Ask the Author: Anita Cox
Answered Questions (6)
Anita Cox
Inspiration is never an issue. Peace and quiet are my biggest challenges. A busy home life means that I stay up late, usually until 2, 3, 4 a.m. to get the work done. It is a sacrifice, but I absolutely love what I do!
Anita Cox
This should be on every author's FAQ page. Each book is inspired by something and it's usually something completely unrelated that sparked my imagination. The Lycan Chronicles was inspired by a conversation I had with my girlfriend about my Mastiff, how loyal he is. I have 240 pounds of slobbery goodness no more than a foot away at all times. People are never that loyal. My brain too it from there.
Anita Cox
My version of writer's block is my family. The responsibility of a wife and mother is the only thing that keeps me from writing more than I do. They might be the biggest distraction, but they're also my most valuable and cherished asset. I wouldn't trade that distraction for two dozen books with my name in them.
Anita Cox
There's no dress code.
Anita Cox
This business is not for the faint of heart. You will probably work yourself to death without making any real money. You'll sacrifice time with friends and family to work. Unless you are okay with competition, you'll probably get overwhelmed by a market that is flooded with other "aspiring writers" who are throwing their first drafts up online and calling it good.
But if that doesn't scare you away, then you need to do your research. Follow marketing advice from someone like Kristen Lamb, who can teach you to reach your readers without being that annoying author who is tagging 150 strangers in pics of their book cover. Read her blog, all of her archives.
Find a mentor, someone who has been in the business for awhile that is willing to help you. Be willing to help in return.
Read. Read a lot. Read industry news. Read books. Read the blogs of successful authors. Read best sellers (this is how it's done.) Read stinkers (so you know what not to do.)
Now, prepare to work 13-15 hour days.
But if that doesn't scare you away, then you need to do your research. Follow marketing advice from someone like Kristen Lamb, who can teach you to reach your readers without being that annoying author who is tagging 150 strangers in pics of their book cover. Read her blog, all of her archives.
Find a mentor, someone who has been in the business for awhile that is willing to help you. Be willing to help in return.
Read. Read a lot. Read industry news. Read books. Read the blogs of successful authors. Read best sellers (this is how it's done.) Read stinkers (so you know what not to do.)
Now, prepare to work 13-15 hour days.
Anita Cox
At the beginning of December, Paranormally Yours, an anthology, was released. My contribution to the anthology was a Prequel to The Lycan Chronicles that I'm currently working on. Book 1 is done and with the editor. I'm currently writing Book 2.
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