By Debra Holt
Wouldn’t it be great if there was one
tried and true method, one foolproof blueprint for all new writers to follow in
order to have instant success with your writing career? Lovely pipe dream! One certainty in writing
is that each writer must find their own path and what works for one won’t
necessarily work for another.
After being at this business of writing
and publishing for six years now, I can say that I came in blind to the process. I am still a novice in many ways, and take
every advantage to learn each day. What
I do learn, I always try to pass on to other fledgling authors. That being said, I can share these tips that
never steer me wrong and might help reinforce what you probably already know
but need reminding of now and then.
One basic tenet never changes…Write what YOU love to read. I think
writers tend to really go off track when they get away from this truth. If you
can’t love your story, then why expect it of anyone else? Write
something EVERY day…whether you feel like it or not. It should become a daily habit and that only
strengthens your writing abilities. TRUST
your gut instinct. You will have
many opinions come your way…some positive, some negative, some helpful, and
some detrimental. You know your story the best. You know what you are
comfortable changing or adding…and you know what box not to force your
characters into for someone else.
Learn
to say no….and to speak up for your story. That being said… do keep an open mind to
other possibilities in your writing. I was determined to publish traditionally…
obtain an agent; publish with “professionals.” I have done that. I can say that my mind has
opened and I am looking into indie-publishing a couple of my books also. In this day and time, both are acceptable. Authors are taking more and more control over
their own destinies in the publishing world. That is a good thing!
Remember the basic beginning foundation to
all writing is simple… is this your hobby or your career? If it is a career
goal for you, then you must always treat it as such and give it the importance
and care it deserves. Writing is serious business. It is also to be enjoyable. Finding that balance is essential. Others will only take your writing as
seriously as you do. You need to gather
a good support team around you…family, friends, and colleagues. It is important to have those you trust who
can be relied upon to give you good, honest critiques. No one will do you any favor by always
telling you how wonderful you are each and every time. Our writing can only grow when we are open to
fine-tuning and sharpening our skills.
Writing is a wild adventure. You never
know where it will take you next. Chart your course and good luck!
_____________________________________________________________________
Born and raised in the Lone Star state of
Texas, Debra Holt grew up among horses, cowboys, wide open spaces, and real Texas
Rangers. Pride in her state and ancestry
knows no bounds and it is these heroes and heroines she loves to write about
the most. She also draws upon a variety
of life experiences including working with abused children, caring for baby
animals at a major zoo, and planning high-end weddings (ah, romance!) Debra’s real pride and joys, however, are her
son, an aspiring film actor, and a daughter with aspirations to join the
Federal Bureau of Investigation. (more story ideas!) When she isn’t busy writing about tall Texans
and feisty heroines, she can be found cheering on her Texas Tech Red Raiders,
or heading off on another cruise adventure.
She read her first romance...Janet Dailey's Fiesta San Antonio, over thirty years ago and became hooked
on the genre. Writing contemporary western romances, is both her passion and dream come true, and
she hopes her books will bring smiles...and sighs...to all who believe in
happily-ever-after’s. Debra invites you
to visit her website at www.debraholtbooks.com. She loves to hear from other aspiring authors
or readers via email at debraholtbooks@gmail.com. Twitter is https://twitter.com/DebraHoltBooks
and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DebraHoltBooks. Her latest sweet romance Claiming The Maverick’s Heart is out this week on Amazon, published by LPC/Bling Romance https://www.amazon.com/Claiming-Mavericks-Heart-Debra-Holt.
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