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Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Stubborn or Determined? Which is it?

Hello! I’m one of the newest member authors of Romance Books 4 Us and you’ll get to know me each month on ninth as I blog about things happening in my world, writing and otherwise. I’m so excited to be a part of this wonderful group and hope you will enjoy getting to know me.




Stubborn or determined…both are two sides of the same coin. People who are stubborn can also be determined and sometimes to be determined you have to be stubborn, especially in the writing business. Many famous authors received rejections before ever getting published. Even today, having your books recognized is a marathon.


My stories have been around the block a time or two. That’s the hard part with small publishing houses. I love the family atmosphere but sometimes they don’t last. Just recently I received the rights back for three books. One of the books was my first book that I got a contract on and sale  on. It was a sad moment for me. I received the rights back because the publisher is going in a different direction with their submissions and my books don’t fit with them anymore. If this had been my first experience with this, I’d have been heartbroken.

Another book was with two different publishing houses that went under. Both times the publishing house closed their doors and I received my rights back. Stubborn…determined…I kept submitting the story elsewhere and it’s found a wonderful home, where it's become a series.

But what to do this time? Three books are a lot. So I’ve decided to give self-publishing a try. I have contracted for new covers and am working with an editor to make the stories better. After all, I’d like to think I’ve learned a thing or two since receiving that first contract! And I’m determined (or is that stubborn?) to bring these wonderful stories back to my readers.

So which are you...stubborn? determined? or something else??


15 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Melissa,

Congratulations on becoming a new member author! I can't imagine a more deserving person for the position.

I'm sure you will love being an indie author, and there are so many of us available to help with advice, experience, etc.

Paris said...

Melissa,

Welcome! It's great to have you as a new member author! Personally, I think being stubborn and determined are wonderful traits. I'm looking forward to hearing about your adventure in indie publishing!

Tina Donahue said...

Welcome to RB4U, Melissa!! And much luck with your writing. :)

Rose Anderson said...

Welcome aboard Melissa! I have moments when I'm both stubborn and determined. My husband says I'm neither cat nor dog. :)

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Congratulatiions on indie, Melissa! A new life adventure for you. I recently received rights back too and in this case, was happy to get them. Maybe next year... And don't forget--you can blog on the PP anytime too. hugs

Melissa Keir said...

Thanks Gemma! I've done my own formatting before with the publishing house... so no worries there, just worried about getting everything done with the full time job!

Thanks Paris... I felt they have helped me in many ways, even though I'm not sure hubby would agree!

Thanks Tina! You're a doll!

Thanks Rose! I like your husband's sense of humor!

Thank you Vicki. I'm sure I'll take you up on that offer! :)

Cara Marsi said...

Melissa, welcome! Congratulations on becoming a new Member Author. What a great first blog. I'm both stubborn and determined at times. Early on, I read this: "Writers who give up never publish." That's been my mantra through all the years of writing and rejections. I've gotten the rights back on four books. Three I've indie published and the fourth is with an editor. I love indie publishing and I doubt I'll submit to a publishing house again. I've got a great formatter and a great cover artist, and a great editor. Best of luck to you in your indie endeavor.

Melissa Keir said...

Thank you Cara. There is something that I love about being in control... would that be the stubborn or the determined? lol...

Honestly, I think that having the people who surround you being the best, is what makes you always aim higher. I can't ask for a better group than this!

Jill Hughey said...

I think to keep writing and putting your work out there you have to be stubborn AND determined. I wouldn't say those are traits I have in general, but I sure do as an author!

Melissa Keir said...

Thanks Jill. I do agree that it takes both to be an author. I like the idea of how we can't give up.

Sandy said...

Melissa, I've had a publisher go under, too. I'm, also, determined/stubborn, so we have a lot in common. lol

I'm so glad to have you as an author member because I know you're a workaholic. lol That's where we lose our commonality. I have a husband who won't allow me to work all the time.

I wish you the very best of luck in indie publishing. I wouldn't mind trying it, but life is getting too short, and I need to enjoy some of it. Grin!

Molly Daniels said...

Welcome Melissa:)

When it comes to my personal life, I can be stubborn, usually about the wrong things, lol! But I'm determined to give it everything I've got, until all efforts are exhausted, and getting out is the only option left.

In my writing life, determination to be published led me first to self-pubbing, then sending my work off to many publishers and ultimately found a home with two publishers. Consequently, I can probably paper my bathroom in rejection notices, lol:) But I also remember, quitters never win.

Melissa Keir said...

Thanks Sandy. I'm not sure that I'm doing all that I should be doing. I'm still learning about promotion and juggling my schedule. :)

Thanks Molly. I love the comment about quitters never win. That's so true. We can't give up. The best things are still to come!

Suzanne Rock said...

Congrats on becoming a new member author! :)

Indie publishing is kind of overwhelming when you first start out. There is so much to learn. But, this is where your stubbornness and determination will pay off. It's so worth it. I love how it makes me feel like I have more control over my writing career. If you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to email me privately. I have a lot of experience with Indy.

Good luck with your writing! Wishing you many sales!

Melissa Keir said...

Thanks Suzanne. I appreciate the offer. I've been doing so many of the independent things as co-owner of Inkspell Publishing. Already have my covers being designed and stories back in edits. :)

Thank you for the support! I think that is what I love the most about publishing!

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