Writing can be an amazing experience but also an annoying one. When you have so many ideas you wonder how you’re going to write them all, and then your mind is blank and you could scream in frustration.
I have so many storylines and series running through my head, that I’m scrambling around trying to find the time to at least write the first book in the series.
I have Salutem with seven books written and outlines for another four, Morefield with two written and plans for at least another four, and Hiscock with three written and plans for another three.
Then there are the series that I’m creating the world for and characters to live in that world. These include my bodyguard series, Safe Haven, and HVA series – Human Vampire Alliance.
I also have a BDSM series coming out!
When I decided to write, I had no idea how much time was involved. Stupid, I know, but I thought I’ll create a few characters and of I go! Boy, was I wrong. Writing, and editing, and proofing, and editing, and alpha and beta readers, then ARCs.
Before that though, you have to create the characters, the world they live in, how the overall story will flow, and if it will become a series or be a standalone.
Branding, and advertising, finding readers who like your work, websites, and social media, blogs, and websites to promote your work. ACCOUNTS!!!
I feel after a couple of years in this business, that I’m starting to get to grips with it all. I’ve been burned a couple of times too. I’ve had promises of work and paid for it, only for that work to never materlize. I’ve learned some hard lessons.
Authors who you think are your friends, who steal your ideas and stab you in the back. Oh yeah, there are a few out there! The saying is true though. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
Back to writing. I never knew how many hours were involved before I wrote a single word. Outlines, plans, characters, worlds, research… so many hours. Then you write. Then you edit, like several times, put it away and then go back a few days later to edit again. Then cry because you think it’s shit.
Did I mention I love it?
