I’ve been asked many times—When did you start writing, and did you always want to write? The short answer is Yes… and No.
Before I started writing in January 2009 I’d always thought of things I’d like to write, but never did. This will sound convoluted but until I started, I wasn’t ready. And I wasn’t ready, until I started. Say what?
This twisted thinking is very much like one of my favorite sayings – Wherever I go, there I am.
When I sat down to write my first book, which naturally would sail into the top 100 list *indelicate snort*, I had no clue about the craft of writing—and writing is a craft— let alone the business end of publishing. I wrote exactly as I spoke. What a mess.
Six months after putting fingers to keyboard, Shelby’s Legacy was complete and I started shopping around to see who I would allow to publish my Pulitzer Prize winning discourse. In blissful ignorance I decided the Wild Rose Press would be honored to receive my book.
With great confidence, off went the first three chapters and a synopsis. For two weeks I waited, feverishly checking e-mails every day. My heart soared when an editor requested a full submission. I was on my way. Then, the bubble burst—REJECTION.
However, this editor must have seen a glimmer of something in my writing because she sent two lengthy e-mails, explaining what I needed to do to improve my skills, and provided a link for an on-line critique group (which I’m still a member of).
The second phase of my writing career began. I signed up for creative writing at the University of Western Ontario, attended every workshop within easy driving distance, and became a member of Romance Writers of America and the closest local chapter, Toronto Romance Writers.
There’s something to be said about letting your mind relax and allow the subconscious to come to the fore. Many ‘aha’ moments occurred as I drove home from one workshop after another. I soon realized how gentle the editor had been with the first draft of my manuscript. It really was awful. The manuscript evolved with me, and in January 2011 I sold to Turquoise Morning Press.
According to Plan is my debut novel. Formerly titled Shelby’s Legacy, which came complete with a handsome Scottish Laird trapped in a mirror before evolving into another working title, called Shelby’s Dilemma. The Laird had been dropped, and a cowboy introduced to compete with the hero for Shelby’s heart. Finally, I cut all the fat and concentrated on the love story between Tank and Shelby. This was when it became the book of my heart and the title appropriately changed to According to Plan.
What do you do when things do go According to Plan? For starters you trick, deceive and lie to the very person who ruined your best laid plans.
Welcome to the world of Shelby Stewart, P.I., who’s been hired to find Harrison Grant. To complicate matters further, Tank— the ex-partner, ex-lover, ex-everything— shows up looking for Harrison as well, albeit for a very different reason. Harry is the prime suspect in the grisly murder of a call girl in L.A.
That wouldn’t be so bad, but Tank plans on staying at Shelby’s house, and makes it obvious he’s willing to help her heat the sheets again. Shelby knows that sex with Tank is dangerous, fast and sometimes a little dirty. Now is not the time to become side-tracked. Besides, this job could launch her company into a whole new stratosphere, so it’s imperative she remain focused.
Frustration becomes Shelby’s newest partner as she makes plans to out maneuver Tank in their parallel quest. Tank, on the other hand, is always one step ahead of the game – and isn’t what or whom Shelby thought.
Shelby doesn’t want to be hurt by Tank again. A year ago he walked out on her for another woman. Tank loves Shelby so much he’s allowed her to hate him. This was the only way to keep her alive and safe. But the danger has passed, and now Tank can start tearing down the walls Shelby’s erected. First, he’ll start with a kiss.
Visit my website, and check out my other books - www.madisonjedwards.com, or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Madison-J-Edwards-Author/148483455220051 you can Twitter me: @MadisonJEdwards, I’d love to hear from you.
Buy Links:
Barnes & Noble: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/According-To-Plan/Madison-J-Edwards/e/2940012799067
GIVEAWAY (pdf copy of book): This is INTERNATIONAL. Leave a comment for Madison and your email, one extra entry to GFC followers. Giveaway will close on September 19th.
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Thank you for hosting me today, this has been fun.
Madison
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