Hi, everyone!

There’s so much involved in becoming an author. It’s not something that happens overnight. I’ve had people think I’m an overnight success with my “Magic” series with all of 2 books out. Uh, I’ve written over 20 books and novellas so you might say I’ve been paying my dues. It’s been a journey and one I wouldn’t change for the world.

So, what does it take to be an author? Unless you’re one of those rare people who never took a writing course, read a book, etc., and have been wildly successful, it’s something you have to WORK for. In most cases, you’ve gotta work your a** off to reach those goals. I sure have. Here’s a few things on the journey.

1. Perseverence, dedication, drive, never giving up NO MATTER WHAT.

2. Read books on writing. I read several on writing for young adults because I started out writing YA under a different pseudonym. The how to write a romance book I read was THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO GETTING YOUR ROMANCE PUBLISHED by Julie Beard. No kidding. Great book. I’ve read tons and tons of others, and have gleaned so many “pearls of wisdom.” I’ve read so many basic writing books I couldn’t start to name them all. Hey if you want to write erotic romance, read Alison Kent’s THE COMPLETE IDIOTS GUIDE TO WRITING EROTIC ROMANCE. Especially since I’m one of the authors quoted in it. :D

3. Read books in the genre you want to write about. I just don’t get authors who won’t read the genre they’re writing in because they don’t want to be influenced. When I write paranormal, I read paranormal. It gets me in the mode and mood, and my mind is in a paranormal realm. When I write contemp suspense, I read contemp suspense. It helps me keep on the edge of my seat. I never worry about being influenced because I have my own voice and I write my stories the way I want to write them.
4. Go to conferences, conventions, take classes–online and at your local college. (although college courses to be a little snobby about genre fiction.)

5. Get great critique partners. I went through SO many crit partners ’til I find the ones I clicked with. I have 4 now (i recommend 4 max), and they are all terrific and find different things in my work that need to be addressed. I couldn’t do it without them.

6. WRITE, WRITE, WRITE. No matter what you have to do to make it happen, WRITE. If you work full or part time, pick a consistent time to write, such as in the morning before you go to work, or the evening when everything’s quiet, like after everyone’s gone to bed. Get an AlphaSmart, a fabulous, lightweight, word processor that you can take anywhere you go and can write during your lunch hour, while waiting for an appointment, etc. I had to spend 5 hours in the ER with my son for double ear infections weekend before last, and I wrote 2500 words, 10 pages. If you have your AlphaSmart or small laptop with you all the time, you’ll have more time. I also wrote while waiting to get my oil changed, etc.

7. If you can write full time, pick consistent times to write. I usually write from 9 a.m. to 3:p.m. Those are my work hours and I write about 12-16 pages a day. Slower than some, but comfortable for me.

8. SUBMIT!!!! You cannot possibly be published if you never submit that manuscript! Yeah, rejection sucks, and I take it as hard or harder than a lot of people. But you’ve got to put yourself out there.

9. Put together a website. It will make you feel more like you’re on your way. Make it professional, and something that an editor or agent can stop by and see if you’re a professional.

10. Finish the damn book. Don’t go back and try to make the first chapter perfect. It will NEVER be PERFECT. As an author you’ll always find something you think needs to be changed. What do I do? I barrell straight through. I write until I reach the end. Along the way I use the notes function and make notes to myself about things I need to address when I go back through it. But I finish it first. You can’t fix something that’s not written.
Those are the 10 things I can think of right now. I’m sure there are lots more, but maybe this will help some of you one the road to being published. Oh, and have a great spell checker. :D

Hugs,

Chey