I'd just finished telling my best friend, Diana, about the recurring dream I'd had for almost 20 years, when I had a "light-bulb" moment. It occurred to me that the dream took place in the attic of my childhood friend, Cynthia. "Hmmm…" Diana pondered, "Cynthia's Attic. What a great title for a book!" The dreams stopped and the writing began.
I sat in my New Jersey home wanting desperately to write about the dream and to recall the fond memories of playing in Cynthia's attic as a child. I should write a memoir! No…a picture book…maybe a song! (Good grief) Nothing seemed to strike me, so I just started writing. My four-page memoir eventually turned into a 33,000-word young reader novel, and took more than three years to write. Another two years would pass before the book was published, and the final edit submitted.
I believe the greatest obstacle I had to overcome was reminding myself that it was permissible to write "outside the box." The only limits would be my imagination (or lack thereof). When I felt myself getting stale, I'd open Harry Potter. If there's one thing I learned from J.K. Rowling's writing, it's that anything can happen in fantasy fiction. If you can write it…it can happen.
So many authors force themselves to write a specific number of hours a day. Write…write…write! Even if it's no good, or doesn't make sense. Eventually, they think, I'll write something that is good and makes sense to somebody…somewhere. This method may work for them, but it's useless to me. If I sit for more than ten minutes struggling with word after word, I get up and do something more constructive.
Another author complained the other day that she had her characters nailed down, but that the plot was driving her crazy…it was going nowhere. It made me think about how I wrote the plot for the first two Cynthia's Attic books. I also had my characters in mind, but, strangely enough, they told me where they wanted to go and what they wanted to do (anyone but a writer would think I'm nuts). For instance, in the second chapter of Cynthia's Attic: The Missing Locket, I still wasn't sure of the plot. I sat…hands poised on the keyboard. All at once, my fingers started moving. I looked up at the computer screen and read what had been typed: "Clara? Is that you?" Believe it or not, when I read those four words, the whole story fell out in front of me. It can happen that easily. Oh sure, you still have to write the story, but, if you get stuck, let your characters guide you.
I feel fortunate to have found a publisher, Echelon Press, whose imagination is in tune with mine. I had submitted manuscripts to several large, New York publishers…we've all done it. Most times I got a computer-written rejection card saying…well, we all know what they say. I was early in the process of compiling my publisher list when I learned from a member of the Gulf Coast Writers Association about an energetic company and its equally energetic president. I discovered they were accepting young reader/young adult fantasy fiction! Bingo! I e-mailed a query letter outlining my series, and got a response saying that my books were exactly what they were looking for, and would I please send both manuscripts and a synopsis for the third book. The whole process from submission to contract took about three months.
Although I was nervous working for the first time with a professional editor, I found the experience to be enlightening and stress-free. Although we all like to think every word we write is grammatically correct, and that every chapter makes sense from beginning to end, that isn't always the case. The Missing Locket and The Magic Medallion are a much better books post-editing.
My cover art by Nathalie Moore, was selected by the graphics department of the publishing company, and then was submitted to me for approval. I couldn't be happier with the way the first two covers turned out. It isn't what I envisioned…it's so much better.
Working with a traditional publisher has been a learning experience. Since this is a first for me, I sometimes feel that I'm stumbling and bumbling around in the dark. The most difficult concept is realizing that you have a product that people could actually want to buy! Writing is a great joy, and it's hard to jump from the creative process to actually selling and receiving money for all the fun you're having. Although my publisher sends out galleys and promotional material, it's still up to the author to do as much, if not more in promoting your book (unless your name is Stephen King, John Grisham, Nora Roberts…). I'm naturally shy, so coming out of my shell and "selling" my book to bookstores, libraries, and schools, has been a real challenge.
I'm now working with my publisher to set up book signings and send out press releases for Book Two. I've found that one of the most effective marketing techniques is to get your book, bio, and website listed on popular book review and author sites such as Authors Den, RoundtableReviews, Young Adult (& Kids) Central Books. Some of them charge a small advertising fee, but most are free. They also offer helpful advice to new and emerging authors. I've done interviews for local magazines, newspapers, and radio stations. Again, all free advertising.
I've had successful book signings, and am now working my way into libraries…one at a time. This process is painfully slow, but imagine getting your book into the Los Angeles library system with over 55 branches!
It helps greatly to be affiliated with writing groups in your area. My publisher also has an authors' group that regularly shares marketing ideas and successful ventures.
If I were to give one piece of advice, it would be to know your market. Make sure you're submitting your work to a publisher or agent who is interested in your particular genre. You're wasting your time, and theirs, if you don't do your homework.
One last thing…I just received the "Thought For The Day" from my publisher. It's a quote I'd like to share from Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics: "If you think you can, you can. If you think you can't, you're right."
Mary Cunningham, author
www.marycunninghambooks.com
Cynthia's Attic: The Missing Locket
Published by: Echelon Press
ISBN:59080-441-4
