Connie Cox: Why do you write?
Beth Cornelison: The short answer to this is- "I can't NOT write." Ever since I was a child, I've had stories swirling in my head. Writing gives voice to those stories, gives life to the characters that speak to me and serves as an outlet for the creative energy when an exciting idea enters my brain. Writing has been a part of who I am and what I love for as long as I can remember.

Why do you write romance, specifically?
I write romance because I am a romantic at heart. As an optimist, I believe in happy endings. I know that a lot of work, compromise and sacrifice goes into making a successful relationship, but I believe that love conquers all. I write characters who are far from perfect, who must struggle and work to earn their happy ending. But in the end, love prevails. Too often in our society, I fear people give up on love when things get tough. I write romance because it celebrates the successes of love, commitment and perseverance.

When did you start writing?
According to my mom, I wrote my first book, complete with illustrations, when I was seven. The hero of that epic tale was my cat, Ajax. I wrote my first novel in junior high and nurtured the dream of someday selling my manuscript all through high school. Following college, I worked in public relations until 1990, when I move to Louisiana with my husband. After all the boxes had been unpack and I hadn't found another PR job, I had time on my hands... time to write! I wrote a 500 page romantic suspense in long hand before I discovered NOLA, the Shreveport chapter of Romance Writers of America and learned all the things I was doing wrong! NOLA set me on the right path and I never looked back.

How do you find validation for your writing?
Validation can be as simple as the satisfaction of a productive day of writing or the look of admiration in a new acquaintances eyes when I tell them that I'm a writer. Many people want to write a book. Few ever do. The best validation, though, comes in reaching goals along the path toward publication. Completing a manuscript, finaling in a contest, signing with an agent, reaching the desk of a senior editor. The very best affirmation comes through my friendships with other writers in the NOLA STARs and RWA. The support and encouragement of other writers keeps me on track in my journey, even when I hit bumps in the road like the rejections so inherent to the business of writing.

How many contests have you won?
I've finaled in numerous contests with many manuscripts over recent years. I've honestly lost count! However of those finals, I've only won three or four. But one of those wins was in the RWA Golden Heart contest in 2001. That was an exciting win and a tremendous honor.

With two Golden Heart finals-one that turned into first place-and umpteen million contest finals, you've got good, solid proof that you tell a story well. How close have you gotten to being published?
I don't know about umpteen million! In 2000, I had a book e-published. CHASING A DREAM was released in electronic format only by Avid Press. Electronic presses are not yet recognized by RWA for the purpose of membership in the Published Author Network. My goal is to be print published by a recognized publisher, and toward that goal I've gotten about as close as a person can get without actually selling! I've had full manuscripts reviewed by interested, acquiring editors numerous times and received rejections that essentially said, the writing is there but this manuscript is wrong for our line because of the plot, character, word length, focus, theme, etc. I am agented and working with an editor at Silhouette to find that right manuscript as we speak.

Writing is a solitary business that can be emotionally draining. How do you keep your enthusiasm up?
My writer friends help a lot. When rejections come in, my friends boost me up. Sometimes I'll final in a contest or hear great feedback from an editor or my agent, and I'll sit back down at my keyboard and go at it again. The characters in my head won't let me quit for long-and I'm extremely stubborn. I refuse to quit! I've been writing for the love of writing since I penned the tale about my cat Ajax eons ago, and I dare say, even if I never publish in print, I'll keep writing for the sheer joy of creating. That doesn't mean I don't have down days, days when I bang my head against the wall, but those days pass and I keep trudging along.

What is your short term goal for your writing?
My really short term goal each day is to finish a page, a scene, a chapter. Then another. Until the book is finished and edited. Then I want to find another idea, a better idea, a fresh twist that will dazzle the editors and perhaps eventually readers. I'd love to finally sell a book to Silhouette. Then another, and so on....

What is your long term goal?
New York Times bestsellers list. Seriously! You limit yourself if you don't dream BIG. So why not the NYT list? I want to sell enough books to be financially secure. Not necessarily "rich" just able to continue writing no matter what else happens in my life or with my family. I'd like to win a few more awards for my writing. Again, that affirmation is important. Writing alone is not enough if you are not writing well, writing what readers want. I want my stories to move people, make people smile, make them cry, make them believe in happy endings like I do!

What steps are you actively taking to reach your goals?
All I can do is sit down at the computer every weekday morning and type. I try to write the best book I can, by attending writer's conferences, talking with other writers, reading to keep up with the market, and submitting my work. The rest is up to the editors. And editors are human. The publishing industry, what gets bought and what doesn't, is SO subjective. What one editor hates, another will love. It's a roll of the dice every time. You can improve you chances by honing your craft and doing your homework, but ultimately you just have to write. And write again. Write the best book you can. That's what I'm trying to do.

What advice can you give someone who has just begun his/her first manuscript?
Don't give up. Writing is hard work, but you'll never succeed if you don't persevere. Learn all you can about the genre you want to publish in and read widely across lines and genres. Attend conferences and network with publishing industry professionals. Finally be true to your voice, your instincts and the story you want to tell. Your uniqueness is your selling point.

How about advice for the writers who have completed several manuscripts and haven't gotten that special call from an interested editor yet?
Like I just said, be true to your voice and your story. Editors are looking for a fresh voice and a unique way of telling the same classic plots. Keep writing. The best distraction while you're waiting on editors to respond is to write the next book.

Any other words of wisdom?
Study the market and know the lines and the publisher you hope to sell to. Read, read, read!! Target your work and you'll be more likely to get a bullseye!!

Thanks, Beth! and best wishes for that Best Seller!

Interviews may not be copied or distributed, except for personal use, without permission of both Connie Cox and the interviewee.