CJ Maxx has always enjoyed writing, whether in the military writing citations or efficiency reports, in the private sector writing articles for trade journals, or in his personal life writing in newsletters for volunteer organizations. He turned his interest in writing to fiction in 2002. This is his first erotic romance. C.J. and his wife live in northern Alabama.

You can visit his website at http://www.cjmaxx.com/.

Welcome to Beyond the Books, C.J Maxx. Can we start out by telling us whether you are published for the first time or are you multi-published?

I have been published three times:  One highly sensual contemporary romance novel and two erotic romance novellas.

What was the name of your very first book regardless of whether it was published or not and, if not published, why?

The first book I wrote was titled The Second American Republic. It took two years to write, another year to find a publisher and another year to the release date. That’s four years.  A few days before the release date the publisher went out of business. Big bummer. 

For your first published book, how many rejections did you go through before you either found a mainstream publisher, self-published it, or paid a vanity press to publish it?

The first one wasn’t actually published as I noted above. On that book I had about thirty reject slips before I found a small independent publisher that was interested in it.

How did the rejections make you feel and what did you do to overcome the blows?

The very first submittal asked for a full manuscript.  After I send it to them the agent said they weren’t really interested, that one of the underlings asked for the full when she should have sent me a rejection slip.  That was discouraging. That’s when I realized this business is an emotional roller coaster. You soon realize two things: No one but you is in a hurry and finding someone that’s likes your book is difficult. Live with that but remember that if your book is well written, someone out there will be interested in it.

When your first book was published, who published it and why did you choose them?

The first book that was actually published was my highly sensual contemporary romance. After I received about twenty reject slips from agents I decided to go with a small e-publisher. At this point I just wanted someone to accept it. When it was released I was satisfied that it was now available.

How did it make you feel to become published for the first time and how did you celebrate?

After I got the call on my first book I was ecstatic.  I either celebrated with wine or a martini, martini I think.  Myself and my wife, it was a happy evening.  The first actual release was almost anti-climatic; I think I felt more relief than anything else. Finally, a book with my name on it was available.

What was the first thing you did as for as promotion when you were published for the first time?

I was a complete rookie with an e-book.  I signed up for all the groups I thought applicable and pimped the book.

If you had to do it over again, would you have chosen another route to be published?

I don’t think so. Self-publishing is the only other route I would consider and I’ve never seriously gone past the point of researching that part of publishing.

Have you been published since then and how have you grown as an author?

Since the novel came out I’ve had two erotic romance novellas published.  Have I grown as an author? I think my writing has improved.  I take the downs of the industry in strides now. 

Looking back since the early days when you were trying to get published, what do you think you could have done differently to speed things up?  What kind of mistakes could you have avoided?

I should have read best sellers in an analytical manner. Learn what successful authors do to hold their audiences’ interest. Study what works.

What has been the biggest accomplishment you have achieved since becoming published?

My first book was also published on Print on Demand.  It was available on amazon.com and the other online booksellers. I went on local television to pitch the book and then had book signing at a local bookstore.

If you could have chosen another profession, what would that profession be?

This is my third career. I was in the military for twenty-one years. I worked in the electronics industry for twenty-one years and now I write. Fortunately I have enough money to live on so I don’t have to depend on what I make from books.  To answer your question, I enjoy writing very much. I’m happiest (like right now) when I’m writing.  Being published is the icing on the cake.

Would you give up being an author for that profession or have you combined the best of both worlds?

I’m happy with my few successes in my writing career. I’m doing what I want to do. Self-actualization, that’s where I’m at,

How do you see yourself in ten years?

My oldest granddaughter will be sixteen in ten years. I already have the dedication to the book written.  To my granddaughter, B.M.W. Let’s hope this book is successful so I can buy you a BMW.

Any final words for writers who dream of being published one day?

The best advice I’ve seen about writing is this:  Edit out all the boring stuff. 

Example: Dan Brown and The Da Vinci Code.