First Sale Party!!!

But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Romans 8:25 NKJV
Isn’t waiting the hardest part? Let’s see, my son is now 17 and I joined Colorado Romance Writers when he was 6 months old, so I guess I’ve been writing with an eye towards publication for 16 years! Wow. I didn’t think I had that kind of tenacity in me, LOL! I remember numerous times at CRW meetings the topic would turn to “if you knew you’d never publish, would you still write?” What a question to ponder.

You know what? I still don’t have the answer. I write because stories float around in my head. I write because I’ll only accept Happily Ever After. I write because I’m a romantic at heart.

And God had a way of putting me in the most incredible places, at the most incredible times, meeting the most incredible people. Who am I to argue with that?

With that little bit of insight into my fairly simple brain, I now breathe the words I’ve dreamed of saying for 16 years:

I’m proud to announce the sale of my first book to Steeple Hill Love Inspired Books, January 2011.

Oh how I love the sound of that : )

Compared to many of the submission processes I’ve undergone with editors and agents, this final adventure took a surprisingly short time.

Right after Labor Day 2009, I sent a query and a proposal to Melissa Endlich at Steeple Hill Love Inspired. In a matter of days, I received an email requesting the entire manuscript. Sent that off the day after I received the request.

I sat back, prepared to wait, and wait, and wait.

Toward the end of October, I received an email from Melissa with suggestions for revisions. Was I interested in re-working the manuscript and re-submitting?

Umm, yes.

I tore this out, added that in, massaged around the rough edges and by the middle of November, I was ready to send a newly packaged version of Rough and Ready back to Melissa Endlich.

Okay, now I’m a bit more anxious over the outcome of this submission. Did I pass the test? Did I understand what Ms Endlich wanted? Did I even know how to write a book?

On Tuesday, January 26, I had just arrived home from work to have lunch with my husband when the phone rang. He glanced at the called ID and didn’t recognize the long-distance number and decided he wasn’t in the mood to talk to roller cover salesmen over his lunch (my husband is a painting contractor). We finished lunch and I had 10 minutes to spare, so I checked the answering machine. Besides a friend of ours wanting my husband to rescue her chickens, another call grabbed my attention.

“I’m calling for Audra Harders. This is Melissa Endlich…”

Yes, I’m afraid that’s when the screaming began. I called her back and the journey into the dream of my lifetime begins.

I’m so proud to call Steeple Hill Love Inspired my publisher and Melissa Endlich, my editor.

So, what’s this book about? Let’s begin at a place called the Circle D Ranch in Hawk Ridge, Colorado. (You knew I'd work in a cowboy picture somewhere)

Gabe Davidson struggles with the endless responsibilities of the family ranch after his brothers escape the tediousness their small hometown like rats escaping a sinking ship.

Stung by deceit and disapproval, single mother Melanie Hunter operates on a tight budget and strives to make a life for herself and her son, guarding her wounded heart against any chance of further pain.
When a lucrative job opportunity arises in the mountains of Colorado, she jumps at the chance to leave her past behind and build a new future. Unfortunately, things don’t go the way she’d planned. Melanie is stranded in Hawk Ridge when she wrecks her truck until a surly rancher offers a solution to her problem. Together, Gabe and Melanie discover the spirit of compromise and sacrifice as they learn to let go and let God.
A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.. Proverbs 16:9 NKJV

So many folks have had a hand in my writing journey, a few special thanks need to be passed along:

Where would I be without the support and encouragement of my Seeker family? 15 awesome women, drawn to one another by competition, and bound by love and respect. I love each of you for countless reasons and am so proud to call you my sisters.

Leslie Ann Sartor, you’ve accompanied me every step of my journey to publication. Your love and friendship have meant more to me than I’ll ever be able to say. Theresa Rizzo, you have that unusual knack for knowing exactly when I need a kick in the pants to keep me on task and focused on my calling. Ladies, our movies nights in Longmont and critique parties in Crested Butte are forever burned in my heart. I love you, both!

A special, special thank you goes out to Connie Rinehold. Years ago, you took the time to read a contest entry of mine--you really got the story and my voice--and didn’t hesitate to tell me so. You began as a mentor and became a cherished friend. Who says God doesn’t have angels here on earth??

My husband Gary, you have survived more computer system drama, critique meltdown, baked chicken dinners and an abundance of other tortures, all for the sake of helping your wife realize her dream. You are my hero, babe. Kara and Bud, thanks for ignoring all the tantrums and snits your mother threw. I promise, you’ll be better for the experience : )

My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, You mean everything to me. There aren’t enough words, so I give You my heart. Thanks.

Thanks to the incredible followers of Seekerville. You faithfully laugh, cry and eat with us everyday. You guys are the best.

Okay, mushy stuff is over. A pig is roasting on a spit down by the beach. The cabana to the right has pans of lobster and crab, and of course a bottomless shrimp bowl. If you venture to the left, you’ll find our buffet table laden with tropical desserts for every palette.

Captain Jack is working the liquid refreshments over by the crossed palm trees. He makes a mean Island Rumba, savvy?

WooHoo! Let’s PARTY!!