An Inspiration for Any Struggling Writer

Article Syndicated from: Nick's Writing Blog

I've known Miranda for several years, initially through my forum at www.mywriterscircle.com, where she is better known as Wurdsmyth. At that time she was a struggling writer and musician, working at three jobs to pay the bills.

Then she decided to upload her unfinished novel to Authonomy, the talent-spotting website operated by global publishing company HarperCollins. One of their editors, Sammia Rafique, spotted Miranda's book on the site and contacted her to request the full manuscript. As Miranda says on her website...

"At first, I thought it was a scam. But then I checked on the web and realised it wasn't! There then followed three manic days and nights writing 20,000 words to complete the manuscript! I honestly didn't think I'd hear anything else - but a week later I received a call from Maxine Hitchcock, Avon's Publishing Director, and she said they wanted to publish my book! As if that wasn't enough, they offered me a three book deal! Without wanting to sound corny, it really is a dream come true. I never thought I'd ever see my book in print and I'm still in complete shock about it. I just hope that people enjoy the stories I'm going to write for them!"

Miranda was kind enough to send me a review copy of Fairytale of New York. I enjoyed reading it, and you can check out my Amazon review here if you like.

Miranda's story shows that if you persevere - and have some writing talent, obviously - it truly is possible to become a successful, best-selling novelist. I don't pretend it's easy, but the publishing houses really are always on the lookout for fresh new voices. And by making the most of online resources such as Authonomy, you really do have a chance to get your work seen by editors, agents and others in the publishing world.

2009 was the year Miranda hit the big time with her writing. There's no reason why, if you're willing to grasp the opportunities out there, 2010 couldn't be the year for you!