Welcome another of Lovely Laura’s authors, BETH KERY! *applause*
Destination Where?
By Beth Kery
How I ever ended up writing romance novels is beyond me. Even though I didn’t plot out my author career with the same single-mindedness that I did for the “day job” it’s been an amazing place to end up. It’s been a humbling experience, discovering that I was rubbing elbows with “real” authors, meaning people who not only had been published, but knew the industry like the back of their hand and in many cases had trained to become a writer. My learning curve has gone off the chart in the past year but I’m still embarrassingly clueless half the time.
I read all genres of books but decided that I would attempt to write romance novels. My reasoning was that I thought I could. Whether I was correct or not might be debatable in some corners, but the fact remains that I have written eighteen novels or novellas at this point. Most of them have been published or are going to be published at Ellora’s Cave, but I also have contracts at Samhain, Changeling Press, and Whiskey Creek Press.
Marissa asked me to blog here today because I am officially a member of the Bradford Bunch. Hurray! I joined Laura’s agency in mid-October, 2007. I’d submitted an erotic romance called OUT OF THE ASHES to her. I’d heard wonderful things about Laura, so I was thrilled that she wanted to represent it.
I was—and still am—a bit confused by the New York market for erotic romance, so for OOTA I wrote something that I’d want to read: a passionate, intense love story, tons of steamy sex and a believable conflict that pulls at the heartstrings of the reader. I know that goes against the general strain of advice for getting published. You’re supposed to write what people are buying not whatever you, the author, want to read. But since I was so confused about the market, I just wrote what I enjoyed and prayed for the best.
After I’d signed the agency contract I hunkered down in preparation for another interminable wait while Laura pitched it and editors placed it in their stacks. When she called me a few weeks later and said that an offer had been made on OOTA I was practically struck dumb I was so stunned.
I’m still in shock I think.
I’m happy to say that OUT OF THE ASHES is going to Berkley in a two book deal.
So that’s my first story as part of the Bradford Bunch. Thanks for letting me tell it Marissa. I realize that the experience was the equivalent of waiting for someone in a casino and throwing in a quarter only to win the jackpot. In a profession where waiting is a fact of life, it was incredible to get a sale so quickly. Even though I admitted to being clueless, however, I know that quick sale was a rare, beautiful thing.
At least I’ll have the experience to sustain me in future unbearable publishing world uncertainties and dreadful waits.
Beth Kery
www.bethkery.com
November 16th, 2007 at 9:19 am
Oh, this is an awesome site Marissa! Thanks for having me.
Beth Kery
http://www.bethkery.com
November 16th, 2007 at 9:50 am
Congratulations, Beth!
Laura was telling me that you’re her latest hot property. I don’t know whether the pun was intentional.
November 16th, 2007 at 9:51 am
Great blog Beth. It’s nice to see something nice to someone who deserves it! Love your writing.
November 16th, 2007 at 10:12 am
That’s funny, Ann. Guess I should enjoy my hot time while it lasts, if it’s not already over:)
November 16th, 2007 at 10:13 am
Thanks Robin! That means a lot.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:16 am
Congrats Beth from another associate member of the The Bradford Bunch! So glad to hear your sale was quick. Can’t wait to read the book.
November 16th, 2007 at 11:49 am
Hi fellow associate member Marie. Thanks for the warm wishes.
November 16th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Congrats Beth!
((HUGS))
November 16th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
Many thanks, Danette!
November 16th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Congratulations Beth!
November 16th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Congrats Beth!
I enjoyed your blog entry..what a cool story!
November 16th, 2007 at 3:27 pm
how exciting…congratulations!
November 16th, 2007 at 3:44 pm
You know it IS a cool story, Angie-la! I feel exceptionally lucky. Although I received an e-mail from Laura about a week after the offer was accepted and it started like this: “Berkely has done a 180 on their decision…” (Having heart attack at this point, cuz you KNOW what I was thinking) …”to put OOTA in the Heat line and are going to do Sensation.” (Heart started beating again.) Haha.
November 16th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
Hi Clara! Thanks for the warm wishes.
November 16th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
Hey there Estella. Many thanks!
November 16th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
Beth,
My first chance to chime in here and say welcome, welcome!!! And mega good congratulations on the quick sale. YOU GO GIRL. I think writing that book the way you wanted to and making it something you wanted to read was an extremely smart thing to do. Keep on keeping on in that direction. It’s sure to send great things your way!
Denise A. Agnew
November 16th, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Hey, Denise! To be honest with you, I would have written anything that I thought would sell–I’ve got no high morals in regard to that–but I never could figure what that was!
Thanks for the warm wishes, Denise!
November 16th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
WOOOOOT Beth! You SO go, girl!
November 16th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
*grin*
Thanks a bunch, Kate!
November 17th, 2007 at 3:39 pm
Hi Beth,
A little late to the discussion, but I imagine you’re still celebrating so *tossing confetti* CONGRATS!!!! That’s wonderful.