4 Tips on the Road to Publication

Edie here. Today I'm excited to introduce you to a debut novelist. Laura Hodges Poole is a good friend, fellow author, and I wanted to make sure you saw her new book, Return to Walhalla. There's a lot to be learned by following her tips on the road to publication!

4 Tips on the Road to Publication
by Laura Hodges Poole @Laura_Poole

“My stories run up and bite me on the leg. I respond by writing down everything that goes on during the bite. When I finish, the idea lets go and runs off.” Ray Bradbury, author

I can’t resist a good Ray Bradbury quote, probably because they’re both creative and true! Writers want to create something so irresistible their reader can’t stop reading. Becoming this sort of writer doesn’t happen overnight. Actually, just becoming a published writer takes a lot of work.

I used to wonder how one became published, as if some mystery existed only an elite few were privy to. I wrote as a hobby for years, but I could never quite figure out the publishing game.

My dream, like many writers, was to publish a novel. That dream came true in 2016, when I signed a contract for Return to Walhalla, which released this week. But my path to publication was long, and four things helped make my dream a reality.

1. Walk through open doors, even if they’re not in your master plan.

In the summer of 2006, I noticed a murder-mystery writing contest in my local newspaper already in progress. It was a once-a-month feature for a year. After reading the sixth installment, I thought, “I can do this.” So I wrote a 1,000-word chapter and submitted it. I was so used to rejection, I was shocked when the feature editor called to tell me I had won. I had enough forethought to ask if I could enter again, which I could. Much to my surprise, I won the next five months.

The following spring, I wrote an op-ed for the newspaper about a project practically in my backyard. A developer had bulldozed a beautiful hillside to create a commercial build-to-suit lot. My neighborhood had unsuccessfully fought the zoning change that allowed this to happen. My stance was—destroying natural resources to create build-to-suit lots does not constitute progress.

I didn’t anticipate the hornets’ nest my piece would uncover. The newspaper had a call-in forum, Straight Talk, where anyone could anonymously share opinions on different topics and then they were printed in the newspaper. Did I mention having thick skin is necessary for a writer?

Straight Talkers labeled me naïve, a tree hugger, anti-development, and having a not-in-my-backyard mentality. Letters to the editor suggested I move somewhere else that would suit me better. The mean-spirited folks were in the minority, but they were the loudest, drowning out supportive voices. I was thrilled when my fifteen minutes of fame ended, and I faded into obscurity once again.

2. Go where writers gather.

A few months later, I attended a charity function featuring one of my favorite columnists, Sharon Randall, a North Carolina native. I planned to enjoy the evening, maybe meet Ms. Randall, and learn about publishing. After everyone else had gone through the reception line, I approached her. While we chatted, the managing editor of our local newspaper walked up, extended his business card to me, and offered to let me freelance for the newspaper. He’d remembered me from the op-ed piece. I began writing features for the newspaper soon after.

Whenever a published author came to town for a workshop, I attended. I met award-winning Christian suspense author Lynette Eason in 2008. We became friends, and her advice helped me tremendously in my growth as a writer. I also started attending writers’ conferences where I met other writers who became friends and mentors.

3. Resist “branding” yourself.

The newspaper features led to non-fiction ghostwriting opportunities. Yet, my dream was to publish a novel.  

During those years, I wrote three full-length fiction manuscripts, before the third one, Return to Walhalla, was contracted. I also self-published three novellas and a devotional.

There’s validity in fine-tuning your craft in one genre. However, be open to opportunities God provides to sharpen your skills, build your writing credits, and create a supportive network.

When I reflect over the last twelve years and the path God led me on, I couldn’t have planned that particular path myself. If I had insisted on writing only fiction, specifically a novel, I might not have succeeded. The other writing experiences made me a better writer.

4. Don’t give up—persevere.

Success takes time—and it’s measured differently for everyone. Publishing often follows trends that are narrow paths. There’s merit in following these paths, especially to be traditionally published, but if it doesn’t work, don’t be afraid to try something else. The best advice Lynette Eason gave me was start writing your next manuscript before you get a rejection letter for your current one. It’s easy to give up otherwise, and you don’t know which manuscript will ultimately sell.

Enter contests, attend conferences, and keep writing! One day, maybe you’ll have something published readers will find irresistible.

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Return to Walhalla

When financier Penny Ruskin returns to Walhalla, South Carolina, she has one purpose—to settle her grandmother’s estate and sell the Victorian house she grew up in. Not an easy task with the downturned economy. What she doesn't count on are all the roadblocks thrown in her path. 

Walhalla is Tommy McAllister’s life. Between his family’s feed-and-seed store and the bank he’s vice president of, he’s stretched thin trying to survive the recession. But when a girl he hasn’t seen since high school breezes back into town, he’s ready to push himself even further to help her feel at home—and convince her to stay. He reaches out to Penny, but the last thing she wants is to be trapped in a small town that holds painful memories—one dark secret in particular.

The town matchmaker and bank manager, Miss Betty, a motherless teen Emma who lives down the lane from Penny, and the church ladies of Walhalla’s First Baptist add both heartwarming and challenging moments to Penny’s life.

With the past dogging Penny’s steps, dredging up painful memories she’s tried to outrun, relatives threaten the future she has begun to hope for…But somewhere deep inside her, a spark of hope remains. Tommy isn’t the only one praying for a miracle.

Laura Hodges Poole is a freelance writer with dozens of articles, devotions, and short stories in publication. Her novellas and devotional are available on Amazon. Laura is the 2016 ACWC Badge of Honor winner, a 2014 ACFW Genesis semi-finalist, and a 2012 RWA Emily finalist. As an editor and member of The Christian PEN, she enjoys mentoring and helping other writers polish their work.  Laura is also a non-fiction ghostwriter/collaborator. Her passion is encouraging others in their Christian walk through her blog, "A Word of Encouragement." When she’s not writing, you might find her hiking, playing the piano, or being crafty. A mother of two, Laura lives in South Carolina with her husband and son.

Website: http://laurahodgespoole.com/

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