Comments on: My First Sale by Helen Brenna

By: Helen Brenna

Helen Brenna — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:11:56 +0000

@Vicky Dreiling: Thanks Vicky. I think it's great that Dear Author showcases these stories. They are important.

By: Helen Brenna

Helen Brenna — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:10:25 +0000

@Jane: Jane, if you ever read some of my first attempts, you would doubt the gift part! I think it was Stephen King who said good writers are made, great writers are born, or something like that. I think there's a lot truth to that.

By: Helen Brenna

Helen Brenna — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:08:19 +0000

@Edie: Thanks, Edie. If being like a pit bull with a bone is inspiration, then, yeah, maybe I am! LOL

By: Edie

Edie — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:00:16 +0000

Helen, great first sale story. You’re an inspiration!

By: Jane

Jane — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 03:00:02 +0000

@Vicky Dreiling I've read enough bad books to recognize good writing is part gift and part very hard work.

By: Vicky Dreiling

Vicky Dreiling — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:48:10 +0000

@Jane: I don't really know you, but I've always sensed you understand.

By: Jane

Jane — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:42:03 +0000

@Vicky Dreiling I don't disagree that writing for publication is hard work.

By: Vicky Dreiling

Vicky Dreiling — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:37:54 +0000

Fantastic story, Helen! Your perserverance paid off big-time. Congratulations!

To Jane: The first-sale stories are wonderful, but more importantly, these stories serve an important function. They show first-hand that writing for publication is hard work, and that published authors often have a trail of rejections behind those success stories. Yes, luck and talent play some part, but mostly I think it’s the sheer refusal to give up, no matter how tough and impossible it seems.

By: Helen Brenna

Helen Brenna — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:58:12 +0000

Instant, Carolyn, no. But I do believe everyone’s journey is unique and exactly what they need at the time.

By: Carolyn Jewel

Carolyn Jewel — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:15:55 +0000

I just love reading the first sale stories. And I do have a special fondness for stories that illustrate that success isn’t always instant. I’m glad you stuck with it. Thanks for sharing your story.

By: Helen Brenna

Helen Brenna — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 22:01:50 +0000

Ellen, we all need a little luck when it comes to proposals, so all the good vibes help.

Rita’s waving!

By: Ellen Hartman

Ellen Hartman — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:13:35 +0000

Helen,

Thanks for the update. I didn’t know about the additional Mirabelle stories, but I’m psyched to hear about them! I’ll cross my fingers for the proposals. (Not that you need luck, I’m sure the editors will snatch the stories up, but this will make me feel as if I’ve contributed to the effort.)

Say hi to Rita for me. ;-)

Ellen

By: Helen Brenna

Helen Brenna — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:06:05 +0000

@Emmanuelle: Thanks Emmanuelle! Fun to see you here!

By: Helen Brenna

Helen Brenna — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:03:45 +0000

@Janine: Glad to share, Janine!

By: Helen Brenna

Helen Brenna — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:02:39 +0000

@Ellen Hartman:

Hi Ellen!

Yes, she is heavy. And shiny! LOL

Glad you’re enjoying the Mirabelle stories. Not sure when the last one will be though. There are three out in 2009, August, October and December. A fourth out in June 2010. And I’m prepping proposals for 3 more for 2011. Keeping my fingers crossed that Harlequin isn’t sick of Mirabelle just yet!

Great to see the lovely reviews of your books here these last couple of days. I wish I had your sense of humor, but funny is not something I do very well.

By: Helen Brenna

Helen Brenna — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:58:30 +0000

@Missy Lyons: You're very welcome, Missy. I've told it a few times. Could probably write it in my sleep!

By: Helen Brenna

Helen Brenna — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:57:33 +0000

@Jayne:

Jayne, I firmly believe it can be anyone if he/she’s willing to learn the craft and stick to it. Never give up. Never surrender!

And thanks for posting my sale story. It’s always interesting, sometimes fun revisiting those years.

By: Emmanuelle

Emmanuelle — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 20:05:15 +0000

Great first sale story Helen ! I loved your “I can do that” comment.
And you did ! Congratulaitons ;-)

By: Janine

Janine — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:41:13 +0000

Wow. What an amazing story. Thanks so much for sharing those bumps and bruises, and the happy ending (or as you say, happy beginning).

By: Ellen Hartman

Ellen Hartman — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:58:13 +0000

Hi Helen!

What a tremendous story. I never knew all these details about your journey.

You continue to be an inspiration to me. Not only are your stories wonderful, but you let me hold your Rita. What an honor! I was only a little tempted to snatch it and make a quick getaway. Lucky for you I can’t run in heels, especially not while lugging a (surprisingly heavy) Rita. ;-)

I know I’ll come back to this story when I’m feeling out of patience with this crazy business.

Ellen

P.S. I’ve been LOVING the Mirabelle stories. Can’t wait for the last one. :-)