The Roads We Travel - Romance Writers Weekly - #lovechatwrite

This week’s topic:

How has your writing journey changed over time?

There are so many ways to approach this subject. Craft, discipline, organization, marketing…all of these bits and pieces of my author life have changed dramatically over the years, and continue to do so.

My first several books were written in my living room, sitting on my couch, 500 words a day. I was working full-time, had children at home, and after dinner and chores were done was when I carved out my writing space. Now I get up at six each morning to get the little tasks done. After breakfast (around eight o’clock) I settle in to write the words (I’ve upped my daily quota to 1000) or do the editing, depending on where my current project is. I’m generally done by eleven, and may come back to do other authory things in the afternoon or evening if I need to.

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.

---

A forbidden love, workplace romance. Think Iron Chef meets The Bachelor...

​All Jemma Hedge wants to do is care for her ailing grandmother, and a job behind-the-scenes on the reality show Reservations for Two is the perfect opportunity. There's one rule—no fraternizing with the cast. Easy enough, until she meets the show's sexy bachelor, Paul Almeida, the smouldering restaurateur she's already had the displeasure of meeting.

Paul risked more than money when he opened his dream restaurant. To give his fantasy a fighting chance he accepts the role of Chef d'Amour on a brand new reality show. Flirting with the women vying for his heart should keep him too busy to worry about overstepping boundaries with the crew, until he spots Jemma.
​
The ingredients for love are at hand. Can Jemma and Paul create the perfect blend?

​(Jemma 25, Paul 30)

Get it here!

---

Lady Dariana refuses to be forced into marriage, even if it has been ordered by the King. Her only hope is to  make others believe her dead. If the truth were to be revealed, the punishment would be terrible.
​
William, a knight, is struck down by an enemy’s arrow only to fall in love. He is determined to have what he desires most, even if it is against her will. And the risk to her is terrifying. Can he protect her?
Their fate relies on the new King Henry and they must face treachery in order to save their love.

Read today!