Writer Inspiration: Dawn Chartier

by Marie-Claude Bourque

Hi everyone,  

Today, I am delighted to host author Dawn Chartier who also happens to be our own John fellow RWC chapter member. She talks about persistance, which I think is an important part of being successful

Welcome Dawn

When I asked Marie-Claude what she would like me to blog about today, she said, “something inspirational is always good for aspiring writers and authors.”  I find that to be true for me as well.  I love reading about the pot-holed roads other authors have traveled to get to where they are today.  While reading all those inspirational stories, I found a common thread.  I mean there are tons of things they went through, but that one BIG thing got them published.  And if you haven’t guessed it by now, the answer is PERSISTENCE.

Sure you have to have a good plot, great characters, plenty of goals, motivation and conflict through out, plus decent writing, and I say “decent” because I’m terrible with grammar, but with wonderful critique partners, even I got published.

And why is that? I’m persistent that’s why.  When I sent my first manuscript to an editor who I met at my very first conference, she sent me a nice rejection letter saying that my world wasn’t believable enough. (she was being extremely kind) So I wrote another story and worked on my world building.  Then I sent her my second manuscript, and when I saw her at another conference, she told me that I was doing everything right. She said my style reminded her of another author that she publishes, but what else did I have? Meaning she wasn’t interested. So I told her what else I was working on and she said to send her that. It sounded more like what she was looking for.

I didn’t give up.  I finished that book, but sadly, I didn’t have the chance to send it to her because she passed away.  I was so upset, because I thought she was going to be the one to publish me. She believed I could do it.

I picked myself up, and went forward. I ended up sending the story to an agent.  They told me they loved the story, but didn’t feel deep enough for the characters.  I took that as another challenge and wrote a short novel instead. I worked extra hard on reaching deeper into my characters.

I figured I was in this for the long haul and I had better get used to rejections because it’s all part of the publishing industry.  I remember hearing Sherrilyn Kenyon speak at a conference and she said she had over 200 rejections.  If she had over 200 rejections, what the –?  I couldn’t complain about my few. This author sells books in practically every country. 

Anyway, I ended up writing a short novel (Not An Angel) as a learning piece.  I worked on all the things that the editor and agent had mentioned in the rejections.  I even won a critique by an agent and she told me that my opening scene was very powerful. Because of her, I decided to submit the story.  I sent Not An Angel to a few e-publishers, knowing most N.Y. publishers don’t publish short novels from new authors.  I mean they do, but not too often.

Shortly after submitting, I received a contract.  Publishing doesn’t happen over night for most authors, it takes lots of practice, lots of criticism and lots and lots of persistence. 

Now I’m writing a novel, and I’m not sure of the exact genre’ Romantic Suspense or Mystery Romance, but I do know that I won’t give up until I find it home.  Even if it takes 200 rejections. It will be published.  Be PERSISTANT.  Don’t be one of those people who write a book, but give up after a couple rejections.  Keep writing. Keep submitting.

Thanks Musetracks for having me.  I enjoyed being here.  If any has any questions, feel free to ask.

Dawn Chartier

 Thanks you Dawn!

Dawn Chartier was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, one of four children. She’s a southern girl, but has the accent of a New Yorker, or so she’s been told. The “unknown” and the “power of love” fascinate her.

She grew up in her parent’s bookstore, but at the time she didn’t like to read. (Really!) It took a divorce (and a book-a-holic sister) for her to find the passion for reading, and a hurricane named Katrina to uncover her desire to write.

After writing four manuscripts, Not An Angel, her paranormal romance found a home with The Wild Rose Press (www.thewildrosepress.com), and will be released May 12, 2010, this wednesday. Currently, she is writing a romantic suspense series set in her home town of New Orleans.

Dawn works part-time in the construction industry, and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She is one of the Co-Program directors for SOLA-RWA. With her husband, two daughters and two Golden Retreivers, she currently resides on the west bank side of the Mississippi river. Unfortunately, Dawn can’t cook to save her life. For more information you can visit her website at:  www.dawnchartier.com