Writing Tips for Aspiring Authors, From Bestselling Author Lindsay McKenna
Write your passion. If you don’t LOVE what you write, you’ll never make it in this business. And it is a business. The key here is your business is telling stories. Whether novella, medium length or full length novels, it’s about the story. If you are doing something you love, that you have a passion for, you will continue in it through the ups and downs, through rejections and near misses, until someday, you will publish.
Of course the flip side of this, nowadays, is since anyone can publish anything, whether it’s really ready to be published, is a whole other matter. Writers who want to make a career out of this, should tread very thoughtfully over doing this too soon, when their writing has not yet matured. Or make the mistake of not having their manuscript professionally edited, copyedited and proofread. I had to wait twenty-two years and worked at writing every day, refining my skills, understanding my ‘voice’ and paying my dues. And I don’t believe a critique group can give you their blessing on whether what you write is ready for prime time or not.
I see too many ‘young’ (meaning these are people who have been working five years or less at trying to learn the skill set of writing) jump the gun, throw out their story with or without someone who knows good story telling to give them good advice. It’s important the young writer hone her/his skills, develop serious discipline (you write every day, no excuses, unless you’re dead), maintain a schedule and finish what you start. Without this “muscle memory” being in place, the person will not last in today’s environment where series demand 3-4 books a year out of a writer. Don’t be in a hurry. Get your skills under your control, like moving a team of horses who are plowing a field.
Title: Night Hawk by Lindsay McKenna
Jackson Hole Series Book Ten
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Suspense
Length: 354 pages
Summary:
ONCE UPON A RANCH IN WYOMING…
After losing his comrade, Sergeant Gil Hanford thought a visit to the man’s widow would be the decent way to honor his late friend. But Gil found more than comfort in Kai Tiernan—he had always secretly desired beautiful Kai, but a sudden, mutual passion helped assuage their grief…until duty reared its head, removing him from her arms, seemingly forever.
Four years later, Kai is starting over at the Triple H Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Born a rancher, she is looking for a new beginning—but her new boss is unforgivably familiar. Kai has tried to move past the memory of what happened between her and Gil, even though she’s never forgiven him for leaving her. But even as they begin their journey toward something new and oh-so-uncertain, a shadow emerges, determined to claim Kai for itself.
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Purchase Links: Amazon * B&N * Harlequin
Author Bio
Lindsay McKenna is proud to have served her country in the US Navy as an aerographer’s mate third class—also known as a weather forecaster. She was the creator of the military romance subgenre and loves to combine heart-pounding action with soulful and poignant romance.
True to her military roots, she is the originator of the long-running and reader-favorite Morgan’s Mercenaries series. She does extensive hands-on research, including flying in aircraft such as a P-3B Orion sub-hunter and a B-52 bomber. She was the first romance writer to sign her books in the Pentagon bookstore.
Today, she has created a new military romance−suspense series, Shadow Warriors, which features romantic and action-packed tales about US Navy SEALs.
Author Links: Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads
Giveaway
I am giving away ONE PRINT copy of Wolf Haven (book nine in the Jackson Hole series). To enter today’s contest, please fill out the form below by 5 PM Mountain Time Monday January 25:
CONTEST OVER
Please Note: Prize courtesy Lindsay McKenna. The The winner will receive a print copy of Wolf Haven directly from the author (or her assistant). Prizes will not be mailed out until after the blog tour is complete (January 28th)
Follow the rest of the tour HERE.
