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I am about to step foot into the wonderful world of publishing! The Wild Rose Press has contracted SECONDHAND ROMANCE, the second novel in my Audubon Springs Trilogy. I am thrilled and look forward to my introduction to the editorial process knowing that I am in capable hands.
For many months I have focused my posts on The Hero’s Journey as it relates to my writer’s journey. I should have taken to the blog right away with my good news, but I’d gotten so used to writing about the struggle involved in getting my work noticed, I stalled in the search for the right words in the face of this validation. This leads to…drum roll please…the next phase in The Six State Plot Structure!
Stage IV – Complications and Higher Stakes
Two things happen during this stage:
1) The GOAL becomes more important – The stakes are higher, there is more to lose.
2) The outside world starts to close in on the hero, making their journey that much more difficult.
In light of my good news, you might think that I’d find it impossible to equate this stage to my personal writing journey. Not so! There is not a typo in the first paragraph of this post. SECONDHAND ROMANCE is the 2nd book in a three book series, because why do anything in order? Since signing the contract, I have thrown myself into revising the first Audubon Springs book which I submitted to my editor yesterday. My new goal is to turn a one book contract into contracts for all three books. The stakes for this latest submission are much higher. I have many marketing ideas for these romances and they all hinge on selling the series.
The outside world has closed in on me as well. Everyone in my house has taken turns with various illnesses since the start of the New Year. I took two turns! My doctor looked at me a day after I signed the contract and said, “You must rest. No writing this weekend.” What? Are you kidding me? Beyond that, and thankfully, we HAVE gotten beyond that, I am now about enter into a world of deadlines, marketing, promotion and a basic crash course of the industry. My publisher has sent me stacks of information to read, databases to enter, and resources to utilize. I look forward to my entry into this world, but above all else, the focus has to remain on the product. Just like Jennifer Hudson said to Katherine McPhee in the last episode of SMASH , “Protect the work.” Then those former idol runner-ups SANG!
In the weeks to come, look for posts as I navigate through the editorial process. I hear that it can be overwhelming! In addition, I hope to share more about my Contemporary Romances that I believe fall in the lines of Romantic comedies. In the meantime, here is a brief summary of the contracted book. Imagine Joe Manganiello as Tony. I do!!! 🙂
Opposites attract in SECONDHAND ROMANCE when fifty year old love letters are found inside a newly acquired secondhand book. The search for the owners of the letters takes book store owner Annie O’Malley and contractor Tony Iuliano on a journey of self-discovery and romance.
RoseAnn DeFranco - Where Laughter, Passion and Love Bloom 
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am thrilled!!! So proud. I’m standing in my office screaming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Darlene Hajduk
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If this was anyone else, I’d say that this was a figurative screaming, but with you I know we’re talking full on LITERAL. Love you!
Love, love, love your blog post!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you, my friend!
I am so excited for you! Congratulations!! Joe Manganiello…my heart be still! This is the first step in a long, illustrious career. I’ll be glad to say I knew you when!
Right back at you, my dear!
WooHoo, RoseAnn!!!! Mega-Congrats on your first sale!!! You must be dancing on the ceiling…and so you should be. 🙂 Can’t wait to give you a hug at the meeting Saturday 🙂
Thank you! You have no idea how much I appreciate the support!
Congratulations!!! great job!!!
Thank you!
Freaking awesome, RoseAnn! Best of luck to your and expect many, many martinis at LSFW!!!!
Holy cow! I’ve never had a martini. I’ll give it a shot. You might be peeling me off the floor! 🙂
Could not be more thrilled for you, R.A.! : ) I can vouch for Secondhand being a fabulous story–no wonder it sold first! Not to worry, it’s going to do so well they’ll be begging for 1 & 3! Congrats! (oh, and do try to rest somehow!)
Thanks for being such a fantasic CP and for all the support.
Congrats RoseAnn! I’m doing the happy dance for you!
Thank you, Roni!
Woohoo, RoseAnnn! Happy dancing all over my office for you! Many, many congratulations! Hope you’re celebrating in a big way. Fingers crossed you sell them all three books!
Thanks, Nancy! Now time to focus on JeRoWriMo! 🙂
This is great news! Congratulations. Now the fun begins….
You are a hoot. would that be fun in quotations?
YAHOO!!!!!!!!! Wonderful news! So proud and so excited for you! Your dreams and hard work have paid off. May God continue.to bless you!
Thank you!
Congrats!! So proud of you.I can’t wait to read SECONDHAND ROMANCE 🙂
Thanks, Diana! I feel the same way about SEDUCING CHARLOTTE! 🙂
So happy for you! Looking forward to reading Secondhand Romance. Maybe I can convince the author to autograph my copy. 😉
We’ll see what we can do! 🙂
Congratulations RoseAnn! I already left a congrats message on Facebook, but wanted to leave one on your blog as well. Good luck with Secondhand Romance, and Good luck with selling the trilogy!! 🙂
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the support.
Sending you big congrats! I am so happy for you–wishing you a ton of success. 🙂