I could take up an entire blog explaining why Brenda Novak is one of the best writers and coolest women ever to walk the planet. Suffice it to say, the Plotmonkeys consider Brenda Novak to be a great friend. We’re absolutely thrilled to have her here today to dispense advice to aspiring authors by way of answering our big question:
What is the ONE THING you know now that you wished you’d known then?
I wish I would’ve known how important it is to simply enjoy the process. It’s a journey. There’s no need stressing over it. Enjoy the writing, enjoy the relationships that you develop with other writers and bibliophiles, enjoy the marketing aspect of creating your own web site and other creative ways to get your name out there, enjoy it all. It can be a bumpy road, but only if you have your struts too tight. 
Brenda has a new book coming out this week, one of her infamous romantic suspense page-turners…check it out!
White Heat
Paradise? In name only…
Nate Ferrentino and Rachel Jessop are operatives for Department 6, a private security company, and they’re going undercover to expose a new and dangerous cult.
This group has taken up residence in the Arizona desert, in a ghost town called Paradise. Members worship at the feet—and in the bed–of its charismatic leader, Ethan Wycliff. On his orders, they tried to stone a woman to death. And they’re implicated in the disappearance of a teenage girl.
To expose the Church of the Covenant, with its arcane rituals and debauched practices, Nate and Rachel must pretend to be married. That’s the only way they can get in—but being Nate’s “wife” is the last thing Rachel wants. She and Nate have a one-night history that’s just an embarrassment to her now. But they don’t have a choice. Wycliff has to be stopped.
Brenda’s also giving away a backlist book to a lucky person in today’s comment thread! US shipping only.
Check out our previous ONE THING posts:
Jill Shalvis
Mary Jo Putney
Susan Crandall
Tanya Michaels
Kathy Garbera
Lori Handeland
Carrie Lofty
Claudia Dain
Carly Phillips
JoAnn Ross
Ally Carter
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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Welcome, Brenda! Truer words were never spoken. So glad to have you in the jungle!
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sounds very interesting……..cannot wait to read this book…
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Isn’t enjoying the journey in anything the most important part? I think that applies no matter what we do, but I think we miss out on it by just looking for the goal line.
Can’t wait to read the new one.
So many books, so little time. Damn job, interferes in so many ways. :*&#!:
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Thanks for dropping by. I love to write but the stress of ‘having’ to write scares me. Now I write for myself and if someone wants to read it so much the better.
I’m looking forward to reading your book. I grew up in a cult like church and I look forward to reading how your book is different (or alike). Keep up the great work.
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Julie, let me second the Brenda Novak Cool Factor! She is one of the most awesome ladies around!
And Brenda, thank you so much for the reminder. So many newly-published writers (myself included) get lost in the process that comes AFTER signing the contract and we forget what “drove” us to write in the first place–the love of telling a good story.
I can’t wait to see both of you at the NRCA reception at Nationals!
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Welcome to the jungle. I have always admired your passion for giving back (I love your auction every year). I know that’s off topic, but I had to tell you.
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Thanks so much for having me. And thanks for the kind words, Carly. It was so great seeing you and Jenell at RomCon–definitely one of the highlights for me!
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Hi Linda & Ev–
Glad you’re both looking forward to WHITE HEAT!
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Pat, you’re not alone. The stress of HAVING to write can really get into your head. You have to give yourself permission to write just for you and enjoy it–and not worry whether others will like it (at least until the edit stage). That’s how I try to get around it, anyway!
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P.S. Pat, I’m really curious to hear how my book will strike you, given your experience. Definitely e-mail me to tell me a little about your history.
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done
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Thanks for the warm welcome, Silver. :-) I’m looking forward to seeing you at RWA! (And can’t believe I leave on Monday.)
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Hi Katie–
Thanks for the feedback on the auction. I couldn’t do it without all the fabulous people who support it, both on the donor side and the buyer’s side. The Plot Monkeys are there for me every year. :-)
Here’s hoping we’re able to raise $2 mil since we’ve already hit $1 mil!
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Hi Brenda! Welcome to the Jungle! It’s so great to have you here and see your pretty face.
It is very important to enjoy the process especially when you have a massive revision ahead of you.
Take care and enjoy your day in the Jungle
Cher
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Thanks, Cher. Great to see you here. And thanks for the delay in responding. I’ve been at the CA State Fair all day, housed in a building with a metal roof, so no Internet connection. So sorry!
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Brenda, I love your work (although it makes me look over my shoulder!) and really appreciate your yearly auction. Congrats on the new release, and the advice on “enjoying the process” couldn’t come at a better time. I’m so wound up about Nationals I’m ready to pop, but I’m just going to take a deep breath now, find some comfortable shoes, and enjoy the company of fellow writers. :)
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Thanks so much, Gillian. I’m thrilled that you’re liking the books. And definitely relax and enjoy conference. It’s a rush–but so exciting. Hope to see you there!
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Thanks for coming and I really enjoy your writing.
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Thanks, Joyce!
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Welcome to the Jungle Brenda! Your new books sounds like a fantastic read and I can’t wait to read it! Thanks for sharing with us!
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I’m so glad it sounds appealing. Hope you enjoy it!
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Hi Brenda,
I have always been a big fan of your writing.
I think your advice should be applied to regular life too.
I applaud that you use your book celebrity to help fund for Diabetes.
My daughter was diagnosed at seven years of age with type 1. She is 19 now and will be starting her second year or college this fall.
Thank you for visiting the jungle today.
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Thanks for your comments, Gigi. I’m sorry to hear that your family is fighting the same battle as mine. How’s your daughter handling being off on her own and having to manage her diabetes without support? Is she careful–or does she tend to be a bit cavalier (like my son)?
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Great advice, Brenda! It was so great to see you at RomCon!
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You, too, Jenelle! It was great to have a chance to chat. Hope to see you at national!
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Ahhh to enjoy… me I stress out too much sometimes with new things… thanks for sharing such great advice!
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Stress is my middle name, Colleen. Hopefully, we can both learn to chill a little. LOL
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Looks like another winner from Brenda. She is truly a class act. Always willing to help someone else. Glad there are authors like her.
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What kind words! Thank you!
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Hi Brenda,
Congrats on the upcoming release and series.
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Thanks, Jane!!
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Great advice. Good to have you visiting the jungle.
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It’s a lesson we all need to learn. Unfortunately most of us learn too late. Pay it forward was a great movie and something else we all need to learn. It’s wonderful to hear about people that get it right!
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I really enjoyed that movie, too. Thanks for your input!
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I love your books! Cannot wait to read White Heat.
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Hooray, Estella! I can’t believe it comes out in just two days! I’m excited….
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Enjoy the process is such a good thing to know. I have to agree with Ev, people seem to become so goal oriented they don’t enjoy the journey. Me, I enjoy the journey & the destination. That happens to be something I learned a long time ago. Life can be short so enjoy the time you have.
White Heat sounds very interesting. Next time I shop for books I will be looking for it. Thanks for visiting us in the Jungle today.
Enjoy the rest of the weekend.
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Thanks, Donna. You sound very wise. I can be one of those goal-oriented people. I hardly notice when I hit one goal because my eyes is already on the one behind it. But I’m learning!
I hope you like WHITE HEAT!
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Brenda, I have always enjoyed your books – this one looks interesting. Good luck with it. And you have a good philosophy to enjoy every moment of whatever you are doing.
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Thanks for supporting my work, Pat. I hope WHITE HEAT will be your favorite of my books so far!
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Sounds like a great book. Congrats on the release. Im a new reader of your books and just started the Last Stand series. Im on the second one now and loving them. Really looking forward to this new one now too.
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Thanks for giving them a try, Donna. :-) I hope you enjoy! Did you register for my Twitter party? If so, you’ll get a snail mail party pack with a $1 off coupon for WHITE HEAT and raffle tickets for the iPads and other prizes we’re giving away. You can register on the front page of my wite at http://www.brendanovak.com
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So glad you’re enjoying the books, Donna. Thanks for giving them a try!
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Sounds like another winner, Brenda. Hope to pick up before I head to RWA. Otherwise, I’ll pick it up when I get home.
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I think it might be on sale at conference (if you’re one of those who buy lots of books at the lit signing and then ship). Thanks for your support! Hope to see you soon!
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Brenda, cant wait to start your new book!!! Keep ‘em coming
everyone have a great weekend
Donna
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Thanks, Donna!!! I’ll do my best!
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Thanks, I’ll do my best!
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Congrats on your new release!
Great advice and it’s applicable to anything worth doing in life. Thanks!
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I cannot wait for her new books! Her books are a must have for me! Wonderful guest post.
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What a warm welcome. Thank you!!
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Great, Diana. There’s a cool book trailer on my web site. The first chapter is posted, as well, if you’d like to read a sample!
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Good advice!
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Thanks!
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Great Advice not just for writers but readers and everyone. Just enjoy life and the relationships that you develop with others. The older I get the more I realize this. Congrads on your new book, White heat. Your books are amazing thrillers.
Have you seen Sunset Daze on WE TV about Sun City Grand Retirement community in Surprize, Arizona? A very funny reality show. They sure do enjoy life in their later years.
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I haven’t seen this show. Sounds funny, though. I used to live in AZ and we had more than a few chuckles at the expense of the snowbirds (of course, i was a lot younger then–LOL). I watch VERY little TV. These days I’m lucky to have time to eat and sleep.
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Brenda,
Thanks for the great post :)!
This sounds like a great read, can’t wait to be able to read it.