Write What You Know--or Not?

One piece of advice I'm sure every writer has heard--and possibly followed--is "write what you know." I always thought it made sense until I recently read a different take on the subject in "The Writer's Idea Book" by Jack Heffron. Mr. Heffron tells the story of a good friend who was determined to become a writer upon retiring from a big-city police force. His 30+ years on the beat had given him the edge to write crime stories--or so he thought. His stories, while filled with technical jargon and the ins and outs of police work, were dull and lacking in plot and character. Upon seeking advice from Mr. Heffron on how to bring more life into his work, the conversation somehow drifted to a collection of beer memorabilia that littered his home. Noticing the light in his eyes and the passion with which he discussed those items, Mr. Heffron advised him to stop with the crime stories and start with the beer(writing about it, that is!) It became obvious that, while he knew a ton about being a cop, it was something he no longer enjoyed or held a passion for. Once he began to write about a subject that held an interest for him, he went on to publish with several prestigious trade magazines.

The point of the story is this, as Mr. Heffron puts it: "Too often we choose to write about what we think others will like, or what's hot in the marketplace. If writing about something feels like a guilty pleasure, you're on the right track." He goes on to say that we should forget about writing strictly about what we know, and write about what we like. (and if what you know and what you like are one in the same, even better!) The more I thought about it, the more I agreed. When you're excited and interested in what you are writing about, it will show on the page. Your passion will come through in the scenes and breathe life into your characters. Not only will you produce a work you can be proud of, but you'll also produce a work that your readers will love. Happy writing!

"To Thine Own Self, Be True"

Would you compromise your personal values in order to sell books? Would you allow an editor or book critic to cause you to change your writing "voice"? Would you hide behind a pen name in order to write material you would be embarrassed for your friends and family to know you were associated with? Would you mimic the styles of other writers just to land a publishing deal, even if it wasn't a style or genre you felt comfortable with?

While I'm not here to judge anyone, I must honestly say that I hope you answered no to the above questions. As authors, we all want to enjoy some level of success with our work and build a substantial fan base of readers. Some of us might like to be associated with big-name traditional publishers or see our books on the NY Times bestseller list. Some of us may even want to land positions writing for major magazines or see our names rolling with the credits at the theater or on TV. Goals are great, and it is my sincere belief that all dreams are worth pursuing. But if reaching those goals or fulfilling those dreams means giving up who you really are to "go along with the crowd," then I must ask, is it really worth it?

I believe that we as writers need to stay true to who we are and what we stand for. Each of us has been blessed with a unique and wonderful gift that we can share freely. We have the potential to change lives and bring joy into the hearts of hundreds, even thousands, of people simply by placing words on paper. Along with this gift comes our own unique areas of talent and our own ways of delivering those words to the readers. Whatever your genre, whatever the level of intensity you want to give to the story, whether you write in first or third person(or both!),fiction, non-fiction, etc., make it your own. Develop and keep your own voice. Do what you feel comfortable with and what your heart tells you is right. Don't give in to the pressure to follow the crowd. Don't be a cookie cutter author just to get sales or land a contract. Stay true to yourself and what you believe in, and don't let anyone take that away from you. It's then, I believe, that you will find the true success you have been looking for. Here's wishing you all the best!

Pushy or Passionate?

I recently took part in a lively discussion with other authors about the fine art of self-promotion. For most authors, and especially for those of us who are independently published, sharing information about your work with those around you is a must if you have any hope of selling books or securing personal appearances. There is nothing wrong with 'tooting your own horn,' but how do you know when you've crossed the line between passionate and pushy?

Let's take the example of a used car salesman my husband and I dealt with several months ago. "Bill" was a really nice guy and worked for a reputable local dealership. After expressing a slight interest in one of his vehicles, Bill made it a point to call our home at least four times a day--every day--for over two months. Even after expressing that we would call him if we decided to make a purchase, he persisted. Sadly, Bill's attitude pushed us right into the showroom of another dealership and into an entirely different vehicle. Had Bill backed down and let us take the time we needed without making us feel pressured, he may have gotten our sale.

Now, don't get me wrong--I fully understand that Bill was only trying to drum up business, and he needs to make money like anyone else. But allowing your customers--or in our case, readers--to take the lead does wonders for gaining trust and gaining sales and referrals. My rule of thumb is this: If the conversation is going well and the conditions are appropriate to do so (i.e. I'd never try to get business at someone's funeral!),I will casually mention that I am an author. Then, if the other party expresses further interest, I will expound on my work and offer a brochure. I never ask for any information from them unless we have discussed the possibility of a personal appearance--then I would need an email or phone number to follow up. Even in that instance, I am careful to contact them only a few times, and always ask that they follow up with me if they are still interested and at their convenience.

Keep this thought in mind--when you are sharing your work with others, be passionate. Create a burning desire within them to know more, and then, back off. Give them time to respond on their own, and chances are, you'll be more than pleased with the results. Good luck!

Remember the "Little People"

Anyone who knows me at all knows that I am a HUGE fan of country music star Chuck Wicks. I love everything about the man--his voice, his looks, his personality, his music, his looks--okay, okay, I know I already said that, but c'mon, the boy is GORGEOUS! So much so, in fact, that I decided about five years ago when I first saw the cover of his CD that, if the Forever Love series ever makes it to the big screen, Chuck's the shoe-in to play Mitch Tarrington. (all right, so Chuck doesn't have Mitch's blue eyes or silver-rimmed glasses, but hey, Hollywood can step up and take care of that, can't they?) Yep, he's definitely my "real-life Mitch." Of course, I know it all seems far away, but a girl can dream, can't she?

Well, God smiled on me a few weeks ago at the Shelby County Fair in Sidney, Ohio, and made one of my dreams become a reality. I sat with my husband (the TRUE love of my life!) three rows away from the stage at a concert by none other than Mr. Wicks. As any good author would who wants accurate characterization, I studied his every move and took plenty of pictures to use as reference for my future writing. (oh, all right--they weren't REALLY for reference, but it sounded good, didn't it?) But, that's not the best part. During the last song, Chuck announced that he wanted to meet his fans after the show at a table next to the stage. After practically throwing the camera at my dear sweet husband--thankfully, not a jealous man--I eagerly made my way, Chuck 8 x 10 portrait in hand--to the meet and greet line. Standing there, I silently rehearsed what I would say in an effort to avoid fumbling over the words once we were face to face. When my turn finally arrived, I know I must have blushed as he shook my hand and I looked into his sultry brown eyes. *Sigh* But my words came out strong and clear--"I write romance novels, and I wanted to tell you that I pattern my male character after you." Oh, the smile that I got in response was worth every nerve-wracking moment! He was truly flattered as he passed the news on to his sound man(who was waiting for me to shut up so he could take our picture) and mentioned that he "would have to look into getting those books." As I placed an arm around him for the shot, he thanked me for thinking of him, handed me my autographed 8 x 10, and I flew into the arms of my hubby who was laughing at his middle-aged teeny bopper. Can you tell I'm still reeling?

Okay, so I may have drawn out this post, but here's the point. Naturally, someone like Chuck Wicks has tons more fans than someone like me, a little romance novelist from smalltown Ohio. But even though he has reached fame and fortune, he hasn't forgotten those who helped get him there--his fans. He could have easily crooned the last line, headed for his tour bus, and called it a night. But he didn't. On a 95 degree evening, hot and tired, no doubt, from an almost 2-hour show, he took the time to greet and talk to each and every person there who ducked into that line. He let us each know he appreciated our support, that he was glad we were there, and that we meant something to him. He was sweet, kind, and most of all, genuine--exactly the person I want Mitch Tarrington to be.

We as writers need to remember our fans, too--the readers who take the time to come to our signings, who purchase and read our works, and who sometimes even send fan letters or refer our works to their friends and family. Without them, where would we be? Why would we even have a need to write? I vow to always try to remember the "little people" who mean such a big deal to me. To them, I say, thank you with all my love!

Looking Up

Above my desk hangs something I call my inspiration board. To anyone else, it probably appears as nothing more than a giant corkboard filled with pictures, newspaper clippings and the like. When I look at it, I see all the things that give me a reason for writing.

The idea for my inspiration board came last summer during a low point in my writing career. Somewhere along the way, I had convinced myself that no one wanted my books, my public speaking abilities were mediocre at best, and, due to a severe case of writer's block, I had lost the gift God had so graciously given me--if I had ever truly had it at all. Tired of wallowing in self-pity, I decided to give myself a pick-me-up and, with cash in hand, headed to my local Office Max for some new office furniture and supplies. A glass desk, padded chair, and the aforementioned corkboard accompanied me home.

As I set about the work of remodeling my office, God set about the work of changing my attitude. The top of the desk's attached shelving unit provided the perfect place to showcase my ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Silver Award certificate--proof that I really had "the gift" of writing. My two published novels, which I tucked away just a shelf below, reinforced that fact. Continuing to arrange and rearrange the room, I happened upon my file box where God pointed me toward a folder labeled "Fan Mail." I began to read the contents, and my heart was warmed by the notes which had so lovingly been penned by those who had been touched in some way by my work. Each one told me that there were plenty of people who loved what I was doing--and they were eager for more. Next came the "Reviews" folder; again, more reinforcement that I was, indeed, doing something right. Lastly, God decided to remind me that I, like many other authors, had a dream of seeing my stories on the big screen someday. I smiled and laughed at His sense of humor right then--Chuck Wicks was playing on my CD player--my "real-life Mitch." "Okay, God, I get it," I said aloud. "Thanks for reminding me."

Today my inspiration board is filled with those wonderful reviews, some of my cherished fan mail, a few of my newspaper interviews, and yes--pictures of Chuck. Now when I become discouraged, all I have to do is look up to be inspired, to know I'm worthy, and that there are people depending on me to keep going. Looking "up" is what I should have been doing to begin with.