So, you think you can write a novel, or become a Bestselling Author…
I have been writing for two years now. Here are five things I can share with you as I take my journey…
1. Things they don't tell you.
Don’t think your story hasn’t been told.
Don’t switch POV’s
Stay in One tense
Pick a Genre you know something about.
Those are a few that come to mind, but there are a lot more..
2. Realistic Dreams
When I got my first rejection letter, I cried for maybe two hours. They are very honest and blunt. Ex, “This is poorly written.”
Rejection is always hard, but when you get feedback that’s great. Most of the time, they won’t take the time to tell you what they found wrong, or what you should work on. So, I found the standard, “We aren’t impressed,” Letter is a lot worse than, “Work on these things.” My family actually got my first rejection letter framed, and I have it on my wall to make me work harder to perfect my writing and someday receive that Acceptance letter.
3. First completed Manuscript
I had written my first manuscript Dancing Shadows for Samhain Publishing. It took me long hours to complete. I think I even feed my cat some coffee. I was working full time at my job, roller derby, and Homework, but I still found time to write. I wrote on napkins, notebooks, and receipt papers. I sent maybe 100 text messages to myself. I took off one week of work closer to the due date to submit for the call.
Women all around the world write and produce bestsellers all the time, while even cooking for their families. I on the other hand had eaten a lot of Take out. The Wendys down the road know's me personally now. I said all that to say this, it’s not easy to sit and write. People have normal everyday life’s, and completing 20,000 to 100,000 words takes some serious time. When I finally finished my manuscript, I submitted. I waited two weeks to find out that my story was not in the top pickings, but you know what, I completed a manuscript at 23,000 words in three weeks. I am super proud of myself.
4. Does an Agent really matter?
Honestly, for a beginning writer agents will not choose you right off. It takes time and experience. The best advice, I can give is start small. Look for different writing calls. Do short stories. Get your name and work seen by different people first. Then maybe after some years, contact a agent. They are needed when you are trying for houses such as : Random House, etc.
5. Friends and Family support.
You need your family, and friends. At times it can become over whelming and you need to relax. With the support and help of loved ones you can jump hurtles as they come toward you. I have my two cats, my three dogs, and family and friends behind me. I wouldn’t change that for anything in the world.
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Questions & My Answers
How did you get started writing?
When you sleep at night, do you dream? Do you wake up with a great story to tell? When you're outside, do you dream of another place? Do you look for an adventure? Do you believe that the imagination can drive you to do great things?
I write because of all of those things. My creative heart continues to run full with ideas. Many people have their sports and other activities that everyone can associate. Everyone can be a writer, but it takes a true sprit to contain the gift of storytelling. I believe that I've been blessed with that gift. It's easy for me to express my feeling through words.
I want to share with the world my stories. As a child I remember reading, sitting, listing to my grandma, my mind would run wild, free its self. That is what I want to give to the next generation of children, adults as well. I want people to recognize me as that writer that made them feel, love, use their imagination. I don't have to make millions or have a big name like J.K Rowling, Rachel Vincent, Stephanie Myers, Keri Author etc.
That's why I started to write in the first place.
Was there a particular author or book that made you decide you wanted to write in the genre? If so, who or what was it?
It was late December of 2009. My husband died January 10, 2009. I was depressed and my sanity was falling to crap. Well, I started to work for this company called Nicholas tree farm. I worked every day 24/7. My boss walked to me one day with a gift. She told me her daughter had given her these books, but she didn't find them appealing. I took the hardback into my hand. It was Twilight by Stephanie Myers.
I read all four of those books in one week. It made me feel again. I was able to pick this book up and slip into another world. Somewhere, not dangerous, not hurting myself. I was free again, like when I was a child. It reminded me of happiness. With everything around me changing, reading was the only thing that remained the same.
After reading her novels, I went forward buying different books. Paranormal Romance was the main genre. I now have two hundred and thirty books. Reading was great, but one day I decided to write my story. To relive the pain that was in my heart unto paper. I noticed that I was telling a story. That my dreams were of places, people I wanted around me. It made me ecstatic that I found something to love in my time of hardship.
Where do you write? Does your environment have an impact on what or how you write?
I do all my writing at my desktop computer in my “office”, which is really a desk in the middle of my bedroom. It gets me away from most distractions. But, my puppy Max runs and barks all the time. I write first thing in the morning. For me the act of sitting at my desk is all I need to do. This computer is not online. All I do here is writing. So when I sit in the chair it’s a signal to my brain that it’s time to go to work.
Q: What do you love most about writing? What do you hate about it?
I have a story to tell. I love to create a place of hope and freedom for another. It's given me a purpose, and I love it. I wouldn’t say there is anything I hate about writing. The uncertainty of a plot or change of a character and the complications of making everything flow can be frustrating.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
I've just signed a contract with Breathless Press, for my contemporary romance. I'm super excited about this story to be released.
But I've also been working on a YA series. More information to come stay tuned!
Q: To date, what has been the best advice or words of encouragement you've received?
Don't give up. There are too many nay-sayers out there who will try to discourage you. Don't listen to them. The only one who can make you give up is yourself.
Captain’s Virgin Fantasy – Abby- Rae Rose
Released December 5th 2011
Blurb:
He’s changed everything…but she can’t change the fact that she loves him.
Victoria refuses to let Ishmael intimidate her— She‘s faced with a choice. Return to her life of duty, or embrace her spirit of adventure…and sail the high seas with the man who has captured her heart.
Captain Ishmael’s demands are simple… In exchange for his pleasure, and her body to quell his voracious lust, he will guarantee safe passage.
But, Ishmael’s plan doesn’t include giving up his lover so easily. And, once he gets a taste of Tori’s sweet blend of innocence and boldness, he can’t imagine living without her.
Excerpt:
Ishmael walked into the ship’s cabin and looked around. It was to be a very special evening and he wanted to make sure everything was perfect. First, he checked the dresser. A fifty-year-old bottle of Glenfiddich sat, the sunlight filtering through the golden-amber liquid. Two highball glasses and a bucket with ice sat next to it. Excellent. Next, he went to the nightstand and opened the drawer.
Several strips of white satin, cut in various lengths, lay coiled inside. Under the pieces of cloth sat a box of chocolate covered cherries. Good. Oil lamps sat atop the two nightstands and the dresser. One at a time, he lit them, replaced the globes, and then adjusted the wicks to just the right spot to fill the cabin with a soft, glowing light. He stood back and scanned the cabin one last time to make sure everything was set. Satisfied, he walked out, leaving a telltale piece of ribbon wrapped around the door handle.
* * * * *
Victoria sat in the high-back chair, waiting, nervously drumming her fingers on the chair arm. Her eyes focused on the door at the far end of the room. He’ll be here soon. What are his plans for me? The white of her knuckles beamed, her grip tightened on the armchair, as the questions bombarded her mind.
Soon enough, the door to the cabin opened and a man walked in, his boots clomping on the floor, the spicy scent of his cologne filling the air as he drew closer. The plain, white, cotton shirt and baggy pants gave no hints to his rank or position on the ship.
“Are you . . . Captain Ishmael?” she asked hesitantly.
“Aye lass, and you must be Victoria.”
“Yes. I was hired to be the ship’s cook.”
Ishmael laughed a lecherous laugh. “There’s been a change in plans. You’ve been promoted to be my . . . personal aid.”
“Your . . . personal assistant? You mean, your whore?”
A smirk crossed Ishmael’s face. “Call it what you want. You see, my last assistant, whore if you prefer, had a very unfortunate . . . accident,” he told her, gesturing toward the open ocean. He bent over, inches from her face and hissed in her ear, “Pray the same misfortune does not happen to you.”
Victoria felt her heartbeat, deep in her chest. “But, I only signed on to gain passage to Europe. Please, allow me to do my job.”
“I am the captain of this ship. Your job is what I decide it to be. Now, let us have a look at ya. Take off your clothes.”
“And if I refuse?”
Ishmael looked out toward the sea. “It’s over a hundred miles to shore, and there are plenty of sharks to keep you company.”
“I think I’d rather have the sharks for company than a filthy pirate,” she challenged.
What are three things about you that would surprise your fans?
I’m 23 years old. I love to eat Oreos with peanut butter. I can’t cook at all (Laughing out loud)
Buy Link: https://www.nobleromance.com/Books/372/Captain's-Virgin-Fantasy
Where can we find you on the web?
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Abby-Rae-Rose/120469184671175
or Email
Hugs & Love,
Abby-Rae Rose
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