Debut Author Kit Wilkinson Returns

Kit Wilkinson won the 2008 Golden Heart® in the Inspirational category and two months later sold her winning entry to Love Inspired Suspense. Her debut novel is on the shelves, and she’s here to tell us about it as well as what’s been happening since her earlier visit in January.

In this interview, you’ll learn more about Kit’s journey and her book, now titled Protector’s Honor. But there’s more to Kit than creativity and class. She speaks fluent French and used to surf. No. Not, the Internet. Waves. And hard as it is to believe when you see the photo of this beautiful blond, she never went to a dance during high school.

Join me as we learn about more about Kit and her debut novel.

(Kit’s giving away two copies of Protector’s Honor. Details are at the at end of the post.)

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Kit’s Journey Begins

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•Please recap for us how you got started writing and what led you to create your debut novel, Protector’s Honor (formerly Running From Trouble).

I started writing romance fiction soon after I quit working as a teacher. The idea was to stay home with my kids (who are now 4 and 6 years old) but I really missed working. I missed having personal goals. So, with absolutely no agenda other than writing a novel from beginning to end, I sat down and wrote a contemporary romance. And I LOVED it—I loved writing that is. I joined Romance Writers of America® and later American Christian Fiction Writers and started entering contests. Through one of them, I received a request from an editor, which eventually ended in a sale. YAY!

The idea for Protector’s Honor didn’t come to me overnight. I knew I wanted to write a story with a dentist in it (my husband is a dentist) and I knew I wanted to do something with nanotechnology (I had a student once who was really into nano). But I didn’t want those things to be the main focus of the story. At some point, I decided on an NCIS agent for the hero and then things sort of fell into place.

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From First Sale to First Book

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You received The Call from your agent, Chip MacGregor, with news of your first sale a year ago this month. That event changed your life in many ways, I’m sure.

•What have been the most exciting aspects of having sold your first book?

Well, telling people that you have a novel coming out is pretty cool. The best was telling my parents. They were really proud, and let’s face it, even at 42, we want our parents to be proud of us.

Getting the actual book into my hand was completely surreal—seeing the cover, opening the pages, reading words I’d labored over…with that fresh book smell wafting up at me. Oh, yeah, that was great!

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•What aspects of being a published author have surprised you?

Things DO change with The Call. And not all of it is exciting. Suddenly, your long-term goal has been achieved and you find yourself scrambling to figure out if you’ve got it in you to “do it again.” For me, this has been a real struggle over the last year. I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself to produce more writing than my lifestyle (with kids at home) can afford me. And honestly, it has caused a lot of stress to my family and me.

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•What advice would you offer to not-yet-published writers about things they can do now to help them prepare for the day they get The Call?

Be opened minded about making changes to your manuscript. The work isn’t over when you get The Call. Go ahead and start thinking about author promo—get a website up, business cards, start Facebook, etc. I don’t think these things help you sell but they certainly save you time later. Time you could be writing that next book.

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A Delightful Delivery

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•When did you hold your book in your hands for the first time? What was your reaction?

It was a very hot and sunny summer afternoon. I was sitting outside in a bathing suit with my laptop watching my kids play (yeah, I knew it was a bad wardrobe decision, but sometimes I don’t listen to myself). And around the corner comes the hot UPS man with a box. I turned several shades of red before I saw the Harlequin insignia and got so excited I frightened the poor guy. He ran back to his truck. I grabbed an X-acto knife, ripped open the box and felt like I was in Heaven for a minute or two.

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•Did you celebrate your release with a launch party?

My book launch is on September 24. I’m pretty excited about it. Mostly expecting family and friends.

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•Promotion is a vital part of the writing business. What are you doing to get the word out?

Well, first, I hired idi studio to do a professional website for me, which included a blog. I also have invested in traveling to several conferences to network and promote. I think giveaways are great. I’m giving lots of books away this week. Blogging with others. I’ve also started speaking to local groups—churches, libraries, schools, and writer groups. I’ll be signing at the ACFW conference and then again at my launch and again at a literacy event in Waynesboro, Virginia. I also plan to start some sort of e-newsletter.

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A Warm Welcome

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•What’s it like to be part of the Love Inspired family?

The Love Inspired authors are a fun and diverse group of women writers. Among them are lots of newbies like me but also plenty of RITA® winners and other very experienced authors. Most of us have joined a loop where we can ask questions, compare notes and just share each other’s lives. It’s extremely supportive.

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•Protector’s Honor has begun to receive rave reviews, including four stars from Romantic Times. What are some of your favorite comments so far?

“The action starts fast and furious. Kit pens a roller coaster ride to a great finish with an intriguing suspense thread that draws you immediately into the story.”

Margaret Daley, award-winning author of over 60 novels

“An impressive debut novel. Kit Wilkinson is an author to watch, and I look forward to future books.”

Irene Hannon, author of the bestselling Heroes of Quantico series

“Plenty of action, a heartwarming love story and a good mystery make this a compelling read.”

Romantic Times, 4 stars

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Kit’s Debut Novel . . . and Beyond

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•Please tell us about Protector’s Honor.

It’s instinct. When NCIS agent Rory Farrell hears a woman scream, he reacts. But even after he saves her from abduction, Rory can’t get the beautiful and fragile Tabitha Beaumont out of his mind. Especially when he finds a connection between Tabitha and his latest murder investigation. She needs protection—Rory’s protection—while Rory needs answers Tabitha doesn’t even realize she holds. Yet how can he find the truth without betraying Tabitha’s trust? Soon, Rory must decide what matters most—keeping his objective distance, or keeping Tabitha, in his arms and under his protection, forever.

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•What can your readers look forward to next?

Sabotage, another Love Inspired Suspense due out in June 2010.

Who to trust? Emilie Gill, Equestrian Show Jumper, and her groom/exerciser, Derrick Randall, find themselves on the hunt for a killer who wants nothing more than to stop Emilie’s ride to the Olympics.

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Five Fun Facts About Kit

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~ I love to cook and entertain (even though I don’t do it as often as I should).

~ I own about 30 purses and always carry the same one.

~ I married a younger man

~ I have 4 university degrees that I don’t use.

~ I’m one of SIX children in a blended family.

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Kit’s Question for You

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•I’ve enjoyed having you as my guest, Kit. Thanks for your great answers to my questions. Now it’s your turn to ask a question of your visitors, so go for it.

I would love to hear others’ promotional ideas and suggestions. In particular, what do you think of book trailers? Have you ever bought a book because of the trailer or because of a review? Why or why not?

To leave a comment, click on “Comments” below the date in the title at the top of the post.

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Learn More About Kit

Visit her Web site and blog: http://www.kitwilkinson.com

Friend her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kit.wilkinson

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Leave a Comment for Three Chances to Win

To leave a comment, click on “Comments” below the date in the title at the top of the post.

Kit’s Drawing

Kit has generously offered to give away autographed copies of her debut novel, Protector’s Honor, to two lucky visitors.

To enter the drawing, leave a comment for Kit by midnight Pacific Time on September 10th and enter your email address when prompted. (I don’t share your information or add it to any mailing lists.) On September 11th, I’ll post the winners’ names here.

Congrats to Cynthia Chow and Karol, winners of Protector’s Honor.

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My Regular Drawing

My next drawing will take place September 20th. The winner will receive a copy of Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott.

To enter the drawing, just leave a comment on any blog post by September 20th and enter your email address when prompted. (I don’t share your information or add it to any mailing lists.) On September 21st, I’ll post the winner’s name in the Welcome post at the top of the blog.

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You could also win a First Sale Scrapbook

If you’d like to have a chance at winning a First Sale Scrapbook created by me, your blog hostess Keli Gwyn, leave a comment on any post between now and September 30th. Be sure to include your name and email address when prompted if you want to be entered in the drawing. (Your information will not be shared.) Click red link above to see samples of covers and pages.

On October 1st, I will choose one person who will have her/his choice of covers on an 8×8 inch, twenty-page scrapbook in which s/he can document that long-awaited first sale. The pages will cover various milestones including The Call, signing the contract, receiving the first advance payment and holding your debut novel in your hands.

(No scrapbooking skills required. You just add your photos and journaling.)

 

Meet Debut Author Myra Johnson

Myra Johnson’s writing career began in 1985 with her first sale to a children’s magazine. While enjoying steady success in magazines and devotionals, she honed her craft as a novelist, earning American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America® contest awards including the coveted Golden Heart®. Her first published novel, One IM-Perfect Christmas, is slated for a September 2009 release from Abingdon Press.

Recent transplants from Texas to Oklahoma, Myra and her husband, Jack, share their home with two lovable dogs and a snobby parakeet. The Johnsons have two amazing daughters, both married, four rambunctious grandsons, and a precious granddaughter who knows how to work those dimples!

I first met Myra when I was invited to guest blog at The Seekers. One of the founding members, Myra, along with her Seekerville sisters welcomed all four 2008 Golden Heart finalists. Since then I’ve subscribed to their award-winning blog, which focuses on all things contest related. Myra is the latest Seeker to leave what they refer to as Unpubbed Island. Myra also “friended” me on Facebook, a social networking site where many romance writers hang out.

I invite you to learn more about Myra’s amazing dedication in the face of discouragement and delays, her long and laborious journey to her first book contract, and how folk music led her to the man of her dreams.

Myra Johnson

•When I visited The Seekers on Saturday, August 23 and saw Snoopy doing a jig on behalf of your first sale, I had no idea how much had gone into getting that contract. Yours is a story of perseverance if ever I’ve heard one. If I have my facts straight, you’ve been writing twenty-five years, have completed fourteen manuscripts and have received (shudder) over 200 rejections letters. Please tell us what went through your mind when, at long last, you got The Call and what you did afterward.

That’s right, Keli. Call me crazy, call me tenacious, call me committed . . . or maybe HAVE me committed. All I know is, writing is so much a part of who I am that I simply could never give up on the dream of seeing my name on the cover of a novel. After Barbara Scott, my editor at Abingdon, called with the official news, I’m sure the neighbors considered calling the cops about the hysterical screams coming from inside this usually quiet house.

•The Call came and you were understandably ecstatic, but there’s always a story behind that monumental event. What events took place leading up to the life-changing call from Abingdon Press? Did you have any idea you were so close to receiving a contract for one of your novels?

Actually, I had a pretty good feeling. My usual morning routine includes skimming my favorite blogs—and there are so many that I don’t have time to read each one thoroughly. One day last July, the opening lines of Brandilyn Collins’s blog mentioned a brand new Christian fiction line she’d learned about at the International Christian Retail Show. I immediately clicked through and read the info about Abingdon Press.

Within a couple of hours I fired a query off to Barbara Scott. She replied within a day. The novel I proposed (my 2005 Golden Heart winner) wasn’t long enough for her line, but she checked the blurbs on my Web site and requested proposals for three other books. She rejected two of those pretty quickly (I’m talking days) but asked for the full of the third. Within a week she contacted me about additional details to present to the marketing team (no promises yet, but hopeful). After another week she presented some general contract terms.

On August 22 Barbara called with the official offer. I’m telling you, NOTHING in the publishing business happens this fast, EVER! God was hard at work because He knew how much it meant to me to be contracted before I attended another ACFW conference.

Myra signing her first book contract.

•You’re no stranger to publication, as some of your visitors may know. You’ve sold more than twenty magazine articles, fifteen short stories, two pieces in anthologies and almost 100 devotions. In spite of your success, a contract for novel-length fiction eluded you for a quarter of a century. What/who kept your spirits up during the inevitable bouts of doubts and discouragement?

The only answer I have is that God didn’t want me to quit. And I thought about it many times. But somehow God always came through with the right encouragement at the right time. An unexpected sale. Another devotions assignment. A contest final. All I could do was keep trusting His perfect timing and the belief that through each disappointment He had something to teach me about myself and my faith.

I must also give credit to my long-suffering husband, who never balked at the cost of another writers conference or the never-ending postage and contest entry fees. If he hadn’t been so supportive—both emotionally and financially—the dream would have died long ago.

•Your articles sold to a variety of publications, among them such names as Brio, Highlights for Children and Today’s Christian Woman. Do certain pieces stand out as favorites, and why are they special to you?

My first sale, a short story to Alive! For Young Teens, will always be a favorite since that’s the editor who gave me my first taste of success and followed up with several more acceptances. Also dear to my heart are the articles I wrote for Today’s Christian Woman. I was so touched by the reader letters I received from women going through many of the same struggles.

•Not only did you have your first piece published twenty-two years ago, but you spent nine years working as an instructor at the Institute for Children’s Literature, plus several years writing and editing for your church’s publications and also as part of your job at a Chamber of Commerce. Surely all that experience helps you produce clean, tight manuscripts, but do you find it difficult to turn off your internal editor, or are you able to let a rough draft flow freely?

The internal editor never shuts up. I write, edit, write, edit—it’s got to be right (or very close to it) or I can’t move forward. Every book on creative writing says this is wrong. Too bad. It’s the way I work. And I’m a firm believer that every writer must discover what works best for him or her and then go with it. Don’t ever think you have to write the way “everyone else” is writing.

•You spent your first fifteen years producing eight children’s books and the next ten completing six works of inspirational women’s fiction and romance. What led you to write for children initially? What brought about your genre shift?

When I started writing, my daughters were 11 and 10, the perfect age to supply me with more children’s story ideas than I could keep up with. And, like so many beginners, I assumed writing for children would be easier than writing for adults. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE. I learned so much through the ICL course about story structure, characterization, tight writing, and market study. When the girls grew up and I no longer had my live-in inspiration for children’s stories, that’s when I decided to try my hand at women’s fiction and romance.

• I know The Seekers are firm believers in entering contests, which you’ve done. Your romance and women’s fiction manuscripts have earned you nine placements/finalist spots. What do you consider some of the most valuable advice you’ve received from contest judges? With your years of experience as a published writer and editor, what advice would you offer those judging contests?

Tough question, Keli! I don’t think I could narrow my answer to one piece of advice, at least nothing any writer couldn’t pick up in a class or craft book. If contests have taught me anything, it’s that every reader comes to the story with something different. In the same contest with the same manuscript I’ve received perfect scores and bottom-of-the-barrel scores. Anyone with the guts to enter contests must learn to sort through the conflicting opinions, decide which critiques actually benefit the story, let the overly harsh criticisms slide, and move on.

To judges I would say: Be gentle but realistic. Be tactful but honest. If the story isn’t to your taste, focus on technique, not content. And for heaven’s sake, COMMENT. Don’t return the entry with nothing but a numerical score. That isn’t helpful at all.

•One contest result tops all the others: your 2005 Golden Heart win in the inspirational category. What an incredible achievement! What was your reaction when your name was called at the Awards Ceremony at RWA® Nationals in Reno? How did winning the Golden Heart affect your writing?

With the three other fantastic writers in my category, I honestly did not expect to win. We had all become such great friends by then that my prayer leading up to the awards was that the Golden Heart would go to the person who most needed this validation at this time. Guess God decided it was me. Afterward, I thought surely the manuscript would sell right away, but it didn’t happen. Despite some very close calls, that manuscript remained unsold until just last week. On October 2 I was delighted to receive an e-mail from JoAnne Simmons, Heartsong Presents editor, that she has accepted Autumn Rains for publication. The Golden Heart remains the highlight of my contest career, but as you can see, it is no guarantee of overnight success.

•Not only did you win the Golden Heart, but you also made close friends of your category finalists, the “Fab Four.” What part have Janet Dean, Julie Lessman and Tina Russo played in your life since?

With all the prayers we said for each other (and still do!), with all the ups and downs we’ve shared, Janet, Julie, Tina, and I will be friends for life. They continue to be my go-to girls when I need advice, encouragement, or a kick in the pants. Shortly after RWA 2005, my connection with these ladies led to an even wider circle of friends who came to be known as The Seekers. Ruth Logan Herne is credited with joining us all together and keeping us in line—fifteen writers on the contest circuit, all with one dream, and now over half of us are published or contracted. At first our banter was limited to our private Yahoo group. A little over a year ago the idea of a group blog began to percolate, and the rest is history.

•Your Seekerville sisters know a great deal about you, but I wonder if you’ve ever shared the story of how you met your own personal hero and what it was you first noticed about him? Do aspects of his personality make their way into your stories? And is he a better cook than you, or is he barred from the kitchen?

Do you believe in love at first sight? I knew Jack was the guy for me from the first moment I laid eyes on him, looking tall, blond, and handsome the night he arrived to join our Christian folk-singing group. New in town, he’d attended a church ice cream social where we performed, and the pastor got him an introduction to our group leader. Jack plays string bass so he fit right in. That was in October 1971. We were married in May 1972.

Without a doubt, Jack’s calm, outgoing nature and head for numbers have found their way into my story heroes. Now, if I could just nurture a little more story hero romanticism in him, I’d be thrilled.

And oh, how I wish he could cook! Jack is semi-retired now, consulting from home, so it’s not like he doesn’t have the time. I’ve tried to teach him a few more cooking skills (not that I’m all that great myself), but so far his repertoire is pretty much limited to spaghetti with sauce out of a jar, burgers on the grill, or grilled cheese sandwiches. Still, I wouldn’t trade him for anything!

•And now, my final request: Please tell us about your debut novel, One IM-Perfect Christmas, set for a September 2009 release from Abingdon Press.

Christmas has always been graphic designer Natalie Pearce’s favorite time of year, until her mother succumbs to a massive stroke while taking down her decorations. After all her mother has done for her, Natalie blames herself for not being there when it happened. The monstrous load of guilt soon drives a wedge between Natalie and everyone she loves—most of all her husband Daniel. Her marriage is on the verge of dissolving, her prayer life is suffering, and she’s one Christmas away from hitting rock bottom.

Junior-high basketball coach Daniel Pearce is at his wit’s end. Nothing he tries is able to break through the wall Natalie has erected between them. And their daughter Lissa’s adolescent rebellion isn’t helping matters. As Daniel’s hope reaches its lowest ebb, he wonders if this Christmas will spell the end of his marriage and the loss of everything he holds dear.

Myra's book title mock-up

•It’s been wonderful having you as a guest at Romance Writers on the Journey, Myra. Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to share, or perhaps you have a question for your visitors?

I’ve had a great time visiting with you, Keli! Thanks so much for having me. How about we take a poll of everyone’s favorite Christmas movie? Mine is White Christmas, the Bing Crosby classic. It just isn’t Christmas at our house until we’ve watched it again at least once. Oh, and our three-year-old granddaughter can sing every single song by heart, in movie script order and perfectly in tune!

Leave a Comment for Myra

All those who leave a comment for Myra between now and October 11 will be entered in a drawing for some Christmas-themed goodies in honor of her debut novel. We’ll hold the first drawing the evening of October 9 and the second on October 11.

You may choose from one of the three prizes below.

Congratulations to Carla Stewart, winner of the first drawing, who chose the Christmas tree dish towel and angel ornament. Congrats, also, to Erin Young, winner of the second drawing.

If you don’t see a comment form below, please use the link by the post title.

If you don’t wish to participate, note that in your comment, and your request will be honored.

Set of three frame ornaments.

Dish towel and felt angel ornament.

Christmas with the Kranks DVD (PG rated)

Learn More About Myra by Visiting:

Her website: www.myrajohnson.com

Her Personal Blog: Writer at Random

Her Group Blog: The Seekers

 

Romance Writer’s Road Map: Part One

So, you want to write a romance novel? Or perhaps you have a work in progress. Maybe you’ve completed a manuscript. Or several. Congratulations! You’ve embarked on an incredible journey, one that can be both fun and potentially frustrating.

When I began writing two and a half years ago, I didn’t know any other writers and was clueless about what went into writing a marketable story. I made many mistakes. In an effort to speed you on your way toward publication, I’m passing along information I wish I’d had when I started. I’m calling this the Romance Writer’s Road Map.

One thing that slowed my progress was the fact that I was writing in isolation. I craved contact with other writers, but I didn’t know how to find them. Today I’m going to list six steps to help you make those all important connections. In Part Two, I’ll talk about how to get feedback on your work.

1) Join Romance Writers of America®. This organization is for both published romance authors as well as those of us who are as-yet unpublished romance writers. With over 10,000 members, you’ll be in good company and will have access to many excellent resources, including the monthly magazine, the Romance Writers Report. The cost to join as a general (U.S.) member at this writing is $100, which includes a one-time $25 processing fee. This is money well spent.

2) Join one or more of the over 130 local and special-interest chapters of RWA®. To locate a chapter, click on Chapters Listing in the national website sidebar. Once you’re a member of your local chapter, attend the monthly meetings if at all possible. You’ll meet wonderful women there who share your passion for romance writing and may well become some of your best friends. You must be a member of RWA to join a chapter. The fees are minimal.

3) Join a writers’ online chat group. Many local or online RWA chapters have one and will invite you to participate once you’re a member. If not, contact one of your chapter’s officers to find out if the chapter has a loop. Once you’re a loop member, you can start by just reading the messages. When you’re more comfortable, you can join the discussions. You’ll learn a great deal from reading the messages. Common topics are upcoming chapter events, agent/editor updates, contest announcements, and individual writers’ news items.

4) Visit blogs that focus on writing or writers. You’ll find a links page on this site. Many websites and blogs have them. Check out different blogs until you find those you like that fit your needs and interests. You can subscribe to those you want to read regularly. I use Google® Reader as a way to manage my blog subscriptions. That way my inbox isn’t flooded with blog feeds. I schedule time to read blog posts so that doing so doesn’t break up my day. When visiting a blog leave comments. You’ll interact with the blog owner, guests and other readers. This is a way to cultivate professional relationships. You will find that you connect with some people and go on to form friendships that you continue privately.

5) Consider joining a social network such as Facebook or MySpace. Many writers are members of one or both and will “friend” other writers. If you want to learn more about Facebook, I have a post on my other blog, On the Path to Publication, where you can read about my positive experience.

6) A wonderful way to connect with other romance writers is to attend the RWA National Conference held each summer in a different city. The 2009 conference will be in Washington, D.C. If the expense of attending Nationals is more than your budget can bear, there are conferences and workshops put on by RWA chapters throughout the country. Other writing conferences can be beneficial, too, if they have fiction writing instruction.

These are just some ways that will help you become part of the larger writing community, but there are others. What are ways you’ve found that helped you connect with other romance writers with whom you’re sharing your journey to publication?

Drawing!

All those who leave a comment between now and Saturday, September 20, at 8 p.m. Pacific time will be entered in a drawing for a set of eight note cards depicting that special substance that jump starts many a writer’s day: coffee.

Congratulations to Jessie, winner of the drawing.

If you don’t see a comment form below, please use the link by the post title.