DM Webb lives, along with her two sons and a variety of pets, in the beautiful state of Mississippi. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).
Her studies in art and sociology coupled with her many jobs ranging from bookstore clerk to volunteer firefighter/EMR has produced a plethora of ideas for upcoming books.~~
She describes herself as a painter of wild and colorful scenes, and dreamer of vivid and vast dreams. Her true dream is to be a light for her Lord and write stories from the heart, in hopes that it will speak to those who reads them. Visit her online at www.DMWebb.com.
Take a look at DM's journey to publication:
How many complete novels have you written so far? Only one. Working on the second.
How many of those have been published?Only one so far. Mississippi Nights is set to be released on Jan 6th. Although it's readily available in e-book format (Nook & Kindle) and through my website www.dmwebb.com
Years you've been writing: Since I was six, but if you mean, seriously with the road of publication as my goal...one.
First thing you ever had published: A small children's book titled, I Lost My Hat. It was a self-published venture, but one that spurred my desire to write again.
In a paragraph or two, describe what the road to novel/book publication was like for you. Well, it's still an ongoing journey. I definitely prayed hard before deciding to do something. I attended the ACFW conference in 2010, that led me to some wonderful people on the "Loop", which in turn led me to Blue Ridge Christian Writer's Conference in NC. I prayed so hard that time, I thought my head would literally pop off my shoulders. I attended and met my publishers there.
My road isn't like others. I didn't receive any rejection letters, although, I did get a few scathing reviews of a contest submission. I was so disheartened that I about gave up, but I had a story to tell. So I wrote and wrote, I poured my soul and heart out into those words.
It was divine intervention. I followed that path that God set before me. Not an easy one, but I followed it anyhow.
If you self-published, what was that process like and would you recommend it?When I self-published my children's title, I found that I would never do it again. Publishers definitely have that marketing edge that you need to promote your title.
Any marketing tips you'd like to share?Oh, yeah, definitely go with the social media outlet. Connect your Twitter with Facebook, join ShoutLife, find groups to join that will allow you to "plug" your book, connect with other writers and agents and publishers, connect with missionaries and Christian groups, whether it’s a music group or what-not. Interaction with people is a must. Put your shyness aside. Start a website and a blog. Look for influencers to read your book to help promote it. Remember, you have a story and you want people to read it.
What was it like when you got "The Call," informing you of your first contract?Well, for me, it wasn't really "the call." I was told to submit my manuscript when it was done. Three weeks later I sent it. The same afternoon, my publisher wrote an e-mail stating they wanted it! Oh, I was dancing for joy, literally. My ponytails were bouncing all over the place. I sat down and re-read the e-mail. A few things needed to be changed in the manuscript. No problem. Those changes only strengthened the story. Hey, the publishers know the market more than me!
Are you a fan of writing contests? Why or why not?Yes and no. I think contest are great and I root for everyone, even those going up against me, but I think it's totally unfair when your submission is judged by someone who totally writes a different genre. I mean, contemporary or speculative fiction cannot be fairly judged by a romance writer or romance publisher.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting out? Hmmm...how writer's block can hit you suddenly, brain fog and all. Also, I had to learn the hard way to totally trust God through the process.
Three books on writing/publishing you'd recommend:The Art and Craft of Writing Christian Fiction by Jeff Gerke, Don't Murder Your Mystery by Chris Roerden, and The Criminal Mind by Ramsland. I don't write mysteries, but I found that the rules/advice in these books really helped me.
How is being published different than you thought it would be?People are either very supportive (I'm happy for you. I think it’s cool you're published. How can I buy your book?) OR, they are very non-supportive (Who are you to be published? You must have done it yourself? Yeah, so what if you are...) I've come across both types and I've barely started!
Another thing: it's hard work. You don't sit back and enjoy the "money rolling in." Oh, no. You have to help push that book and make those connections, but I find it kind of fun! Being published was a dream and I want to keep living that dream.
What are two pieces of advice you would give to writers who are desperately seeking publication?No matter if you think you have a good story, write what the market expects! Active voice, show not tell, etc. Pay attention and employ those trends in your writing. Another thing, join a writer's group. These groups give you valuable advice, connections, and resources every writer needs. I know you asked for two, but this one I think is more important than anything: never compromise your faith and God's Truth.
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