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What I Would Tell a Newbie Author…
I would not presume to say that I have all the answers. In fact, I am still fairly new to the whole writing game, relatively speaking. But I don’t want to be guilty of not passing along whatever knowledge I gain along the way. So, this is my “Letter to the Aspiring Author.”
I want to share what information I have gleaned while it is fresh in my mind. I am about five years (having signed my first contract in 2015) and 13 novels in. And, as I mentioned, I think it’s important for us to share our experiences and “leave the porch light on”, so to speak. This way, those coming behind us can find their way along the path.
When I was a newbie, I wondered often about what I needed to do next, what I needed in my arsenal, and what my day should look like. I will try to help out with these (and other) questions as much as I can...
WRITE THE BOOK. First, delve into writing the best book you can. Every aspiring author is such because there is a story within, trying to get out. Inspiration has struck! Get it out on paper. Do what is needed to write the best book. This may involve learning how to write. Well how do I learn how to write?
READ BOOKS ABOUT THE CRAFT OF WRITING. Anything by James Scott Bell, Susan May Warren, or Brandilyn Collins are my favorites. Some of the best reference books I’ve found on craft include The Emotion Thesaurus, Rivet Your Readers With Deep Point of View, Super Structure, Getting Into Character, and The Story Equation. There are tons of books out there on the craft of writing. You just have to get started somewhere.
GO TO CONFERENCES. I cannot say enough about the difference investing in conferences has made for my writing. Learning from experts (in writing, publishing, editing, and marketing), networking with other writers, having the chance to learn firsthand by pitching your work to an agent or acquisition editor...these are just a few of the gems that come from going to a good conference. There is probably a conference near you (it may be small, but I recommend starting small). And there are larger conferences in different genres. Bob Mayer has a book titled Writer's Conference Guide: Making the Most of Your Time and Money. I highly recommend it for first timers.
FIND A CRITIQUE GROUP. If you can, join a writing critique group, even if it's online. Find a good one. What I mean is that there should be at least one person in the group that is published. Or you may end up in a situation where the blind is leading the blind. Also, some groups can end up tearing down the more talented writers...that's not what you want. So be on the lookout for that. A good critique group is going to give you feedback, but give it constructively.
MENTOR. As you continue on your journey, see if you can find a mentor. Maybe it will be someone in your critique group who is farther along in their career, maybe it's someone you come across at a conference. But a mentor is an invaluable resource.
WRITE THE BOOK. Are you still writing that book? Cause that's what it's all about. You have to have the book. It's all about the book.
LEARN ABOUT QUERYING. The query is the email or letter you send out to entice someone about your book. To try to “sell” your book, if you will. There is a bit of an art and a science to writing queries.
“Query Shark” has a blog on blogspot. She is a literary agent and is an amazing resource on how to write a query. When you do start querying, please be mindful to research the agent or publisher you wish to submit to, they each have their own submission guidelines. Some will want a cover letter, some won't. Some want a formal book proposal, some want just sample chapters. Just be mindful and follow their guidelines to the letter.
BUILD A WEBSITE. You need to start building a PLATFORM. I know that sounds like a big, scary word. But, if you plan on marketing (another scary word) your book, you need to have your own website. Instead of delving into everything that makes up a platform, I'll just focus on why you should set up a website. You want a place where your readers/fans can come and visit you. You do not own Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Those platforms can change their rules tomorrow. And their algorithms are constantly changing. Don’t rely on these social media outlets to be your only Internet presence. Set up your own website at the very least. This is one of the best pieces of advice I can give you about platform. Oh, and start collecting email addresses (with permission) to start a newsletter.
WRITE THE BOOK.In the end, it's still about the book. These other things are ways to enhance your experience as a writer. But, you cannot forget that it is about your idea, your story, and your novel. Never lose sight of that. And there will be days when you don't feel like spending time with your book—editing, revising, or writing. But it is important to spend that time creating. Just try to sit down and make yourself start working. Once the pump is primed, the juices just might start flowing. You won't know until you try.
A woman’s choice…is in question.
Brianne is a somewhat naïve college freshman. She becomes disillusioned as her professors and peers challenge many of her long-held beliefs. When she finds a diary that belonged to a distant relative, she hopes it will offer much needed distraction. And she is soon drawn into the story of a passionate woman who seems to whisper from the past.
In 1915’s New York, idealist and primary teacher Margaret struggles with the problems women face at home and in society. She is first timid about speaking her mind, but in time cannot keep her impassioned spirit hidden—not even from the gentleman who teaches in the classroom next door. His concern for her stretches the limits of their friendship, pressing into something more. Caught up in the Women’s Suffrage Movement, she faces down authority figures and others who question her beliefs.
And so, Brianne is whisked along on this journey as Margaret joins the fight for women’s rights, all the while trying to work through her own questions and experiences with modern feminism.
Before long, things spin out of control and she wonders where her newfound relationship fits into everything? Are there any clear answers? Will she land on her feet? Or be forever lost to herself?
Read an Excerpt
CONTEMPORARY TIME PERIOD – Brianne goes to hear a Speaker from NOW (National Organization for Women)
“Ask yourself,” the woman continued, now staring at Brianne.
Heat crept into her cheeks.
“What am I worth? Where does my value lie? What can I take hold of and rely on in this life?”
Ms. Mason scanned the room, and Brianne shivered.
As much as she’d like to dismiss all of this as nonsense, the woman’s questions would not quiet. Where was her worth?
Wasn’t it in Christ? That felt rather abstract. Could that be a foundation?
Her parents believed she was special, but they wouldn’t always be there.
Scott seemed to think her worth his time and attention. Should she rely on a man to give her value? That made her uneasy.
Where did she belong? On what truth might she base her life? Her value?
She rolled the question in her mind. Stymied.
Thunderous applause broke out around her; several of the students and faculty around her rose.
Brianne clapped and stood. Except… she didn’t know what to think about the speech. Still, it was the polite thing to do. Wasn’t it?
The applause quieted, and the crowd started moving, some toward the exit, some toward the speaker.
Brianne gathered her notebook and pen, bending to grab her bag.
“I’m going to ask her some questions,” Daria said, leaning over her.
Brianne shot up and looked at the front of the room. A small crowd surrounded Ms. Mason. “Sure.”
Daria gripped at her elbow. “Come on.”
Did she wish to face down Ms. Mason? The thought made her stomach do a little flip. She met Daria’s eyes. “I think I’ll head back to the dorm. I’ve got that Chemistry homework to finish.” And I want some time to think. Alone.
About the Author:Sara is a coffee lovin', word slinging, Historical Romance author whose super power is converting caffeine into novels. She loves those odd little tidbits of history that are stranger than fiction. That's what inspires her. Well, that and a good love story.
But of all the love stories she knows, hers is her favorite. She lives happily with her own Prince Charming and their gaggle of minions. Three to be exact. They sure know how to distract a writer! But, alas, the stories must be written, even if it must happen in the wee hours of the morning.
Sara is an avid reader and enjoys reading and writing clean Historical Romance when she’s not traveling. Her books range from the Czech lands to the American wild west and from ancient Egypt to the early 1900s. Some of her titles include The Lady Bornekova, Hope in Cripple Creek, The General’s Wife, Trail of Fears, and the Convenient Risk Series.
Happy Reading!
Website:
http://saraturnquist.com/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/sarat1701
Facebook Author Page:
https://www.facebook.com/authorsararturnquist/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sarat0103/
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/saravturnquist/
YouTube:
https://bit.ly/sara-youtube
Buy Link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BH42H5X/ref=sr_1_1
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A warm-hearted, fun filled rom-com novella laden with love, music…and cats.
