The Plotmonkeys have a new Saturday feature for our aspiring writers and readers!
We’ve put out a call to all our writer friends to share ONE THING they know now that they wished they knew back when they were first starting out in the business. The answers aren’t long, but they’re powerful. We hope you’ll find yourself printing them out and tacking them above your computer screen!
We’re scheduling the answers to coincide with book releases, so we can all add to our shopping lists! Also, these generous authors are giving away a copy of a backlist book (reader’s choice, pending availability) to people who comment. US shipping only, one entry per address.
Our inaugural post is with our dear friend, Jill Shalvis, whose book, INSTANT ATTRACTION, is in stores now!
Jill writes:I wish I’d known to live in the present more. I was always looking ahead to the future, to where I wanted to get, that I almost missed the joy of the journey itself.
IN STORES NOW:
T.J. Wilder is the perfect package of breathtaking adventure and raw sex appeal. Even better, he’s about to reconnect with the one woman he’s never been able to forget…
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.
Destiny
Dirty Little Secrets
Once Upon A Valentine
Through The Night
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Good morning Jules! I love this idea.
Hi Jill, thanks for sharing with us. I am learning that right now. When I was younger, I thought more about where I would be rather than the journey I am to get there. I finally realized that being focused on the end was not a great way to live. Looking back, there is so much I missed. That’s why I am living each day like it’s my last; I relish every new experience, and I do things for me. I can’t wait until later.
I will swing by later to see how things are going here.
Peace and love,
Paula R.
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One word for that:PROFOUND.
And true!
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Morning Jill-
Having married 13 years ago to a man 26 years older than me, I learned that lesson long ago. I never know what tomorrow will bring us, so the only future plans we tend to make are where we are going to take the RV and park it for vacation. Other than that, every day and what it brings it what it is. I have even decided to quit my part time job, so if we want to just pack up and go at a moment’s notice, we can.
I think when you are younger, you are told you have to lay out a life plan, and map out how you are going to get there. When you get older, you realize that they map has many roads on it and you never know what you might miss if you don’t make a wrong turn.
I threw my map out years ago when my daughter was born. She wasn’t part of “The Plan”, but it took me in a whole different direction that I would have gone. And I would have missed so much!
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Hi Jill
Great advice I think we all forget to do that. I just finished Slow Heat I loved it.
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That is very good advice if I could just follow it, it seems like I had to grow up early because of how my childhood was going and I keep looking ahead to see what is going to happen to me. It drives m kids nuts especially the one that has her own kids now.
I am trying to live day to day right now and enjoy what I have because you never know how long it will last.
Your book sounds great.
HAPPY MAY DAY !
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Hey Jill! I’m finally learning to live in the present. I had so many plans for how I wanted my life to be when I was younger, but am now learning to love the life I have now. Not saying I don’t still look forward to the future and make plans, just enjoy the journey so much more now. Happy Saturday everyone!
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Hello Jill! I just wanted to say that I’m really enjoying INSTANT TEMPTATION (reading it right now)! I’m just loving Harley and TJ’s story! I’ve read Stone’s and Cam’s stories and could hardly wait for TJ’s and I’m telling you that it’s well worth the wait. I also just read SLOW HEAT and loved Wade and Sam’s story. I really enjoy all your books, Jill! Keep em coming!
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Hey, Monkeys, this is a great idea! Those of us just starting out need the words of wisdom.
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Thats it; no more saying “I’ll be 50 this year, I’m 40 something.” Great advise, I’ll stop worrying that people won’t like my writing and just write.
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Pat, you are $49.95 plus shipping and handling! That’s what I tell people when they ask.
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LOVE IT Silver!
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So true! Always wondering what’s around the corner keeps you from enjoying what’s in front of you! Carpe Diem
Tami B
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That is so true! Especially since the present is really all we have at the moment. The future is uncertain.
Thanks for stopping by the Jungle today, Jill
Cher
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I LOVED these responses! Thanks everyone for the warm welcome.
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No truer words were ever spoken! Life is too short to live in “what ifs”.
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Terrific advice, Jill! My dad always told me to be sure and set aside some dreaming time. Much the same sentiment. Living in the now can bring great adventure and provide beautiful memories once the future arrives.
Or, as we old hippies used to say, stop and smell the roses!
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great advice jill….your book is on my ‘wish list’
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Awesome words of wisdom.
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Great words. Don’t worry about yesterday or tomorrow.
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Wonderful words… enjoy each day!
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Jill–Geat advice. Thanks for visiting.
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That is great advice! Its so easy to get caught up in where you WANT to be!
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Jill, great advice like Tim Mcgraw’s song says LIVE LIKE YOU WERE DYING…enjoy each day like its your last!!!
Donna
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Great advice. Thanks for sharing. And thanks to the Monkeys for coming up with a wonderful new, encouraging feature!
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Jill, that is awesome advice, and I couldn’t agree more!!
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Excellent advice, Jill!!!
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I’ve wasted time thinking about the past and the future and I need to realize that it’s important to just live your life now.
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Jill, Great advice. I learned early, when my lst child was born Down’s Syndrome, to appreciate the small moments. Initially, I thought my life was over, but, she’s now 46, the most loving, caring & compassionate person I know. She has changed my world, & it’s better for it.
I always read your books, & really love your sense of humor. It’s always an “up” for the day.
Patricia
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Jill, This is something I truly struggle with. With a personality that leans toward obsessive and organized, I’m a “planner”, which you can’t do if you don’t know where you’re going.
So hard to look only to the moment and not worry about what is ahead. Guess I’ll just keep trying. 
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Jill you were my great find of 2009 and I have read all the books I can get my hands on.. I just finished Slow Heat last month and I want read all the “Temptation Books”..
I can only live in the present, because I don’t worry too much about the future, okay so maybe I do a little bit and yesterday is where is should stay…
Great quote..
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Very insightful Jill. We could all use that wisdom. Don’t enter me. I’m in Canada. Just wanted to say Hi.
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It is late in the afternoon but hopefully you will see this! Great advice even for those of us that don’t write! You already know I love your books and enjoy each one of them.
Glad to see you here visiting the Jungle again.
It is sunny & beautiful here today. I hope you are getting some Spring now. I drove over to the coast where it was so windy I couldn’t hold the camera still!! I wanted to play more with my new toy. Oh well I still enjoyed looking at the coastline, the waves, etc. See you next week on your blog.
Everyone enjoy the rest of the weekend.
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Jill, great advice! I absolutely agree about enjoying the journey more. Sometimes don’t you wish what you know now you knew back then.
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Great advice. I try to live each day to the fullest, because you never know when things will change. I really enjoy your books, can’t wait to read your latest.
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Hi Jill,
I love my hubby with all my heart and then some! 
Can’t wait to read your new book! It sounds awesome!
It sure is great having you here! That is defnitely sage advice to all of us baby boomers. Live for today! Celebrate another day of living!
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Welcome Jill, I’m a big fan of your books!! I have yet to read the Instants, I’m working on your backlist. You were a new author to me in 2009. I had actually read a couple of your novellas but never looked into your other books. You can thank Twitter for introducing me to new authors and their blogs. I LUV your blog and your wonderful pics!! Your blog and this one are two I check every day. I agree with your idea to enjoy now. I have a 23 yr old DD who is in a hurry to wish days, months and years away. I tell her to have patience and enjoy today. Thanks for posting your thought. Sue
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Hi Jill! Great advice. I love the cover of your book. You have one of the hottest male models. I’d love to know more about him.
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living in the present is hard for me to do sometimes since I daydream so much. But I totally agree with you, and I’m working on it.
and Instant Temptation sounds great :)
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Treat yourself like you’re number one and enjoy each day! Great wisdom from everyone.
Jill, Looking forward to reading your new book.