Hi Reader,
On July 18, it'll be three years since I became a published author with my debut novel, One Tough Cookie. In a way, not much has changed. I'm still trying to publish a book and establish myself as an author. But the experience taught me so much--about the publishing industry, what it takes to market a book, and about myself as a writer. I hope to keep growing and learning, and help other writers avoid the same mistakes I made.
Yesterday, I received a message from someone who'd read the novel and loved it. It made my day because I don't get this type of message very often. Knowing that someone loves my work helps me stay motivated to keep writing and trying to achieve the goals I've set for myself. So if you ever consider reaching out to an author about a book of theirs you loved, do it! It means the world!
Scroll below for news, writing/life updates, and recommendations.
Until next month, take care,
Delise
Recent News
- Project Husband is still on submission. I got two more rejections recently. Both editors loved the premise and found the book "heartwarming", "charming", and "fun." But they either didn't connect with the voice or don't think the novel is a good fit. As you can see, this process can be frustrating but it only takes one YES, so I'm hopeful that my book will find a home eventually. Wish me luck!
- One of the editors who passed actually loved my voice but thought the novel didn't fit at her publisher. She asked if she could read anything else, so I've been working with my agent on refining a pitch we can send her in hopes of selling a book on proposal. This means, I could get a book deal based only on the premise and sample, before the book is finished. This would be amazing, but before I can send anything, I have to revise my opening chapters. So this is what I'll be working on next month (see the final pitch below!).
Writing Update
Pulling Me Back In is the first novel I ever wrote, back in 2015. I ended up shelving it after querying it unsuccessfully, but this year, I'm commited to fixing it. After I sent the description to my agent, she thought it needed more tension and stakes, so I've had to rethink my whole plot. I finally came up with something that fits my original vision and allows me to keep most of the scenes I had. Let me know what you think!
A woman struggles to resist The Pull—the inexplicable force that has always made her lose herself in her teenage first love—in this angsty second chance romance perfect for fans of Seven Days in June and Sex and the City's Carrie and Big.
Gracie Palacios thought she had her life figured out by the age of eight: she'd work as a museum curator and marry her best friend, Jeff Crawford. There was nothing teenage Gracie wouldn't do for Jeff. She consoled him after his mother's death and stood by him through his father's neglect, only for him to leave her behind, never contacting her again.
Now twenty-five, both are single and living in NYC. Gracie works as an art gallery curator, still striving for the big museum job of her dreams. Jeff is the CEO of his father's boutique hotel empire—a Manhattan institution—determined to return it to its former glory. His charm and good looks have made him a media sensation and an inescapable presence. Although Gracie had convinced herself that what she felt for Jeff was nothing more than teenage lust, she hates that the city's obsession with him makes her yearn for what could have been.
With plans to open a new art-themed hotel that could revitalize his brand, Jeff needs a gallery to partner with, giving him the perfect excuse to step back into Gracie’s world. The opportunity to curate the hotel's collection could be Gracie’s chance to make her mark in NYC’s competitive art scene, but working for Jeff risks surrendering to The Pull and reverting to the girl she used to be.
As old feelings resurface and their professional lives become increasingly intertwined, Gracie must decide whether the connection she's never been able to break is worth a second chance—or whether she's confusing nostalgia and chemistry for love. To have the life she always dreamed of, Gracie must stop living for Jeff’s needs at the expense of her own and demand the relationship she deserves.
Life Update
- The school year ends this week, so I'm trying to organize my schedule to be able to work on my novel and also keep my 8-year-old daughter busy and entertained. In Germany, schools get six weeks of summer break so she won't start school again until September.
- We've been following the World Cup, though our favorites keep getting eliminated -- first Germany, then Norway. My daughter is very invested in watching "the good players" like Messi and Ronaldo, so she's still enjoying it.
- We plan to go on vacation next month to the Czech Republik. Stay tuned for photos from that in next month's issue!
Recommendations
- Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid - I've been a fan of TJR since before she hit it big with Daisy Jones and the Six. I was hesitant to read this book because of the backlash it received from the Latinx community for featuring a Latina protagonist and a lot of Spanish while being written by a white author. But ultimately, I decided to listen to the audiobook because it's narrated by none other than Stacy Gonzalez, the narrator for One Tough Cookie. She brings Carrie's story to life and is a treat to listen to. TJR is great a capturing an era (this book is set in the 90's) and making us relate to her protagonists. The novel also makes you feel as if you're in the middle of a tennis match (it's so well done!).
- Love Story (Disney +) - Speaking of the 90's, this show is inspired by the relationship between JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. The love interest in my novel, Pulling Me Back In, is actually inspired by JFK Jr. so I was definitely invested in this show. It really captures the times and their aura. The production and costume design are amazing, as well as the acting and the soundtrack. So if you like 90's nostalgia and want to know more about their relationship, check out this show. I'm currently listening to the biography the show was based on, and it's fascinating!
- Seven Days in June by Tia Williams - I finally read this (in June, of course) and loved it! It's a great second chance romance with characters that jump off the page. I ended up using this book as a comp for Pulling Me Back In since it features that same once-in-a-lifetime teenage love that you can't let go of with characters that maybe shouldn't be together but can't stay away from each other.
“A simply riveting, fun and funny read from first page to last, ONE TOUGH COOKIE is all the more impressive when considering that it is author Delise Torres’ debut as a novelist.”
-Midwest Book Review
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