Rhett DeVane has had a long, successful writing career including thirteen books and a number of short stories, but she found her passion dwindling after years of writing, wondering if all the time was worth it. Then something new and fun sparked her creative energy, reigniting her love of authorship. That new project encapsulated her years of experience and rejuvenated passion, winning First Place for Unpublished Young Adult or New Adult in the 2018 Royal Palm Literary Awards. In this showcase, Rhett talks about trying new genres and following the muse’s path to surprising places.
Going Back to the Beginning
According to my mother, I created stories from the time I could speak. As soon as I learned words, reading became my favorite pastime. In high school, my creative writing teacher encouraged me, but I didn’t seriously hunker down to penning fiction until I reached my early forties. I handed the first signed copy of the first published novel to my mother and the second to that teacher: the two women who most influenced my career.
Since then, I haven’t stopped writing. Dragon’s Claw is my first foray into young adult fiction. I can’t imagine a time when stories won’t bang around in my head, waiting their turn. I shall write until I leave this planet. Even then, I suspect to find a portal.
The Winning Entry, Dragon’s Claw
Logline: Eighteen-year-old dragon guardian Aidan McAlister leads an Otherworld war against a powerful ebony dragon threatening her family, friends, and Kyle, the fellow guardian she loves.
Dragon’s Claw is the extension of a three-book middle grade series I have been working on for a couple of years. I love the characters and decided to shift them ahead in time. Through the relationships between the characters and the dragons they protect, I address current human struggles without coming across too “preachy.”
Shifting to young adult fiction reignited my passion. I had reached a low point where I questioned if I wanted to devote huge lumps of time to the profession. Now, the moment I awaken, fresh scenes wait for me to grab that first cup of coffee and show up. Once again, the joy of creation fuels me. I have never been happier.
Two Truths and a Lie, Writer’s Edition
To be an effective writer, you must read.
The easy, fun part is the first draft.
You must cement your work within a certain niche.
Which is the lie? You must cement your work within a certain niche. No way! Authors can become stale and uninspired when they are forced into a box. You must read, read, read—especially within your chosen genre—and it must be quality writing. The fun part really is the first draft. The real and necessary work comes with revisions.
Other Works by Rhett
I’ve written eight adult southern novels set in the panhandle of Florida, two middle grade fantasy chapter books, two coauthored adult novels, numerous short stories, a self-help book on planning a successful book launch, and a sprinkling of poems.
Coming Next by this Author
I am drafting the next book in this series. The main character in Dragon’s Claw steps aside and one of her compatriots takes the lead. This story addresses addiction, anger, and forgiveness. Eventually, each character shall step into the spotlight—alongside his or her dragon, of course.
I also have the next book in my adult fiction series ready to roll. Two collections of short stories await revisions. The muses in charge know where I will go next; I await their summons.
Connect with Rhett
You can visit my website at www.rhettdevane.com or see my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/southernmadhatter/. I am also on Twitter @dixiemadhatter.
More About RPLA
The Royal Palm Literary Awards competition is a service of the Florida Writers Association established to recognize excellence in members’ published and unpublished works while providing objective and constructive written assessments for all entrants. Judges include literary agents, publishers, film producers, current or retired professors, teachers, librarians, editors, bestselling and award-winning authors, and journalists from across the nation. Entries are scored against the criteria set by RPLA using rubrics tailored to each genre. Winners are announced at the annual FWA conference during the RPLA awards banquet. To learn more about RPLA, click here for the guidelines.
Jenny - Ferns
Congratulations!
I can relate to having fun mixing the genres. I spent several years writing my first novel -and a prizewinning one too! It was a lot of work for historical fiction. I had to make sure my facts were correct. After it was done, so I thought, I tried to rest and think of other things. My mind wouldn’t let me. A fantasy began to evolve. I wrote a fairy tale with a princess, magical fairies and dragons. Once the creative faucet is opened it just has to pour out.