God's Dreams Are Bigger Than Ours

Susan's Ah-hahs To Tweet:

#HistoricalRomance author Susan Anne Mason @samason: It takes 1 person to believe in your writing! (Tweet This)

Author @samason: When courage to dream becomes the reality for publication of your novel. (Tweet This)

Everyone’s Story: Meet Susan Anne Mason @samason, writing romances sprinkled with faith. (Tweet This)

Authors' Bio:

Susan Anne Mason describes her writing style as “romance sprinkled with faith.” She particularly enjoys exploring the themes of forgiveness and redemption in her stories. Irish Meadows is her first historical novel and won the Fiction from the Heartland contest sponsored by the Mid-American Romance Author chapter of RWA.

Susan lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband, two children, and two cats. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA). Learn more about Susan and her books at www.susanannemason.com.

Places to connect with Susan:

Website

Blog

Twitter

Facebook