If at First you don’t Succeed…

By: Marcia King-Gamble

www.lovemarcia.com

If at First you don’t Succeed…

Twenty- two years ago, my very first book was published. I’d been reading manuscripts (as a freelancer,) for years, and knew the series formula. But I’d always wanted to do something different, and as a result I took a chance to submit something that wasn’t exactly formula.

Back in the day, athletes and musicians’  didn’t sell well, or so the publishers told writers. Of course the hero and heroine of my first serious submission were just that.  My heroine was the lead singer of a girl band, and my hero was a rising basketball star. I took a chance, because this new line was actively looking to acquire manuscripts, and I thought what the heck.

Predictably, my first submission was rejected; albeit it was a good rejection.  When the editor declines, but asks you submit anything else you have for consideration, you’re on a roll.

While my first book was published by Kensington Publishing, one of my goals was to contribute to an anthology.  For those of you who don’t know what an anthology is, the story usually has a central theme, but each author in the series writes their individual story, introducing a different hero and heroine, or protagonist and antagonist.

Another first for me, was joining the ranks of writers selected, (and I attribute that to my background in the travel industry,) to contribute to the Mediterranean Nights Series. There were twelve books in the series, and each writer told their own story. The premise is that of a luxury cruise liner leaving the Mediterranean with a cast of crooked characters aboard. There’s a priest who is not a priest, and several other crew members all involved in nefarious acts.  

The ship ends it's crossing in the Caribbean and I wrap up the story and the mystery. Naturally good thrives over evil and, the couple resolves their issues. I honestly don’t think this opportunity would have happened for me had I not had the cruise line background. My book was titled “The way he Moves,” and my story was set in the world of the ballroom dancer.  This was a dance charter cruise. My temporary stint, ballroom dancing made me the likely candidate, and good fairy (editor) must have been well acquainted with my life. 

The blurb from my story reads like this, and the book is still available on Amazon, here  https://amzn.to/331Txe8:

Serena d'Andrea doesn't believe everything she sees. As the
only heir of an affluent Argentinian publishing family, she's
been finding it increasingly difficult to trust that the men she
meets can see past her wealth.


But on a Rhythm Dancers Cruise aboard Alexandra's Dream, Serena's attention quickly turns from rumbas to romance when  she finds a pendant that's said to bring whoever wears it luck
in love. From the moment she puts it on, though, she's beset
by a rush of mishaps that make her wonder if someone may be
watching—and following—every move she makes…on and off
the dance floor.

Writing mainstream was also something I lucked into.  I’d submitted outlines and three chapters to several publishers, and gotten favorable responses but no contract. The publishers didn't seem to have a  problem signing me on for  two novellas, but getting a bigger book contract evaded me.  Then along came Harlequin's Sepia Line, and I was fortunate enough to realize my dream. Books like Jade, This Way Home, and  Shattered Images, made me realize that mainstream women’s fiction was where I wanted to be.  I  really enjoyed exploring the ups and downs of male/female relationships, and in a deeper way than any category romance, (smaller book) would allow me to. These aren't always happily ever after stories though they do have promising endings.

As the the title of  this blog  suggests, if at first you don’t succeed, try, and try again!  For every writer and reader there is always a first!

About Marcia King-Gamble

Romance writer, Marcia King-Gamble originally hails from a sunny Caribbean island where the sky and ocean are the same mesmerizing shade of blue. This travel industry executive and current world traveler has spent most of life in the United States. A National Bestselling author, Marcia has penned over 34 books and 8 novellas. Her free time is spent at the gym, traveling to exotic locales, and caring for her animal family.

Visit Marcia at www.lovemarcia.com or “friend” her on Facebook: http://bit.ly/1MlnrIS

Be sure to join her mailing list.