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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I've written a book. What do I do now?
When you're sure it's the best book you can possibly write, send it out to publishers. You'll find listings of publishing houses, magazines and other publications in Writer's Market. (Most library reference departments have a copy.) Check the guidelines and send your material out. Expect rejection, though. It's part of the process, just like breathing or turning the ignition in a car. Are the stories you write about your life or the lives of your friends and family?
Absolutely not. Some writers use this technique. I prefer to roam through that wonderful land called Imagination. I like to create characters and stories that seem true to life or ring true in dialogue, situations or personality traits. One of the best compliments I get is when someone I've never met writes to tell me "Your character so-and-so is just like...." That lets me know I've created a true-to-life character or situation in a make-believe world. Are you still writing romance?
I sure am. In 2003, I’ll have two romances published, an inspirational in the Love Inspired line from Harlequin. Look for Sweet Accord in January. Then, the following month another fun anthology is scheduled from St. Martin’s Press. Wedding bells may -- or may not -- be ringing in The Best Man. My novella is set in sultry New Orleans, a place I visited twice last year doing story research. I don’t think I’ve read all your books. What else have you published?
I’ve done 16 projects to date. Here’s a list you can have handy when you visit your favorite bookseller. The year in parentheses after each novel is the year the book was first published. For the novellas, the name of the publisher follows the anthology title. |