I Did It!!

Well, it's done. I finally submitted my first manuscript today. It's scary and exciting all at the same time. I know on my blog it said my goal was to submit in September, but December is kinda close, isn't it?

The manuscript was short about 5,000 words and I struggled to add them. But I think the additions make the story stronger overall, and I'm glad they are there. I also ended up rewriting the first chapter. It originally included a lot of telling, so I revised it to show a dramatic scene rather than tell it. I hope it's enough to make an editor want to read past the first page.

The submission process was rather involved. I spent many hours slaving over the items required. Thanks to Josi Kilpack for her amazing advice on writing a synopsis. I used the information she presented at the 2008 LDStorymakers conference as well as a blog she posted at Writing on the Wall.

So, cross your fingers for me! I'm sure the waiting will kill me. I'm hoping submitting during the holidays won't slow down the process, but it likely will. Thanks to all of my writing friends for your help and especially my amazing critique group!

Here's a little blurb about the book to hopefully get you all excited about reading it:

Stephanie Roberts didn’t realize the day she met Jared Wakefield they had met before. Running from an abusive marriage and trying to safeguard her children, she turns to Jared for support, not realizing he might need more from her than she was capable of giving. With an abusive husband and their own insecurities standing in the way, the difficulties they need to overcome to be together seem insurmountable.

When Stephanie walked out on her husband, she vowed to never look back, but as she begins to rethink her decision, Jared feels as if his life is spiraling out of control. Will Stephanie realize her mistake before it’s too late? Will Jared recognize she’s the one he’s been looking for all along? And, in the end, is it possible for love to conquer all?

“I’ll Know You by Heart” is a timeless romance. It explores the possibility that relationships can span the entire realm of eternity. It is a story about abuse, hardship, betrayal, and ultimately the power of everlasting, true love.