Guest Post by Angie Lofthouse. If you want to meet her in person check out her webpage HERE and see if she's coming to a Costco near you :)
Rebellious is not a word usually used to describe me. But when it comes to my journey to publication, rebellion seems to be the name of the game.
First of all, everyone knows that you won't publish the first novel you write, right? It's true. Except my book that just came out, Defenders of the Covenant? Yep. First novel I ever wrote. Okay, let me explain. I started out writing short stories. I'd been writing for about four years when I wrote Defenders. I submitted it around for a while, got a lot of rejections and shelved it. For ten years. During that ten years I wrote more short stories. Lots and lots of short stories. I even got a bunch of them published. I honed my craft on short stories, so when I pulled out that novel again after ten years, I was ready to turn it into something really great! So it's true you won't publish the first thing you write. I sure didn't!Then there's the unspoken rule that you cannot combine LDS fiction with science fiction. Actually, I didn't know about this rule until after I'd written and LDS science fiction novel. Oops. My bad! When I started submitting again, I was told over and over by people who know what they are talking about that there is no market for LDS science fiction. I refused to believe them. I feel very blessed and fortunate that Walnut Springs decided to take a chance on it. I guess it's marketability is still being proven, but I love how when I tell people my book is an LDS sci-fi novel, their eyes light up. It makes me smile.
So, there you go. I guess I'm a rebel after all! Go ahead and be a rebel too. Chase those impossible dreams. You'll get there if you never give up!
To learn more about Defenders of the Covenant, visit my website!
That's funny, because right when I heard, LDS Sci-fi, my eyes lit up too:) That sounds very cool!
ReplyDeleteAngie Lofthouse is freaking amazing. I like that when I see her she smiles and me and waves and acts like I'm sort-of a cool person. I also love Defenders! Go Angie.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet a good publication rebel.
ReplyDeleteI've always been intrigued with the idea of LDS sci-fi. I'll have to pick up Defenders.
Thanks, Deana!
ReplyDeleteErin, you are a VERY cool person!
Chad, thanks for having me here!
The book is WONDERFUL, just like ANGIE!!
ReplyDeleteIn MY mind LDS and Sci-Fi go well together :-D
ReplyDeleteI think it's awesome!
You're so fun, Angie
Angie, I think we must be sisters! My first book, The Believer, was LDS sci fi as well, and it was also the first novel I wrote, working on it for years and years, rewriting it countless times and reading tons of fiction technique books as I gradually learned how to produce a publishable novel.
ReplyDeleteYou go, Angie! I love that you combined LDS with SciFi!
ReplyDeleteYou Go Angie! SciFi and Faith mix!!!
ReplyDeleteYay. It was good to see you at my costco
ReplyDeleteI think that makes a pioneer, Angie. How does it feel? :D
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderfully uplifting interview! Thanks Angie and Shelly!
ReplyDeleteKathleen, thanks. You're sweet. Jolene, you are too. Stephanie, that's so cool. I got The Believer for my kindle! Thanks, Donna. You too, Tyrean. Betsy, it was great to see you too! Angela, I like it! Emily, thanks so much. You all made me smile. =)
ReplyDeleteAngie you were a delight to have. Come back anytime :)
ReplyDeletesecretly i never really believe all of those rules anyway---she sound so great---wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Shelly and you too, Lynn.
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