My Jane Austen Summer Launch Day

By Cindy Jones Dear Friends, This might seem like a regular Tuesday in late March to you, but for me, today is the first day of the next part of my life. The published part. My debut novel is being released today, the culmination of a ten-year journey. Looking back, I realize there were crossroads where things might have taken a different turn:

• 2001: My husband had the insight to suggest I sign up for a serious writing class. What if he had been too busy changing diapers to notice I was over-writing copy for bake sale fliers?


• My writing teacher was generous with encouragement. What if I’d had a less-gifted teacher?


• 2004: My novel fetched 21 rejections. What if I'd kept beating that dead horse?


• I parked my first novel in a drawer and started a new one. What if I’d known it would take another five years?


• 2007: The Writer’s League of Texas awarded my manuscript first place in their contest. What if I hadn't entered?


• My dream agent offered representation. What if I’d sent her the manuscript before it was ready?


• Same dream agent suggested I re-write the middle of my book. What if I'd insisted on my soggy middle?


• A published friend gave me serious advice and suggested I attend Squaw Valley Writers Conference. What if I’d decided his advice applied to every writer but me?


• 2008: Eight editors rejected my first round of submissions. What if a publisher had acquired that version of my novel? (Eww).


• I cut the middle 150 pages of my novel for the second time and re-wrote. What if my children had complained about The Sock Situation in our laundry room? (They never did).


• 2009: My readers gave me honest feedback. What if I’d been too discouraged to hear them?


• I cut the middle 150 pages for the third time and revised. What if my husband had said one cross word about revising? (He never did).


• My agent sold my novel and I started the countdown to launch day. What if I had given up nine years ago and gone back to over-writing copy for bake sale fliers?

My Jane Austen Summer is celebrating publication today with a four-stop blog tour and giveaways on each blog. Visit and leave a comment on each blog for a chance to win a signed copy of the novel and a package of Lily Berry's Pink Rose Tea, created by Bingley's Teas, Ltd. Each blog will hold a separate drawing, meaning four chances to win. Here's where we're celebrating:

• "Here We Go" on First Draft


• Q&A with Laurel Ann Nattress on Austenprose


• Interview with a Protagonist on Austen Authors