So, a few days ago, I talked a little about rejection. Since one editor found Sarah's Journey lacking enough sexual tension and frowned on the hero not appearing until the third chapter, I decided to research my options. Maybe I'm going about this all wrong and I should consider marketing this as a western/Americana to focus on the real issues in the story. There is romance, but it's secondary to the lessons learned.
I went to HQ's website and found they have a new Inspirational Historical line. Wow, what a break for me... or so I thought. I downloaded the requirements and my story seemed a perfect fit... until I printed off all the words and scenes forbidden in any manuscript submitted for consideration. My shoulders sagged with disappointment. This meant that Sarah needed a complete overhaul, stripping my story of all the components that made her who she is. Evidently, my story, although not graphic, and certainly tastefully done, would offend some. As I read the list, I felt really sorry for any man married to a woman who won't allow him to say breast, pee or poop. I've written a fun little scene, purposely using words and situations from HQ's no-no list.
His
arousal bulged against his jeans. She looked up at him from her crouched position on the floor. "You
bastard," she muttered.
He'd bet his last
bishop in a chess match that she had on a
sexy bra and
panties. His attraction with
breasts always got him into trouble. Her
backside wasn't bad either.
"
Crap, I can't do this," he admitted and helped her to her feet.
"
Darn." It's only a play,
for Heaven sakes. It's not like you're actually going to assault me." She combed her finger through long,
sexy hair.
"
Hell, I can't help if I'm
sexually attracted to you.
For Pete's sake, you're such a
hottie. Why couldn't they have found some ugly
whore to share the part with me?"
"
For the love of Mike, you don't need a
harlot to recite lines with. Just relax and let the
hunger show in your words not in your
underwear.
"But what about the part where I have to
kiss you below the neck? Or...we have to
share a bed and we aren't married?
"
Oh my God," If it bothers you that much, then go see
Father O'Malley, the
priest at
St. Michael's. I'm sure he can remove any
devil's curse from your soul."
"Oh,
Holy cow, all right. Let me step outside for
smoke, then'll we'll try it again."
"It's a
miracle,! She giggled. I promise not to
take my clothes off while you're gone. I'll use the time to go
pee."
Christ, Ginny, just when I get my mind cleared, there you go
tempting me again."
The same for Prairie Peace. Isn't it amazing how the idea can evolve into such different covers? This story is about a newlywed wife who finds herself stranded on the prairie, miles from civilization and depending upon an injured Indian to help her survive when her husband fails to return from gathering supplies for the approaching winter. The new cover is the top one and the bottom, the old.
