Have You "Hugged" Your Favorite Author Today?

Happy Friday All,

Congratulations goes to Nikki N. for winning the Kerrelyn Sparks giveaway yesterday! Kerrelyn will mail your copy of BE STILL MY VAMPIRE HEART, soon.

Today I want to talk about outside-the-business-support/encouragement for writers/authors.

A writer can have his or her critique group, but what about outside the business support? Some authors don't have a lot of people outside their critique/writing groups supporting/encouraging them. Some people have a misconception about what writing and publishing actually entails. Some people don't understand the emotions that surround a writer as he/she works on their craft.

Writing and publishing are real jobs. It's not always lucrative financially, but it's still a career. It take time, talent, energy, and dedication. There are writers who work 12-14 hours a day writing and editing to get their work in on time to editors, agents, and publishers.

There are writers who suffer health issues and family issues while they're working on that next novel for their readers. Some writers are parents with young children who have to balance family responsibilities with the demands of their craft.

But unlike most jobs, for many writers it's not just a job, it's a passion. It's love of the written word and love of imagination and creativity.

So, having the in-the-business support (i.e. writers' groups and critique groups) are very important, but also having the support of friends and family is also extremely important. That's why so many authors are so appreciative of their fans. It's the people who encourage them, build them up, and help them on those days when Writer's Block hits and they have to push through to get the story done.

If you have a favorite author, see if they have any contact information on their website. Send them a little note telling them how much you love their work. Even if they can't write you back because of their workload, they will appreciate so much you taking the time out to say "Thank you for putting out the novels I love so much." Tell them which novels are your favorite and why. Like I said, even if they don't have time to write you back, you will make their day.

Writing can be a very solitary experience sometimes. So, it's always good for writers to know they're not alone; which is one of the reasons why I'm always thanking my blog readers! Your comments and emails responding to questions, or just telling me what you like about the blog make my day!

So please, if you can, take the time to contact your favorite authors and tell them how much you enjoy their work.

Have A Fabulous Friday!

Face Off -- Fear Versus Willpower

Happy Monday Everybody,

Every writer has a fear or had a fear they have to face down (or had to face down). Some on a continual basis, and some once or only a few times.

It's okay to be nervous. It's okay to be concerned on whether or not your story is strong enough to withstand the critical eyes of the General Public, but unless you work on your craft, get those critiques, do those edits, and put yourself out there, you're getting nowhere in the business. All you're getting is fear.

Every author has to face down his or her fears. Just because an author has "made it" doesn't mean they weren't nervous/worried/scared/overwhelmed at one point or another. The difference is, they chose not to be debilitated by it. Those authors chose, instead, to say "Hello fear, nice to meet ya. Now, go away, I'm a professional and I got work to do."

You can overcome your fears. But only you can do it. Nobody else can smack that fear over the head with the sword of willpower thus vanquishing it for you. You have to pick up your sword and slay the dragon of fear yourself.

However, you're in good company. Any number of authors will understand. They'll encourage you while you do that 10th edit on the same chapter you were editing last week, simply because it just won't come together just yet. There are those who will offer you support when you get that rejection slip and have to pick up and send off a new query.

Authors do need that support. That's why there's writers' groups, critique partners, critique groups, conferences, workshops and contests and a myriad of other materials for aspiring and published authors.

So no more fears. You get yourself a writer's group, critique partners/groups, attend conferences, read up and do your research because if you're serious about this business you can't let fear take over. You take over fear and crush it under your will power. It doesn't mean you will never be nervous/fearful/apprehensive, it just means it won't prevent you from following your goal of being a writer and being serious about the business.

Have A Monumental Monday!

I Couldn't Do It Without You

There's so much that goes into writing and publishing. When writing, there's a combination of all the knowledge, experience, imagings, etcetera into just putting the words upon the page--formulating the story and characters. I can't even begin to go into what a big subject publishing is--I sometimes wonder if I've even begun to scratch the surface. It's quite vast.

However, most writers have some kind of support system. And that goes for me, as well. You know who you are! Family, friends, fellow writers I've talked to (whether published or not)--even teachers I've had. You're the ones on the sidelines saying "Go Bethany! You can do it!" (Which puts me in mind of the Home Depot commerical, but anyway...) This includes my husband (my son does in his own way, as well). The list is long and I am so blest to have all of you "in my corner".

You're the ones who remind me of my dream of doing this. Regardless of what happens, you're the ones who buoy me when I'm sinking into the "What am I thinking?" blues. You read bits and pieces of dialogue, scenes, listen when I read aloud what I wrote and give me your honest feedback. (And the more honest you are, the more helpful you are).

So, this posting is for you. To applaud YOU and thank you for everything. It means the world to me.

Give yourself a pat on the back!