Thursday, November 3, 2011

Jessica Nelson: Her Writing Journey, First Publishing Contract, the Editing Process, and Her Debut Novel, Love on the Range


Jessica Nelson, in keeping with her romantic inclinations, married two days after she graduated high school. She believes romance happens every day, and thinks the greatest, most intense romance comes from a God who woos people to himself with passionate tenderness. When Jessica is not chasing her three beautiful, wild little boys around the living room, she can be found staring into space as she plots her next story. Or she might be daydreaming about a raspberry mocha from Starbucks. Or thinking about what kind of chocolate she should have for dinner that night. She could be thinking of any number of things, really. One thing is for certain, she is blessed with a wonderful family and a lovely life.

When I asked Jessica to share her writing journey with us, this was her response . . . in her own words:

"Thank you so much, Loretta, for inviting me here! I’m honored to post about my writing journey.

"Selling a book takes a lot of things, some within our control, some not. I think that’s the first thing every writer should understand. There are some things we have no control over, and when we get rejections, it’s helpful to distinguish whether they’re a result of our writing or something outside our control.

"The book I sold is the first manuscript I finished, but not the only one I’ve written. This thing has gone through the ringer over the years. I completed the rough draft in 2007. After a few read-throughs and one outside critique, I decided it was ready to submit to HQ's Love Inspired Historical. Of course, I could only sub a synopsis first. I did that and received my rejection months later. Writing wasn't strong enough, it said.

"I had started a new manuscript by then and decided maybe I needed professional help, so I submitted the story to HQ's critique service. I think that was the best thing I ever did. The critique came back and I tried fixing a few things but I was in the midst of my second story so editing was sporadic. Then in Jan of 2008 I found out I'd finaled with my second manuscript in a contest. I was overjoyed! The judging editor with Love Inspired requested my full. Months and months later, that was rejected but with an invitation to submit other work. I took the editor up on her kind offer and submitted another story. Rejected, but she implied that she still liked my writing and wouldn't mind seeing other work.

"By this time, I was working on my 4th manuscript and decided to start submitting the first manuscript to agents. I had a few requests but mostly rejections or no-replies. Finally, in mid-2010, I polished up my first ms (with the help of my wonderful crit group, which I think every writer should have) and subbed the synopsis to Love Inspired Historical (remember, I'd already subbed it in 2007 and been rejected). The editor requested a partial. Months later, a full. Then came a revision letter. I agreed with the editor's thoughts so I revised the MS accordingly. My new agent subbed the story and a few months later (2011), I received "the call". :-) I had more revisions to do, but that was fine by me! *grin*

"The moral, in my opinion, is to never give up and to be flexible with your stories. Even after signing the contract, I needed to make changes to my book. There was a scene that I’ve always loved but the editor never did. After tweaking and tweaking, I finally cut it. I didn’t want to do it but I realized that when it was cut, not much in the story changed. So in the end, it was an unnecessary plot point that didn’t add to the story.

"Through the edits, I’ve found the editors at Love Inspired are very nice to work with and want the best story possible. Don’t be afraid to change things in your manuscript! You’re a writer, imaginative and creative. Be bold with your words and stretch your imagination.

"Now that I’ve sold one book, the work doesn’t stop. I’ve been busy with edits, thinking up a new book, blogging and getting set up on various networking sites like GoodReads and Twitter."

Be sure to watch for Jessica's debut novel, Love on the Range, published by Love Inspired, scheduled for release in April 2012.

If you would like to congratulate Jessica, please leave a comment below.

25 comments:

  1. Hi Loretta!!! Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog. I appreciate it. :-)

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  2. I could have never made it without my critique group! I highly recommend every new writer cultivate a group.

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  3. HOOOORAY! I get a big smile on my face everytime I see DEBUT Author in front of your name, Jessica!

    Congratulations again and thanks for sharing your story.

    "Range" has me thinking western historical. Any more hints? I can't wait to see this on the store shelf and pick it up.

    Sherri, I couldn't agree more. And, as important as critique partners are, I've had 'beta readers' go through the full story as they are much more likely to pick up on pacing and plot issues when reading right through. My critique partners got the story over a two year period. That makes a big difference!

    Thank you Loretta!

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  4. ME TOO, Sherri!!! Thanks for stopping by.

    Hi Debra, yep, it's a western historical! You're very right. My crit partners go through chap by chap and then they've also read the fulls. I also have writer friends who I swap full reads with. We really do need both. :-)

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  5. I love stories of perseverance and I agree that you do need to be flexible and willing to cut a few things. If I hadn't cut some POVs in my ms, I probably wouldn't have an agent today! Great post, Jessica!

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  6. Thanks for stopping by, Jessica. Nice to see you here!

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  7. Can't wait to see your book on the shelf! Loved your story Jessica. :)

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  8. I just love this style of interview. Very nice Jessica and Loretta. I can be found staring off into space a lot too. I've notice my toddler does it as well. A future author, you think?? Or maybe dreaming of chocolate milk. Who knows!

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  9. I love your persistence. I look forward to seeing your book on the shelf, then grabbing it up to read. :)

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  10. This is just sooooo exciting, Jessica! And I love Love on the Range--especially that it's based in Burns--well, Harney County anyway! : )

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  11. Hi Loretta! Thanks for hosting.

    I can't wait to read your novel, Jess.

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  12. Jessica, that's some great, great advice. Persevere, stay flexible, and never give up! Yay! I'm so excited to see your work in print--can't wait to read it.

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  13. Jessica,
    Congrats on the book. Big deal. Very big deal. It's always fun to learn about someone else's writing journey.

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  14. Jessica, you hung in there! Look at how awesome things worked out! I am so happy for you, and I can't wait to read your book:)

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  15. That is a very detailed account. It's nice to see how it all gets done. Great job on finishing, Looking forward to the book that is due.

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  16. Gosh guys, thank you so much for all the amazing comments! I can't tell you how special your support has been. Thank you!

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  17. Hi, Loretta & Jess!

    Great post. I love your thoughts, Jess, especially about being willing to go with bold new things, to be willing to explore the possibilities in your writing. I think you're right about too easily getting boxed in sometimes. It's good to have the mental freedom to try something new even if it's not what we originally expected or takes us in a new direction. Flexibility!

    Awesome post. Good stuff to chew on.
    -Emily

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  18. Great job in this blog and writing. I aspire to publish two books soon. Great advice here. ! Jackie

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  19. It's wonderful to hear more about Jessica's journey! I am so excited for her, and can't wait to read her book. Thanks ladies, for sharing this! :)

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  20. Journies like this are really inspiring to people like me. Congratulations, Jessica. A hundred times over, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

    You deserve this and I can't wait to buy your book in April!!

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  21. I love hearing about writers' successes and this story is definitely inspiring. I'll never get tired of reading about publishing journeys that end beautifully :) Congrats Jessica and thanks to both of you for sharing this!

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  22. Great post, Jessie and Loretta! EEk, Jessie! I've been telling people your book would be out in May. HEH.

    Guess I need to get those facts checked. Sorry! :)

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  23. Thanks ladies!

    I know Anita. :-P I meant to tell you but forgot. lol

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  24. Congrats Jessica on your success!!!
    In Christs Love
    Michelle~

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  25. i like ur blog and would like to get by email, k527@msn.com

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