Our guest today is debut author JESSICA LEMMON, who I met through the Ohio Valley Romance Writers chapter. I felt an instant bond with her – now I know it’s our mutual love of potato chips! Seriously, she has an infectious smile and a winning way with words, as you’ll see. She’s funny and talented, and I couldn’t be more excited for her!
I thought when I received “The Call” I’d be euphoric. And I was! I still am. What I hadn’t expected, was to be shocked. In the spring of 2012, I promised myself I’d stop being in a hurry. Even if it took another two and a half years (or more, *whimper*) of writing and submitting, I was willing to struggle to get published. Well, the moment I made that sage and adult decision, I was knocked completely ass over teakettle.
God’s funny like that.
See, by the end of 2011, I had written seven novels. I believed my most recent attempt was the best of the bunch. And because I believed in my shiny, new novel, I whisked it off to the Golden Heart contest. And submitted it to another contest. And just for fun, queried it to two different publishers.
Then I sat back and waited for the world to become enthralled with my masterpiece.
*crickets*
By March, I received a reply from one publisher! …A rejection.
It wasn’t my first rejection, but it wasn’t about to be my last, either. At this point, I figured I had two options: submit on my own again, or bury my feelings of inadequacy by eating every potato chip in the county.
I’m kidding about that last part. (Sort of.)
Option two? Seek representation.
Luckily, my very talented friend Melissa Landers had recently had some major successes and clued me in on how she acquired her agent. I knew it took three-to-twelve months of waiting (even for a rejection!) to hear back when submitting on my own. Maybe an agent could clue me in on the flaws of my writing. If only I could find out where I was going wrong, I knew I could make it right.
Despite being beyond ready to query, I took my time doing one “final” edit. It wasn’t easy to leave my prepared query letters in the wings while I tinkered, but I did. And, finally, TWO MONTHS LATER, I was ready to submit.
I emailed my letter and pages to the lovely and fabulous Nicole Resciniti (who I’m proud to call my agent), and a scant eleven minutes later she requested my full manuscript. This is why you should always have the whole shebang polished before querying! This is also where that “shock” thing came in. When she arranged a call with me, she introduced herself, then said, “So, I loved your book.”
Flabbergasted, I replied, “You did?”
I simply couldn’t believe it. All those months of hearing nothing, or being rejected, and Nicole loved my book?
Shock and awe ruled the days that followed, as each one became more magical than the ones before it. We received very positive attention for TEMPTING THE BILLIONAIRE, and from very prominent, respected romance publishers. I considered it a privilege just to be in touch with them, let alone when we began to receive offers!
In the end, we went with Grand Central who will be releasing TEMPTING THE BILLIONAIRE and its follow-up, HARD TO HANDLE. And that good news got better! You could have knocked me over with a feather duster when I received a call from my agent informing me they had an open slot for TEMPTING on New Year’s Day 2013. Typically, it takes 12-18 months before book meets world. My date was only four months into the future.
When asked if I could edit in a week, there was only one answer: “Absolutely yes!”
Around that time, I found a note in my journal from earlier this year. I’d written: “God, when this happens, it needs to happen fast because I’m notoriously impatient.”
So be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.
I did.
***
Like many of you, I’m still dreaming of “The Call.” How will you react when you get it – champagne? Chocolates? Cheers? Or will you celebrate on Facebook or in the Twitterverse?
On Wednesday, author NANCY NORTHCOTT of the Romance Bandits joins us. We’ll be celebrating the release of her new book, RENEGADE.
***
Bio:
Jessica Lemmon has always been a dreamer. At some point, she decided head-in-the-clouds thinking was childish, went out, and got herself a job…and then she got another one because that one was lousy. And when that one stopped being fulfilling, she went out and got another…and another. Soon it became apparent she’d only be truly happy doing what she loved. And since “eating potato chips” isn’t a viable career, she opted to become a writer. With fire in her heart, she dusted off a book she’d started years prior, finished it, and submitted it. It may have been the worst book ever, but it didn’t stop her from writing another one. Now she has several books finished, several more started, and even more marinating in her brain (which currently resides in the clouds, thankyouverymuch), and she couldn’t be happier. She firmly believes God gifts us with talents for a purpose, and with His help, you can create the life you want. (While eating potato chips.)
Jessica is a former meat-eater, writer, artist, dreamer, wife, and den mother to two dogs. You can find online at www.jessicalemmon.com and follow her on Twitter @lemmony.
TEMPTING THE BILLIONAIRE can be preordered here. In lieu of a cover, you can check out Jessica’s drool-worthy Pinterest page for TEMPTING at this address: http://pinterest.com/lemmony/tempting-the-billionaire-book-1/
Here’s the blurb:
BUSINESS OR PLEASURE?
Crickitt Day needs a job . . . any job. After her husband walks out on her, she’s determined to re-build her life and establish a new career. When swoon-worthy billionaire Shane August hires her as his assistant, she jumps at the chance to prove herself. Despite her growing attraction to her boss, she vows to keep things strictly professional. No flirting. No kissing. Definitely no falling in love…
Shane August is all business, all the time. He’s a self-made man who’s poured his heart and soul into his company, and he’d never allow himself to get involved with an employee. Then he hires sweet, sexy Crickitt-and he can’t keep his mind or his hands off her. But no matter how much he wants Crickitt, Shane fears that painful secrets from his past will always come between them. With fate working against them, can these two lonely hearts learn that sometimes mixing business with pleasure is the perfect merger?
Similar Posts:
- Jessica Lemmon Presents Shane August’s Top Five Valentine’s Day Gifts
- Weekly Lecture Schedule, February 11-16, 2013
- Weekly Lecture Schedule November 5 – 9, 2012
- Debut Author Jennifer McGowan: How Not to Get Off Track
- Celebrating New Year’s Eve – With a Little Help From My Friends!
Jessica –
Congrats on receiving the call! What’s the biggest way your life has changed since that time? What would you do pre-call if you had it to do all over again.
Have a great week!
Kelsey
Posted by Kelsey Browning | November 5, 2012, 5:49 amWOW, first off, THANK YOU BECKE! What a humbling introduction.
Hi, Kelsey! I think the biggest change is that I have more confidence in my writing. Someone validating that I don’t suck <–lol really made a difference. And, knowing those manuscripts won't flounder; that I'll be able to share those stories with the world someday rather than have them tucked in a drawer…that's HUGE.
What would I change? Not a darn thing. Had I known or done differently, I wouldn't be here today.
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 5, 2012, 6:24 amJessica –
Yes, the “I Don’t Suck” feeling is worth a ton!
Best of luck with everything,
K-
Posted by Kelsey Browning | November 5, 2012, 6:43 amLOL, it’s so true.
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 5, 2012, 6:45 amPeople made fun of Sally Field for her “You like me – you really like me!” Oscar acceptance speech (you youngsters might not remember it – this was back in the Seventies). We sort of expect actors and actresses to have big egos (egoes?), but most authors I know are – at least occasionally – plagued with self-doubt.
BTW, you definitely don’t suck!
Posted by Becke Martin Davis | November 5, 2012, 8:38 amThanks for the shout-out, Jess! I’m so proud of you!!!!!
Posted by Macy Beckett | November 5, 2012, 6:37 amThank you!!!
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 5, 2012, 6:45 am*waves madly* I’m so proud of BOTH of you!
Posted by Becke Martin Davis | November 5, 2012, 8:39 amHi Jessica,
I’ve never received “the call”, just “the e-mail.” I have a special acceptance file. There are only three in it, but I hope it grows fat. Congratulations to you!
Mary Jo
Posted by Mary Jo Burke | November 5, 2012, 6:58 amHi Mary Jo, Ha! Hey, “The E-mail” can be just as exciting as “The Call!”
Thank you, may your acceptance folder flourish!
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 5, 2012, 7:07 am“ONLY three?” That sounds pretty darn good to me! Congratulations!
Posted by Becke Martin Davis | November 5, 2012, 8:40 amI dream big, Becke, and I am grateful!
Posted by Mary Jo Burke | November 5, 2012, 9:33 amLoved your call story, Jessica! Just curious. How would you rate the heat level in Tempting the Billionaire?
Also, what helped you the most in improving your writing.
Congratulations on your success!
Posted by cathyshouse | November 5, 2012, 7:06 amHi Cathyshouse! Hmm…have you ever had the Volcano Taco from Taco Bell? The heat sort of sneaks up on you, makes your face warm, then dissipates until you take another bite? It’s kinda like that.
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 5, 2012, 7:09 amOops, sorry Cathyshouse, forgot to answer your part 2…what helped me most? WRITING. And, I’m not trying to be cute, I mean it.
I’d write one book and edit, then set it aside and write another. That helped me find my voice, which I’m beginning to believe is the most important factor in fiction writing.
And joining my local RWA chapter. That kind of support, and just being able to talk about writing with other writers, is invaluable. Thank you for your questions!
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 5, 2012, 7:13 amThe Volcano Taco from Taco Bell? I’m laughing so hard I just snorted yogurt up my nose.
Posted by Becke Martin Davis | November 5, 2012, 8:41 amLOL, Becke! That was my goal. Nose yogurt, FTW.
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 5, 2012, 8:48 amThat’s me – classy. NOT!
Posted by Becke Martin Davis | November 5, 2012, 8:55 amI adore your story!
If you can’t find your dream job of potato chip taster, I guess romance author is the next best thing.
Posted by Linda G. | November 5, 2012, 7:42 amHi Linda! And HA! Yeah, this is my way to have my chips…and eat them, too.
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 5, 2012, 8:07 amPotato chip taster? Now there’s a dream job!
Posted by Becke Martin Davis | November 5, 2012, 8:42 amMorning Jessica!
What a fun story. =) Congrats on your agent and your new releases! My big question – how hard was it to edit that book in ONE week? Seems almost impossible!
Congratulations!
carrie
Posted by Carrie Spencer | November 5, 2012, 8:26 amThank you so much, Carrie! Well…I think we *technically* took 10 days. (snork!) and THEN because of another development, we took another five days to add approximately 5k more words and edit those, too.
O__o
I wouldn’t say it was hard, but it definitely took will and dedication on both mine and my editor’s parts. Thankfully, my editor at Grand Central is nothing short of AMAZING!
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 5, 2012, 8:51 amOther friends have reported similar stories of having to complete edits in a very short time. I wonder if this is normal?
Jessica – I want to congratulate you particularly on the fast turnaround from sale to publication. That’s FABULOUS!
Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t you have another sale recently, too?
Posted by Becke Martin Davis | November 5, 2012, 8:45 amThanks again, Becke. You may be thinking of Book #2, which we just titled HARD TO HANDLE last week. There hasn’t been another sale (yet!), but I am ALWAYS writing. ALWAYS.
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 5, 2012, 8:53 am*pulls blanket over head*
I admit it – I’ve been a slacker this year. Turns out I’m not good at multitasking. Now I’m all moved in and eager to tackle some revision, but it turns out babysitting for a 3-month-old (my new grandbaby – I may have mentioned her once or twice…) is pretty much all-encompassing.
Okay, it’s been a long time since my kids were that age, but you’d think I’d remember a little detail like that! I need to get back to my old routine of writing after midnight. Or maybe before dawn!
Help – somebody zap me with Raid for Exclamation Points!!!
Posted by Becke Martin Davis | November 5, 2012, 8:59 amOh, with a 3-month-old grandbaby, you are SO entitled to be distracted! Congrats, again, btw! I find I’m never able to do it ALL well (or at the same time.) I tend to be obsessive on one thing and then swing over and obsess on something else for a while. Balance is a total myth!
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 5, 2012, 9:12 amBalance? Yeah, I’ve heard of it – not sure I’ve ever really achieved it!
Posted by Becke Martin Davis | November 5, 2012, 10:14 amWhat an uplifting article!!! So glad your hard work & courage paid off–happy for you!! Enjoy the ride of a lifetime : )
Posted by Diane J. Reed | November 5, 2012, 1:44 pmThanks, Diane! Trying to soak all it all up!
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 5, 2012, 1:49 pmGreat call story!!
Posted by Jennifer Shirk | November 5, 2012, 1:48 pmThank you, Jennifer!
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 5, 2012, 1:50 pmHi Jessica,
Here’s to perseverence and potato chips! Congratulations and thank you for sharing your experience with us.
Landing a publishing deal and acquring an agent is huge, but I also think the rejections and “detours” along the way serve as a reminder that you’ve definitely earned your stripes. Best of luck and thanks for being here today.
Posted by Jennifer Tanner | November 5, 2012, 2:31 pmThank you, Jennifer! You couldn’t be more right. Enjoy the journey, I say. Those lumps and bumps come in handy later.
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 5, 2012, 4:16 pmHi Jessica! Congratulations! You have an infectious style that if it is reflected in your writing, as I’m sure it is, will make Tempting The Billionaire a fun read.
Please don’t attempt to eat every potato chip. Those of us still toiling will be in great need of them. What’s your favorite flavor?
Posted by PatriciaW | November 5, 2012, 3:03 pmBless you for saying so, Patriciaw! I hope TEMPTING is a fun, poignant, and satisfying read.
And oh, I LOVE your question…even though my answer may be a wee tad boring.Plain plain potato chips are my favorite; the fewer ingredients the better. Lay’s in the yellow bag hits the spot every. single time.
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 5, 2012, 4:19 pmI think rejections are both a reality check and a way to thicken our skins in preparation for reviews.
Posted by Becke Martin Davis | November 5, 2012, 5:46 pmOh, yeah. Reviews. >.<
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 6, 2012, 6:10 amThe plain yellow bag Lays are good, but I like sour cream & onion. When I lived in England years ago I got hooked on more exotic flavors, too, like Beef and Onion, Salt & Vinegar – even Worcestershire sauce flavored chips!
Have you tried Pop Chips? I like those because they’re lower fat/sodium/calories and they still taste good.
Posted by Becke Martin Davis | November 5, 2012, 5:48 pmSince we’re talking chips… I love Ruffles, the plain ones. But I usually buy the Trader Joe’s Reduced Guilt chips, which in no way assuage my guilt.
Posted by Jennifer Tanner | November 5, 2012, 5:53 pmJennifer, now that you say that, I reminded of TJ’s “Old Fashioned” potato chips…YUM! No reduced fat for me, though. I eat a veggie diet, so I believe not eating bacon yields me enough calories for fatty chips.
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 5, 2012, 6:02 pmJust like my Mom. That was our New Year’s Eve celebratory food for years, Plain Lays and original Coke.
Me, I like a variety of chips. I’ll try almost any chip once. Worst chip? Some Heinz Ketchup flavored chips. Yuck!
Posted by PatriciaW | November 8, 2012, 1:01 pmPatricia…my husband loves those ketchup chips. He brought four bags back with him from the east coast because they’re not available in CA. But I agree with you, they’re nasty.
Posted by Jennifer Tanner | November 8, 2012, 4:04 pmInfectious smile – yep! Winning way with words – without a doubt! Funny and talented – the world has no idea just how much so! I can’t wait for readers to get their hands on this book. Fantastic interview, Jess!
Posted by Niki Hughes | November 5, 2012, 6:44 pmAww, thanks, Niki! xoxo!
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 5, 2012, 7:38 pmI had all this wonderful congratulatory and whatnots to say; before i clicked the link to the pinterest thing.
they all sort of fell out of my head, through my slack jawed mouth.
Aisheewawa~ Swoon-worthy is RIGHT~
and, that said, a coherent congratulaory thought popped into my head.– CONGRATULATIONS!!
and thank you for the post! i hadnt known some of the things you mentioned(the timing of thing, why its good to get representation, etc.)I also took encouragement from your words about God giving talent for a reason.
So, thank you in triplicate.(the pinterest page counts as a thank worthy item- maybe twice over. lol~)
Posted by ~Zeal | November 5, 2012, 7:33 pmLOL, Zeal! Thank YOU for stopping by, and all your kind words. And feel free to revisit the Pinterest page any time!
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 5, 2012, 7:40 pmJessica – Thanks so much for sharing your call story with us and for visiting with us today. I can hardly wait to get my copies of your books. I hope I can get to Cincinnati for one of your book signings – I still feel bad that I missed Macy’s signing! I wish you much success with these and your future books!
Posted by Becke Martin Davis | November 5, 2012, 10:50 pmThanks for having me, Becke! This was so much fun. I hope you can make it too–miss you already. <3
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 6, 2012, 6:11 am7 books later you’re an overnight success! Woohoo!
Seriously – can’t wait to read it so glad it’s happening so fast.
Posted by Judy, Judy, Judy | November 6, 2012, 12:54 amRight, Judy? I can’t complain, though. 2 1/2 years is far from “arduous”…even though at times I thought it would take FOR.EV.ER. But, God has perfect timing. Thank you for stopping by!
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 6, 2012, 6:13 amI totally agree about polishing your manuscript before making queries. If you rush it and send something that’s not your very best work, you burn the contact and you cheat your story out of it’s chance of being selected.
Posted by Nicky Peacock | November 6, 2012, 6:21 amYou’re right, Nicky. And, it seems I’m learning something new every week (every day?), so there’s always some improvements that could be made. Thanks so much for your comment!
Posted by Jessica Lemmon | November 6, 2012, 6:35 am