Lessons Learned From The Book That Nearly Did Me In

with guest Victoria Bylin.

 

When I submitted the manuscript for Someone Like You to my editors at Bethany House, I fully expected a revision letter. I even expected a long revision letter. But I wasn’t prepared for eight single-spaced pages that essentially said, “The only element that works for us is the goat.”

For those who haven’t read the book, the goat is named Ladybug. She’s a nasty old thing, and she raises havoc at every opportunity. When your best character has cloven hooves, you have a problem—a big one.

So how did I end up with such mess? And more importantly, how did I get out of it? Someone Like You is my seventeenth book for publication. I know the rules, the hooks, and the tricks. But for some reason, I missed the boat on this one, did a resounding belly flop, and sank to the bottom of the deep blue sea.

Not a good place to be, but swimming to the surface changed my writer DNA in the best possible way.

Let’s look at some of the missteps. 

Meet twin granddaughters. Family first!

Writing too soon. My first big mistake was writing too soon. During the time I would have typically brainstormed Someone Like You, I spent three weeks with my newborn twin granddaughters. I wisely and happily didn’t write a word for a month. Family comes first. I have no regrets whatsoever about that choice. 

But when I finally sat down at the computer, I panicked and rushed into a half-baked story. Predictably, I hit a wall around Chapter 5. Instead of pausing to think the story through, I made some tweaks, jumped into the deep end, and did a resounding belly flop. I started this book five times—and each time I became more confused until I latched on to the one character I understood—the bad guy.

The bad guy took over. Hunter Adams is a classic narcissist and the father of the heroine’s son. Readers hate him—in a good way. But in the first versions of the book, he dominated every scene. You don’t want that in a romance. But I was fascinated by him—a little like Julia, my heroine. Hunter was easy to write, so I ran with him—and did another belly flop.

The biggest problem of all: The hero wasn’t heroic. In the final version of Someone Like You, Zeke Monroe is intelligent, funny, courageous and kind. He’ll be a great dad to Julia’s son. But in the early version he was work-obsessed and miserable.

Why? Because I grabbed for another life rope. A friend told me I do tortured heroes well. In my state of panic, I made Zeke as tortured as I could. By the time I finished with him, the poor guy needed counseling. Instead he got a major rewrite.

Flailing in confusion. You can see a pattern here. In the midst of the first ms, I grabbed for life preservers wherever I saw them. When friends offered advice, I took it all. At one point, I made the heroine needy and waif-like, when in my heart she needed to be strong and nurturing. I spent far too much time in my comfort zone—internal monologue—and that was the kiss of death to the pacing.

Did I mention I had a significant surgery in the midst of all this? I still wonder if some of the problem was due to anesthesia fogging my mind longer than I realized.

In the end, I exhausted myself to the point where looking at the computer put tears in my eyes. Somehow I finished the mess of a story by my April 15th deadline, took a breather, and awaited the revision letter with both trepidation and relief. 

This disaster of a desk pretty much shows my state of mind while working on

 Someone Like You. Chaos! 

Let the Fixing Begin

  I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate the editors at Bethany House. What made that eight-page letter bearable and not utterly crushing was the kindness in every word. When I was at my lowest, I felt like Moses in the book of Exodus, where Aaron and Hur hold up his arms when he’s beyond exhausted.

Here’s how we fixed the book.

Excellent editorial advice. The insights in the revision letter cut straight to the problems listed above. It helped me to regroup, but I still had to write the words while stinging from all those belly flops. My brain literally shut down, or at least that’s how it felt. The words just didn’t surface. That’s when I called in the troops.

Talented Critique Partners. One friend read the first five chapters, told me it read like a first draft, and helped me with the critical opening scene. Another read the whole muddled mess and gave me general impressions.

And finally, my long-time critique partner came out of retirement to go over the mess line by line. Remember how I flailed during the first draft and grabbed life ropes? This time when she made suggestions, I knew my characters and defended them. It felt really good!

Show Don’t Tell. We all know the phrase. It’s basic. My personal rule is to focus on the external action. Since I default to internal thought, this is a challenge. During the revision, I added several scenes—all action—and it paid off. Two of those included Ladybug the goat, and she’s a favorite.

I also cut the scenes were Zeke and Julia talked about Hunter, thought about Hunter, or moaned about Hunter. Action only! I used the Find function in Word to count the number of times “Hunter” popped up and cut that number in half.

Accept defeat. Do you know what hurt the most through this entire ordeal? My pride! It wasn’t until I asked for help that the healing really began.

I want to say that I prayed a lot, leaned on God, and He pulled me out of the mire, but you need to know I was a wreck the entire time. I often write about characters who have hit bottom—that place where you can’t pull out of the tailspin on your own. I went there with this book.

I love Psalm 84 because it’s about blessed men and women going through tough times. It’s also about God delivering us by His grace alone. Funny coincidence—that just happens to be Zeke’s story arc. No spoilers, but you can be assured his joy returns.

And so did mine.

Now let’s talk about you. If you’re a writer, is there a book that just about did you in?

And if you’re a reader, what books hit closest to home for you? Which titles made you laugh and cry at the same time because they were just too true?

I can’t wait to hear your stories. I’ll be checking in throughout the day, but just an FYI—I have a part-time job (10-3pm eastern time) and it may take me a bit to get back to you.

Let’s chat!

Victoria is giving away three print copies of her books—Reader’s choice between Until I Found You, Together With You, or Someone Like You. Leave a comment to be entered in the drawing! Three winners announced in the Weekend Edition.

Please note that currently, Together With You is on sale at the lovely price of $2.99 for Kindle, so get your copy! 

Victoria Bylin is a romance writer known for her realistic and relatable characters. Her books have finaled in multiple contests, including the Carol Awards, the RITAs, and RT Magazine's Reviewers Choice Award. A native of California, she and her husband now make their home in Lexington, Kentucky, where their family and their crazy Jack Russell terrier keep them on the go. Learn more at victoriabylin.com/


More About Someone Like You

 Julia Dare is trying to run her own business, raise her young son, Max, and help her widowed mother. Her biggest worry, though, is keeping Max's father from being a bad influence while still allowing the boy to spend time with his dad. When an account from her event-planning business sends her to Caliente Springs resort, she's shocked to encounter Zeke Monroe, her college sweetheart.

Zeke is determined to keep Caliente Springs running despite financial trouble. When Julia walks back into his life, he's surprised at the feelings she stirs up. As they work together on an important client's wedding, the fate of the resort soon depends on their success. With Zeke and Julia both pushed to their limits, will their history put up walls between them or bring them together?

A Tribute to Libraries

Victoria Bylin

By Victoria Bylin

I wouldn’t be an author today without the benefit of public libraries. How many of you feel the same way? I bet a lot of us do. In honor of National Library Week, I thought it would be fun to share some memories and ask a few questions that we can all answer.

1. What was the first book you ever checked out of the library? I was only five when my mom took me to the Granada Hills branch of the Los Angeles Public Library for the first time. I came home with a treasure called Peanuts the Pony. It was square with thick library binding, tattered pages, and pictures of Peanuts with his friends. So cute! The first chapter book I ever checked out was about a pioneer girl named Caroline. That book started my love of westerns.

2. As a child or teenager, did you have a favorite series? What was it? The Black Stallion books by Walter Farley are at the top of my list. I read the first one about twenty times. I also enjoyed the Clara Barton books, Beverly Cleary’s Ramona books, and . . . if you’re a western reader you know what’s coming . . . The Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Granada Hills Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library

3. When you visit the library, which section do you hit first? The new releases are usually in front, so I check those out right away. After that, I head for the fiction section. Sometimes I start with “A” and work my way through the alphabet; other times I’ll pick an aisle and start wandering. I like the nonfiction section too, but I don’t browse it like my husband does.

4. What’s the biggest overdue fine you’ve ever paid? I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I’ve messed up a few times. The worst was in the neighborhood of $30 for multiple books. It was just one of those weeks, and with two kids, we had a lot of books out on multiple library cards.

5. What’s your best library or library-related memory? This happened at my first RWA conference in Denver 2002. I was wearing my RWA badge with my pink “First Sale” ribbon, standing in line with the crowd for the literacy signing. The woman in front of me looked familiar, but I couldn’t place her. We started chatting and it clicked. She worked at my local library back in northern Virginia. Small world!

6. Do you have an all-time favorite library? Tough choice! If I go with the “bigger is better” philosophy, I’d have to pick the Central Library here in Lexington, Kentucky. It’s beautiful with a pendulum, rotunda and ceiling clock. On the other hand, the itty-bitty four-aisle library in Frazier Park, California met my reading needs for eight years. Big or small, I love them all.

Main Library Lexington KY

7. Tell us about a moment of discovery at the library. I’ll never forget the moment I discovered Section 808.11 at the George Mason branch of the Fairfax Co. Public Library in Annandale, Virginia. I was working on my first-ever ms (it later became West of Heaven published by Harlequin Historicals) when I realized I didn’t have a clue how to move past chapter three. The library catalog directed me to the craft book section. Lo and behold! There were dozens of books about writing. The first one I checked out was Jack Bickham’s The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes. It changed my life. I devoured everything in that section, but Mr. Bickham’s book was the one that opened my eyes the widest.

8. Did you ever want to be a librarian? Oh, definitely! I can’t think of a more wonderful place to spend the day. A big thank you to librarians everywhere. You have enriched my life more than I can begin to express!

Those are my favorite memories. How about you? When you hear “library,” what’s the first thing that pops into your mind? Leave a comment to get your name in the drawing  for one of two giveaway copies of Victoria's latest release Together With You.

Click to Buy

Sometimes the most unexpected love can be exactly what a heart needs...When a Lost Child warning blares over the mall's PA system, Carly Mason finds the little girl playing with a stuffed rabbit. Something about Penny Tremaine is different. An ex-social worker, Carly recognizes that the child suffers fetal alcohol effects, and a piece of Carly's past suddenly confronts her. Never again will she become personally involved with a client. The risks are far too great. But something about Penny--and Penny's handsome father--tugs at Carly's heart.

Dr. Ryan Tremaine is trying to put his life back together. With his ex-wife remarried and on a trip far away, his two teenage sons and Penny are living under his roof full time. Ryan has put his faith in his Sink-or-Swim list, a plan to reconnect with his children. The first step: recruit Carly Mason to be Penny's nanny.

Ryan never anticipated being so drawn to Carly, an attraction Carly seems to fight as much as he does. Could Carly be the missing piece that helps his family stay afloat, or will their blossoming romance only complicate things further?

Victoria Bylin is a romance writer known for her realistic and relatable characters. Her books have finaled in multiple contests, including the Carol Awards, the RITAs, and RT Magazine's Reviewers Choice Award. A native of California, she and her husband now make their home in Lexington, Kentucky, where their family and their crazy Jack Russell terrier keep them on the go. Learn more at victoriabylin.com.

Victoria Bylin Talks about Friends, RWA and a Bobble Head Heroine

A big thank you to Mary for inviting me to Seekerville today. We’re sister Fillies at Petticoats & Pistols, and I jumped at the chance to visit this neck of the woods. Let’s celebrate with a book giveaway . . .

Anyone who comments will be in a drawing for a signed copy of The Outlaw’s Return. It’s my February Love Inspired Historical, and one of the dedications is to a dear friend and fellow writer.

Which leads to today’s topics of writers and community . . . What we do is unique. People get it or they don’t. How many of us had the experience of being at a party or social gathering, and having someone say, “What do you do?” When I say I write books for Love Inspired Historicals, this is what usually happens:

The person tips her head.

Her mouth opens. Her mouth closes.

Her eyes widen.

Then she says, “Oh.”

If she’s a reader, it’s, “OH!” but if she’s not, it takes her awhile to process the information. This didn’t happen when I told people I worked in a doctor’s office. They could instantly relate. I was the women behind the counter asking for their insurance card. But a writer? What does being a writer look like?

Yes, that’s my desk. Messy, huh? And yes, I work in my comfiest clothes, usually fleece jammies that have been nicknamed mom’s party pants. The stuffed horse in the second picture is Buck. He was a Christmas gift from my husband and a legacy to my 12 westerns for Harlequin Historical and Love Inspired Historical.

I’m hoping you’re all relating to my description, because there’s nothing better than sharing this journey with people who get it. I’ll never forget my first RWA conference. It was in Denver in 2002. I’d never been to an RWA event in my life, not even a local meeting, but I’d sold my first book, Of Men and Angels, and I wanted to sell more. I’ll never forget the hand of friendship that came from the Harlequin Historical writers. I’d joined the online group, and names and faces on websites suddenly had personalities . . . personalities a lot like mine.

That first RWA conference had another moment I’ll never forget. It was Wednesday night, just after the literacy signing, and someone said to me, “You really should hang out in the bar. You never know who you’ll meet.” Two problems: (1) I’m not much of a drinker; and (2) I was all by my little lonesome.

Undecided, I went to the ladies room where I saw a woman checking make-up in the mirror. We struck up a conversation and I blurted my dilemma. She said, “Come sit with me.” That’s when I saw her badge and my jaw dropped. It’s also how I ended up sitting in the bar with Kat Martin and Jennifer Enderlin from St. Martin’s. Bless Kat’s husband . . . he bought me a Diet Coke and said I could treat them when I’d sold ten books. The Outlaw’s Return is Book #12, so I owe them. I’m sure they don’t remember their kindness, but I’ll never forget it.

When I accepted Mary’s invitation to visit Seekerville, I thought I’d do something craft-oriented. I don’t want to neglect craft, so I’m finishing with some ms polishing tips. You may or may not find them, but if you’re a writer, you’ll get it . . .

1. If you give your character a long name like Elizabeth, use autocorrect to turn “Eliz” into “Elizabeth.” Fewer keystrokes saves wear and tear on your hands.

2. I use “Find All” to count how many times I use “was.” If I see a whole bunch of “was’s,” there’s a good chance that paragraph is “telling” instead of showing.

3. For old school typists who put two spaces after a period, use Find and Replace to reduce it to one. I also search for spaces after a tab. It’s surprising how much nicer a ms looks when the formatting is super clean.

4. If you think you’ve overused a particular word, use “Find All” to get an actual count. In Kansas Courtship ,the heroine lifted her chin every other page. I searched for “chin” and realized I’d written a book that could have been called “The Bobble Head Bride.” That got fixed fast.


5. I’m easily distracted by the Internet, so I use “AutoHide” for the bottom toolbar. If I can’t see that big blue E for Internet Explorer, I’m less likely to click it.

That’s it! Anyone have any conference stories to share? How about computer tips? Leave a comment and you’ll be entered in the drawing for The Outlaw’s Return. Here’s the back cover copy . . .


A ROGUE'S REDEMPTION?

J.T. Quinn would know Mary Larue's beautiful voice anywhere. He just never expected to hear her singing in a Denver church. The gunslinger comes to town to reunite with the only woman he's ever loved . . . but the actress he left behind two years ago is gone. In her place is a deeply Christian woman with a successful restaurant, the town's respect and a pair of younger siblings in her care. J.T. doubts he'll ever be worthy of Mary again, but he can protect her and her siblings from the threats of a local ne-er-do-well. And with courage and faith, perhaps even an outlaw can find redemption . . . and love.