Writing is not always easy. Sometimes it can be downright cruel, to be honest. But, there are times when it can be quite magical.
Between October and December 2012, I received a dozen rejections from publishers in the UK and Ireland for the novel I had written after self-publishing The Girl Who Came Home. That second novel was called Daughters of the Flowers. Inspired by my love of My Fair Lady and based on true events, it told the story of two sisters – orphaned flower sellers – in Victorian London and a young woman who is transformed by their experiences. I was devastated that the book couldn’t find a home. I cried a lot of tears and started working on a third novel.
In June 2013, Daughters of the Flowers was bought by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins, and with a new title, A Memory of Violets, was published in February of this year.
Yesterday, my editor sent on the amazing news that A Memory of Violets made the New York Times ebook bestsellers list at no.20 and the USA Today bestsellers list at no. 45.
The path to publication may not always be easy, or straightforward – mine certainly wasn’t – but if you can stick with it, it has the potential to deliver some wonderful surprises which make all the rejection and uncertainty worthwhile.
A Memory of Violets is such a special book to me, for many many reasons and I’m so proud and happy to see it reaching so many readers’ hands. Thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed and supported this book in its various forms. I’m very very VERY grateful.
x
Hazel, It was a joy and privilege to read and review your book. I have talked about it to all my bookish friends. You deserve more than the five stars I gave you..it is a heart-tugging tale that will mesmerize the reader to the point that they can’t put it down until they, sadly, reach the last page. I’m wishing for a sequel…as well as mountains of continued success for you. Thank-you!! Nancy Narma
Thank you, Nancy. You are very kind. :) x
Hazel, I actually was lucky to win a signed copy of “The Girl Who Came Home” and I absolutely loved it. I just bought “A Memory of Violets” and am excited to start it soon! I really appreciated this blog post. I going onto my junior year in college and am an aspiring writer. I am struggling with writing because I love it so much but it can also be so difficult! I’m so happy that your hard work paid off and was recognized. Thank you for sharing your stories with us and for never giving up! I look forward to reading whatever else you publish in the future!!! :)
Thank you so much, Morgan. So pleased you enjoyed The Girl Who Came Home! :)
I read dozens of books per year and never bother to write an author. This book, Memory of Violets, is so incredibly well written and such a fabulous story it tells!! Well, I had to write and say you are now in my top ten authors!! Congratulations and honestly I cannot imagine that you would have received any rejection letters…I guess they lost out! Best wishes for the future and I hope there are a few more stories inside of you waiting to get out.
Thank you for contacting me, Larry! I’m so pleased you enjoyed A Memory of Violets. :)