The beginning of January is a time for fresh beginnings and resolutions, but as we draw close to the end of the month, I was curious how your resolutions are doing. Are you still determined? Still going strong? Maybe your resolution wasn't totally realistic, and you had to modify it a bit, but I hope you haven't give up. If it's really important to you, keep going. If you've lost some ground, you can still move forward. It's a new day.
I believe in second chances. I'm on my second marriage (going strong after 22 years, yay!) And I'm on my second writing career. The first time around, I was a historical romance writer. I'd only been writing two years when I was offered my first contract, so I thought everything was buzzing along swimmingly. But then, my editor quit. She was the only romance editor in this multi-genre publishing house, and I was the only historical romance author. With my editor gone, none of the other editors (all guys) wanted to touch a manuscript titled Insatiable and Saucy. They didn't want any more books from me. My agent broke off with me. After two years, the contracted book limped into bookstores with a new title For Love or Country. A bittersweet debut, for I was thrilled to see my book on the shelves, but devastated that my career was already over.
For two more years, I tried to acquire a new agent and sell another historical romance. I racked up more rejections as a published author than I had as an unpublished one. I found a wonderful agent who really believes in me, but even she couldn't sell an American-set historical when the publishers want them set in the British Isles. And that is when I realized I had to reinvent myself. A new beginning. A new subgenre. I wrote the first three chapters of How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire, sent it to my agent, and within a week, we had three offers.
Why am I telling you this? Because we all have periods in our life where we're wandering through the desert, and the land of milk and honey doesn't seem possible. I know it's hard. But I also learned the hard way that you have to believe in yourself! If you find your dream isn't totally realistic, you can modify it. I did, and I'm having a great time now as a paranormal romance writer. In fact, I now feel that I'm doing exactly what I was meant to do. To celebrate new beginnings, I'm giving away a signed copy of How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire, the book that began my second writing career. Just leave a comment. Tell me what you hope to accomplish this year. Here's to second chances! Or third or fourth.... because you're worth it!
84 comments:
Awesome post Kerrelyn!
I just want to say I am LOVING this series. I stumbled across "The Vampire and the Virgin" book a couple months ago, and became determined to start reading the whole series. I have been completely enthralled ever since!
Thank goodness for your second chance as an author...between busy days of work and kids' schedules it's nice to take a break into the world of your characters!
~Nicole from MN
I hope to accomplish some organization in my life this year. I'm not as organized as I could be so I'm going to try harder this year to recycle more, not let my junk mail stack up and quit saving clothes I'll never fit into again.
seriousreader at live dot com
I've been dumped after 7 years by my boyfriend, so i really have to believe in second chances.
So, this year I hope to graduate as soon as possible and focus more on my future career. I'll try not to be the shy person I've always been and I'll start doing things instead of simply thinking about them.
I'll try not to have regrets and not to think too much about what I lost.
And I'll read more books...and re-read yours ;)
Oh, and I'll hope to win the signed copy, too!
Oh wow! This is amazing! I am hoping to finish school this year and spend more time with my kids. I am also hoping to finish my book. I started a couple of months ago and it has taken a bit of a stand still so I am hoping to finish that as well!!
kristen_babygurl@hotmail.com
I really like your post, sometimes we all need a new beginning or a second chance.
It's very difficult to be the best to something the first time you try.
One of the things I would like to accomplish this year is to try and be more open to the possibilities that comes my way.
I'm not good a trying new things.
forceofstars(at)yahoo(dot)dk
I try not to make resolutions, but I've been kind of depressed the last year or two, so this year I'm going to try really hard to shake all that off. Hopefully I'll succeed. I just have to keep reminding myself that I really do have a great life.
jen at delux dot com
I didn't make any resolutions but I do have goals I'm working on and am not doing to bad.
I am glad you went with this subgenre...I look forward to the next book. They are funny and very enjoyable! keep on writing and I will keep on buying and reading!!!
I did not make any resolutions this year, but I do want to go back to school and get my degree in ultra sound tech!
I'm kinda stuck at the moment...
wondering if I should change careers or revamp the one I've had for 25 years??????
Thank you for your story Kerrelyn, It's nice to know about the author your reading and it makes the books that much more personable!
I absolutly love your series and can't wait for Connors story out on my birthday! Whay an awesome gift!
Thank You Kerrelyn!
I Kerrelyn Sparks books!!!!!!
This year I'm starting a new relationship. I've failed miserably at all my previous ones, but this one started out with someone that was a friend first, so I have high hopes for it!
I'm glad you went with this genre, since it's my favorite!! Thanks for the contest. :)
This year I want to be able to stand up for what i believe in without cowaring behind answers that will just drop conversations. I am hoping to become a stronger woman and mother while my husband is away in Afghanistan. I will miss him terribly and it will be a tough year, but I plan on taking college courses so that I know what ever happens I will be able to provide. I want to learn to trust people again and not be so mean to the ones that used to be close to me. I want this year to be the best year and have my husband come home safe and sound.
Oh man, where do I begin?
1. Manage money better, damn bills
2. Fine-tune my blog
3. Do more with my kids, we do stuff all the time, but a little more doesn't hurt. ;)
This are probably my top 3
This year I hope to make my "writing mark." Watch out, world! =)
I loved your post, Kerrelyn!
Everyone at some point in their lives is going to have a difficult go of it. Case in point..While working in a store this weekend (he's store mngr) a couple of men decided to steal. He was stabbed. (He is doing ok.). I myself, have been unemployed for a year. But, I remind myself, someone always has it worse than We do. I cope by reading. Its mu addiction of choice. Authors really do help you escape.
Jayne (jayne516@gmail.com)
I have read alot of these books so far,and im loving them
I am trying to be a healthier me. I have not given up.
I want to be able to run a 5k in the fall. I hate to run, but it's a goal that I've set for myself.
One of my favorite series, can't wait for more
I LOVE this series. It is great. Everyone of these books are awesome. Keep up the good work!
Great blog Kerrelyn, my goal this year is that this one is a little better than the last. Here's to hoping everyones year is full of little blessings. Thanks for the giveaway.
claddagh64@yahoo.com
I just wanted to say I would have bought your historical but I also see where choices are very limited sometimes. I think your covers are great and I look forward to reading your new voice.
I guess I hope to accomplish a happy medium with my clutter - I happen to be the kind of person who gets attached to everything and enjoy my "clutter" but unfortunately no one else does so I too am going to have to change with my limited choices.
Wonderful post!!!!!
As for me and my New Year....Lets just say I'm keeping the roman god Janus very busy this year....!!!!
I begin the resolution and it ends really soon...lol
but like you i go for seconds....and try again....So maybe I'll get my craft room done this year!!!!
I hope to be a better mom, clean the house more, and read more books! Thanks for sharing and I love your books I'm glad you found your second chance! I will read anything you write!
evjochum[AT]aol[DOT]com
My resolution is to read over 75 books this year, all of them PR.
I've been gunning for a promotion at work! Crossing my fingers that 2011 will be the year!
Thank you!
mleger0546 AT rogers DOT com
My resolution this year is to get back to exercising. I use to walk everyday for 40 mins. and do strength training for 30 mins 3 times a week. But recently, I stopped. Too many reasons to list why I stopped. Actually, they are just excuses. So I am back on track, I just bought a used treadmill and I have been walking for 30 mins 5 days a week. I love the series!
This year I quit smoking. LOVE your books!
What an awesome post Kerrelyn, that is one of the reasons I love you and your books! My New Year's Resolution was to make it to places on time. I have been keeping it up pretty good but my kids on the other hand not so much:)
I can't wait for Vampire Mine and sexy Connor!!!!
Holly Hill
Lewisville, TX
My goal is to finish at least two more novels (paranormal romances) and have a publisher/agent want them! I would love a copy of your second first try! Nice reference to Galaxy Quest, too. :)
Siobhan
Las Vegas, NV
Hi Kerrelyn, I have been waiting for years for Connor story!!!I can't wait to read it!!
Deborah Allen
Laurel, Maryland
Great post. Can't wait to read the book. I love the series! Thank you for keeping my imagination going with your great stories!!!
Kerry,
You've have been one of my favorite writers for a very long time and your one of my biggest supporters when it comes to helping me with the auction at Halloween in NOLA.
I hate that you had to go through all those rejections and low period in your life. However, if you didn't you would not have the hit series that you do now. So thank God for small favors in this case.
Your Vamps are some of the sexiest and disfunctional sometimes, lol. Poor doctor love. His mojo back fires on him sometime.lol
Im so happy for the success that has come to you because of the failures in the beginning. My goal this year was to accept myself for who I am.
I've always let people tell me I need to lose weight and be a size that is just not realistic at 48yrs old. I'm tall and I said screw it. I look good and I'm beautiful and yes I could lose a few pounds. But I'm not overly heavy and I look good when I'm dressed.
Especially when you have younger men looking at you and flirting. My goal is to eat healthier and feel better about myself. I have so far stuck to this and feel great.
Teresa
Robbins, NC
I really hope to be a better parent, I'd like to be able to talk to my kids more and get them to do their chores without the nagging and almost constant battle of wills!!!!
Happier Mum = happier kids and vise versa:)
cbcowley@gmail.com
As a reader, I'm happy that you reinvented yourself and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This year I'm starting to write my first novel. Although so much of what I originally intended is changing and I'm doing much more research than actual writing. I'm hoping to accomplish a coherent thought by the end of this year.
Love your books and impatiently waiting for Connor, the stud of my dreams. :)
I can't wait to read Conner's story. I have been waiting for his story forever. Kerrelyn I love all of your books. Keep o up the good work
So glad you didn't give up! Love your books and would have lost so much if they hadn't been written!
Awesome story, great inspiration for sure! I am glad you kept trying even if it meant reinventing yourself. Love at Stake series are books I always pick up.
I love this post! Thanks for the encouragement. Love hearing about stories like this! Let's see, what do I want to accomplish this year? Hmmmm....I've got an agent, so I hope to land a contract. That'd be pretty fun. If not, then I'll just keep writing. That's the super fun part, creating all these unique characters and getting lost in their worlds.
Thanks for the post. It made me smile today. :)
Lynn Rush
lynnrush@cox.net
My new years resolution is to finally find someone who will love me back and will understand and love me for me.
My New Years resolution is too spend more time with my Daughter, workout more and read as many books as I can!!
Love your books and can't wait for Conner's story!! Your the Best!!!
I definitely feel like I'm wandering through that proverbial desert. I have for a while now. I learned not to make New Year resolutions because when I break them, it seems way worse than if I break a normal goal that I'd made. Right now, the only thing that helps my spirits get by is books. Since I'm only employed part time, I can't afford to buy any, so the library is my friend. My goal (not resolution) this year is to find a full time job that I at least somewhat enjoy, so I can buy myself books regularly. It's simple and maybe a little silly, but I love books. Books are to me what shoes and purses are to most women. Lol
My new years resolution is to get into College and so far I'm succeding. I can't wait for Vampire Mine! GO CONNER!
I am so amazed at your imagination always wished I could be a writer but every attempt left me just at a los for a original story line. I love reading your books I was hospitalized the end of
December through the first week of January. My husband bought me a book to pass my days, Eat Prey Love not really looking at the word Prey thinking is was about the movie Eat Pray Love. the best mistake he has ever made.I have gone to the beginning and only lack the last 2 or 3 books cant wait to get them and then the new one due out later. Keep up the great work.
I don't really have a goal for 2011 but I would like to get my bills paid off. I love How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire. I love Shanna and Roman and I always reread the books before the new one book comes out and I love reread Roman and Shanna's love story.
Thank you all for leaving such wonderful and interesting comments. Wishing you all the best of luck in achieving your goals!
I was chatting with my dear friend on facebook one afternoon complaing how I feel like I have read every vampire book out there. She suggested I try out your books. I went and got "Be Still My Vampire Heat". Now I am hooked and can't wait to finish it. Loving the Scottish accent!! Now you have one more huge fan!!!
Kerrelyn,
Your story inspires me. I'm trying to finish a novella and a novel this year.
Fighting with my disability among other things for the past three months or so, still, I'm limping along getting words on the page here and there. I'm a slow writer. One of my goals this year is to write faster.
Thank goodness for each day giving us another chance to fulfill a dream, to push forward.
I loved your historical, For Love and Country but this world you've created for the Love at Stake series is awesome. Each time I pick up one of the books I feel like I'm going to visit with friends.
Thank you for everything!
Hugs,
Tambra
I LOVE this series!!!!! <3
Last year was the hardest one I've had to endure. I lost 6 people in my life, including my Grandma who was everything to me. After that I crawled into a deep dark place and just went through the motions of being "human". This year is all about new beginnings for me. I am starting a new career, re-decorating my bedroom, and I have a fresh outlook on life. Hard days will always be there, but something clicked in my head that said time to move on and start working on that whole happy ending! It's not all up to fate, we have to do some of the work ourselves. That's what I'm teaching myself. So here's to a wonderful 2011!
What a great post! Thank heavens your agent is smart and savvy enough to spot a good thing when she reads it!
I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, but I'd like to be less cynical about things than I have been. I'd love to meet somebody new, but after a 10-year marriage that eventually failed, I have a hard time trusting other people, and trusting my judgment.
OK, that's my resolution: to invent a quick, easy, inexpensive way to discover if someone is really all they're chalked up to be, or if they're really dirtbags in disguise! Now if only I can get funding for my research...
This is exactly what I needed to read today. I've been trying to find an agent for the last couple of months and received a couple of favorable responses but in the end I have been getting it just isn't for us. Keep looking it's good you'll find someone. BLAHHHH. To know that someone who's writing is so obviously awesome struggled too is reaffirming.
I just want to say I am LOVING this series.I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, but I'd like eat healthy for the life. Not to lose weight or anything. I just want to make better choices in that department. To much junk food makes me sluggish. I would like to be more active also.
Great post I love your books Kerrelyn
Everyday chances....My bucket list... I plan to be a help to all those that I surround myself with. Those that I work with, I will do all I can to help with big and small jobs. My neighbors that I don't know, get ready to meet me and know me. Family and friends, I can and will be a help with anything they need. I have always done my best, now I am branching out to touch and help those all around me. I started it 3 months before Christmas and it's worked out great so far! It has actually been a very fullfilling feeling.
I made each of my cousin's (16) a quilt for Christmas and I got to check it off of my bucket list. It feels great!
i can't believe its 62 days to Vampire Mine and i can finaly read Connors story that i have waited forever for. I need that day off. the next book will be great as well i can't wait to read geogioes story
I've definitely accomplished more than I thought I would this early in the year. I've given my heart to someone completely and its very hard. The last person to own my heart passed away three years ago and I never thought I would recover. But it happened. A new guy has my heart and I know for sure he's not going to hurt me.
I love your series, Kerrelyn. After my boyfriend passed your books kept me going and even gave me hope to find love again and now that its happened again I feel I should say thank you. I can't wait for Connor's book. His my favorite hero out of the series. Woo!
Hey Kerrelyn! I fell in love with your series last year after finding book #8 The Vampire and the Virgin. Then decided I HAD to read the rest!! I love them sooo much and cannot wait to read about Connor and Gregori!
Second chances in life are so rare and it was amazing that you were able to grab ahold and run with yours. I am still in college and am on my way but there are many things i still wish to accomplish! I hope to have surgery correcting my spine and recover quickly. I hope to excel at my studies. And I truely hope to be given a second chance to make things work between my best(guy)friend and myself!
I want to thank you again Kerrelyn! You have been such a caring author! I love that you signed my book when I sent it to you! Getting #1 signed would be sooo wonderful!
I'm hoping that I can write not one, but TWO novels this year! (I wrote one last year. It was hard!) And while I would like to maybe get that first one published, I'll focus on writing/finding an agent this year (publishing - 2012!)
Hi,
First I wanted to thank you and commend you for not giving up for I love your books..
My resolution or goal for this year is to keep all the little goals I have set for myself..I figured if I have 20 little goals more likely I'll keep some of them..And little goals are less pressure..
Good Luck to All..
:)
baby_blackroze@yahoo.com
AMAZING POST!!!!! I love the Love at Stake series. The titles are so witty. Connor is my fav, second to Carlos or course, and Ian, oh Ian. :) wait. I LOVE THEM ALL.
This year I'm hoping to just enhance being a mom :) i love my kids and get too lost in work. Keeping up the new book review blog with my cohort Amy, and hopefully, losing some weight.
-jenn
I hope to finish my current WIP and start a new one this year.
lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi everyone!!! Boy do I know about second chances and so on..This last year has been really hard on me. The year before that I was ill and ended in the results that I had thyroid cancer at the age of 26 with three boys and a marriage going on 10yrs at the time. Thankfully it was discovered in time and I am close to winning the battle. So that news really gave me a wake up call. I came to understand that their are way more important things in life that need your time and effort and things that really you should not bother with at all. Learn to enjoy and appreciate the finner things life; in the end hope for the best and come to understand that you can only give it your all. But sometimes it is out of your hands but like Kerrelyn said you can try and improvise or modify your goal and hope for the best in the end.
Lots of Love to everyone
Cristy
Kerrelyn I'm so glad that you got inti writting paranormal romances (especially about vampires). Ijust love reading your series and cannot wait for Connor's book "Vampire Mine". Great title for this book seeing as how so many like Connor so much.
Hi Kerrelyn! My goal this year is to be fitter and healthier. Instead of my usual counting of falling off the wagon (or rather treadmill) I am going to focus on feeling good about when I stayed on track. I think I might respond well to a reward system - I get to buy another book when I have been good. That should motivate me!
I love your books and they are so well written that I had no idea of the struggles you had getting published. I think it was meant to be that you found paranormal romance, so perhaps the roadblocks that were placed in your way were ultimately a good thing.
Oh my lord - having an attack of the Pollyannas!
I hope you have many more books to come. You are one of my must buy authors and I already have my calendar marked for Vampire Mine.
I don't know how I will make it until October for Gregori's story. He is such a playboy, in the nicest way, that I can't wait for him to fall.
I'm looking forward to celebrating
our 50th anniversary in April and
seeing my husband in better health.
Those are the nearest to resolu-
tions in my current life!
Pat Cochran
Thank you all for responding! You've turned the tables on me and given me inspiration! Thank you all. Wishing you all the best! Hugs!!!
I want to organize my craft supplies and my books. :)
I hope to accomplish two things this year. The first is to stay out of the hospital for the whole year. I've been inpatient more then 12x since Jan '08 due to major lung issues. The second is to finally set up my crafting room!
i really like your post kerrylyn.. i wish you all the best...
P.S: i'm looking forward for more of your books to come.. good luck
Actually his wife Kim said . . .GREAT series. I am always on the edge of sanity waiting for the next one. And Scott benefits from all the reading, don't you worry about him. ; )
What a great post Kerrelyn! And I'm so glad that you didn't give up on your dream because I love your books.
There is so much I hope to accomplish this year. A lot of stuff around the house and with my kids.
Wishing you a wonderful year!
Hi
Love your books. This year I hope to learn to be more patient not only with my loved ones, but with me too.
Just wondering if I can emter as I live in UK?
Anyway I would like to accomplish 2 things this year.
Firstly a boring one. Pay off half my credit card bill. Then next year it will be to pay off the other half. :)
And secondly the ones I'm most looking forward too, is I've got a list of 109 new books to read. That doesn't include any new ones from the series I've already got. I'm doing well so far, might have to hunt around for more to add as I've just started book 16.
Love your books, Kerrelyn! Can't wait till the next comes out in March!
Jeanne
Dear Kerrelyn,
This year of 2011 will be my and everyone in the this whole world a new begininig. Everyone have new hope for this new year 2011! Of course, everyone have things to accomplish. Realistic or not, who knows?
I know I have mine. I hope to accomplish something for this year.
I'm just a normal girl doing normal thing in this normal life. I have life to go through every single day. And so does you, Kerrelyn.
My hope was to finish off my 1st novel. I never have a gut or dream of writting a novel. But I use to dream of it. I dreamed a world of fantasy, a world with myterious beings. I dreamed of horror, romance and love inside this fantasy world of mine. But I know I can't just dream it. I just got to modify it, just like you've told us too.
Anyone can cook and so anyone can write. We just have to go through it. It might be a failure for the 1st time or more, but as long as I believe, I can do it. Nothing is impossible. A baby was born without any knowledge but only to learn of the knowledge through the grown up proccess. So does writing novel.
I have novel to accomplish for this year 2011. And it is all because of you Kerrelyn. Your style of writting, my true heart and your books give me hope to do what I'm not meant to do. It need a gut to write a novel of my own. I know the standard grade of my writing but still I believe in you Kerrelyn. You inspired me and of course some of your fans out there.
You use to say that you never thought of being a writer but now , you have became a favourite in our heart. You have become our angel in our heart. Everyone love your books. That's why, not only I here have hope to accomplish my hope for year 2011, but of course, I hope that you can accomplish your hope for this year of 2011.
You yourself, your heart, your books and your writting and of course you smile, guide me to write a novel. Thank you Kerrelyn for everything
Christly Tan Ing See
I love your writing!
Emily
This year I hope to lose the weight I put on after my bilateral mastectomy. My husband says he loves me no matter what but I want to lose the weight for myself. So I feel good about myself. I want people to look at him when we are walking together and go "Wow". He is in the Army and leaves to Korea for a year in April. When he comes back I want to be a new woman. I want us to have a second honeymoon after 20 years of marriage.
Thank you for an inspirational post. I'm a registered nurse who is also an upcoming author for Decadent Publishing. I am always learning and welcome positive comments such as yours.
Wishing you continued success,
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