My Three-book Deal!

It’s been an interesting couple of weeks. A mixture of excitement and anxiousness rolled into one. A few weeks ago I did a couple of blogs, one was entitled: “12 Wishes,” and the other, “Are You Living Your Dreams.” In one of the posts, I stated that I would love to be in an anthology, centered between a couple of my favorite authors – Beverly Jenkins and Brenda Jackson. Though that hasn’t happened…yet, I believe anything is possible!

I also mentioned that I desired to receive a three-book deal. Technically, that hasn’t happened either, but I can hear as clear as day an author friend of mine saying, “Girl, you need to make your own three-book deal!” So, that’s what I’m going to do!

Thanks to some special friends (Chicki Brown, Delaney Diamond, and Alicia McCalla), who have already e-published and have been encouraging me to go that route, I’ve decided to go for it! Though they have been very instrumental in my decision, I can’t forget my wonderful, supportive husband, my amazing critique partners, and one of my dearest sister-friends (all the way in Chicago) for their amazing support! They have read my work and have been waiting a long time for me to quit playing around and get these novels published!

I’m happy to say that I have three romance novels coming out this year! One is a sweet romance, and the other two are romantic suspense. They will first be published as e-books, but will also be available in paperback – a few months after their original release date. I won’t go into great detail about them now, but visit my website for a blurb about each story – www.sharoncooper.net. Also, if you’ve subscribe to this blog, you’ll receive first hand information on some of the steps I’m taking to get published; the highs and lows of the process; and the release dates.

So, stay tuned as I take you on this wonderful journey with me!

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Romantic Date Ideas

I’m a sucker for romance, and love coming up with ideas to show My Valentine how much he’s loved. Some of my favorite date ideas include:

Carpet Picnic – I’m not necessarily an outdoors person (unless it involves an ocean), but I love picnics – especially carpet picnics. Note: Though this idea can be used with your significant other, it can also be used with your children, or even some of your girlfriends. But let’s just focus on your significant other for now.

Potential items to include (food or otherwise)

• A blanket
• Beach chairs (the ones that are low to the ground)
• Your favorite foods – Pizza, Hawaiian Belly Buster Burgers (one of my favorites),  wings, Chinese food, crab legs, fish nachos (the list is endless…and you can do a theme carpet picnic if you’d like)
• Fun desserts – Chocolate covered strawberries, smores, strawberry shortcake (in a glass), Garrett’s popcorn, potato chips, etc.
• A fireplace (makes the room very cozy…and can be helpful w/ the smores)
• Candles – always a wonderful addition in setting a certain type of mood
• A bottle of wine (non-alcoholic if you’re not a drinker)
• Rent a movie or play a romantic board game
• Chocolate sauce – I’m sure no explanation is needed J

Weekend Getaway – I think one of my favorite weekend Getaways was a wedding gift from some friends. It was a bed and breakfast at Lazy Cloud Lodge (absolutely WONDERFUL) http://www.lazycloud.com/bed-breakfast/preview-of-all-rooms.html  But note – a night’s stay at a nice hotel can serve the same purpose…although, depending on the hotel, you might have to create the atmosphere you’re going for.

Watch a Sunset (or a sunrise) – Some of my favorite dates were dinner on the beach, watching a sunset (San Diego, L.A, Jamaica etc.)  But I have also seen some amazing sunrises (Cancun, Milwaukee, Chicago, etc).

Dance or Cooking Classes – Some might not find taking a class with your significant other romantic, but trust me – it can be. (Especially if the dance class is a Salsa or Stepping class – two sexy dances). Cooking classes are fun – you learn something…and you can feed each other.

A Romantic Dinner for Two – This can be at your favorite restaurant or even at home.  Though eating out is great (someone else does the cooking), creating a romantic dinner for two at home can be just as wonderful – especially if you prepare the dinner together (don’t forget the candles)

Now, if you had to plan a romantic date, what would it look like?

Rejected

As I work on a synopsis for one of my manuscripts, I can’t help but think about a rejection email I received a couple of weeks ago for another story. Of course when a writer submits a query, synopsis, or the first few chapters of a manuscript there is always a chance for rejection.

And yes, a rejection letter is often disappointing, but not the end of the world. Besides, how often do new writers get an opportunity to submit directly to an editor – an editor who normally only works directly with agents?

Yep, the more I think about it, I’m proud of myself (despite the outcome). I’m glad I submitted because it could’ve gone either way- I could’ve received that three book deal I’m waiting for. 🙂 I’m definitely pleased that the editor who rejected my manuscript had some nice things to say, but unfortunately she didn’t “fall head over heels in love” with the story. But no worries, I’m encouraged by her positive comments, and I’m confident in knowing – I will achieve publication success … soon!