Why the Bother?

What motivates a writer to seek publication? Why do they go through the disappointment of getting  rejection letters? Sometimes our feet get in the door a little ways when an agent or editor asks to see a partial. Then the door slams and bruises our toes.  If we are lucky, we may get a request for a full. Rejoice! Our foot is in the door. Then another rejection comes with a 'thanks but no thanks'. Or we may get an acceptance and lots of hard work begins.

Why do we put ourselves through it?

When I walk into a bookstore and my eyes scan the rows and rows of novels, a sense of awe and longing overcomes me. It is difficult to explain the feeling. I'm sure I'm not the only writer that feels this way. The question that comes to my mind the most is this. How did all these writers get past all the roadblocks and make it to publication? There could be a hundred answers to that question, but one thing is certain...they did not give up. I guarantee you, every author you've read has had been rejected.
 
The writing process is an incredible adventure. But when I write 'the end' and have polished a story, a stark

Why do I want to be published? Perhaps to affirm that what I'm doing, all the time I've put into writing, is worth it. Perhaps it is to scratch out a bit of a living. But more so, it is because I want to take people away from their daily grind to an imaginary place where they can escape the world for a while, just as I have done while writing the story.

A stark white manuscript is not an end in itself. I can't let that document full of words and letters sit in a file. I seek publication because I am compelled to see my story as a 'book'.

Up and Coming Release

Coming later this spring, Thorns In Eden & The Everlasting Mountains, a 2-in-1 collection will be released in Kindle and paperback. This is a reissue of one of my earlier books in a revised version.

An American patriot and an English high-born lady, hold fast to their love amid a harsh wilderness and the drumbeats of war.

I was really lucky to find the model for the cover and obtain permission from the photographer to use her image. My son designed the cover, changed the dress color to match the scenery. 

I'm excited to bring these two books back to my readers in one volume. It's a great time for authors. With the Amazon Kindle programs many of us are reissuing past titles that have been out of print for years, titles we never thought would be available to our fans again. 

Synopsis

Colonial born, but English bred, John Nash, seeks to build a new life in the Maryland frontier. In 1773 revolution is certain. Called Jack by his fellow patriots, he decides to return to England to see his family before the fighting begins. There he meets Rebecah Brent, whose dreams of happiness seem unattainable, until the day she meets the courageous patriot and they fall in love.

Trapped in the schemes of Rebecah's uncle, Sir Samuel Brent, they are forced apart. Jack has no other alternative than to return to America without Rebecah. There he becomes engaged in one of the most infamous Indian wars in Colonial history. His biggest battle is to let Rebecah go…a fight he knows he cannot win, as his love for her grows stronger.

Will love bring them together again? Will forgiveness strengthen the bond between them? And when faced with the trials of war, will a place called Laurel Hill remain their refuge?

If you would be willing to help get the word out about this book when it is released, please let me know. I'm putting together a list of bloggers who would be willing to post about the book. I'll have all you need. All you will have to do is cut and paste. 

Another way to help will be to post on Facebook, Goodreads, and Twitter. If you are a member of a book club, I can send you book club questions and bookmarks.

Fondly, Writing from the Frederick Valley in Maryland,

Rita

Beyond the Valley Characters

When I begin a novel, I like finding photos of actors that fit the characters if the book was made into a movie. Plus they give me a visual besides my imaginary one. 

Here's my poster for the characters in Beyond the Valley.  

Can you name all the characters (not the actors' names) in the poster that are in Beyond the Valley? 
Try to name as many as you can for a chance to win a signed paperback copy of either titles in The Daughters of the Potomac Series, Surrender the Wind, or The Rebel's Pledge in ebook.

Winners will be drawn at random. USA only please.