Perhaps invention and reinvention is a perpetual state of affairs for authors, We’re always working on something: outlining or polishing, restructuring or fine tuning. And not only do we do this with our projects. We tend to do with ourselves too.
Such is the intriguing mix of information on Works In Progress, a blog posted by Betty & Friends. Actually, the blog host is Betty Carlton, and it’s her generosity that caused her to create her world of Betty and Friends.
Betty spent a full career in the insurance business, then at the eleventh was laid off. But, rather than retire, she reinvented herself as an author.
For those of us who’ve sailed the authoring waters for years, it’s refreshing to hear about someone taking a run off the end of the dock and plunging in. Her energy and joy are palpable. And she’s been wise in asking more experienced sailors to help her. She thanks them by posting about their careers on her high-spirited blog.
Her posting about me revealed such an unabashed enthusiasm that it made me feel as refreshed as if I’d just had a lovely swim. It also showed what a determined researcher she is, digging up everything from my cast photos from “Days Of Our Lives” to some of my koto performances, and featuring my new book prominently. So very much appreciated.
When I interviewed her in return, we got into an interesting conversation about genres. Betty writes romance, but couldn’t seem to land a deal with traditional romance publishers. So she did what she does so well–researched the market place. What she discovered is that the less traditional romance publishers—those who lean more toward the erotic—were actually combing the countryside looking for writers. She was offered a contract in two weeks. Now, with successful titles to her name, she has landed a contract with as she calls it a company that publishes “sweeter romance.” Writing with the pen name Lisa Day, her first “sweet” romance The Stepbrothers will be released by Rebel Ink Press in November of 2011.
Though Betty and I write in different genres, I have to say I admire her gumption, her spirit, and her unhesitating reinvention. It makes her unstoppable as water, which always finds a way around the rocks.
And Betty reminded me what progress is. Writing When Hummers Dream (my series prequel) and What the Heart Knows (book one in my novel series) transformed me into a novelist. As my new books begin to reach a widening group, they’ll open new doors for my readers too, reminding us we’re all works in progress.
For more information on the changes that are taking place with The Milford Haven Novels, please read my newsletter. If you have not subscribed, visit www.MaraPurl.com to have my newsletter sent to your mailbox every month.
It seems to me that researching the market is one of the essential traits for any successful writer, and yet most of us lack that important quality…and/or feel we do not have the time to attend to this important detail. Yet if we can research historical background, research our characters habits, research the right way to work with words, then surely we can learn to research the markets for our work. I’m preaching to myself here!
What fun to visit the Bellekeep Books website. I’m anxious to see how this new imprint will unfold in the world of women’s fiction…and I’m truly cheering on Mara and her associates.
Bellekeep is small for now, but what a wonderful company it is because of the people who are at the helm. Yes, it’ll be so interesting to see how they grow! And when they open their doors to new authors, of course, you know who I’m pulling for. . . .
Mara,
What a surprise to discover the nice things you had to say about me. I know I had a lot of fun preparing your blog. So I am thrilled to know you liked it.
Thank you and Wishing you much success,
Betty Carlton
Thank you Betty! I love the sense of community we get to help build thanks to these wonderful social media tools. Yet, without imagination and generosity, these tools wouldn’t mean much. So . . . thanks again!