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When it comes to craft, you never stop learning. And I don’t mean only taking classes, which I do when I can. I mean learning by doing, by sitting in the chair and typing the words and listening to my gut. I don't always know how to fix things right away, but I trust myself enough as a writer to know I’ll be able to figure it out sometime and not to angst over it. I’ve also learned not to put pressure on myself. I’ve chosen a route that may not result in enormous success or huge profits. But I love what I do and am proud to write the stories I am meant to, not the stories I’ve been told I should write. Everyone’s author journey is different. Hop over to Leslie Hachtel to see how her writing life has evolved.
Along the way, though, I plan to release box sets of both my completed series. “Taking His Measure: The complete Bendixon Sisters Series” may come out as early at next month, while I plan to launch the box set of the Silverberry Seduction Series this fall. So don’t worry – you’ll still be hearing from me this year! PG Forte has a special release coming next week, so you know she’s on the job. Hop over to her blog to see what else she has planned for 2024!
Facebook is full of writers’ groups, but it can be difficult to find one that matches your attitudes and goals. I was so lucky to stumble upon The Romance Writers Weekly Group more than ten years ago. Members have come and gone but it has been and continues to be a source of support and camaraderie. In the spring of 2020 I discovered The Creative Academy for Writers through a social media post that another author friend shared. Since them I’ve enjoyed monthly Zoom meetings with other romance writers, taken part in virtual book launch celebrations, and so much more. It is a wonderful community! This weekend, however, I am giving myself a treat. I am attending the Surrey International Writers Conference in person for the first time in ten years. I can’t wait to listen to keynote speakers, attend workshops and presentations, and generally soak in the atmosphere. I am so looking forward to it!! Next in the hop is PG Forte. Click through to find out how she stays connected.
Writers are often advised to “get the words in” before doing any other tasks like checking social media or email. While this is definitely excellent advice, I don’t tend to follow it. When I worked at the local radio and TV station, I needed to catch up on messages before I could start writing commercials in order to make sure I was up to speed on all my projects. I keep to that structure even now. I need a clean slate and know there are no fires to put out before I can focus on my writing. Getting little tasks like scheduling a social media post or replying to an email out of the way first thing help me clear my head. Usually by this time the coffee is ready and my husband is awake. We have a couple cups together, I have a small breakfast (he doesn’t eat until later), and then it’s time to get my keyboard again. When I have a manuscript on the go, this is when I get my words done. If (like now) I don’t have a current project, I spend this time planning, researching, and other tasks that will ultimate (I hope!) lead to the next book. On Sundays I take a break from manuscript/book work and focus on writing this blog, scheduling social media posts for the week, and other administrative type tasks. Usually by eleven o’clock the bulk of my work is done for the day, and I can enjoy the rest of it guilt free! How about you? Do you have a specific morning routine? Share below, then hop over to Leslie Hachtel!
It also allows me to share a part of the world that I love with my readers. I enjoy reading books set in other countries, and I am sure other readers do, too. This way, they can sample a few of the places and locations I love so much. Do you like to read stories set in familiar places or would you rather learn about new places? Let me know in the comments below! Then hop over to PG Forte to see what she has to say about location, location, location!
Tip #3: I let myself cheat. This may sound counter-intuitive, but it works for me. My usual quota when I am writing a new story is 1000 words a day for a minimum of six days a week. If I’m really balking at writing that many words, I tell myself I just need to do five hundred that day. Five hundred is easy! It’s just a couple pages! I can do that no problem! Once I’ve started, I often get into a groove and reach my 1000 words with very little trouble. It’s just getting started that’s hard. What do you do to prevent procrastination? Any tips for me? Then hop over to Jill Haymaker for more bits of wisdom.
Leading off of that is “second chance.” Many people narrow this trope to a couple who was once together but split up for some reason and are now trying again. Personally, I expand it to include people who are looking for love in a second (or third) relationship because their first ended in death or divorce. This is a really strong trope for older characters, because let’s be honest…there are very few forty-plus year old people who haven’t had at least one serious relationship. In Strictly by the Book (releasing Thursday—squeeeee!!!!) you’ll find several popular tropes:
A trope I enjoy as a reader but probably will never write is “billionaire.” After all, who wouldn’t mind falling in love with a powerful man or woman who has driven themselves to succeed and now can treat their lover to anything their heart desires? What tropes do you enjoy? What themes get you to immediately pick up a book? Let me know below. Then hop over to Jenna Da Sie to find out what she likes to read and write!
That being said, our only pets right now are our cocker spaniel/beagle cross, Aspen, and eight goldfish. While the goldfish are fascinating to our grandchildren, I’m attached to them more for their longevity than their personalities, LOL. Aspen is only our second dog, and the only one we raised from a puppy. She loves to go for long walks, enjoys our boat, and howls at every siren she hears. I have to be careful after a writing stint as she likes to lay directly behind my office chair! Writing is a solitary occupation. I think that’s why I like to write in our family room, where I still feel part of the action. Having Aspen nearby is also a comfort. I like her quiet, undemanding presence. Except when the mail carrier comes up the street. Or a squirrel runs by on the fence outside the window. Or a fire truck is heard from the highway. Then all bets are off!! What about you? Do you have pets? Share your stories below. Then hop over to Jill Haymaker. I am fairly certain she has strong views on animals and writing!
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