Dear Aspiring Writers,
I wrote my first book, The Bad-Mannered Crow, at age 10 and throughout my childhood wrote several more. By the time I was in high school, I started writing my first historical romance. I treated my writing as a hobby. It was just something I loved passing my spare time with. I dreamed about becoming a published author but never fervently pursued anything.
It wasn't until I was in my 30s that I decided to pursue it professionally. But where do you start? I began like most writers do, and just started. I pulled out the dusty historical romance from my high school days and started it over. I read every book I could get my hands on, attended conferences, joined RWA and my local chapter (Wisconsin RWA). It took me several years to finish my first historical romance. I had worked on it off and on in between family life and my day job.
The following are some suggestions I have for aspiring authors:
1. Read as much as you can. If you plan on writing historical romance, then read as many books from that genre as you can or the genre you're writing in. And read everything you can on the craft of writing.
2. If you are a romance writer, then I highly recommend joining RWA, along with a local chapter near you. The key is to join a writing organization. It's important to network with fellow writers.
3. Getting a critique partner is a great asset as you write your book. My local chapter helped me find critique partners.
4. Attending conferences and workshops can also be beneficial. They offer opportunities to network, learn the craft, meet fellow authors, pitch your work to agents and editors, and so much more.
5. Schedule regular blocks of time specifically for writing. And stick to it as you would any other task on your calendar. The key to becoming a successful writer is perseverance. Keep plugging away toward your goal, even when you want to "call it quits." If you love writing, then keep writing and never give up.
Good luck!
Lianna Hawkins
I wrote my first book, The Bad-Mannered Crow, at age 10 and throughout my childhood wrote several more. By the time I was in high school, I started writing my first historical romance. I treated my writing as a hobby. It was just something I loved passing my spare time with. I dreamed about becoming a published author but never fervently pursued anything.
It wasn't until I was in my 30s that I decided to pursue it professionally. But where do you start? I began like most writers do, and just started. I pulled out the dusty historical romance from my high school days and started it over. I read every book I could get my hands on, attended conferences, joined RWA and my local chapter (Wisconsin RWA). It took me several years to finish my first historical romance. I had worked on it off and on in between family life and my day job.
The following are some suggestions I have for aspiring authors:
1. Read as much as you can. If you plan on writing historical romance, then read as many books from that genre as you can or the genre you're writing in. And read everything you can on the craft of writing.
2. If you are a romance writer, then I highly recommend joining RWA, along with a local chapter near you. The key is to join a writing organization. It's important to network with fellow writers.
3. Getting a critique partner is a great asset as you write your book. My local chapter helped me find critique partners.
4. Attending conferences and workshops can also be beneficial. They offer opportunities to network, learn the craft, meet fellow authors, pitch your work to agents and editors, and so much more.
5. Schedule regular blocks of time specifically for writing. And stick to it as you would any other task on your calendar. The key to becoming a successful writer is perseverance. Keep plugging away toward your goal, even when you want to "call it quits." If you love writing, then keep writing and never give up.
Good luck!
Lianna Hawkins