Shannon here: Today, I want to introduce you to Liana George and share how her debut Women’s Fiction title, Perfectly Arranged, came to be. Head’s up, this is one of my editing babies. Comment or answer the question on any post dated Oct 22nd – 26th to enter the drawing for a copy of the book, as well as a personalized organizing kit, which includes a $25 gift card to The Container Store, a copy of Marie Kondo’s book (haha–you’ll get the joke once you read Perfectly Arranged), a to-do list journal, decluttering tips, decluttering signs and a timer). Deadline: Nov 6th, 11:59 pm central time.
The most fun thing about being an acquisitions editor is discovering new authors and helping their dream of publication come true. When I open my inbox, I’m hoping for something great. I remember what it was like when I was trying to get published. I hated rejections then and I hate having to write rejections now. So when I opened, Liana’s submission, the story hooked me and I wanted to keep reading. A good sign.
The more I read, the more I liked the heroine, Nicki Mayfield, a professional organizer whose career was on the verge of a crashing halt when the story opens. In contrast to Nicki, is her mom, who quickly put an ache in my heart. And there’s Katherine O’Connor, a complicated woman I didn’t want to like. But I did. And then there are shoes. I might have my own large collection of those. Why wear black, when you can wear yellow, pink, red, gold, silver, leopard, and so on?
The story took me from Connecticut to China as Nicki and Katherine formed an unlikely alliance. Liana managed to bring China to life, so much so I had the sense that she’d been there. The culture and Chinese characters were palpable as she breathed life into a touching tale that brought me to tears. In a good way.
I called Linda Fulkerson, owner of Scrivenings Press and told her about the book and recommended we publish it. She agreed to read it and a few days later, she texted: You’re right. It’s good. Offer Liana a contract.
The first time I offered a contract to an unpublished author a few months before, I called her out of the blue. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but I felt like I might have caught her at a bad time. So I e-mailed Liana and asked when would be a good time for me to call her and discuss the book.
I called at the time she designated and figured she wouldn’t be surprised that we wanted the book. I knew from the proposal that Perfectly Arranged was the first in a series of three books. So first off, we introduced ourselves and chatted about China. I learned she’d actually lived there. We discussed the storyline for the other two books. With all that out of the way, I told Liana the good news, that we wanted to offer a contract. I loved hearing the shock and joy in her voice.
Come Tuesday, Oct 26th, Perfectly Arranged officially releases and Liana will be my blog guest that day. I’m just as excited about her book as the first time I read it. During the editorial process, I read it three more times. I loved it and cried (in a good way) each time.
Perfectly Arranged hit #2 on Amazon for New Releases in Contemporary Christian Fiction. And the only book in front of it was by none other than Karen Kingsbury. Pretty impressive company to keep!
About Liana: Liana George is a sought-after speaker, blogger, and author. Before pursuing a career
in writing, she was a professional organizer and the former owner of By George Organizing Solutions in Houston, Texas. Her debut novel, Perfectly Arranged, was inspired by one of her eccentric clients and Liana’s love for China, where she lived for two and a half years. When she’s not putting things in order or scribbling away, you can find her reading, traveling, or playing tennis. Learn more & connect:
Liana’s Website Liana’s Facebook
Liana’s Instagram Liana’s Pinterest
Liana’s Linkedin Liana’s Goodreads Liana’s Bookbub
About the book – Perfectly Arranged: Short on clients and money, professional organizer Nicki Mayfield is hanging up her label maker. That is until the eccentric socialite Katherine O’Connor offers Nicki one last job.
Working together, the pair discovers an unusual business card among Ms. O’Connor’s family belongings that leads them on a journey to China. There the women embark on an adventure of faith and self-discovery as they uncover secrets, truths, and ultimately, God’s perfectly arranged plans.
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win?
Pre-order your copy now!
Perfectly Arranged – Scrivenings Press Perfectly Arranged – Amazon
Check out the book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOK0cE-tdw4
Question for Readers: Have you ever been to a foreign country? If so, share your take on it. If not, is there a foreign country on your bucket list?
Come back Oct 26th for Liana George!
No I never have been to a foreign country.The farest I have traveled is some states in the east coast.My family does get to go to Hawaii cause my brother gets make a wish.
I’ve never been to a foreign country either, Kendra. The farthest I’ve traveled is to Colorado for a writer’s conference. That’s cool about your brother and Hawaii.
I’ve been to Canada and Mexico, but no further than that. I would love to visit the UK!
Yes, I’ve been to Israel, Scotland, England, France, and Italy. Love them all. I would really like to see Spain. I took Spanish in college. Spain is on my bucket list. Thank you for the chance to win!
Wow, Margo. You’re a world traveler. I might like to go to France. I took French in high school. I can say very little though.
I have visited three countries in the Caribbean, while on cruises. I enjoyed the people I met, but always felt a little insecure until I got back to the safety of the ship. I suppose feeling safe cones with spending more than a few hours in a new place.
We’ve never been on a cruise, Jenny. And it will never happen. My husband doesn’t like water or boats. I’m not a big sightseer though. When I go to writer’s conferences, I’m never interested in going to see the sights. I just want to go to my room and put on comfy clothes. If I went on a cruise, I’d probably stay in the room in my jammies 🙂
Yes, I love to travel. Visited England, France, Belgium – I love the history and architecture. Italy and Greece are on the bucket list!
I think I’d enjoy Italy, Natalya. I love to hear Italians speak.
My husband and I have been to
Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, Belgium and Luxembourg. Our travels were back in the 90’s so a much different time than now. We loved it!
Wow Melanie. I’m impressed.
I spent a term in England while in college. I lived with a family in Brighton and attended classes at the University of Sussex. It was such a privilege to take this trip, meet the people, and visit places that I read about in books. That was almost fifty years ago, but I still have fond memories. I also met my great uncle Arthur who lived in Cornwall.
That’s cool, Beth. You should put those travels in a book.
My husband was in the U.S. Army for a few years when we first married, and we lived in Germany for a year. While there, we also visited Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and France. It was a wonderful experience, and I will never forget any of it.
Wow Molly, you’re a world traveler. My husband’s dad was air force. They lived in Guam and Japan when he was a kid.
I have been to Switzerland on a business trip with my husband and a trip to eSwatini, Africa to visit Hope for Life Children’s Homes. I’d love to go again.
Wow Susan, you were a missionary.