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Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Turning the Page

by Joanne Rock

My September release!
I started a new book this week and it’s one of the most creatively exciting times for a writer.  It’s always, always something to be jazzed about, and even fifteen years after my first sale, I do not take it for granted that I’m fortunate to write books that already have a home on a publisher’s list, books that readers will be looking for.

There was a time, of course, when that was not the case. And while writing a new book as a pre-published author is exciting, it’s also nerve-wracking wondering “will this be The One? My first sale book?” I can remember so well how much I angsted over each new story set-up, hoping this time I would iron out the problems with the previous story and write a great “can’t put it down” story.

It’s so much harder than it looks. Or at least, I underestimated how difficult it would be when I sat down to write the first story. Good authors make a story unfold so seamlessly. It sounds like they lived the story themselves, gaining access to interesting characters’ minds to retell the tale of how they fell in love against all odds. There is a smooth pace, engaging dialogue and tense moments where you wonder if all is lost. But then, through personal growth and sacrifice, there is a moment of hope. Love triumphs. Often, there are tears and smiles all around.

Today's giveaway
But it’s not easy! And it truly never *becomes* easy. Even after writing seventy-plus romances for Harlequin and a handful for Tule and some Young Adult books, I am positive that writing a book will never happen as fluidly as I once naively imagined it might. Sometimes, a story happens with a bit less gnashing of teeth, but there are always days where I feel like I’ve gone astray with the storytelling and I’ll need to go back and rewrite.

So it’s almost a surprise that—even knowing how many obstacles lie ahead for both myself and my characters—I still get so excited and fluttery-nervous over typing the simple words “Chapter One” at the top of a new page. There is still magic in the process. Still an incredible alchemy that a small idea can snowball into a story that turns complex, difficult, and ultimately satisfying.

I know the process will be hard. But I’m confident at the end, there will be tears and smiles all around.

**

Celebrate my 71st release from Harlequin with me! Pick up Whispers Under a Southern Sky, plus win today's giveaway of Seducing the Matchmaker, a 3-in1 with stories from me, Meg Maguire and Lori Borrill, plus some cute notepads to help you get organized. To enter, just post a note below and let me know what you're reading this month. I just finished A Place We Knew Well by Susan McCarthy and now I'm hoping the postman brings Jill Shalvis' The Trouble With Mistletoe so I can dig into her latest!

19 comments:

Moosehog83 said...

Thanks for having one of my favorites ever here.. I love Joanne!! Love her writing and her personality and well everything... right now I am reading... Roping the Virgin by Alexa Riley... another great writer who i love to read but to be honest not as much as joanne who is one of my top 5 favorite authors

Unknown said...

I'm struggling to read at the moment due to severe anxiety and depression. Your book sounds delightful

dstoutholcomb said...

Congratulations on your latest release! You rock, literally! ;)

denise

traveler said...

Wonderful post. Reading gives me pleasure and makes life easier. I am reading June by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore.

petite said...

A captivating novel, The time in Between by Maria Duenas. Helps me heal.

Laney4 said...

Just read Scarlet Wilson's One Kiss in Tokyo. It was so well described that I felt like I was in Tokyo too! Had great twists and turns with all of the characters that kept me turning the pages quickly. Highly recommend this sweet romance!

Mary Preston said...

71 is amazing.

I'm still on my big re-read kick. Right now I am on S&S by Jane Austen. (I always feel like she needed a good editor with this one, but still a great read.)

Natali said...

Reading Larissa Ione Pleasure Unbound. Thanks for the chance!

Irma said...

You are going to nail it - like always :)
I'm currently reading a sports romance: The Goal by Elle Kennedy.

Thank you for this wonderful chance to win <3

Joanne Rock said...

Diana Tidlund, you get a big hug from me!!! <3 <3 <3 Thank you, my friend.

Joanne Rock said...

Manda, I'm so sorry to hear that :-(. I hope you find some good answers for taking control of those things. I know it's a hard journey. So glad you stopped by the blog xo.

Joanne Rock said...

So curious about that Maria Duenas book, petite. I hadn't heard of it and the reviews are so stellar. I am adding it to my list of possibilities for my next bookclub!

Unknown said...

I reading a book that hasnt come out yet that i halped co write,.n i love reading everything

Unknown said...

I reading a book that hasnt come out yet that i halped co write,.n i love reading everything

Kerri Fowler said...

I just finished When I Wake by Rachel Vincent this morning ☺ Thanks for the chance to win!

teresa fordice said...

Her Halloween Treat by Tiffany Reisz and Rescuing the Cowboy by Cathy McDavid

Charlotte Litton said...

I'm reading an ARC ecopy of The Earl by Katharine Ashe.

Joanne Rock said...

I just started reading Jill Shalvis' The Trouble with Mistletoe... so good! I highly recommend this one, along with every Jill Shalvis book ever ;-)

Thank you, my friends, for sharing with me what you're reading! I've got a winner name for you... Kerri Fowler, congratulations!! I'm going to message you privately, but all you need to do is email me with a mailing address at jrock008@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I am reading The Shack by Mitch Albom and it is wonderful!