Writing

My ideas come from the random things I get obsessed with. For example, I kept thinking about finding treasure. Where would I find it? How? Should I get a metal detector? Search shipwrecks? I never got a metal detector or a scuba diving certification - I wrote The Lighthouse Keeper instead. 

Ironically, my career picked up steam the moment I had kids. You know how people say sleep when the baby sleeps? I wrote instead. Now, I write when the kids are in school and - when I'm on deadline - when they're asleep. Still not much sleeping. I slept a lot when I was a teenager and in college, so it's fiiiine, Mom. 

Nah. I've never subscribed to the "write what you know" theory. If I did, my books would be all about drinking coffee, eating white cheddar popcorn, and taking trips to Disneyworld with the kids. My life is fun but I don't think anyone would be all that interested in reading about it. 

Step One: Write Book.

Step Two: Get an agent.

Step Three: Agent sells book to publisher. 

Easy, right?! (Insert laughing emoji.)

Yes, those are the steps. And those are the steps that sold my book, and the next nine books. That said, it's a long road with very little I can control, other than the quality of my work. So, I work really hard, always try to get better, and am endlessly grateful that I made it through step three. 

Joy. Escape. Fun. My goal is to brighten your day, and to give you a book that you look forward to reading.

Writing is so much fun, isn't it? I'm with you on that. Here are a few tips:

1. Learn story structure. The book "Save the Cat" is great. It was originally for screenplay writing, but if you've seen one movie, you'll get it.

2. Read. It will help you better understand that mucky middle section, and what you can do to make it great. 

3. Determine your goal. Do you want to write and sell one title? Or thirty? Those are two very different career goals, so plan accordingly.

4. Never pay to play. (Research legitimate agents and publishers. You will pay your agent a percentage if and only if they sell your book. You never pay a publisher.)

5. Find good critique partners and listen. Down the road, it will train you to hear what your editor is telling you. 

6. Edit. There is always room to make your book better. Then, even better. Word choices. Plot points. Sensory work. Re-writing is the best part, in my opinion, because the heavy-lifting is done. 

7. Develop a thick skin. You can't please everyone, so find your audience and write for them.  

8. Have fun! Think of the story you want to tell, and tell it.