When an Author Comes to the End of the Road

It’s not uncommon for authors to create a publishing schedule a year in advance. When I was about to write the next installment of the Jamieson Legacy: The Verdict, I realized I didn’t have a message from God.

I was in trouble. I had questions that filled my head like “Lord, is this the end of my writing ministry? What was I supposed to do next?” This had been my career for the past ten years.

Write the Caregiver series. Someone needs to hear from Me, God spoke.

Huh? The Caregivers series? The outline that I painstakingly wrote and rewrote back in 2011, had been shelved after not one publisher or editor showed interest? That Caregiver series?

I already had the outline. After writing more than thirty books and being a caregiver myself at one time, I really thought “I got this.” That attitude would soon challenge me.

I began to write based on my own knowledge and research, then turned it in my editor. She came back weeks later and let me know I had a lot of work to do. I had missed critical scenes, information and lacked character development. The re-writes would have to wait as I was on my way to the annual RT Booklovers Convention. I hadn’t planned to pitch the Caregivers series to a publisher or editor, but I reconsidered, thinking this had to be the setup God had for me. The agent was ecstatic about the story and the major publisher was also interested.

I returned from the convention encouraged, but distressed when I realized just how much my story was lacking. I repented to the Lord that I had leaned on my own understanding instead of defaulting to write the message He had for the readers. In the end, I had to add eighty (80) pages to the story---wow!

By the fall, I had finished the re-writes and proofs. I submitted them to the eager agent and publisher who were waiting to read my manuscript. Months went by and I heard nothing from them, but God spoke again.

I told you to publish the story!

So I began the process of indie publishing…I changed the title from Mystery of Love to My Rock, and had the cover changed twice. I had three eyes to proof it. I cried out to God that I had given Him my best with the resources I had. On April 3, 2018, after God had given me my mission, My Rock was released with encouraging reviews. Here is one:

 5 stars Wonderful and loving insight in the life of a caregiver, April 2, 2018

Let me first say that I am an employee for the local Alzheimer’s Association and I was excited to see that we were mentioned as a source of help and assistance for even fictional characters.
Ms. Simmons pulled out all types of emotions with this story. I cried, I got angry, I laughed and I rejoiced. The attention spent on every detail of the life of a person suffering with Alzheimer’s and their caregiver makes the story very realistic - you will feel like you are there with the characters and not just reading a story. Excited to see how the next sister handles being a caregiver and who will she find love with. Looking forward to seeing how Christ becomes a part of her life.
Aunt Tweet is Cupid in disguise. This is an excellent book that handles the real life situations with truth and spiritual love.
Join the fight to help find a cure for Alzheimer’s. If you know someone or you have family dealing with this disease please reach out to get help. You don’t have to do it alone alz.org. #ENDALZ

God NAILED IT! I obeyed. End of the story. A month after the release, I received a call from Deb Werksman with Sourcebooks. We had been casual acquaintances throughout the years via the RT Booklovers Convention. We never found common ground to work together, because I write Christian romance and Sourcebooks doesn’t publish that particular genre.

The reason behind her call was there was a big stir on Twitter about diversity in publishing. It’s an ongoing struggle for People of Color, but we persevere. There was a misperception that diversity in books meant white writers adding black characters to the storyline. The problem with that notion is if you don’t know the culture, you run the risk of creating stereotypes.

I thought Deb reached out to me so we could exchange thoughts about the conversation. She’s white and Jewish and I’m black and Christian. We did, but she started talking about my new release My Rock and how much she was looking for a story with depth. I reminded her, “You do know this is Christian romance?”

Deb said she wanted to be part of the solution, not the problem when it comes to diversity. We were on the phone for an hour talking about MY ROCK. When the conversation ended, we agreed to talk in a week.

I told my husband, “I think I was offered a verbal contract.” Deb wanted my sales numbers and other information a publisher would need to extend an offer.

The issue still remained that I write Christian romance and Sourcebooks didn’t publish that genre. But look at Jesus!

I mentioned to a close friend in the industry about the verbal deal. The advice she gave me was I needed an agent to look over any contract.

Great. I really did know that, but I thought I could swing it. So now, I had to find another agent and that is not an easy task. It’s just as hard as finding a publisher. I searched through the Writer’s Market for a list of agents. Mind you, I only had a week before Deb and I would talk again. A response from an agent could take four to six weeks for a yea or nay.

I prayed and asked God to guide me when Deb and I spoke again. I had my list of questions, so we began the conversation. Fifteen minutes in, I received an email from one of the top agencies in New York.

This is my email with Evan Marshall of the Evan Marshall Agency:

I see that MY ROCK has already been published. In my experience, except in rare cases, publishers aren’t interested in taking on books that have already been self-published.

My email response to Evan as I continued my phone conversation with Deb:

Hi Evan,

Thanks for getting back to me.

I have a verbal offer from Sourcebooks because they noticed MY ROCK on Amazon and wants a 3 book deal.

Does that make a difference?

Evan’s reply:

Hi Pat,

So I’m assuming Sourcebooks would want you to take the book down immediately, right?

I do like how you write very much. Sourcebooks is an exciting place to be these days. 

The key phrase for me is “I do like how you write very much.”  It’s a bit easier to find an agent when you have a deal on the table. I landed an agent like that before. It was important to me that the agent liked the way I wrote, because they could push other projects to editors.

Needless to say I signed with Evan and he negotiated the contract with Deb.

And oh, about the Christian romance element in my stories for her mainstream audience, she suggested adding a “Biblical Passages for Inspiration” section at the end of my books.

So that’s my testimony.  I had it all wrong from the start. I thought God was leading me to another agent and publisher. But if I had not self-published My Rock, I wouldn’t have received the blessings I got. 

This was a classic example of Isaiah 55:8: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD.

Look for the new version of Book 1 of the Caregivers series in Spring 2019. Until then, download the current copy today.

What's Your Inspiration for Writing?

What's in Your Basket?

Every year, I donate a basket of goodies to be raffled off at the annual RT Booklovers Convention. To win, persons had to give their names and email addresses as a way for me to build my monthly newsletter list. Most of the time, it’s a themed basket tied in with the latest release. In 2016, I had toy cars to feature Driven to Be Loved. 

This year, since I featured Love Led by The Spirit, it made sense to create a basket filled with items pertaining to love. I wanted to offer an alternative to the world’s definition of love—mainly sex and seduction. 

For inspiration, I chose to showcase God’s ultimate love.

Before I knew it, I needed a bigger box to place all the inspirational items: journals, candy, stuff animal, candle, Bible word puzzles, and more. The finishing touch was adding a large KJV Bible.

Since RT represents more than sixteen genres, some very secular, I was surprised to see the number of entries in my over-sized bag to win my “Bible Basket.” Actually, I was shocked. One reader from the UK had put in four entries. She wasn’t the only one with multiple entries to increase their chances to win.

When I shared what happened with a fellow author, who writes Fantasy Sci-Fi, she said people are hungry.  Matthew 5:6: Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. There were a lot of hungry people at this year’s conference. Why haven’t I done this before? Every day, I learn more about my mission in Christ. Now, I plan to offer more Bible boxes at events to fill the world with Godly inspiration.

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Some of my old covers are getting new looks...the Bad Boy Brothers from Boston, make sure you visit my website at www.patsimmons.net.

New Release and Release Party

I forgot how much fun release parties were for new books. I had an opportunity to relive those moments at the 2016 Christian Book Lovers Retreat--not conference--in Charlotte, North Carolina last weekend.
If authors wanted to debut a new book at the retreat, they had to agree to host a release party with the stipulation to give away five books to the first five people.
It was amusing and humbling to meet readers who planned to be among the five to get my hot-off the press new release. They were seriously hyped, which made be excited too.
With bestselling and veteran author Jacquelin Thomas hosting a chocolate social at the same time, I wasn't sure how many "Pat Simmons" fans I had.
Once I counted off the five winners--some arrived almost 30 minutes early--I had about 15-20 readers gathered around the tables. Those who didn't win freebies, purchased LOVE LED BY THE SPIRIT. But what was really cool was the opportunity to give away copies of an old title, THE GUILT TRIP, to guests who had never read one of my books. Those books were courtesy of my former publisher Moody. Because every person walked out of the room with my books in their hands, whether they purchased them or not, I consider that to be a successful release party. This was a lesson well learned.


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See what the fuss is all about with LOVE LED BY THE SPIRIT.

Minister Rossi Tolliver is ready to settle down. Besides the outward attraction, he desires a woman who is sweet, humble, and loves church folks. Sounds simple enough on paper, but when he gets off his knees, praying for that special someone to come into his life, God opens his eyes to the woman who has been there all along. There’s a slight problem. Jesetta “Jet” Hutchens lives by her own set of rules. Love is the farthest thing from her mind. But Rossi, the man and the minister, is hard to resist. Is Jet ready to allow the Holy Spirit to lead her to love?
Download your copy today! 

https://goo.gl/0I9LH3

Some of the reviews:

"I totally loved this long awaited novel. My heart rejoices for this author and characters! Led By The Spirit was so realistic until I cried!! Rossi is any Christian woman's dream man! As usual, the writing was coherent, structured, and well- organized! Pat is an amazing writer and I love and enjoy every novel!! Superb!!"---Amazon reader

"Oh my gosh! I loved this book! Being a minister myself I really related to Rossi and I loved seeing Jet grow in God. I think I might've cried at the end and I am not a crier. Great read!"--Kendy Ward, author

"This book truly was a blessing to me while reading it. After reading the first two I couldn't wait until this one came out.I was very encouraged to wait on the Lord.My first reaction was wow! minister Rossi and Jet no way but then again the set up was so God.

There is beauty in waiting on God and being led by him even when others don't quite understand. I highly recommend this book to singles.Five stars hand down or should I say hands up Praise Him!!!"--Angela Mills

The Final Wedding Send Off

Well, this is it, my last wedding on a Wednesday post from the St. Louis County Courthouse. What better way to close out my research than with a military salute send off to Sergeant Pronschindke and his bride Megan. 
From a window in the courthouse, I was able to capture this breath-taking view of them. Megan's gown blowing in the wind. I couldn't wait to meet them.

Judge Walsh presided over more than forty weddings on this Wednesday. When this bride and groom stood before the judge, he thanked the sergeant for his service and welcoming her as part of the military family. They posed for me before their nuptials.









The first to recite their vows was a young Asian couple. After they were pronounced husband and wife, he saluted her with a kiss and a bow. I hadn't seen that gesture before, but I like it! As they were leaving the courtroom, he gave me a peace sign before posing with his new wife.






One thing I can say by attending these public weddings is I have witnessed several couples of different ethnicities: Indian, Arabians, Nigerian, etc.
I'm accustomed to seeing little girls dress up as flower girls, but this sight was picture worthy, a little boy with a blue Mohawk to match his shirt. Now, I have seen everything.









Whether in church or at the courtroom, some wedding ceremonies don't start on time, especially when you're number thirteen in line like this beautiful bride. Instead of blushing, she was frantic, because her finance had yet to arrive. I gave her some words of encouragement, sharing that my church wedding started two hours late, but I had been married thirty-plus years. Eventually he did show up. I'm sure her husband-to-be got a tongue-lashing before they both said, "I do."


Lastly, I captured this moment of a couple on the back row. While waiting their turn, the bride assisted her fiance with his cuff links. Already, they were a team.







I can't wait to take you on my next writing journey. You'll next know where I'll show up next!

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Pat is the multi-published author of more than a dozen Christian titles and is a three-time recipient of the Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance. She has been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country.

As a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth, Pat is passionate about researching her ancestors and then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as an amazing, unforgettable, life-altering experience. God is the Author who advances the stories she writes.

Pat is currently overseeing the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions. She has a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.

Pat converted her sofa-strapped, sports fanatic husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. They have a son and a daughter.

Read more about Pat and her books by visiting www.patsimmons.net or on social media.

Download her latest release JET: Back Story to Love Led by the Spirit for only .99

A Family Affair

When I walked into the St. Louis County courtroom this Wednesday to watch weddings, I had already missed Judge McShane presiding over the first couple's nuptials. The couple was almost out the door when the new wife made her new husband stop. Evidently, couple number one and two had become fast friends while waiting their turns and made a pact to witness each other's nuptials.

Since I've started attending these ceremonies, I've seen happy couples surrounded by small and large numbers of families and friends. I love this picture. Also, I noticed more than a few brides who were expecting. It was heartwarming to see couples wanting to be a family. Now that is a happy ending.







Formal dress attire isn't required for these weddings. I've seen short and long after-five dresses, matching denim outfits, and very casual attire. But this groom's orange tennis shoes stole the show. All right now.


One thing I noticed about Judge McShane was her patience or determination that each bride and groom repeat their vows. One groom even repeated the judge when it wasn't part of the vow for him to recite. I could hear soft chuckles.

More than once I heard Judge McShane say, "Until death do us part."

I could tell the words seemed to sink in with a few couples from the expression of awe on the brides' faces to the way the grooms held their hands. 

I fell in love with one couple. She was beautiful and the groom was handsome. And their personality was fun. My imagination could write their love story. Sitting as a spectator on the back row, she remarked at some of the couples' lack of affection, "What happened to kissing the bride?" Not only did they make a good-looking couple, they had a handsome son who couldn't stay awake for the big moment. 

I love her expression when they first stood before the judge. Either she's saying or thinking, "Hmm-mm." LOL

I did learn her soon-to-be husband's name is Stefan. There are two things about him that I'll never forget--hearing him say, "I do," and seeing him back it up with a wink. Sigh. There is something sexy about a man who winks at his woman.
Something tells me Stefan and his family are going to make it thirty plus years. God bless you guys in Jesus' name.

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Pat is the multi-published author of more than a dozen Christian titles and is a three-time recipient of the Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance. She has been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country.

As a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth, Pat is passionate about researching her ancestors and then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as an amazing, unforgettable, life-altering experience. God is the Author who advances the stories she writes.

Pat is currently overseeing the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions. She has a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.

Pat converted her sofa-strapped, sports fanatic husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. They have a son and a daughter.

Read more about Pat and her books by visiting www.patsimmons.net or on social media.

Download her latest release JET: Back Story to Love Led by the Spirit for only .99

Pokemon GO vs. Finding A Groom

I'm starting to learn no two weddings on Wednesdays are ever the same.

Before one bride could exchange her vows, she had to track down a pokestop alert from her Pokemon Go App. She was frantic when she entered the courthouse, asking strangers where to find a certain statue. I'm happy to report she found it next door at the police station (seriously, I can't make this stuff up).With her first mission accomplished, she was able to say, "I do," hours later in Judge Jamison's chambers. Love the blue dress!

Between the nuptials, Judge Jamison's bailiff and a court clerk decided to munch on some Cheez-Its. It was going to be a long day with thirty-two couple committing to "for better or worse." Speaking of bailiffs, every Wednesday there is a different judge, and their bailiffs do things a certain way. For example, Frank had empty seats in the courtroom and I asked why he had family and friends standing outside. He told me if I wanted to find them a seat, I could. The church usher in me kicked in, so I seated the elderly and disabled first on the front pews--oops, I mean benches. I reserved seating in the jury box seats for the brides and grooms. Not bad, I packed them in!

I love it when I see people dressed for a grand occasion. One such couple is pictured below. I chatted with her about this being her day. I asked, "Do you feel like a princess?"
"Yes," she answered almost breathless. She went on to explain her husband-to-be was from Columbia and they had a handsome little son. Her friends made this day special by giving her a break on the dress and offering their services for her hair and make up. They helped her create a fairy tale wedding. Next, I took a picture of a bride who showed off her ring as the new Mrs. She and her new hubby made such a cute couple.

Weddings are a family affair, even at the courthouse. Check out this happy couple with their daughter. the girl was the perfect flower girl. Her smile was pure happiness. Love it!

Look at this stack of the marriage certificates and more were coming. I assisted this court reporter, who needed a second witness, by adding my name to the dotted line. Finally, after an hour, or so of "hard work," I had to go. I asked Frank, the bailiff, if I could leave departing words to the couples. Since I had the floor, I congratulated all of them and challenged them to catch up with me--I've been married for 33 years.

That's it for me this week. #WeddingsWednesday

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Pat is the multi-published author of more than a dozen Christian titles and is a three-time recipient of the Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance. She has been a featured speaker and workshop presenter at various venues across the country.

As a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth, Pat is passionate about researching her ancestors and then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as an amazing, unforgettable, life-altering experience. God is the Author who advances the stories she writes.

Pat is currently overseeing the media publicity for the annual RT Booklovers Conventions. She has a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.

Pat converted her sofa-strapped, sports fanatic husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, GPS-guided chauffeur, and administrative assistant who is constantly on probation. They have a son and a daughter.

Read more about Pat and her books by visiting www.patsimmons.net or on social media.

Download her latest release JET: Back Story to Love Led by the Spirit for only .99

Writing Research 101: Becoming Part of the Story

Welcome to my Courtroom Weddings on Wednesdays

Attending these festivities is part of my writing research for a Christian romance series. Yesterday afternoon, Judge Dueker presided over 25+ marriages, each lasted no more than five minutes. Although I could only watch about a dozen or so, I had an incredible opportunity to stand in as a witness for young couple, known as #23, and sign their certificate.

Every week I asked random couples why they chose to exchange vows in the courthouse. Their reasons varied from "Why not, we've been together forever," to "He's getting ready to serve." Some didn't need any other reason than to officially be a family with their children dressed in their Sunday best. And the couples' ages ranged from their twenties to the seventies.

Couple 23 could have been my children. Nervously, the groom wanted to know if they needed rings, I told him no. He asked if they needed a witness. Automatically, my hand went up, and I volunteered to be their witness, even though the court reporter would have been the default witness anyway. I was as hyped as them. How exciting. I was about to become part of their story.


Since they were number #23 and the judge had finished #14, I asked the bailiff if "my" couple could go next, because I had to leave. Minutes later, I stood before the judge watching them exchange vows.
Whether they planned to get married yesterday or not, I don't know, because everyone doesn't dress up for the occasion.
Oh, and their reason for the courthouse wedding was they were very religious and they couldn't move in together unless they were married. Young love. I did challenge them to stay married as long as me--thirty-three years. And I will be keeping them in my prayers.

 

There was a family that traveled from China to see their daughter get married. Everyone was dressed for the occasion and they even let me take a group picture. After the bride and groom exchanged vows, their guests formed a receiving line outside the courtroom and softly clapped as the newlyweds walked out.

There was another tender moment that made me glad that I pen Christian romance novels. One couple exchanged vows as the groom held their infant daughter. The baby couldn't have been more than a few weeks old. She rubbed his arm as they repeated their vows and their kiss was gentle. Since some couples skipped the smooches part, this was an ahh moment from the audience. Then new bride left the courtroom blinking back tears.

Yes, I found love in the courtroom on yesterday and I can't wait to write the stories that have inspired my imagination in my Love in the Courtroom series.
Back next week with new brides and grooms.
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If you haven't already downloaded, JET the Back Story to Love Led by the Spirit, do it today.
Only .99.

https://goo.gl/xiJiQA

Research Time!!

Welcome to my summer field trips.

While on a work assignment at the St. Louis County Courtroom, I learned a few things about cases that are heard in the courtrooms. Mondays are reserved for people who want to change their names; Paternity Tuesdays need no explanation, Wedding Wednesdays, which are open to the public; Probation Revocation are heard on Thursdays; and divorces are granted every day of the week along with other civil and criminal trials.

After learning the schedule of “appearances,” I opted to witness my first courthouse wedding. I was hyped as I counted down the days to Weddings Wednesday. With thirty to forty marriages to preside over in one afternoon, judges’ one-minute nuptials would put speed dating to shame.

Judges performed the ceremonies on a rotating schedule. One judge walked in late, carrying his black robe tucked under his arm. By the time the bailiff had assembled the couples on a first come, first serve basis; the judge had slipped on his robe while cracking jokes to stir up couples and their witnesses. I later found out, ironically, that divorce judges also act as justice of the peace on Weddings Wednesday.

I didn’t know what to expect as I entered the crowded courtroom, but I did hope to capture that “look of love” on brides and grooms’ faces. It was odd to see some couples repeat their vows to the judge instead of gazing into their beloved’s eyes. On my wedding day, thirty plus years ago, I wanted my husband to look me in the eye when he made his promises!

Being a bystander wasn’t enough. Since I’m nosy by nature, I had to ask some brides why they chose the courthouse. Their reasons varied.

“We’ve been together for twenty-five years. We decided to make it legal,” said a woman sitting on the last bench. It seemed to be no big deal to her hubby to-be either who sat stoically beside her.  

I moved on to another bride-to-be and asked a similar question.

“We had planned to get married last year, then I got pregnant with her,” she pointed to the toddler playing at her feet, “so since we’re trying to buy a house, the courthouse worked.”

Besides her, there were a good number of women marrying the father of their children, including some who were pregnant.

The dress attire was as diverse as the nationalities tying the knot. I could count on one hand, okay, maybe seven fingers how many had dressed for the grand occasion. Some looked like they were on their way to a movie, shopping, or even heading back home after the certificate was signed.

There were some eye-catching fairytale brides who wore white or off white. One woman had on a long cream dress. Her hair was adorned with flowers as if they were on a vine. She bounced a baby girl in her arms who was outfitted in a cute orange chiffon dress. “I have my flower girl and bouquet wrapped up in one,” she told me with a smile.

“What made you decide to get married at the courthouse?” I asked.

The groom, decked out in a suit and tie, answered, “I’m about to enlist in the U.S. Navy and I had to be married to make sure my family was taken care of.”

“Awww, so when are you enlisting?”

“Friday.”

“You’re just making the cut,” I told him and thanked him for his upcoming service.

On another Weddings Wednesday, I chuckled after a woman, wearing shorts and a T-shirt, rushed inside the courtroom. “Did I miss it?” she asked a couple across the aisle in a voice that wasn’t a whisper. The embarrassed bride and groom shook their heads no.

There so much more, but I’ll share them in a blog or include them in an upcoming story.

Here’s some pictures to share:

This bride, a native of Nigeria, and her fiancé arrived three hours early to be the first couple married.

The young…

The more matured …

Nothing was stopping these lovebirds

From one Mrs. Simmons, I congratulated the new Mrs. Simmons--no relations. Of course I had to take a picture, since Simmons wives were in the courthouse. Her reason for a courthouse wedding was to give her Midwest family a ceremony, and then have one later in Baltimore for other family members.

On this Weddings Wednesday, a friend of a bride-to-be passed out napkins to newlyweds as they left the courtroom. “I wanted them to have something special from this day,” she said.

How do you research your stories? Do you have this much fun? Look for my weekly recaps every Thursday in July.

I’m Pat Simmons, author, romantic at heart, and your Weddings Wednesday roaming reporter.  

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Download my newest release:JET: Back Story to LOVE LED BY THE SPIRIT for .99.

My May Author Newsletter 2016

I've been sending out newsletters since November 2006, and it's more than throwing some ideas together and buy my book links. My subscribers like my photos.  This was a heartwarming newsletter with exciting news to share.

http://eepurl.com/bYOwEr

Winning An Award

Tonight, I received breaking news from the annual Romance Slam Jam (RSJ) conference in Detroit, Michigan, that THE CONFESSION won Best Inspirational Romance of the Year. I've been nominated four times, and this makes my third win. This is more special.
THE CONFESSION was my first indie project to be nominated. Plus, the story shows couples in their 50s are still sexy. Congratulations to my other two sisters in the competition. When one wins, we all win, because Christian fiction/romance is about winning souls for Christ.

I'm happy, humble and thankful.