One of my blog readers emailed me recently, reminding me that I’d never done the continuation of this post.

After I’d met author/Heartsong Editor Tracie Peterson at an RWA conference, the contact proved to be invaluable! Although she rejected my work, she gave me some pointers on how to improve my stories.

Meanwhile, Tracie Peterson’s former colleague, Stephen Reginald (the creator of the Heartsong Presents line) had moved on, creating unique projects which he offered to publishing houses. He wanted to publish a set of romance novels, similiar to the Heartsong Presents novels, with Crossings Book Club. However, he wanted the novels to have African American characters. He approached Crossings with the idea, and they were interested in the concept, however, they said they preferred that the authors be African American.

Meanwhile, Stephen Reginald approached his former colleague, Tracie Peterson, asking if he knew of any African-American Christian fiction authors. Although I was still unpublished, Tracie referred him to me. He contacted me…after the novel was in place, and contract were signed…

Promises To Keep was born! My very first sale! It was released back in 2002!

~Cecelia Dowdy~