Okay, I know writers like to say that reviews don’t mean anything and such, but I have to tell you that a good review can be very influential. They just can! This week, as I was trolling my normal Romancelandia haunts, I happened upon a rare “Desert Island Keeper” review from All About Romance for Jennifer Ashley‘s new historical, THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE. You can read the review…really, it’s right here. Go ahead. I’ll wait…just don’t forget to come back.
Isn’t that a book you just have to read? Want more? Go read an excerpt at Jennifer’s website. She has the whole first chapter up right here. Go on…it’s Saturday. No one is in any hurry. Again, come back when you’re through.
Intrigued? I know I was! So much so that I wrote to Jennifer to ask her if the book would be available for the Kindle. She says it will, but at least a week after the print release. I’m not sure I can wait that long. But in the course of our conversation, I invited her to guest blog here…and so here she is!
Welcome, Jennifer…this is solid advice you have for our writers. And best of all, she’s also offering any commenters a copy of one of her backlist books. So readers and writers, let’s give a warm jungle welcome (and don’t forget to leave a comment for a chance to win a book) to award-winning author, Jennifer Ashley!
Ten Tips to Stay Sane, Write the Best Novel You Can, and Launch Your Career
by Jennifer Ashley
1. Do not compare yourself with others.
We each have our own path to success. Some people are shooting stars. Others are slow and steady. Each may reach the same goal, but at a different pace. Do this: compare yourself only with yourself. Is each new manuscript better than your last? Did you send out more query letters this year? Were your contest scores higher this time around? And always remember — another author’s success does not mean your failure.
2. Find your strengths.
Forget what’s trendy and discover what kind of story you write best. Perhaps your writing partner writes wonderfully emotional vampire tales. Does this mean you should write emotional vampire tales? Only if you’re good at it. Perhaps you write light, funny, and inspiring tales instead. Write them. No market for them, you think? Doesn’t matter. Any book that is strongly written and tells a compelling story will find a place in the market, no matter what the trend is that day.
(And if you can spot today’s trend, it’s probably just about over.)
3. Don’t be in a hurry.
Many yet-to-be-published writers yearn for publication (I know I did). Rejections can be heartbreaking. But take the time to make what you submit to be the very best it can be–no matter that it takes three years for you to finish. It will be much better for your career in the long run to confront the publishing world with a spectacular book that they will get behind, than a mediocre book that is just publishable and will languish in the warehouse.
4. Don’t be afraid to write in the manner in which you write best.
Some writers outline, outline, outline then chart each scene before they can even put fingers to keyboard. Other writers sit down and start page one with no clear end in mind. Both of these writers can end up with a wonderful book. Neither is right. Neither is wrong. If you write best with charts, make charts. If you write best simply writing, then write. Never let someone else tell you that your way of writing stories is wrong. It is right–for you.
5. Be strong.
Readers read to live in a different world from the everyday one. Or perhaps they seek the same world, but one funnier, happier, more dramatic, more emotional, more passionate. Give it all you’ve got. If you write humor, be hysterical; if you write passion, be wild; if you write emotion, make yourself cry (your reader will too).
6. Be knowledgeable.
Market research is as simple as going to a bookstore and observing what’s on the shelves. Do you love writing wild pirate tales? Who else is writing them? Who is publishing them? Find out who the publishers are and where they are. Most have their addresses printed on the copyright pages of books. Search The Writer’s Market (the latest edition can be found in the reference section of any library) for names of specific editors. Mail your query or manuscript (Writer’s Market will tell you which they want) to that editor.
7. Read authors you admire.
If you admire an author, it’s probably for a good reason: they are wonderful storytellers, or they have a lively prose style, or their characterizations are fantastic–or all of the above. Learn from these authors, try to discover how they do what they do. That said, also read widely outside your target genre. Find strengths of other genres to pull into your own to keep it fresh. (And if you read a book that you love, that touches you in some way, write the author and tell him/her so. Authors like to know whether they have done their jobs!)
8. Critique groups are not for everyone.
Critique groups can be marvelously supportive, or they can be stifling. I personally write best in a cave, occasionally coming out to ask an author I trust whether I am going off the rails. If you feel your critique group will not you let you write the strong books you feel you are best writing, don’t be afraid to go it alone. On the other hand, if your critique group gives you wonderful help and support, don’t be afraid to stay.
9. Don’t waste time and money.
The best way to write publishable books is to read books then sit down and write books. Everything else is optional. Develop a critical, honest eye for your own work. Many traps exist out there for the desperate-to-be-published author. Save your money. Never pay to get published. You are writing so that people will pay you, not the other way around.
10. Write every day.
If you produce only one page and you throw it away the next day, it doesn’t matter. Writing every day keeps your writing muscles in shape. Continuing to write will teach you how to write better than anything else. You’ll learn something new every day!
One more tip for free, have fun! Why on earth would you want to write if you didn’t enjoy it? Write wild and fun stories and give it all you’ve got. If you are tired, frustrated, burned out, depressed, and just plain sick of it, stop! Distance yourself and remember once more why you want to write. Chances are because it makes you feel good. Never lose that!
Interested in one of Jennifer’s backlist titles? Leave a comment!
By all reports, Julie Leto was a sweet child once, somewhat shy, preferring to play quietly in her room making up stories. However, being raised with three brothers in a loud, primarily Italian household did have its influences and Julie discovered her inner tough girl. That’s probably why most of her heroines kick serious butt. Writing sassy heroines has worked out, as she’s sold over forty books to four publishers featuring strong, confident women. Julie lives in Florida with her daughter, a spoiled dachshund, a haughty lynx-point Siamese and a wide range of relatives all within driving distance.
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Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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Welcome to the Jungle Jennifer! Your advice is A+ I was just telling myself yesterday I can’t compare my writing to others (I’m bad at that) I’m actually going to print these 10 tips to have to reread I need to get out of this rut and start writing while the voices are talking in my head.
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Welcome to the Jungle, Jennifer!
I read the excerpt and it’s FABULOUS!! I can’t wait to read the book. You had me at “I find that a Ming bowl is like a woman’s breast.” Great opening line.
Your ten tips are something we all need to be reminded of when the tigers come and try to rip apart our dreams.
Have a great day all,
Cher
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Hi Jennifer! Welcome to the jungle.
I loved your tips, especially #1. I don’t necessarily compare my writing style with anyone else, but I do compare my process and speed. One of CP’s writes lightening fast. She used her lunch hours 1 week to write a novella. And had it sold the next week!!!
I’m still trying to figure out who my characters are 2 weeks into a project. I really wish I could write faster but that just doesn’t seem to be my speed. Slow and steady. Which, I know, isn’t bad. I just wish it was different.
Great tips, thanks for sharing!
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Thanks so much Julie (whose books I enjoy!), for inviting me to Plotmonkeys! I’ll pop in throughout the day to answer comments–I’m just waking up (on the west coast).
I should add something to #6 (Be Knowledgable). You can figure out what agents represent what kind of books in the bookstore too–many authors thank their agents in their acknowlegments. If you write dark urban fantasy, what agents are representing dark urban fantasy authors? Then look up the agents. Most agents have websites these days, most list their clients. Does it look your work would be a good fit with them? Are the agents placing their authors with publishers you’d want to write for? Put that agent on your “to query” list. Pick at least ten to start, your dream agents first.
Be back later. Time for my wakeup bagel!
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Michele and Alannah: There’s a reason the “Do Not Compare” tip is number 1! It’s hard not to!!!! But important to keep discouragement down–in a profession fraught with discouraging events.
Write the speed that works for you. I know an author with a full-time, very demanding job who sells a novella every month. I get tired just thinking about it.
However, if you rush yourself and write something that isn’t as strong as you can make it, you’re not doing yourself any favors. Whereas the novella you spent two months on might turn out fantastic and sell and sell and sell for years to come.
Jenn
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I just received The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie in the mail the other day and I can’t wait to delve into it!
This is great advice for writers. I’m going to send it to my daughter, who has just expressed an interest in following in her mother’s footsteps about writing.
Margay
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Jennifer I love your list…it makes me so much less afraid and gives me hope. Its funny how life works sometimes….out of no where someone says the exact thing that you need to hear…thanks.
And as for The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie
I can’t wait to read the rest! 
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Damn it another book to find on for the ereader!!
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I LOVE all your books!!!!
I especially am fond of the Dragon series and can’t wait for a new one.
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I am not a writer, but I can imagine how hard it would be to write (and not compare yourself). I’ll stick to reading!
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Oooh another author and book to add to my list! My list grows all of the time…
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Good advice and another good read to look forward to. Thanks.
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Hi, Jennifer! Thanks for being here. I also struggle with Tip #1, and #3 isn’t far behind. I’m in awe of writers who balance family and/or work with writing, and manage to produce thousands of words a week – or day! Thanks so much for all these great reminders.
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie sounds great! I definitely have to read it! :)
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Enjoyed the post and glad to see you here today!
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Hello Jennifer,
Loved the post even thou I’m not a writer nor do I plan to be. Have a great day.
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Waving again! Thanks for all the comments!
Robin–yes #3 is hard–you can tell yourself logically to take your time, but your emotions smack you around. But really, it is so much better to have something very well done in your hands than something that’s just ok. I’ve seen a number of authors come and go, because they wrote something that was ok and sellable, but not strong enough to survive in the wild. Those authors aren’t published any more.
In other words, work *now* to *stay* published, which is harder than you might imagine.
Heck, I’m amazed I’m still going!
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I’ve always wanted to write and lately I’ve been seriously considering it. Thanks for advice.
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The title alone makes the book sound totally intriguing. I would love to win it
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Writing sounds like a very hard job! I’ll stick to reading.
Your book sounds like a good read.
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Great advice for an aspiring writer! I just started writing my first book a week ago, so far I am hopeful.
I like #1 the best.
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As of today I have finished all of the Immortals books including The Reckoning anthology and have previously finished all the Dragon series. I love them! I haven’t delved into historical romance much but the first chapter of The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie makes me think I’m missing out!! I’m not a writer, but your tips are very straightforward, kinda like the advice you’d give a friend. Today might just be the day your tips change someone’s life…thank you for sharing your art!
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Hi Jennifer – am 140 pages into The Madness Of Lord Ian Mackenzie and I am loving it . . . and Ian. Saw the great reviews around Blogland for it. Tis my first book by you – but it won’t be my last.
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Thanks for posting those tips… The same rules sort of apply when drawing. Not everyone has the same style and techique. Trying to emulate another’ style will always end in distaster… find the style that you are most comfortable with.
Hehe. It also makes me feel better about the WIP that I have. It’s been going on six plus years though I have no intentions of being published. Writing is more of a relaxation.
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good advice. I especially liked the one about saving time and money – I went ‘yikes!’ when I looked at the online brochure for Romantic Times Convention and saw it costs $500 – before you’ve even booked a room and flight or eaten anything. How do pre-pubbed writers afford it? For that matter: how do many pubbed writers afford it?
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Again, thanks for all the great comments. I hope I’ve given some of you inspiration to write.
One more way I inspire myself to get a book done: I tell myself that every day I have to move forward on the book–whether it be a page or even just a paragraph. That way, even if I’m moving forward and inch at a time, each day takes me closer to the end.
Jenn
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awesome adivce Jennifer! Alot hit home for myself who’s sitting down to write again, one thing I got into the habit of doing was rushing through, but I need to take my time, cause Rome wasn’t built in a day!
I hope to have my copy of Lord Ian this week, I can’t wait to read it!!
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Maya: Yes, conferences can be expensive. However, they can also be a wonderful opportunity for learning. Your $500 is much better spent at a conference than paying a database “service” to hold your manuscript on the off chance that an agent or editor will read it (or other such lovely scams out there).
RWA, even more than RT, is a terrific place to learn from the “masters.” (You don’t have to be an RWA member to go.) I’ve learned more from listening to the big name authors’ keynote addresses any “how-to” book I’ve read. They’ve been there, done that, and they tell you all about it.
BUT if you can’t afford the RWA conference, you CAN purchase CDs of all the lectures! Such a deal. No airfare or hotel and you still get to learn from the masters.
Or you can try to go to a regional RWA chapter conferences. Those are usually smaller, shorter, and much less expensive, and they often sell CDs of their sessions. Good ones are: Desert Dreams (my chapter, of course!), Emerald City, New Jersey RW, and others. Ask around.
For pubbed authors, conferences are a business expense–tax write off! Woo!
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Thanks, readers, too for your comments. I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying the books (the Allyson James ones too!), or are willing to give me a try. I’ve written a lot of stuff. :-)
Jenn
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What great advice. I have a friend who has finished a YA book and is trying to get it published. Will print out your suggestions for her. She needs a boost about now.
The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie sounds wonderful. I am very tired of “Perfect” heroes. Someone with more depth and problems to be dealt with, if not totally solved, is much more appealing. Can’t wait to read this one and the following ones on his brothers.
Keep up the good writing and congratulations on the review.
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Hi everyone…Welcome to the jungle Jennifer…I am glad that you took the opportunity to come and play with us in the jungle…
I loved the advise you gave…I think that the final piece of advice is one of the most important that writers need to remember…have fun, because if you are not, what is the point, right? I really enjoyed your blog today. I am just sorry that I was unable to come by sooner…
Oftentimes, I find that the most difficult part of writing is actually sitting down and going through the mechanics of it…
Thank you for swinging with us…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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I am absolutely in love with Ian…he would be the one for me…I forgot how awesome heroes of historicals were…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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Ian’s already a favorite for me just from reading the excerpts. I have two friends raving about it already, lucky them to have read it already.
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The more I hear about this book, the more I really want to read it!
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Ooo -fantastic tips – and congratulations on the great review! Yet another book I have to add to my “wants” list!
:) And it’s always nice to see a positive about reviews.
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Swinging by late to say hi–great post, Jennifer! Thanks for the sane, solid advice :) And thanks for another book to add to the list!
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Great post!
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Hi all: One more comment to say thanks. This was fun!
If you’re looking for The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, the official release date is Tuesday (4/28), though I see many B&Ns already have it. It takes a little longer to get to the big stores like Target and Walmart. I hope you enjoy it.
I had a tarot reading last night that advised me to keep focusing on the creativity, the stories themselves, and I think that was great advice. When you’re writing, be in the story, and don’t worry about “will this sell? will my CP like it? am I doing it right?” Who cares? Have fun with the characters and story; let yourself go. Worry about the hard stuff later! :-)
Take care, and thanks again.
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Hi Jennifer!!! Thrilled you are here! I remember starting with your ‘pirate’ heroes books!!! I so am looking forward to this one!!! I love the variety you write. I don’t want to write, I want to read all the books, LOL. Great info for those writing!
Gosh, Ian.. Sigh…
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Wonderful tips, thanks!
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I will look for your latest! Great advice!!
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