Query that Resulted in a Contract--Linda Tillis and her debut novel

Buy the book HERE on Amazon!

I'm so happy to welcome a good writing friend, and debut author, Linda Tillis as my guest today! Her first book, A Heart Made for Love, was released this week in paperback and e-book. Isn't the cover gorgeous?

Linda, welcome to my blog today! Let's get started with some questions! 

First, since many of my blog readers are aspiring authors, would you share your query letter/email here, and tell us why you think it got a response? What made it successful?

I’m not really sure why the query worked, but I did use the “Query Bible” in the Sunshine State Romance Authors Library!

(Here's Linda's Query):

At ten years of age, Mae Hinton learned to cope with tragedy when her mama died in childbirth. Overnight, she found herself filling her mother’s shoes as caregiver for her two younger brothers and papa. At seventeen years, she was content with her peaceful life in Trenton, Florida, the year 1903.

That peace is destroyed when young Mae is faced with every woman's worst nightmare.

As she heals-physically and mentally-from the attack, she accepts that everything happens for a reason. Mae was blessed with the support of a loving family and friends and believes she has been tasked by her Lord to come to the aid of other women who have faced her nightmare, and of building a place of refuge where victims can heal, learn, and gain independence.

Mae never saw her attackers and has no way of knowing that one of them is very near, watching and waiting.  As she works to help other victims her patience is tested when she meets hypocritical religious folk, misguided do-gooders, and men who have higher regard for their livestock than for their women.

When her attacker surfaces again, and a mistaken identity murder rattles her nerve, will Mae's skill with a gun be her salvation or will vengeance truly belong to the Lord?  The love story of Mae Hinton and Edward Finch addresses the question of how couples deal with differences in their personal beliefs.

At 78,900 words, A Heart Made For Love is a women’s fiction/historical romance and deals with the ultimate test of a young woman’s faith, as well as the dark side of domestic abuse and mistreatment of women in by-gone times. 
A Heart Made For Love is my first completed novel. I have been published in The Florida Wildlife Magazine. I spent twenty years working in Crime Scene Investigation, which supports my knowledge of domestic violence. I am a PRO member of RWA as well as a member of the Sunshine State Romance Authors, Inc. 

Great query, Linda! I can see why you got the editor's attention! Okay, next question: What is THE most important thing writers can do for themselves to get an agent/publisher in today's market?

Write the best book you can, then never give up on it.

If you could have done anything differently with your writing career so far, what would it be?

I would have started sooner. I’ve been a reader all my life and thought, “Someday I’ll try to write one.” But it was not until my husband said, “You should write a book,” that I really believed I could.

Aw!! What a great husband you have!! Okay, who are your writing role models, and how have they influenced you?

I love Amanda Quick and her sharp humor, which is really funny because my first book is anything but humorous.

Okay, now what we've all been waiting for! Tell us about your debut book, A Heart Made For Love!

I had a co-worker read A HeartMade For Love for me and when she finished she said, “I would have loved to have had a brother like Samuel.”  I knew then that I had to write a book for him and I named it A Man With A Pure Heart. In this sequel he is grown, has completed training, and is a Deputy with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office in 1910.  Because he has “visits” from his deceased mother he is very adept at catching killers. When the local school teacher is found naked and beaten to death he vows to find the killer, not only because the man is an animal, but because Samuel falls in love with the teacher’s replacement, her sister.  The search for the killer is a race for time as Samuel’s mother advises “another is in danger”.   The first chapter is included at the end of A Heart Made For Love.

Last question: What's one fact about you that most people don't know?

I am deathly afraid of speaking to a crowd.  When I was twelve I memorized a poem for a program at school.  I knew that thing upside down and backwards and nearly drove my family crazy repeating it for practice.  The day of the recital I was the second on stage. Two lines into my poem they realized they had forgotten to turn on the footlights. They turned them on, I looked down, and when I looked back up the poem was gone.  I walked off stage to a back room and sat on the floor and cried.  A very handsome senior came and sat on the floor with me and held me while I blubbered all over his school sweater. For years I testified in court from misdemeanors to murders, and never got over the fear.

I know people will want to check you out online. Can you give us your website links and contact information?

My e-mail address is  craftylady34434@yahoo.com

My website is  www.lindatillisauthor.com

My twitter  @Linda34434

BUY Link for A Heart Made for Love on Amazon HERE.

Blurb from A Heart Made for Love:

In rural Florida , 1903, Mae Hinton cares for her father and younger brothers, trying to fill her deceased mother's shoes. Her life is shattered and her faith tested when her innocence is stolen by roving miscreants. Left unconscious, unable to identify her attackers, she pledges to help other victimized women. She pursues an education and learns to deal with bigoted ministers, well-to-do hypocrites, and men with higher regard for their livestock than their women.

Edward Finch is nearly done with medical studies in England when he comes home for the holidays. Love flourishes, and Mae seems close to achieving her dreams of both true love and a haven for victims, once she can explain to him why she carries a pistol. Then her new-found happiness is upset by a murder as one of her attackers returns.

She may settle this herself...or she may find that vengeance truly belongs to God.

Debut Author Ronnie Allen and "Gemini"

The best part about being a published author, in my opinion, is when I get to see a person go from a writer to a published author--with all of the hard work, self-doubt and frustration in between. As such, it is with a mother-like pride that I welcome my friend, Ronnie Allen to my blog today to discuss her debut novel, Gemini! 



Hi Ronnie! So glad to have you on as a published guest! Woo hoo! I had the pleasure of reading Gemini in it's first draft format (and just bought my own copy of her final book on Amazon HERE), but can you tell my blog readers a little about how you got that elusive publishing contract? You used a query letter (see below for her actual query that resulted in a contract), but what tips would you give an author on query letters?

Ronnie Allen's Debut Thriller Gemini

There are many key points I'll tell you, Dylan. This one is the most important. Know your genre. Gemini is a multi genre psychological thriller with paranormal and romantic elements. The paranormal aspects are present day, psychic mediums, and there are sensual threads throughout the ms from the first chapter to last. Next is to do your research. Only and I mean it, only send your ms to publishers that specifically say on their website, that they're looking for your content. I can't express this enough. So many times I've heard agents and editors say that the reason for rejection is that the writer didn't follow their directions. I looked for publishers that were seeking multi-genres, mine specifically. I looked at their author bios and books they published on their web site.  I was very impressed with the credentials and educational backgrounds of the authors at Black Opal Books. Then I read their guidelines, maybe ten times. Seriously. I wanted to follow them to a T. Sorry for the cliche. In the query they specifically asked for the writer's background relevant to the book. Why was I qualified to write it? Another thing they wanted was our social media platform. I'm big on that. Website, Facebook, Twitter all set up and Black Opal Books and I followed each other on Twitter. I didn't forget to mention that. Because I followed directions on my submissions, my contract on Gemini was secured after relatively few submissions.

 

Ronnie Allen's Actual Query Letter That Resulted in her Contract! 
For my post on  how to write a query letter, click HERE. 

Great query letter! You hit all of my Tips and Tricks to Writing Query Letters on this one! Okay, next question: What is the most important thing writers could do for themselves to get an agent/publisher in today's market? 

Oooops! I believe I answered that in question 1. And I'll also say, perfect the ms. Have critique partners, beta readers. If they bring up the same issues, listen! And revise. At my first RWA conference, I pitched to two editors and one agent. They wanted the ms. I got three rejections, but the feedback I got was invaluable. All three said I had POV issues. I rewrote and submitted to other publishers again. After a few, Gemini got the contract. Those that rejected it, said it wasn't what they were looking for now. And 'never give up.' If you love the ms, as I did with Gemini, keep revising and submitting.

The "never give up" part is key!! If you could have done anything differently with your writing career so far, what would it be? 

So far, nothing differently. My second novel, Aries, was plotted for a few months, written in three months and ten days, and secured a contract the first time out. So that's a beautiful thing. I'll let you know later on when I'm marketing and we could discuss marketing successes and failures. I'm a data and statistics person by education, so for me the most measurable data is sales. So this remains to be seen.

Who are your writing role models and how have they influenced you? 

I must say, you are one of them Dylan! With a young family and being president of out RWA chapter, Sunshine State Romance Authors, your plate is full, and yet you've accomplished being multi-published.   Other authors from SSRA that have influenced me are Loretta Rogers and Flossie Benton Rogers. I believe in not reinventing the wheel, so I can honestly say, that I would not have been multi-published this year without you gals!

Aww! You are too kind--what a lovely compliment. Okay, so tell me about your upcoming releases? 

Aries, the second in the 'Sign Behind the Crime' series is coming out Oct./Nov. also from Black Opal Books.  AriellaRose Larcon has three beholden who do her killing for her while forensic psychiatrist Dr. Frank Khaos uncovers her inner most demons as he himself has his own, mourning the murder of his wife. A rookie Detective, Samantha Wright is assigned to the Larcon case and... That's all I'm saying.

Great teaser blurb! Okay, last question: What's one fact about you that people do not know? 

Um, I don't carry my problems on my shoulders. Not saying another word about that, or people would know.

Thanks again for joining me today! I know my readers will want to check you out. Can you give us your social media links, as well as your blurb and excerpt for Gemini? 

For you readers to find me, they can go to my website, http://www.ronnieallennovel.com which is up to date with weekly blogs. On Twitter I'm  @ronnieanovelist. On Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/ronnie.allen.507.

Thank you so much, Dylan, this was fun and I hope reading my query will benefit your readers. 

Best,

Ronnie

Gemini Blurb:

His life is exactly the way he wants it to be—until he meets her…

Both psychic and clairvoyant, Dr. John Trenton is a forensic psychiatrist who has a wife he worships and a position as a department head at a hospital for the criminally insane in Manhattan. His patients—young adult men, who are some of the most psychotic and psychopathic criminals in NYC—enable him to live his life on the edge, just the way he likes it. Then he meets a woman who changes everything.

She is two days from accomplishing the revenge she lives for—until she meets him…

Stripper by night, school psychologist by day, Gemini obsessed Barbara Montgomery, makes a critical mistake and is committed for seventy-two hours of observation, where she risks it all in an unnerving escape. Furious with Dr. Trenton for interfering in her life, she is now determined to kill his wife and unborn child, along with everyone else who has ever caused her pain—real or imagined.

As the killing spree continues, John is forced to use all his ESP, as well as his knowledge and expertise, to interpret this psychopath’s Gemini obsession and unravel her dark and murderous past. But can he track her down and bring her to justice—before she destroys his world completely?

Gemini Excerpt:

Okay, girlfriend. Let’s get serious here. Tonight’s gotta be the night. Time’s runnin’ away from me.

She jammed her eyes shut, swallowed hard, and blew out a prolonged breath. Tonight could be rough. Or impossible. Her heart thumped in expectation of finding the right person to accompany her in the train wreck of her life.

She had no choice, but to make it work.

Her life depended upon it.

Before she could overthink it, she grabbed the pink paisley duffle bag, which held her outfit for the job, off the Queen Victoria chair that graced the corner of the hallway. The entire getup could fit in her jeans pocket but she had to go fancy. She zipped up the black patent leather stiletto heeled boots, hesitating for a moment, contemplating if she was getting too old to wear them. After a last minute once-over in the full length mirror on the adjacent wall, she reconsidered. Nah, not with her knockout bod. Women half her age didn’t look so good. Not even any laugh lines around her eyes to give it away. She winked in the mirror and her emerald contact lenses twinkled back.

She eased the door closed to her ritzy Manhattan apartment at one a.m. with her right hand on the knob and her left palm on the door, guiding it to the latch so that her ears alone heard the soft clicks of the bolt.

Can’t wake those old geezers next door. Otherwise, I’ll just have to do what I do best.

Chills of anticipation snaked through her as she traversed the darkened hallway to the elevator all the while listening for footsteps in her neighbor’s apartment. The elevator door opened. She slipped in.

All was good.

They got to live another night.

BUY LINKS: 
You can buy Ronnie Allen's thriller on Amazon HERE
And on her Publisher's Website at Black Opal Books HERE.

Interview with Jennifer Taylor and her debut novel "Mercy of the Moon"

Today, I am thrilled to host talented author, and friend, Jennifer Taylor, whose debut novel, "Mercy of the Moon" a historical romance, releases today!

Jennifer Taylor with her debut historical romance, "Mercy of the Moon"

Welcome, Jennifer! I'm so excited to have you here on your release day! "Mercy of the Moon" is my kind of book--I'm halfway through the novel and loving it!! Can't wait to have you sign my copy (which I ordered early from Amazon here).

Thanks, Dylan—I’m thrilled to be with you today. I am a blog interview virgin, so be gentle with me!

I will, and I promise to cuddle you afterwards. ;) 

As many writers read this blog, I want to start with the most frequent question I hear from unpublished authors: What do you think is THE most important thing writers can do to get an agent/publisher in today's market?

·         Join a writer’s organization like RWA (Romance Writers of America). You will learn about craft and the business of being a published author. I would not have my contract with the Wild Rose Press without the support and of our local RWA chapter, Sunshine State Romance Authors (SSRA). I am very grateful.

·         Don’t be afraid to get your feet wet. So you think your story isn’t perfect? We are all learning, every day. Jump in and enter one of RWA’s contests: that’s how I got my contract. When I finaled in NWHRWA’s Lone Star Contest, one of the judges, Allison Byers, editor at TWRP, requested to read my full manuscript. And now she’s my editor extraordinaire! Take a chance and let your baby see the light of day. You learn a lot from the critiques.

·         Most of all, keep writing. Carve out a routine and do your best to stick to it, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. Keep a writer’s journal, where you can encourage yourself, record your brilliant ideas, and talk to your characters.

Excellent advice! If you could have done anything differently with your writing career so far, what would it be?

Click here to buy it on Amazon!

I wouldn’t waste a minute being discouraged. I spent several years writing children’s fiction, and came close to contracting my middle grade novel, but it didn’t pan out. Did I fail? No. What I learned from writing for children has been a tremendous help to me as I write historical romances.

Who are your writing role models, and how have they influenced you?

I love Diana Gabaldon’s writing and her ability to blend multiple genres so flawlessly. She’s a genius. But my biggest role models are the founding members of Sunshine State Romance Authors-you, Loretta Rogers, and Flossie Benton Rogers, multi-published authors who share their experience and knowledge despite having very busy lives. You three have shown me how it’s done: with class, generosity, and kindness.

Aww! You're so sweet! :) Okay, now we know you've just released "Mercy of the Moon" but are you planning any upcoming releases? Next books?

I am currently working on the second book in my Rhythm of the Moon series, Heartbeat of the Moon.

What's one fact about you that most people don't know.

In 2006, I volunteered in Romania at a failure to thrive clinic/orphanage with Global Volunteers. It was a life-changing experience for me.

My great grandmother was a postwoman/midwife in the mountains of Idaho. It’s partly why my heroine, Maggie is a midwife. My uncanny gift for knowing when someone’s pregnant-sometimes before they do-is probably in my genes.

I fear the pneumatic tube.

I know people will want to check you out online. Can you give us your website links and contact information?

www.jennifertaylorwrites.com

https://www.facebook.com/jenniferrtaylorwrites

@jennifer4taylor

http://www.pinterest.com/authorjtaylor/

Thanks for being here on your debut release day, Jennifer! I am loving your historical romance, "Mercy of the Moon" and am looking forward to more novels. 

"Mercy of the Moon" Book BLURB:

Strange things are happening in King’s Harbour. Midwife Maggie Wilson vows to find the person who almost murdered her sister. When her sister’s behavior ignites old superstitions, the townspeople threaten to send her to an asylum. Maggie turns to handsome Ian for help in a town where everybody is against her.

Apothecary Ian Pierce wants nothing more than to feel whole, as he does when he is near the beautiful midwife, singing to her soul with his music. Only then can he forget the horrors from his past when false accusations sent him to Bedlam.

When they unearth the deeds of a sinister killer, Ian’s most daunting battle will be to safeguard his sanity…and win Maggie’s heart.

"Mercy of the Moon" EXCERPT:

The door swung open,

and Mr. Pierce, the singer from the kirkyard, thrust

himself into the room. He carried a body in his arms,

covered in a cloak. Blue-tinged, slender feet dangled

from the tattered, mud-soaked hem.

Samuel stared in slack-jawed shock and backed

away. “Why have you brought this body here?”

To Maggie’s astonishment, the body began

convulsing in great spasms, and the singer struggled to

hold it. The cloak fell off, revealing a shroud-wrapped

body, only the face exposed. The eyes, ice blue, stared

wide and unblinking and blank with terror.

Sarah’s eyes. Her lips blue, dirt-encrusted

eyelashes, cleft chin. “It cannot be,” Maggie whispered,

and shrank back. Coldness enveloped her, as if she had

slipped into a frozen lake, cold water surrounding her,

and could hear only muffled voices, echoing urgent and

sharp. She saw only shapes above the icy water.

“Miss Maggie.”

A voice, masculine and hoarse, broke through the

ice, and she stared into the singer’s eyes. They steadied

and warmed, pulled her out of her daze.

“We must move her by the fire and rid her of this

shroud,” Ian urged.

She took a deep, shaky breath. Yes. It was Sarah,

yet the eyes stared unseeing in a blue-mottled face

covered in dirt.

Samuel’s voice escalated in panic. “She was

buried, she was dead. I saw her. How can this be?” He

turned his head away.

Maggie grabbed him by the shoulders. “Samuel, you must look at her. 

Somehow it is our Sarah.”

About the Author: 

JenniferTaylor spent her childhood running wild on an Idaho mountainside. Although she’s lived across the U.S., she is still an Idahoan at heart and a notorious potato pusher. She has a degree in Human Services and worked as a roofer, a hoofer, a computer data entry operator and a stay-at-home mom.

Music has ruled her world since birth: she shimmied out of the womb with a bad case of Boogie Fever, but soon fell in love with the lyrics, how the words fit together perfectly like a jigsaw puzzle. Jennifer has dreamt of writing romances since reading Wuthering Heights at the tender age of twelve, and now lives that dream, using music on a daily basis to uplift and inspire her writing. It’s no coincidence that Ian, the hero in Mercy of the Moon, uses music to win heroine Maggie’s heart.

Jennifer lives in rural Florida with her husband and enjoys the comings and goings of her three grown children and three grandchildren. She feverishly lobbies for the return of breeches and would really love to see her husband of thirty-five years in a pair.