My special guest today is Christina Phillips. I’ve stolen Christina’s bio directly from her website because it made me smile, and I think you’ll enjoy it. Here it is:
Born in the UK, I met my very own hero when I was just fifteen, was married at twenty and we went on to have three delightful (well they’re delightful most of the time…) children. To get me through my driving test after baby #2 was born, I wrote a couple of romances to keep my mind off reversing round corners. It turned out to be a very good diversionary tactic but unfortunately the writing sucked and all I received in the mail were form rejections from Mills & Boon (I did pass my driving test though, so there was some method in my madness).
I jacked in the writing lark, since with two toddlers and two jobs I was too knackered to think of anything else! But in the back of my mind, the bug stayed. And grew. Like it does.
Fast forward a few years… add another baby… and we emigrated to Australia. Once all the excitement had settled down, the writing bug came back with a vengeance and I decided that this time I’d stick with it.
I’m now writing paranormal romances, which have always been my first love although it took me way too many years to see the light (I remember the first thing I sent M&B after moving to Oz was about a fallen angel…!!)
Today Christina is talking about her adventures as an aspiring author.
CONTEST: See details below. I’ll get Christina to draw a winner for me on the day following her post, so make sure you check back to see if you’re the winner.
Thank you Shelley for inviting me to guest blog today! And I have to say I love the title of this post. It sounds so exciting and immediately conjures exotic images of shimmering deserts, fluttering silken scarves (don’t ask) and hot brooding heroes. In reality, my adventures are confined inside my very weird mind as I spend hours hunched over my keyboard, squinting at the monitor, in an attempt to bring my fantasy world to life.
So, fantasy world aside, why did I start writing when the odds are so stacked against new writers signing that elusive contract? I guess it’s because when I started writing, aged about six, things like that didn’t even occur to me, and later on – when they did – I was so addicted to the whole I-Am-The-Goddess-of-My-Own-Universe thing I couldn’t stop even if I wanted to.
The first time an editor took an interest in my writing way back when I first started, I was thrilled. She loved the concept and worked hard with me to polish that story until it glittered. We got to contract stage – and then the company went into liquidation.
A few months later my writing caught the eye of an editor at Harlequin Mills &Boon. Whoo-hoo! OMG yes I was really on my way now! I was obviously going to be a millionaire by Christmas *cough cough*
After working with me on a couple of projects, this lovely editor left the company. My work was passed onto another editor, who also subsequently left the company.
Hmm. In the meantime, I subbed a short story to Arabella, a US romance magazine. Within weeks, they went into liquidation.
It was about this time I started to feel just a bit paranoid. Was somebody trying to tell me something here?!
Sometimes, when I look at all the rejections I’ve had over the years on various queries, partials, fulls and revisions, I wonder why on earth I keep going. I mean, what’s the point putting myself through this particular brand of torture time after time?
So every now and then I put my writing on the back burner, or even try and forget about it altogether. Doesn’t last very long though. Within days I start getting twitchy and bad tempered and before long I’m back at the computer, itching to plunge into a new world of my creation.
The truth is, I’m addicted to the huge rush of adrenalin I get whenever I’m immersed in a story. The way I can’t get those characters out of my head, no matter what else I’m doing at the time – and this isn’t such a Good Thing when you’re driving on the freeway, that’s for sure! Burnt dinners are par for the course at my house (my family have long given up complaining about that!), ironing is an alien concept and dust bunnies rule.
Then of course there’s the high I get when I receive positive feedback from agents and editors, which is enough to keep me going on yet another project. Best of all are the wonderful friends I’ve made through the writing communities over the last few years, especially my amazing critique partners who are very handy with both whips and chocolate whenever the need arises!
To be in with a chance of winning a download of Shelley’s fabulous Scarlet Woman, the first book in her Middlemarch Mates series, share what keeps/kept you writing in the face of rejections – or just leave a comment and say hi!
Christina Phillips
Aspiring Romance Writer who has tried writing category romance, first person chick lit, light paranormal, erotic romance and dark paranormal. As they say in Galaxy Quest: Never Give Up! Never Surrender!
Christina has both a blog and website for you to visit. Authors, make sure you check out her article on finding an agent.
Hi, Christina
Great post! How many dinners did you burn while writing it?
Shelley, I love your series title.
Best
by Pat Posner April 2nd, 2008 at 1:52 amPat in UK aka Patwitch
Hey, Christina! Fancy meeting you here! You only hang out in the classiest places, my friend.
You always make me laugh! In a good way, especially the adventures in the weird woods of your imagination comment. I hear you, sister! Don’t give up - contracts come when you least expect them, believe me! And the only way to get there is write, write, write!
Good luck!
Anna
by Anna Campbell April 2nd, 2008 at 1:57 amChristina - I can’t not write. The writing journey is full of incredible highs and equally sobering lows, requiring in my case, mega chocolate. But even at my lowest point, after a bad rejection, I’ve never considered giving up. I plain love writing and spending time with the characters in my head. I’m not sure what that says about me!
I’m definitely determined and stubborn.
Thanks for visiting today!!
Pat - thanks very much. My series is named after the small town of Middlemarch in the South Island of New Zealand.
by Shelley Munro April 2nd, 2008 at 2:05 amHey Patwitch! How lovely to see you here. You know me too well - I burnt at least two dinners writing this post!
by Christina Phillips April 2nd, 2008 at 2:06 amAnna! You’re so right about the writing (I had to rewrite that to get it right…) Sometimes I feel I’ve been trying forever, but I know I’ll get there eventually. You’re one of my inspirations!
by Christina Phillips April 2nd, 2008 at 2:09 amShelley, thank you for having me! And I agree about not being able to give up writing (even though I do go through the odd drought!) and yes chocolate definitely helps, although in my case I find a takeaway latte or four is almost as good!
by Christina Phillips April 2nd, 2008 at 2:13 amHi Christina and Shelly.
by Jane April 2nd, 2008 at 2:28 amGive up? Nope. That’s for wusses (now is that even spelt right!) You’re right it is addictive and that twitch sure does happen if you even try and stop.
Who needs housework or a garden to weed if you’ve got a story to write is what i say!
Regards and good luck
Jane Beckenham
Jane, I completely agree with you about housework and weeds - and even when I do tidy up the kids wreck it again within five seconds! I’d much rather lose myself in my own little world. Thanks so much for the good luck!
by Christina Phillips April 2nd, 2008 at 3:04 amFabulous post!!! I love hearing stories of writers burning meals……. it makes me feel normal hahahaha
by Sara Hantz April 2nd, 2008 at 3:22 amHi Christina and Shelley. Christina, I love your sense of humour over all the mishaps and rejections.
I’d like to think it means you’re making room for something a bit more major to happen with your work. Major enough, that you could go out for every meal and not burn anything ;-).
Suzy (another aspiring romance writer)
by Sussan Marz April 2nd, 2008 at 3:49 amSara - I know what you mean! It was wonderful to discover I wasn’t the only one who avoided housework and cooking at every possible opportunity (because, of course, I was too busy being a Goddess!!)
: 
by Christina Phillips April 2nd, 2008 at 4:50 amSuzy, I LOVE the way your mind works!! I’ll definitely remember that the next time I face a rejection
and as for eating out all the time, that’s my idea of heaven!
Best of luck with your own writing!
by Christina Phillips April 2nd, 2008 at 4:53 amBest of luck, Christina.
I’ll give you the best advice ever given to me. “Write a book. Then another and another. It may not be the first one that sells. Perhaps it will be the fourth one, and then your buyer may be interested in your backlist too.”
And I’d like to add from experience that each book will teach you something new about writing romance.
Ash
by Ashlyn Chase April 2nd, 2008 at 5:20 amAsh, that’s excellent advice. Thanks for sharing! It’s so true that you learn something new with each book you write. I have a secret dream that one day a publisher will be interested in my backlist!
by Christina Phillips April 2nd, 2008 at 5:27 amHi Christina & Shelley
Great post. Christina at least you remember to cook dinner, half the time when I get on a roll I forget to start to cook dinner until hubby comes in from spending all afternoon riding horses.
Hugs
by Sandie Hudson April 2nd, 2008 at 5:51 amSandie
Absolutely.
by Jennifer McKenzie April 2nd, 2008 at 5:52 amBesides, if I didn’t write I’d never shower alone.
‘The whole I-Am-The-Goddess-of-My-Own-Universe thing’ - LOL!!! Isn’t that why we all write? I know it’s why I do! LOL!!
by julia April 2nd, 2008 at 7:06 amGoodness Christina, you cracked me up. As Julia said, I loved the Goddess reference
But it’s so true - it’s just wonderful creating your own little worlds and say take that Heroine and take that Hero….come on let’s see you get out of this one!
I have gone through the not writing phase coz of LIFE getting in the way - it didn’t stop my little bitty head get chock full of ideas and characters trying to get out the poor dears - so now were are all happy
Shelly - *hi* great looking site indeed.
by Eleni Konstantine April 2nd, 2008 at 7:22 amSandie! That happens to me too. And despite having two grown up daughters
it never occurs to them to actually go in the kitchen and start dinner!
by Christina Phillips April 2nd, 2008 at 7:37 amHi Christina! This is such a nice article. It’s good to see how other writers handle things. I know about that twitchy feeling. I get caught up in other stuff but when I get to twitching, I’ve got to go and write. I think it’s kind of an addiction for me too. It can be such a high. That is, until the revisions start. K
by Kaye Manro April 2nd, 2008 at 7:45 amJennifer, LOL!
I hadn’t thought of that! 
Julie, hi! Yes I love the whole Goddess aspect! Not that I have delusions of grandeur or anything…!
by Christina Phillips April 2nd, 2008 at 7:49 amHey Eleni! Isn’t it great tying our heroes and heroines up in knots, just to see how they’re going to escape? Although now my inner Goddess is trying pansting instead of plotting ahead I have to admit it’s also a little scary!
by Christina Phillips April 2nd, 2008 at 7:56 amHi Kaye! I love seeing how other writers handle things too. It’s also nice to know that things my relatives find really odd (such as my lack of domesticity!!) is really quite normal after all!
by Christina Phillips April 2nd, 2008 at 8:00 amHi Christina!
I’ve got that Goddess-of-the-Universe thing real, real bad! But geez, it’s fun.
As for publication, all you have to do is catch someone’s attention long enough for them to realise they adore your work. One editor, one agent, and you’re on your way. You know the old saying - “The only difference between a published and an unpublished writer is that the unpublished one gave up.”
Which I know you won’t do.
by Denise Rossetti April 2nd, 2008 at 8:57 amI can’t believe how much dreadful luck you’ve had along the way but feel sure that you will get there in the end. I think we write because we simply have to.
Debs
by Debs April 2nd, 2008 at 11:14 amChristina - hehehe - we probably get on so well because I too have been the kiss of death to several publishing companies! Not to mention the dinner burning thing as well!! I’ve also been around you when you stop writing and it’s not a pretty sight. It’s best for everyone involved to just let you sit at the computer and make those angels fall!!!!
by amanda ashby April 2nd, 2008 at 11:16 amLOL about Jennifer and the showering alone. I do my best thinking in the shower. Heck, I invite them to come and chat.
by Shelley Munro April 2nd, 2008 at 12:20 pmI am not a writer , but I still avoid housework as much as I can. I usually have my nose in a book.
by Estella April 2nd, 2008 at 1:36 pmHi Christina,
by Jane April 2nd, 2008 at 4:11 pmWas writing always your passion or did you envision having a different career?
Great interview. You have such excitement which is so necessary to keep a writer going through the bad times.
by Georgie Lee April 2nd, 2008 at 5:02 pmHey Denise! I think your Goddess and mine would get on really well together! And you’re so right about catching an editor/agent’s attention - and preferably one who’s not just about to change careers!
Debs, at the time (*each* time!) I was pretty devastated, but looking back all I can do is laugh. Because, well, it’s kind of funny in a twisted way and if I didn’t laugh I’d probably climb the walls!
Amanda, it’s always cheered me to know I wasn’t the only one with that unfortunate jinx!! And yes, I’m definitely more at home in front of the computer torturing hot immortals than in front of the kitchen hob mangling frozen peas!
by Christina Phillips April 2nd, 2008 at 8:08 pmHi Estella! I find reading is just so much more satisfying than housework (which NEVER ends!) Also whenever I get around to tidying up my bookshelves I always end up reading the books instead, which for some weird reason drives my husband nuts. Can’t think why…
by Christina Phillips April 2nd, 2008 at 8:11 pmJane, that’s a great question. I guess thinking back, writing has always been my passion. When I was a teenager I wrote space operas and epic poems (which always ended badly for everyone concerned!) but it was only after we moved to Australia that I made a conscious decision that I really did want to make a career out of writing romance. Thanks for asking!
Georgie, that’s so true! If I didn’t love the whole process of writing, of becoming lost in my make believe worlds and falling in love with my characters, I don’t think I could carry on in the face of all the set backs which are just par for the course in this game!
by Christina Phillips April 2nd, 2008 at 8:14 pmHi Shelley and Christine… found my way here from Christine’s blog and what a great story. I felt so much for you each time I read of another ”liquidation” but just think how much more the BIG CALL will mean when it eventually comes… and it will!
by Rachael Blair April 2nd, 2008 at 10:38 pmI-Am-The-Goddess-of-My-Own-Universe thing
Doesn’t that sort of say it all?
That and finally getting the positive feedback - from reviews and readers - is what keeps me going. I made up stories in my head long before I ever tried to transcribe any of them!
by Jenyfer Matthews April 2nd, 2008 at 11:14 pmHey Rach! Thanks for the positive vibes - though if/when it ever happens I’ll probably be so shocked I’ll pass out!!
Jenyfer, that’s so true, positive feedback works wonders. It really gives a lift and makes the struggle worthwhile!
by Christina Phillips April 3rd, 2008 at 1:00 amShelley, I just wanted to say a big Thank You for having me guest blog yesterday. It was great fun
I got my 13 year old son to pick a winner out of the hat, and he came out with….
Rachael Blair!
Congrats Rachael, you’ve won a copy of Shelley’s Scarlet Woman! Please email Shelley at shelleymunro @ gmail.com (no spaces) with your deets!
by Christina Phillips April 3rd, 2008 at 4:09 am