Tuesday, March 29, 2011

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:



32 comments:

  1. Yay, Cindy!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Congrats, girlfriend!!! Wishing you a *wonderful* release day ;).
    xo

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  2. Wow, it sounds like you had a hard time getting published, but I am glad you stuck with it!

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  3. Congrats on your release day. It's a good thing that you persevere and now Jane Austen lovers are glad that they have another gem to read.

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  4. Congratulations, Cindy! I wish you and your book much success :)

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  5. Best Wishes for grand success, Cindy!! The wait is over, you're on the shelves!!

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  6. Thank you, all!! You truly understand!

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  7. Loved your story, will love the novel (I just know it). Congrats and keep going!!!!

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  8. congratulations cindy!! good lord woman, if you cut 150 pages twice, how long was this manuscript??:)

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  9. Not being a write myself, I enjoyed reading your timeline and getting a glimpse and the craziness of getting published. I wish you the best of luck!

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  10. Great post, Cindy! Congratulations!

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  11. So happy for you, Cindy! Enjoy your debut day to the hilt! Looking forward to reading your book!

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  12. Happy Launch Day, my publishing sister! Can't wait to read the book. It has one of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen! Go, Cindy!

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  13. Cindy,

    What a great perspective. I'm so excited for you seeing just how long the journey has been. Good luck and congrats!

    Lori L. Tharps

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  14. Huge congrats, Cindy! So glad all your what ifs led you down this road!!

    I'm spreading the word ...

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  15. Big congratulations, Cindy! May the book (and you) find great success!!

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  16. Congrats. I'm so happy and excited for you. And all of these "what if's" are inspiring. (Hope some day I'm writing a post like this!)

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  17. Looking forward to reading first book by new author. Best wishes on your launch day and kudos for not giving up on your dream!

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  18. Huge thank you to my GBC Girlfriends for spreading the word! I feel your support and it is wonderful! I love this blog!

    Lucy--I cut the SAME 150 pages three times. IT took me that many tries to get it right! The entire ms was around 300 pages.

    Lisa--You will be writing a post like mine, believe me...If I can do it, so can you! Just stay with it.

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  19. I love the way you break down your publishing journey ... It really is amazing to realize that at any one point in that process, if you'd said 'no' or done something a little differently, you might not be here today ... Wowzers. Also very encouraging: Cutting out the middle of things can be a good thing! :)

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  20. Happy Pub Day! I loved hearing about your journey to get here. What's sad is that now that you're published folks are going to be begging you to handle bake sale writing duties and you're going to be like, "Sorry, dude. Too busy."

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  21. Congrats on release day. It's always great to hear what authors go through to get published.

    My Jane Austen Summer sounds fabulous, and I know I will be picking up my own copy before summer arrives!

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  22. Congratulations, Cindy! You are a true example of perseverance.

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  23. Just say "Pub" and I'm so there! Congrats on your new release!

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  24. Thank you for your comments! My book birthday was exhiliarating. Now I have to go fold laundry and load the dishwasher!!!

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  25. I hope your book has lots of success! It was encouraging to read all of your "what ifs." It makes you think about all the positives that can come out of various crossroads.

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  26. I love the 'what-if' portion of this as well. Congrats on your book!

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  27. Congratulations Cindy! How exciting! Good things come to those who wait (and continue to work hard to make it happen!) WOOHOO!

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  28. Congratulations!!!

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  29. Congratulations, Bella! You are the winner of a signed copy of My Jane Austen Summer and a package of Lily Berry's Pink Rose Tea! Contact me at authorcindyjones@gmail.com and let me know where to send it!

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