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The Never Ending Journey…

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A couple of months ago my first novel, The Executive Officer’s Wife, re-released. It was the very first thing I submitted anywhere for publication, and I must admit I was taken aback when it was accepted right out of the gate. I was fearful of that abrupt yes. Crazy right? I later found out my fears were founded in that it wasn’t good enough and still have no idea why it was picked up so easily. Well, I have ideas, but those aren’t for sharing here.
That started this journey. It wasn’t until I experienced what going through the wringer with a real editor was really like and I realized just how bad off The Executive Officer’s Wife, my baby, really was. It was so bad it actually was embarrassing and even more embarrassing was the fact that no one had pointed this out to me. As soon as I had the opportunity I pulled it, scoured it, scrubbed it, fixed and polished and even added some stuff. I’m not sure that it’s good enough even now, but I promise you it’s a hell of a stretch better than it was. And what were all these issues I had with that manuscript? Asking me what I didn’t do wrong would probably take up less space actually. You name it, it was wrong. I look back now and laugh at how pissed off I was the first time a reviewer slapped my hand for head-hopping. What was that? That was the real problem after all. It wasn’t for lack of being called out for it, it was for lack of knowledge, that I became incensed with anger. Why, why, why, why, why had my editor not pointed out these problems? Why? I know the reason now, and that’s also not a topic to be discussed here. Thank goodness that first real editing session forced me to see the light.
So, the point of view issues were just the beginning really. It actually took me almost as long to revise it as it had taken me to write it to begin with. Sad really how clueless we are in the beginning. Sadder yet is the lack of guidance some of us get, and even sadder is that so many people that are given guidance take it for granted or publicly gripe about the harshness with which their editor edits. My advice”¦honor they editor. If you have one you think’s a harsh old bitty, well, guess what folks you’ve just won the lotto. It’s been my experience that the harsher the editor the more likely they know what they’re talking about and the more you have to gain by listening and learning. Take advantage of it. Ask questions. Take notes. Improve.
This is a never ending journey folks. One that there’s no real road map for. There are sunny days, cloudy days, days that the sky opens and gigantic balls of hail rain down on your desk. You meet a lot of people along the path. Some are genuine, willing to help when you’re down, others are shady, some are free spirits others more conservative. Sometimes it’s really, really tiring. But the one constant is that every day there is something to be learned. Open your mind and heart to the learning. Appreciate the teachers that karma throws in your way. And if your teacher sucks, well, remember this isn’t like high school. You have a choice in who your teachers are. Find one, find two, find a dozen as long as they are teaching you something. Most of all”¦enjoy the ride”¦
My journey continued with Three for Keeps which is now available at all the major e-book vendors. It debuted five days ago and is doing extremely well. I can’t wait to find out what I can learn from it.
If you’d like to keep up with me and what all I’m learning, please find me at: http://lilamunro.weebly.com .
Lila Munro

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Interview with Celia Breslin 
We are thrilled to have author Celia Breslin with us today. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to give readers a chance to get to know more about you and your work. While some questions may be traditional, you’d be surprised at what readers connect to. Sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can. So, let us begin.

Can you share a little something about Celia Breslin that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

Sure! I play piano, and I like to sing. Used to be a soprano, but now I’m more of an alto. I also like to work out every day. Weight training, cardio, walking, etc.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing stories since I was a kid. Mostly short stories back then. After college, I moved on to novella and novel-length work. I still do write the occasional short story, including The Night Hag, a dark modern fairy tale I wrote for Halloween 2023 (free to my newsletter subscribers).

What have you found most challenging about it?

I have more story ideas than I have time, LOL. 

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing is definitely fun and fulfilling. I do get emotional about my stories, especially when I’m throwing all sorts of problems at my main characters. But then I get to cheer them on when they overcome the obstacles and achieve their HEA.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule, or do you have to be in the mood?

I try to write regardless of my mood. I like to stay connected to my WiP, so daily writing is a must.  I’m also an editor, so my typical workday includes both activities. Oh, and my daily workout!

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

It started as a hobby when I was a kid/teen. Fast forward to adulthood…when my daughter was born, I thought, why not publish my stories? So, I started submitting my vampire series to publishers, and it was picked up. Writing has been one my job hats ever since.

Let's move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.

 What are your pet peeves?  Being late, drivers...

Interview with Celia Breslin
We are thrilled to have author Celia Breslin with us today. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to give readers a chance to get to know more about you and your work. While some questions may be traditional, you’d be surprised at what readers connect to. Sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can. So, let us begin.

Can you share a little something about Celia Breslin that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

Sure! I play piano, and I like to sing. Used to be a soprano, but now I’m more of an alto. I also like to work out every day. Weight training, cardio, walking, etc.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing stories since I was a kid. Mostly short stories back then. After college, I moved on to novella and novel-length work. I still do write the occasional short story, including The Night Hag, a dark modern fairy tale I wrote for Halloween 2023 (free to my newsletter subscribers).

What have you found most challenging about it?

I have more story ideas than I have time, LOL. 

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing is definitely fun and fulfilling. I do get emotional about my stories, especially when I’m throwing all sorts of problems at my main characters. But then I get to cheer them on when they overcome the obstacles and achieve their HEA.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule, or do you have to be in the mood?

I try to write regardless of my mood. I like to stay connected to my WiP, so daily writing is a must.  I’m also an editor, so my typical workday includes both activities. Oh, and my daily workout!

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

It started as a hobby when I was a kid/teen. Fast forward to adulthood…when my daughter was born, I thought, why not publish my stories? So, I started submitting my vampire series to publishers, and it was picked up. Writing has been one my job hats ever since.

Let`s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.

 What are your pet peeves?  Being late, drivers...
...

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