Guest Blogger: Nancy Haddock
May 5th, 2007 by LaDonna
Poster Girl for Perseverance?
Thanks to the wonderful ladies at Magical Musings for inviting me to guest blog — and for giving me the poster girl nickname. I hope I’m the only one who ever holds the title, because, frankly, I hope no other writer will have to persist for eons before The Call comes.
The path to publication runs smooth and straight for some, but for me it’s been a 23-year trek with some potholes and detours along the way.
That’s right, 23 years. In January 1984, I joined RWA and a local chapter, thereby committing to write for publication. On February 21, 2007, I got The Call from Leis Pederson of Berkley at approximately 11:30 a.m.
I was so not expecting The Call that I chatted with Leis about our Texas connections for close to ten minutes before she changed the subject and asked if I had an agent. Now I’m not dense, but that still didn’t tip me off. When I told Leis I didn’t have an agent yet, she broke the news. She wanted to make an offer and asked if could I take the information.
Honey, at that moment I could’ve kissed a rattlesnake on the fangs and never noticed.
The writer voice in my head screamed, “this is (cue the mystical music and halleluiah chorus) The Call!”
The business voice in my head said, “Sit down, grab a pen, and focus.” I did.
Some people have afterglow. I had aftershock. I think I still have it. After 23 years, my dream is now reality and my first book will be released in April 2008 as a Berkley Trade. Seeing my book on the shelves will be a moment to hold in memory forever. And, hey, since I sold before dementia hit, I should be good to go.
How did I stay sane while I persisted? In addition to volunteering for RWA and chapters where I met fantastic people and made life friends, I worked at being professional in every way. I read, absorbed, analyzed, studied, took classes and attended workshops and conferences. I practiced the craft of writing, but learned all I could about the business of publishing, too.
Was I ever jealous or envious of the critique partners, chapter mates and friends in general who sold long before I did? No. Besides seeing jealousy as a waste of energy and a blot on my Karma, I wanted to celebrate each sales triumph. I was wildly happy for my friends and colleagues, and saw each new sale as a sign of hope for all as-yet-unpublished writers. I kept the faith that the same friends would someday celebrate with me, and they have!
Did I change what and how I wrote along the way? After two decades in RWA? You bet your bippy! Scads of changes have reshaped romance publishing over the years, and include the explosion of cross-genre fiction. I love romance, and romantic elements figure in my books, but a hard look at my bookshelves shifted my focus to writing paranormal mysteries and cozies. In changing what I wrote, I found a renewed passion for story telling.
Do I have advice for the yet-to-be-sold writer? Only what you’ve heard before, but it’s worth repeating. First, write what you love and write with passion. Second, keep the faith in yourself, in your talent and in the unique perspective only you can bring to your characters and their stories. Third, submit the best material you can to agents and editors you’ve researched. Getting the right manuscript on the right desk at the right time plays a part in selling, but if your passion shines in your work and you keep submitting, odds just have to tilt in your favor.
Take it from the poster girl. Be determined, persistent or plain old stubborn, but be your glorious best. An editor somewhere will see you shine, and make The Call to you!
So, how do/ did you persevere? How are you making your dream a reality every day? Please share your inspiration!
22 Responses to “Guest Blogger: Nancy Haddock”
Nancy, your blog is amazing just like you! To me it reflects your hard work, the never give up attitude, and most importantly that you stayed true to yourself. I believe that jealousy is a waste of energy too.
Look forward to reading your debut!
Nancy, again, heartfelt congratulations. When I saw your name in the Publisher’s Marketplace deal announcements I was so excited.
You really are inspirational.
I don’t feel like I’ve been at it nearly long enough to feel dispirited. I joined RWA in Jan 2004 and definitely had a slow period between then and now of about a year when my son was born. But now that I’m sending out work, I realize the belief in yourself necessary to keep going. For me, I just can’t see myself doing anything else, and that is what keeps me keeping on.
Awesome post, Nancy! As always, your story is an amazing inspiration.
To be honest with you, I’ve asked my myself that question all the time. I write because I like the freedom of creating my own world and doing what I want to do in it. There’s nobody to tell me I can’t do this or I can’t do that. Try it in the real world and see how far you go. It’ll either be a jail cell or a loony bin.
The freedom alone is what keeps me going. I’m not willing to give that up any time soon because I know the road to publication is right around the corner.
Nancy, I love your post! I could be another poster girl. I feel like the train that thinks he could, and he keeps chugging uphill.
Like you, I celebrate other writers’ sales. I’m happy for them, and it shows there’s hope for other unpubbed writers–and next time might be my turn!
Nancy,
I LOVE your website and can’t wait to see your vampire-Gidget books! I completely understand the long road to publication. By a serendipitous fluke I sold 4 gift books (which I wrote, illustrated, and designed) to a publisher about 10 years ago. In the midst of the publication process, the company merged with another company and all their mid-list authors were dropped. (including me.) I’ve continued to write, however, despite the discouragement.
There were lots of twists and turns along the way, probably the weirdest being that I actually became a magazine editor just so I could finally get something published. (The dastardly web we writers weave!) However, the clouds are beginning to thin and I feel like I may actually see the finish line somewhere up ahead. At the last writer’s conference I attended, two editors acted like they wanted to give me a multiple-book contract. Now, whether either of them can convince their pub board is another story entirely . . .
Congratulations on your perseverance! I’ve met so many writers along the way who think that all they have to do is finish that novel. The truth of the matter is, finish that novel and then the next and maybe even the one after that. Your writing improves along the way and then when you meet an editor who really likes your writing, he/she may want to buy all three books.
Hi LaDonna!
Thank you for your kind words about the blog, and the debut book. I’ve learned this week Berkley is keeping the title LA VIDA VAMPIRE — a most pleasant surprise. I hope you’ll enjoy it, and I hope I’m reading YOUR first release soon, too!
Michelle, hi!
Slow periods happen because family must come first, but it sounds like you’re picking up speed. Do keep the faith in you and have FUN writing!
Thank you again for sharing in the joy of my first sale, and I’ll be dancin’ on the beach for yours!
Hi Edie!
My dear, you are not merely the little train that *could* do it, you are the writer who DOES it. Each and every day you write, you’re one step closer to your goal. The road may twist so we can’t see the “end” in sight, but it is there!
I want to be dancin’ on the beach daily to celebrate the sales you and all of my friends make, so write on!
Merrie, hi!
Two editors are vying to offer you a multi-book deal? Excuse me while I happy dance!
I know your road maybe have taken turns, but you’re stronger for the detours and I’ll bet you’re an even better writer for the side trips. Congratulations on your possible deals, and keep me infomred!
Thanks for your compliments on the website, too. I’ll be sure to pass your kudos to my darling designer!
Hey, Marcia, you are soooo right! We get to go out and play with our characters, say things and do things with them we can’t pull off in our real lives. It’s a high!
And, dear heart, the road to publication isn’t around the corner. You’re on it! Stay in the driver’s seat, enjoy the view and be ready to party down with all of us when you reach that first, landmark destination!
Ladies, all, I have to say this. That first sale is only the first destination in our careers. We don’t know how far the road will take us unless we gas up and go again and again.
Every day, let the passion for writing be your fuel, and your career plan your map. Then put the top down and peel out, sisters! And if rejections seem to block your way, remember this. LA VIDA was rejected by at least 4 agents in 6 months, and the last rejection arrived days before the work sold.
Can I get a “beep-beep” to keep drivin’ over those speed bumps?
Well done Nancy and congrats on your call and sale. You are an inspriation and I love your attitude towards other writers succeeding.
Luckily, I find most of the writing comunity has much the same thoughts because we all know how much blood, sweet and tears goes into creating our stories.
Hi Tracey!
Thank you so much for your warm congrats! I agree with you about the writing community overall — we do support one another because we understand the effort of both the creative and revision process.
More, I think we tend to be more supportive of non-writing friends in whatever their struggles may be. It’s great to generate positive energy that spreads like never-ending ripples!
Nancy -
I’m so glad I got to meet you when I presented for DARA. You are an amazing and inspiring WINNER!
I’d love to spotlight your perseverance in my Defeat Self-Defeating Behaviors course. I’ll e-mail you privately.
))
Sorry I missed your blog day yesterday.
Hugs to you……….Margie
http://www.MargieLawson.com
Well done, Nancy. After 23 years you really are the poster child for perseverence.
Congratulations on your Call and looking forward to seeing your book on the shelves.
I was the same way when I got the call (via email). I think I sat there staring at the email for a good five minutes (in the midst of a rush job at work) in stunned disbelief. My boss finally waved his hand in front of my face and asked what was up. Its an exciting moment. Relish it for everything its worth.
I forgot to add. With regard to being envious or jealous of friends who published? Maybe … but only for an instant. I was far more happy for them than envious. Seeing the support you get from fellow writers makes it so much easier to be happy for them. There’s always that voice in the back of your mind saying “Your time will come.”
And it does.
Oh gosh, look at me. A day late an a dollar short. But, I have to comment because Nancy has been such a rock for me.
Nancy helped me realize to never say never, believe in the dream and in yourself.
The biggest lesson learned, and she’s the master, is to have fun along the way.
I wish her an eternity of success, best wishes, and much love. She’s a real babe!
Hi Liz!
Thank you for your congratulations! I love the story of YOUR call. The boss waving a hand in front of your face is a wonderful image.
ALL the best in your career, Liz — and please put me on your mailing list! It’s great to support each other thru the ups and downs, and fantastic fun go stroll in the store to buy each others’ books!
Margie, hi!!
It’s so good to see you, and I thank you for leaving such a lovely message. I’ll look forward to your private e-mail and, for those who may not know this, Margie’s courses are amazing! Besides Defeat Self-Defeating Behaviors, she teaches Empowering Characters’ Emotions and a Deep EDITS course. If you have a chance to take one of Margie’s classes, go for the gold!
That was NOT a paid advertisement, BTW. Or unpaid, for that matter. But, if you want the “secrets” to a shot at making bestseller lists, Margie’s classes may be for you.
Talk with you soon, Margie!
Kathy, my darlin’!
You are ever kind! Thank you for your love and warmth and your incredible sense of humor. As for me being a rock, you’re one of the most incredible, natural motivators I’ve had the honor to know.
We’ll keep cheering for each other and all our fellow writers. And one day very soon, you’ll be blogging about YOUR first sale!
Nancy you are a complete and utter inspiration. This blog rocks.
Anytime I start feeling down in the dumps I’ll think of your and your journey and that wonderful attitude.
That’s what it comes down to, isn’t it? Attitude.
Hi Theresa!
Thank you so much for your kind compliments!
You’re so right that attitude is a key factor in any success. It keeps us motivated, keeps us focused, keeps the passion high. And the beauty of it is that we only have to look inside to pull up the attitude we need.
There is soooooo much power within each of us that we don’t even recognize, much less use. I’m all for us discovering and using those powers that make us unique people and unique writers!