Wonderful News!

This morning I opened my inbox and look what I found waiting for me.

"Congratulations. Your story, “A Heart of Compassion,” was chosen to be included in one of our “101 Best” books, representing our favorites from our library of stories. “A Heart of Compassion” is included in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tales of Golf and Sport."

This story was originally in Chicken Soup for the Mother and Son Soul, 2006 edition. Now it's going to be in another one.

Meanwhile, back on the old homestead...

I did it again. Submitted, that is. I wanted so badly to enter the 'Got Wolf' contest with The Wild Rose Press, but nature (remember Gustav and Ike?) insisted on putting crimps into the game plan. Hey, just a minor setback. Well, I did it. I sent my 18k werewolf story, HEAVEN SCENT, to the Black Rose on Monday. Yay!

Then I get hit with a sinus infection. Nothing like a foggy head to take the edge off the celebration of a new contract. So, hey, since I was sick anyway, why not send HEAVEN SCENT in?

Next, I asked a few authors to review my newly contracted story, HEART'S REUNION. I'm sure all of you become a bit nervous letting other published authors read your work. I do. Can't help it. The mother rises up and I wonder if I checked to make sure teeth and hair were brushed on my newly birthed baby.

I always drive myself crazy wondering what these wonderful ladies will think of my newborn.

Well, I received two reviews and I have to say, I'm pleased!

P.L. Parker commented:

"Heart's Reunion is an eerie, but thought provocative journey into the mysterious realm of mountain folk lore. The heat between Bre and Micah sizzles from the first moment they meet and continues throughout. This is a "must read," and I look forward to reading more of Ms. Leger's works."


and Aithne Jarretta, Paranormal author, said this about the story:

"HEART’S REUNION is a spellbinding tale of spirits, an enduring connection of family and true love. Ms. Leger fulfills a promise to her Readers to give them a fully passionate love story with ghostly quirks, unabashed adventure, and the happy ending we all seek."

Awesome remarks! Thanks ladies!

Love the Blog Award!

I have received this award from three wonderful and talented ladies. Oh, yes, flattery will definitely gain brownie points with me. LOL!

So, thanks, Regina, Gina, Hywela (that's my Lyn) and my dear friend, Linda LaRogue for tagging me!

Now I have to nominate seven more blogs.

Hum....

Hee, hee, okay, here it goes!

Ali Katz

Paisley Scott

Pamela Thibodeaux

Winona Cross

Mindy Blanchard

Jessica Ferguson

and last but definitely not the least,

P. L. Parker

Each of these ladies have a tremendous amount of talent and I am so proud to call them my friends!!

Now it's y'all's turn to pick your favorite blogs!!

Heart's Reunion Contracted!

What a wonderful way to start the week. I received word yesterday that my editor with The Wild Rose Press wants my 30k short story, Heart's Reunion.

Here I was feeling sick because I had submitted a book to Samhain. Sending something off always makes me ill, but this time it's been buffeted by this news. Yes! I feel validated again.

Current WIP!

It's November and everyone should know what that means! Yes, it's National Writing Month. My goal this month is finish Dragon's Desire, one of the books in my Avaris series. Writing was slow yesterday but this morning, I woke up refreshed and rearing to go. I wrote 141 words in 10 minutes. Good words too! So now I'm pumped. Can't wait to go home and write some more. I want to type The End on this story so I can move on to the next one in December. Can I do this? Oh, yeah! Done it before and I will do it again.

I'll do the editing to the story in January. That way I'll have a month in between to let it ferment then I can tear into it.

This last year has been great as far as having works published. Recieved my first contract on a full length novel, finished up with a couple of short stories, just waiting to hear about them and I submitted another full length to a publisher. I'm going to be positive about that one. I just know they will want more it and request a full.

Okay, I'm off to clear off my desk and hopefully get a little more words in before I leave to go home!

Halloween Ball Chat!

It's Samhain!!! Yay! I LOVE Halloween. It's one of my favorite of all time holidays.

Today is my chat at the Halloween Ball over at The Wild Rose Press . It's an all day affair so come on out and visit with everyone!! My chat time is at 2:30 to 2:50 Central time! I'm nervous but I know it'll be great!

I'm asking a question about my upcoming book. The answer is here on this page. Whoever gets it right will receive a $5.00 gift certificate from The Wild Rose Press!!

Also if you have time, check out my short story, The Witch Within. It's perfect for this time of year!

Happy Trick or Treating!

To Submit a Book: Blessing Or Curse

Seems like every time I submit a book to a prospective publisher, I go through a series of reactions. First, I research who I want to submit to, and then I polish my proposal. Next comes the sending. My finger hoovers over the send button or my hand clenches the envelope tighter as it rests on the mail slot. Why? Is it that hard for me to let go of this story? Am I so terrified of possible rejection? I'm not really sure, I guess you could say it's a combination of many factors.

I sweat. My stomach tightens and nausea burns deep in my belly. My hands tremble and I can't think straight. Each breath is a burden to my body. Am I doing the right thing to send this off? How will I react if I receive the dreaded rejection? I can imagine the joy I'll feel if the story is accepted, but a rejection, what will I do?

It's the thought that someone is going read what is deep in my heart then possibly decide it's not what they want. More questions work their way into my mind. Will they think I am a total idiot or a complete loser for sending this trash to them? They'll remember me as the one author they don't want anything else from. Nope, not her. Never again. Then I remember the stories I've sent that have since gone on to publication. My editors with each one have praised my writing and want anything I write. This one factor keeps me going.

Do I have an answer for why I feel this way? Looking far in the past, I have to say my confidence with my writing has always suffered. People close to me have never really read a lot and had a hard time believing in me and my ability. Because of this, I have severe doubts about my talent.

It's taken me years to work through these doubts. So do I send this book in or do I give up? No, I will not give up. I've worked too hard to fulfill my dream. It's taken me a long time to build my confidence enough to seek publication and I won't let my self doubts stop me.

In that second, strength rises in my heart and I press the send button or release the envelope. The package is sent. The deed done and I can not take it back. Does it make me feel better? Not really, the physical reactions are still there but with each submission, I become a little stronger and my confidence increases a bit more.

Does anyone else struggle with submitting works? What kinds of reactions do you have and how do you work through them?