“Come here and let me tell you something.” How many times have you heard that?? When I got serious about publishing, which was in the late 90’s early 2000’s, there wasn’t a lot of readily available information. I had no idea there were publications specifically for writers and ‘how to’ guides. The best thing I knew was to send a letter to the address printed on the front matter of my favorite books.
One of the first pieces of advice I received was to find a critique or crit partner. (*gulp*, you mean, I have to let someone else read my work?) So, I found one and sent them a chapter. Annnnd . . . didn’t read their comments. Why not? Yep, you guessed it, I was terrified of what they would say.
So, I found a publisher who hosted chats on a weekly basis and joined their crit group. As I gained confidence with chatting with published authors and unpublished writers, I took the plunge and submitted a chapter to the host critique group. There I met some awesome ladies who helped me polish my writing. Yes, this time I swallowed hard and read the comments that these two ladies sent me.
They were not unkind. In fact, they greatly encouraged and praised me.
The second piece of advice I received, “Go hawt.” Or as the books call it, writing blue. Readers know it as erotic or super steamy romance, or if you’re my sister ‘Letters to Penthouse.’ I think the name of the reference books I used were: ‘How to Write Erotica’ and ‘So You Want to be a Romance Writer’. And of course, Google was and is my friend.
The third piece of advice I received was to market and build my brand. Even as a yet unpublished writer, get yourself out there. Have a catchy tagline and use it. Let readers know what you’re about, tell them what type of writer you are. I built my brand around African-American, Interracial and Multicultural romance with sub-genres in mystery/suspense, paranormal and erotic romance.
The advice I would give is based on what I’ve learned, and the advice given.
First, Do NOT read the reviews, unless you have extremely thick skin, and even then, I’d advise no. The first review I ever received was negative. The reader absolutely trashed my book. Even after all these years, I can still remember being devastated that someone could be so mean. It’s different when the criticism is constructive but when it’s downright mean, it hurts.
Second, learn as much of your craft as possible and then learn some more. Writing is an ever-changing medium and what was learned five years ago, may not pertain to now. So, keep learning and exploring. And if you find a formula that works for you, stick with it.
And the final piece of advice I’ll give is to have fun. Writing may be a solitary act, but the process is not. Enjoy the research, meet new people, revel in the newness of each character and the experience they bring to the page.
So, come on, sit down and tell me a little something and I’ll do the same.
“Indulge Your Inner Romantic”
SO with you on the too-terrified-to-read-editor’s-notes! The first time I received a critique, I let that thing sit in my email box for two whole days while I worked up the courage to view it! Thankfully, it wasn’t too bad, so I breathed easier. Even after ten years, when I see my MS returned for edits, I get butterflies.
As for reviews, so far I’ve been lucky; the few people who have taken the time to give their opinion, everything was favorable. Whew!
Lots of good advice here, but I loved your last bit. “Have fun.” To me, that’s most important.
I’m surprised how easily I was able to read my first negative reviews. Not that they didn’t sting, but I try to view them as learning opportunities. And, let’s face it, some reviewers aren’t very good writers, like the one who said my protagonist bugged her, but she couldn’t explain why.
The experience of being reviewed has strengthened my compassion but hasn’t weakened my candor. If I don’t like a book well enough to praise it honestly, I won’t review it–and I probably won’t finish it.
Do you sense unspoken encouragement to “inflate grades” in reviews? Some writers seem to think troweling on false praise is expected, no matter the quality of the book.
Back in the “olden days” before digital correspondence, I eagerly awaited editorial feedback received with returned manuscripts in my self-addressed, stamped envelopes. I pored over ever rejection received to glean as much wisdom as I could. I do the same with negative reviews now.
Holly, you are much braver than I when it comes to reviews. 🙂 Thank you for stopping by.
Interesting advice to go hawt on the writing. I skip over it so much in romance novels as I like the evolution of the relationship.
My main problem with writing hawt scenes is I have to edit them and then I get bashful thinking someone will read it. lol