Success Story: Cheryl Linn Martin

Today I’ve invited a newly contracted debut novelist to share her story. Cheryl Linn Martin has been doing all the right things: writing lots, joining writing organizations, attending conferences, keeping up a blog. When I heard that she landed a three book contract for a middle grade novel series, I was so pumped! Be encouraged, all you writers. Here’s the scoop in her own words.

Do You Like Riding Roller Coasters?
Then you should be a writer!
You and I have been riding the same roller coaster (known as writer) for quite some time. We’ve enjoyed the highs of a requested book proposal, becoming a contest finalist (or maybe even a winner!), and connecting with encouraging critique partners. But there’s also been the lows of rejection, harsh critiques, rejection, waiting for months, rejection, information overload, rejection, lack of creative new ideas, and . . . rejection.

Be encouraged as you scale the ups, plummet to the lows, soar through the straight-aways, and bullet around the upside-down curves. It’s not all about spiraling through an uncontrollable track. It’s about gaining momentum, surviving the drops, and remaining secure in your seat belt as you dare to reach the highest point and eventually coast into the station.
My first four years on this mega-monster-coaster were loaded with writing and learning. I attended conferences, took workshops, and found a critique group. The next four years were packed with setbacks (but not failure!) as God showed me exactly what I needed to be writing—and how to do it.

 The next year took me to some high points in my writing, and by the end of that time, I had an agent, Terry Burns, of Hartline Literary. He worked faithfully to get my work out to just the right editor, and after a little over a year, I was actually offered two, three-book contracts for my middle grade mystery series, The Hawaiian Island Detective Club. I had to consider each publishing house and choose one of the offers. It was a difficult task, as each one had attractive qualities. While in St. Louis for the ACFW national conference, I was able to look at the contracts, make a decision, and let Terry know at Saturday morning’s breakfast!

 Now I guess I’m getting off that ride, but I won’t be heading to the merry-go-round. Another roller coaster (known as author), even larger, looms ahead. The world of publishing, major editing and rewrites, marketing, sales, and reviews awaits me.

Work your way through that scary, challenging roller coaster and I’ll see you soon on the second one. I think it’s going to be a GREAT ride!
Thank you, Linda, for allowing me to Guest Blog today.
Cheryl Linn Martin

The Hawaiian Island Detective Club

Book One, Pineapples in Peril, coming in the Fall of 2012
Comfort Publishing
www.cheryllinnmartin.com
www.lifeinflip-flops.blogspot.com

About Linda S. Clare

I'm an author, speaker, writing coach and mentor. I teach both fiction and nonfiction writing at Lane Community College and in the doctoral program as expert writing advisor for George Fox University. I love helping writers improve their craft and I'm both an avid reader and writer of stories about those with wounded hearts.

13 comments on “Success Story: Cheryl Linn Martin

  1. I’m so excited for you, Cheryl! Your story is an excellent reminder to hang in there, press forward and keep on truckin’!

    Looking forward to seeing your novels in print!

    Nicole

  2. Cheryl,

    What a perfect way to describe the “ride” you’re on at the moment. I hate rollercoasters, but I can’t wait to take the ride you described in your post. Enjoy the fun along the way because you TRULY deserve it! 🙂

    Blessings,
    Deb

  3. I enjoyed the roller coaster analogy. When my son was about 5 he convinced me to take him on a little roller coaster at Fun Town USA. I tried to talk him out of it, but he insisted, so off we went. Just as we reached the top he said, “I changed my miiiiinnnnddddd!” Oh what a ride we’re on and no turning back. You go, girl!

  4. Thanks soooooo much for your support, Linda, Deb, and Cuffe sisters!! Your sweet comments and support mean the world to me.

    And I’m so glad to have everyone beside me (or behind and in front of me?!) on this roller coaster ride!

  5. I am totally excited to be on this journey, Jessica and Karla! And I wouldn’t be here–couldn’t have done it without you guys helping me and supporting me along the way.

    Friday Critters Rock!!!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *