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:
