A WAY TO AVOID WRITERS' BLOCK

By Ron Houchin

First, demystify writing, a little.  See it as a way of replying to the mystery, wonder, even beauty that speaks first to us with its own kind of language-- often a visual vocabulary that may be understand for fourteen, eighteen, twenty-four lines or pages.  And of course, not just as poetry.  In a way all art is a reply.  It happens as painting, photography, dance, any and every art form.  Carl Sagan's suggestion that we are the universe's desire to see itself, feels comforting, helps explain why this happens, and it probably happens to everyone to some degree.  Especially the young reply to what grabs their attention and energy.

The old timers called it inspiration, and it does carry magic, whether from the Muse or some quality in ourselves we don't fully understand.  It seems to come from paying attention to the outside that gives us insight into what's inside us as part of some whole here, whatever it is-- universe or massive consciousness or some other completely unexplained.

After childhood, worries began to take hold and not everything had that ability to speak out to me, but enough does that once or twice a week, if I stay in love the world as it is, I must reply to something in it.  It seems like a responsibility to go through that threshold offered by the catalyst of the sight or sound of an unusual phrase or an object in nature, that which gives me pause, anything that stays with me and starts the inner gears turning until I do something about it.  Then writing about it is a sort of good exorcism, I suppose, but I am never really free of it and hopefully, if the magic is there, if I've paid enough attention, that magic will be there when I read it again years later and for the reader who comes across it, too.

The type and kind of things that may need replying to vary greatly and are not just language-based cues.  Whether it is an over-sized crocus leaning against its fellows like a jolly group of drunks or a dead crow lying in the middle of the road without a mark on it or nearby carrion to answer how it came to die here, it is all the universe asking to be paid attention to.  And observation seems to be key. 

It is important to this process to trust your first draft and hang on to it.  Keep it where it can be revisited as you go through the process of polishing and revising.  The first draft is where that original magic is for you who wrote it.  Let it go where it wants to go.  You can revisit it repeatedly and mine it as you bring the poem or essay to a point where the reader has a good chance to see what you saw, step into your mind and the world you have found that whispered or shouted its mystery and contiguity to you.

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Ron Houchin lives on the banks of the Ohio River, across from his hometown, Huntington, West Virginia. For thirty years he taught high school in the Appalachian region of southern Ohio.  With eight books of poetry published here and in Ireland, a collection of short stories, and a novella published also, Ron decided, about a year ago, to write a novel. His ninth book of poems due out in the fall of 2020, from Louisiana State University Press's Southern Messenger Poets Series. His books have received awards, include an Appalachian Book-of-the-Year in Poetry for 2004, an Ohio Arts Council fellowship for teachers of the arts, a tutorial fellowship to the Dublin Summer Writers' Workshop in Ireland, and the Weatherford Prize for Poetry in 2013. www.facebook.com/ronhouchin

Never Let Go

By Chris Pepple, Writer-At-Large, Southern Writers Magazine

Have you ever had a great idea for a character or a plot, but you just couldn’t figure out how to move forward? When you tried to flesh out the details for a book, did you get stuck on some of the details or reach a dead end that you couldn’t move past? Did the dialogue fall flat? Did the plot weaken beyond repair? Did this frustrate you because you still like the original idea?

Sometimes just the opposite happens—we have a great thought and it keeps growing in our mind. Dialogue pops into our head when we’re showering or having coffee. Plot twists race through our minds at 3 a.m. when we can’t get up and do anything about it. We’re frustrated because we have other deadlines we have already committed to and can’t stop to work on a new project.

So, when do we just toss out these ideas? Never. Don’t let go of these gems that you’ve uncovered. Take a few notes and file them away in notebooks in your desk or in your closet (or in the many places writers stuff papers). No idea has to be tossed out too quickly.

“But I tried writing it,” you say. “I couldn’t finish it.” Then maybe the timing wasn’t right for where you are in life. You might need to take care of some unfinished business or research more before you can pick the project back up. You might need to turn the thought into a poem or a short story instead of a novel. Sometimes, our failure just means we need to learn a little bit more about the writing process through a class or seminar. Just because we aren’t ready to finish a project doesn’t mean the idea was bad. Revisit it later in life and see what happens.

The same holds true for a packed schedule. Just because you don’t have time to tackle a new writing project now doesn’t mean you won’t ever have time. Hang on to the thoughts and let them wait for you to unpack them when you have more time.

Never let go of a good idea just because the timing isn’t right. The characters will be waiting for you around the next bend.

YOU’RE NOT FINISHED

By Richard Mabry, M.D.

For many decades I practiced medicine, taught, wrote, doing my best to be a good person at all of those, while not neglecting my family. Then, about the time of my anticipated retirement from my position at the medical center, my wife of 40 years died. Needless to say, it was devastating. As part of the healing process, I committed my thoughts to paper, mainly as a personal catharsis. A friend, involved in a grief ministry in another state, read them and urged me to publish my journal as a book. Of course, I had no idea how to go about this. Finally, a sympathetic editor at a Christian publishing house suggested I attend a writer’s conference. My attendance gave me the background to rewrite, and eventually get published, The Tender Scar. Perhaps as important, though I didn’t realize it at the time, I was encouraged by a couple of recognized authors to “try my hand at fiction.”

I figured that would occupy my time during my retirement, so I accepted the challenge. Unfortunately, it didn’t go well. I eventually wrote four novels over the next four years, and for these I received forty rejections. Discouraged, I decided to quit writing.

Nevertheless, despite leaving the writing world behind, I continued to follow a number of writing-related blogs, including that of Rachelle Gardner. She ran a contest for the best first line, and (to my surprise), I won with the line, “Things were going along just fine until the miracle fouled them up.” Through a series of circumstances that I’m convinced were divinely ordained, she became my agent and I resumed writing. It wasn’t long after that time that I got my first fiction contract. Since then, I’ve had eighteen novels and novellas published. All this after quitting writing. I wasn’t through—I just thought I was.

I’ve just published the novella that sprang from that first line I dashed off so long ago. I hadn’t planned on doing that, but the story kept growing in my mind, giving rise eventually to the novella, Bitter Pill. It went through a bunch of revisions, but I think the end result is pretty good. I hope you do, too.

What do I take from all this? It’s pretty simple. You may become discouraged. You may even be tempted to give up. You may—like me—say that you’re too old for all this. But don’t quit. Don’t give up because you’re discouraged. You’re not through yet.

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Dr. Richard Mabry is a retired physician, now writing “medical mystery with heart.” His novels have garnered critical acclaim and been finalists for ACFW’s Carol Award, both the Romantic Times’ Inspirational Book of the Year and Reviewer’s Choice Awards, the Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and the Selah Award. He is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the International Thriller Writers, and Novelists Inc. Bitter Pill is his latest novella.He and his wife live in north Texas, where he writes, works on being the world’s greatest grandfather, and strives to improve his golf game. You can learn more about him at his website, and via his blog and Facebook page. He is also interviewed in the May-June issue of the Southern Writers Magazine.

It Starts with a Phrase

By Doyne Phillips, Managing Editor for Southern Writers Magazine

“Hold Me” is the name of one of Ronaldo’s designer bracelets. Each of his bracelets has a name or phrase to go along with his design that inspired him. Along with the bracelet comes the card and explanation, “For everyone who is or has been your everlasting, always remember to hold them closely and cherish your time together.” It was a popular item during the recent Mother’s Day Sales due to the story circulating, “Hold Me” were the last words his Mother spoke to him.    

Other bracelet names are “Hope”, for the breast cancer bracelet with some of the proceeds going to breast cancer research, Romance, Journey, and Etched in Time. One of my favorite names is “Katbird” which may mean you are sitting in an enviable position.

As with Renaldo’s creations many creations start with a phrase. Songwriters call it a hook. We see it begin a song, poem, story or book. Something about a phrase has caught the ear or eye of the creator and the emotion it created within them moved them enough to create. The words “Hold Me” reminds parents of the many times they have heard a child or grandchild ask them to hold me. A spouse when ill or a parent when ill may utter the same words. It is a phrase common to us all but for different reasons and with different memories and emotions.  

I love phrases. I listen for them and use them when I can. As a fan of The Blues I hear simple phrases used in many of the songs. Some are humorous and some are meaningful. With the older Blues songs I wonder if a phrase was used widely and placed in a song or did the song make the phrase popular. I am sure it is some of both.

The phrase “Hold Me” along with the explanation was something I heard while shopping in a gift shop for a Mother’s Day gift. Having lost my parents, it struck a chord. Most phrases that do, I keep. 

I hope you do the same. It is a gift given us along our day to day journey. Be aware of the gift, accept them, hold them close and return them to the world as a part of something you have created.

        

Jumping Into Writing, Part Two

By Lynn U. Watson

My guest author blog post from Friday continues, today. The Mid-South Christian Writers Conference weekend event concluded with wisdom from keynote speaker, Bob Hostetler.  

An award-winning author and literary agent, Hostetler challenged attendees to consider these questions: Why do I write?  What difference would it make if I didn’t write?

His examples imparted serious wisdom. I typed rapidly as Hostetler spoke desiring to capture the essence of all he shared. I’ve included a tidbit of his wisdom. These are not direct quotes that follow, but close, I pray. . .

What if the disciple John had not written? John could have concluded that there were three Gospels already, and another one was not needed. What could he add they had not already said? What if no one reads it? What if no one cares. What if others laugh at him because he’s an old man doing this? But he didn’t. John said “yes.”

Because John wrote we have the beautiful words that open the Gospel bearing his name: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God…” We have John 3:16, and the recording of Jesus’ miracle at the wedding in Cana. We know Jesus’ High Priestly prayer would have never been recorded. A rich treasury of John’s experiences with Jesus and His life would have been gone forever.

Similar things could be said if King David, Isaiah, and Solomon had not written. Think of lost poetry like the 23rd Psalm and deep prayers of David’s heart, the prophecies, and Godly wisdom. Beyond Scripture itself, what if men like Martin Luther, C. S. Lewis, Charles Wesley and Eugene Peterson refused to put to paper the words passionately burning in their hearts?

What if our stories are not written? What would the world miss? When we write for the right purposes, we share our passions and we touch the hearts of others. When we write for our readers, not for ourselves, we touch one life or many lives, but we have completed the task inspired in our hearts to be shared, and God receives the glory. When we write for any other reason, we work for wages far too low.

Our writing success improves (with eternal benefit) when we “fall deeply in love with our subject, not our words.”

As writers we face a solitary and often daunting task. But what if we don’t write? Many writing tips were shared in numerous workshops. I believe everyone attending the conference left at least a bit better equipped to put their words on paper.  

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Lynn U. Watson combines many years' experience in women's ministry, love of essential oils, and her passion for God's word to bring her readers freshly inspired encouragement for their walk with Jesus. Her devotional, The Essence of Courage, was recognized as a 'must read' by regional publishing industry leaders. Married since 1973, Lynn and Steve have filled their Bartlett, Tennessee home with handmade treasures and lots of love for family, especially their five beautiful (of course) grandchildren. Aromas of freshly baked bread often fill Lynn's kitchen. Jasmine, her tuxedo kitty, enjoys sleeping in Lynn's lap while she writes. Here is my website link: https://lynnuwatson.com/

Jumping Into Writing, Part One

By Lynn U. Watson

After publishing three devotional collections, I’ve jumped with passion into writing my first novel. A true story from the life of my great grandmother stirred my imagination and my compassion. But my WIP is rough at best.

During the recent Mid-South Christian Writers Conference, I enrolled in the “First Chapter Critique Group” led by award-winning novelists, Johnnie Alexander and Patricia Bradley. Other members of the group also based their work on family stories, both contemporary and historic. Not allowing the specifics we know about our story to control the fictional account we create isn’t always easy. It requires us to write with the backdrop of the facts we know, while developing memorable characters, great scenes, and a riveting story that’s mostly all made up.

To gather more insight into this, I also attended Johnnie and Pat’s workshop: “Creating Characters with Personality and Pizzazz.” They loaded their mini-class with reminders of what it takes to bring our characters alive on the page. From both groups here are hints I brought home with me:

1. Ask your character what motivates him/her?
2. Ask your character what he/she fears?
3. What can’t your character do in the beginning? How will that change by the end?
4. Develop your character’s personality (Myers-Briggs helpful here)
5. Elicit emotions that deepen the connections of your characters with your readers.
6. Get to know your characters better by channeling them. Tap into your own emotions – (For the protagonist you might close your eyes and imagine; for the antagonist, think “evil.”)
7. Develop your character’s point of view.
8. Incorporate strong and realistic dialogue to move the story along. (That may include sentence fragments, slang, dialect.)
9. Always be a student of the craft of writing and learn it well. Read successful author’s books on the topic of writing. Here’s a list of Johnnie and Pat’s suggestions:

-The Emotion Thesaurus:A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi (There are six in this excellent series. I own four and am eager to add the others.)

-The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface by Donald Maass (I’ve just begun this one – two chapters in, and I know he has much to teach any author.)

-Getting into Character:Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn from Actors by Brandilyn Collins (Another great little volume already in my author’s library.)

-Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself into Print by Renni Browne & Dave King

-Story Trumps Structure:How to Write Unforgettable Fiction by Breaking the Rules by Steven James (Now that sounds interesting. Know the rules but break them.)

-Writing Deep Viewpoint:Invite Your Readers into the Story by Kathy Tyers,

-Writing with Emotion,Tension & Conflict: Techniques for Crafting an Expressive and CompellingNovel by Cheryl St. John

Part Two of Lynn’s post will appear on Monday.

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Lynn U. Watson combines many years' experience in women's ministry, love of essential oils, and her passion for God's word to bring her readers freshly inspired encouragement for their walk with Jesus. Her devotional, The Essence of Courage, was recognized as a 'must read' by regional publishing industry leaders. Married since 1973, Lynn and Steve have filled their Bartlett, Tennessee home with handmade treasures and lots of love for family, especially their five beautiful (of course) grandchildren. Aromas of freshly baked bread often fill Lynn's kitchen. Jasmine, her tuxedo kitty, enjoys sleeping in Lynn's lap while she writes. Here is my website link: https://lynnuwatson.com/

Will Fred Get Your Book Cover Right?

By Annette Cole Mastron, Communications Director for Southern Writers Magazine

We all know just how important a book cover is, right? Time and details go into planning a cover that showcases your book and tempts readers to open and read your book. With a traditional publisher, sometimes the author has little control over their book covers, and the publisher chooses.

However, self-published authors do have control over their book cover. Your book cover is an introduction of your book to potential readers. It’s important to get it right. I’ve observed shoppers in brick and mortar businesses pick up books only to put them back after looking at the book cover without even reading the book blurb on the back cover. Your covers will forever be linked to your brand. No pressure, right? You created your “book baby” over a period of time, and your book’s cover deserves the same attention.

On “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” a repeating segment is with band member, Fred Annisen. Fred guesses the plot of a book by using only the book's cover in a segment titled, “Fred Judges a Book by Its Cover.” These are truly laugh out loud material. Check out Fred’s summary of “One Day in December,” by Josie Silver, in this clip. I’ve read this book and let me say, Fred gets it wrong but that is the point. You have to read not just judge a book by only it’s cover. 

My question is does your cover create an interesting view of an intriguing story? Would Fred be able to judge your book accurately by its cover?

The Inspirational Factor

By Adriana Girolami

Authors are becoming more adept each day at marketing their books. Advertising and self promotion is a necessary ingredient in order to gain attention in a very crowded field. Marketing books and all the difficulties it entails appears to be a focal point of interest to many authors. It is also frequently discussed during writers’ meetings.

Although I am in complete agreement with the importance of this issue, I am also aware that we must have something of value to promote in the first place. Too much structure and the stress connected to marketing is the natural enemy of creativity and inspiration. Writer's block can be a possible side effect with the inability to complete or create an exciting new novel.

Writers are generally free thinkers who tend to let their minds wander in search of that elusive, inspirational factor, a precious ingredient that must be preserved in order to write something of value. True inspiration comes alive when we are most at ease, or when we are deeply challenged, since creative people tend to be very sensitive and emotionally charged. Inspiration will occur sporadically, when you least expect that you are predisposed to it.

I would like to share my own experience with the indefinable inspirational factor. I was glancing through an art book dedicated to European fashion through the ages. suddenly I was attracted by the painting of a sixteenth century Countess from the old Czechoslovakia, whose name was "Polyxena". I have never heard that name before, but for some strange reason it created a sense of excitement within me. In a very short period of time a complex and thrilling story line suddenly came to the surface and I was inspired and compelled to write it. Polyxena suddenly became the beloved, main character of my first novel and soon after the star in my "Knights Templar Trilogy". I credit that wonderful, inspirational moment for having open to me the exciting world of writing. I am now a published author, while up to that point I only considered myself to be a portrait artist. I have now the pride and joy of not only writing my novels, but painting the covers as well, which I hope to continue doing in the future.

Because of that amazing moment of inspiration my life was changed forever. Somehow, the dormant writer who had been resting inside of me suddenly came to life. I believe that our creative spirit should take precedence over anything else. It will give us the necessary pride and courage to achieve the goals that we aspire to, and promote that brain child which was created with so much love... 

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An accomplished portrait artist as well as an esteemed writer of historical fiction, Italian-born Adriana Girolami credits the ancient beauty of her native country for her love of history. She seduces readers with her gorgeous visual style—both on the covers of her books and on all the pages in-between. As the illustrator of her book jackets, she paints intricate, visually rich characters that match the complex personalities she creates with her equally well-drawn words. She immigrated to the United States and attended The Art Students League in New York City. Her debut novel, Mysterious Templar, is now a trilogy followed by, The Crimson Amulet and Templar's Redemption, Her work was also translated and published in Japan by a Japanese publisher. Her novels have been well received by readers with 5 stars reviews on Amazon. She loves to travel and was privileged to visit with her husband many beautiful places in the world. Since her work is sedentary she exercises faithfully, loves to jog, play racquetball, and as a Martial Arts enthusiast she retains a black belt in Kenpo Karate. She always looks forward to a special tomorrow and writing her next exciting novel.

The Amazon Chart for…

By Susan Reichert, Editor-in-Chief, Southern Writers Magazine

The Top 20 Most Sold & Most Read Books of the Week is a chart Amazon does to rank books according to number of copies sold, pre-ordered and read on their subscription program.

What I want to bring attention to is the number of books, from one author, that appear in the week of April 14^th. The author is, J. K. Rowling. She has seven books on the list. Five of the seven books have been on the Top 20 most sold and read over a hundred weeks.

The first book she wrote, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997), was an unparalleled success. The novels in the series have topped bestseller lists, won numerous awards, and translated into over sixty languages. It is reported the series has become the biggest sellers in the history of children’s writings.

The question is, who will be the next author to write a book that will begat a series and turn it into one of the biggest sellers? It could be you. Yes, even you.

I feel quite sure, J. K. Rowling, never dreamed her first book she wrote would become not only the success it was but would mushroom in to a series of best sellers and garner awards after awards let alone, made into movies.

It all started with her deciding to just start writing, where she was. Isn’t that the crux of any beginning? To just start.

Don’t allow starting to write to intimidate you. Remember, not starting, kills the writing.

Don’t make it hard, just relax and let your mind begin from wherever it is. You can even tell yourself; I will put down on paper whatever my mind thinks and do this for one minute – two minutes . . . you set the amount of time. After that amount of time, if you still have things to put on paper, continue to write. When you do stop, relax and feel good you accomplished the hard part, beginning. (The words written do not have to even make sense. What is important is that you started.)

Now that you rested, start the process again, let the words in your mind pour on to the page.

The part we are sometimes afraid of is the “getting started”. The what if’s and the buts, set aside for now, just relax and get to know what words, what thoughts, what ideas are playing around in your head.

You may have the next best-selling book of all time.

My Writing Advice

By Shelia S. Hudson

I am pleased to be a guest on Southern Writers Magazine. This week marks a plateau for me as I publish my 14^th mystery. Winged Publications has graciously been my publisher for all of these with Cynthia Hickey at the helm.

I began this writing adventure years ago with nonfiction publications. When I entered a contest for fiction, I asked Cynthia’s advice. Instead of advice she offered a publishing contract. As a minister’s wife, I wrote devotionals, how to articles, and inspirational pieces never dreaming I could write fiction. However, the fiction I read was always mysteries especially cozy mysteries where the blood, gore, and sex were left to the imagination. My first series – The Thursday Club – is a mixture of the Golden Girls meets Murder, She Wrote. The five women characters are all reminiscent of my closest friends. It was a fun romp and I managed seven books in the series.

At the suggestion of my editor, Amy Munnell, I did a second series for a younger audience. The Silent Partner collection features twin sisters who solve crimes in a unique way.

My current project, Ministry Can Be Murder, taps into my years as a ministry wife, campus ministry, and mission experience. The first book, Murder in the Lord’s House, was published in the Fall 2018. The Case of the Lethal Liturgy was published in April 2019. To all the writers just beginning their career, I offer the following suggestions.

First, get a writing buddy. Amy has been mine for more years than we like to admit. She has given me firm criticism and guidance. Amy won’t allow me to submit anything less than excellent.

Second, join a writer’s organization. Whether they meet once a week or once a month, support from a fellow writer is valuable. Don’t rely on family. Either they say everything is wonderful or they don’t read it at all.

Third, keep reading and improving your prose. No matter what you write, there’s always room for improvement. Read the professionals. As for me, Stephen King, Margaret Atwood, and Louise Penny top the list. Reading in your genre is good; variety is even better.

Fourth, go to writing conferences. Learn all you can about formatting, punctuation, research, and marketing. Network with other writers. The Internet makes this a wonderful age for writers. Take advantage of it.

Fall in love with the craft. Some days writing will be uphill. Other days your muse will take you on a wild ride. Don’t give up. It took hundreds of rejections before I published that first piece, but oh it was worth it!

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Sheila S. Hudson is the author of the Thursday Club series: Murder at Golden Palms, Murder at Sea, Murder at the Mandelay, Murder at the Monastery, Murder on the Marquee, and Murder under the Christmas Tree. Sheila has authored Silent Partner series: Kiss and Make Up, Dead Ringer, and Double Jeopardy. She writes a biblical series, Ministry Can Be Murder; Murder in the Lord’s House and The Case of the Lethal Liturgy. Her Silent Partner Series is available on www.audible.com  Her Classic City Murders: Volumes I and II She has two nonfiction books: 13 Decisions That Will Change Your Life and 13 Decisions That Will Transform Your Marriage. Sheila has contributed to Not Your Mother’s Book (2), Chocolate for Women (8), Chicken Soup, Patchwork Path (2), Love Stories (2) plus numerous periodicals. All are available at www.amazon.com or on her website  www.sheilahudson.website  Her byline also appears in Purple Pros and Costumer Magazine. Bright Ideas, the parent company, was established to bring hope and inspiration through the written/spoken word.  Since 1983, Sheila has been affiliated with Southeastern Writers Association including two terms as president.  Contact her at:  sheilahudson.writer@gmail.com for information on speaking engagements and forthcoming books. Sheila and her husband, Timothy L. Hudson, have worked in campus ministry for over 30 years -- 5 years with Christian Student Fellowship at Northern Kentucky University and 28 years at Christian Campus Ministry at the University of Georgia. They have been married for 50 years and have two daughters, a son, and seven grandsons.

Don’t Count Your Critics

By Suzanne Woods Fisher

A few weeks before my first novel was due to release, I received an advance review from Publisher’s Weekly. That moment is seared in my mind: I remember the time of day it was when I received the email, where I stood in my house, how it felt as I read it.

Because it was…terrible. The reviewer skewered my book. Usually, there’s something positive to spin from reviews, even if it’s just a few words to pluck. Not this one. The reviewer hated the book from start to finish, effectively giving me a very public black eye.

It was a crushing blow. I was convinced that my publisher would halt production of my book and rip up all my contracts. Finished…before I even got started.

That was thirty books ago. I’ve gained a thick skin since that first review, something all writers need but no one tells you how to get. Turns out, you get it through awful reviews. Every single author will get a few battle scars along the way, especially in this reign of customer-driven-social-media. A career in writing can be compared to standing in front of the world in your underwear. You’re oh-so-exposed. 

But one mark of a professional writer is to persevere, to welcome scrutiny and learn from it, with the goal of continually improving skills. 

Here’s my best advice for writers: Don’t count your critics. Weigh them.

You want to please the right people, because you can’t please everyone. If you try to please everyone, you’ll only get stuck. So, then, who are the right people? Who are the critics you need to weigh? For me, they’re my editors, my agent, and my first draft readers.

Here’s my next best advice: Critics can be wrong.

That first book, the one that received such a horrible, scarring review from Publisher’s Weekly, is still in print, ten years later. Either readers weren’t reading the reviews or people just didn’t care what the critics said. That book did really well. To date, it’s sold over 200,000 copies. 

I can’t promise the same outcome for you, but I also hope you don’t receive a scathing review for your first novel. Regardless, here’s my last piece of advice for you as an aspiring writer: Do not quit. No matter what. If you’re meant to write, you are meant to write.

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Carol award winner Suzanne Woods Fisher writes stories that take you to places you’ve never visited—one with characters that seem like old friends. But most of all, her books give you something to think about long after you’ve finished reading it. With over one million copies of her books sold worldwide, Suzanne is the best-selling author of more than thirty books, ranging from non-fiction books, to children’s books, to novels. She lives with her very big family in northern California. Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bookbub, Goodreads,  

Amazon, Pinterest.