Debut Author: Clarissa Yip
I sit. I stare at the screen. My fingers are arched over the keyboard. My carpal tunnel is probably getting worse as I speak. But I'm determined to write. Sometimes words flow. Sometimes they don't. I have a pile of R forms next to my computer. My first one is framed. Some are good, some are bad. But you know what they mean to me?
Everything.
The road to publication isn't easy. There are many stepping stones, so much to learn and improve upon, but after receiving R after R, it pays to keep going.
My success has proven to me my hard work has not failed whatsoever. I remember when the first time I opened my email from a publisher. Instead of, "We're sorry to inform you….", it read, "We'd like to offer you a contract."
The first thought that popped in my head was, "Are they crazy?" LOL.
You feel it in your gut it's a great story, you know it's one of the best you got, but you wonder why all those R's never understood. It's okay. Sometimes your voice and your ideas don't fit certain publishers, but when that one editor or publisher sees your potential and want to invest in you, go for it.
My very first publication happened in August with Decadent Publishing. I was shocked. Amazed. And I didn't feel published. Shoot. I still don’t feel published, but I love when I hear from my readers and they help dissolve my doubts and reassure me that my writing is going the direction it needs to be. Each book cover I receive, my dreams start to turn into a reality. I sit for hours and gush over that cover, the people on there that represent my characters that have been tormenting me for months, years, are finally real.
I've just received my fifth contract. Publication is not easy, but it's also wonderful when you reach the stage you need to be. It'll happen when you lease expect it. No matter how new or old of a writer you are, there is always something to learn, something to improve on. I'm only at the beginning of my career and I hope to make it big like the New York Times bestsellers and maybe be an international author someday. See, I dream big. You should too. *wink *
As long as you keep faith, keep perseverance, and motivation, it'll happen. It could be different for everyone, but most importantly, keep writing! You need to have stories finished and polished in order sub and move through the author process. Write, sub, and wait forever, maybe twirl your thumbs a little in between and definitely grow thick skin. Publication is controversial, but it's also what you make of it.
So where are you in your career? Where do you want to be?
Clarissa will be by later today to answer any questions you have. If you'd like to read my reviews of Love By Auction or Unforseen Reunion, please click on the links. Also, if you'd like to interact more with Clarissa, head over to her blog. Otherwise, please respond to what you've read here. And feel free to ask any questions you have. One of the reasons we're running these series is so you can have access to new authors and ask those questions that burn on your heart. May we all realize our dreams someday!
~ Camryn Rhys
19 comments:
Great post Clarissa!
You're right, faith and a stubborn nature goes a long way.
My first call was 31 years ago this December. But I still remember my agent calling me with the news my first two books were sold to a new publisher Silhouette Books and it was on my wedding anniversary.
I was screamed down my office. :}
And all I did the day I got the call was grin. I figured I looked like a total idiot, but what the hell... I'd earned the chance to look like a total idiot!
It's so hard to think about it happening again, so fast! Congrats on so much success... I'd never stop grinning and they'd be carting me away to the funny farm in no time at all!
Hi Linda,
That is sooo awesome! Now I am in total awe. 31 years is amazing! And at least you won't forget your anniversary.
Congratulations on all your successes!
Hi Maureen,
You're entitled to look like an idiot for a very good reason. It is always so exciting when success hits.
Don't stop grinning!
Clarissa, you know I love working with you. Does it sound bed to say,"So glad I was your first?" LMAO!
Keep those books coming. We love them.
Heather
Decadent Publishing
You've got a great story, Clarissa.
And persistence!! Whooot!
Keep working. Keep reaching beyond what you can already do. :) *Hugs*
Penny Dune
Thank you for this it came on exactly the right day for me. On a day like this it's good remember all I have to do is keep writing, keep submitting and hold on tight to the dream.
Loved these two books. And so happy to have Clarissa here.
I'm so happy to hear her first call story. Since I read the book that she got called about, it's great to read that story. :-)
Thanks so much for coming by, Clarissa. You're awesomesauce!!
Nice blog and a great "first call" story. Thanks for sharing!
Bethanne!
*tackle hug* You keep me going. Thank you!
Thank you Sweater Curse for stopping by! Keep writing!
Heather,
I love working with you! Don't ever change! You're fabulous!
Ms. Rebecca Lynn,
I thank you for having me! You've been so fab and awesome! And I'm stealing that word, "awesomesauce."
Thank you for all you've done for me!
Wooo...! :) Nice post, Clarissa.
Yeah, the day I got the contract through, I went to work and all I could do was grin.
Told my colleagues and they asked what it was about. I said Paranormal Romance, and expected ridicule... (I work with men, and only men.) But they were soooo happy for me - there wasn't a single derogatory word. (Thank you, guys.)
What's more, whenever someone at work found out, (Men, remember?), I was asked to tell them when it's out so they can buy it. "Gotta support a creative colleague, right?"
I don't think they have any idea how much I appreciated them saying it, even if they never buy a copy.
I learned support and acknowledgment comes from entirely unexpected sources. :)
Aww... great story and very motivational too! :)
Stories like this keep me returning to the keyboard everyday. Thank you for sharing yours.
Has it really been that long since you got that first "call"? It's still so exciting and you've only just begun!! You're rocking right along, Clarissa!!
Thank you everyone for stopping by and allowing me to share. It's means a lot.
Wow. What a fantastic response, Clarissa. It was a pleasure having you here. And thanks to all who stopped by to celebrate a debut author.
We were SO happy to have you!
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