Writing in General by Marian Lanouette

What I’m Reading this week: Victoria Koch’s Wild for You. The first book in her Tropical Heat Series. All I have to say is bring on the fans.

Today as I work on the third book of my Jake Carrington Series and celebrate the release of my novella As the World Ends. It had me thinking about the process. I laugh when my non-writer friends ask me if it’s worth it. And my answer is a resounding Yes. Why? Even if I didn’t  make one penny from my writing (thank goodness, I do) I would have to write because writing is a part of me. It’s how I express myself.

For years, I’ve had so many stories dancing inside my head. Now I put them down on paper. I’m thrilled that so many readers and fans are enjoying them as I have. I thought I’d show  you the process from this side of the fence. It varies with each writer, as their stories are unique, so are their path to publishing. No matter if you’re published by a small press, a big six out of New York, or self-published it is a long journey to publication. Plan on at least one year or longer to see you book in print.

An idea forms in your head. You scratch out an outline to remember it for later. You see these ideas always pop up at inconvenient times. Like the doctor’s office, grocery story or driving down the freeway. If my mind is relaxed, it happens everywhere. In fact, I have to pull myself back to reality I get so involved in the idea. I always know when I slip away to, because my husband will say, “did you even hear me?” I love when I’m lying on the blanket at the beach, the sun warming my face and then, bam, this hunk appears and starts telling me his story. Oh baby, yes! Now, wouldn’t you want to listen to him too?’

Once you have the story idea, you set to computer (paper) and start that first draft. It will take several drafts before you have a completed manuscript. It will go through many edits and critiques before you submit to agents and editors. I can’t stress enough how valuable good critique partners are. They can like your story but they will also tell you where it’s not working and why. You can listen or not. The choice is always yours. But why have them if you won’t heed their advice. No, they are not always right and in the end it is your story, your choice to present it your way. I use several critique partners. If all say one thing isn’t working, you can bet I’ll change it. Even if only one person doesn’t like it, I’ll re-look at it and try different scenarios until I get it right.

Now send it off to the agents, publishers and editors and forget about it. That’s right, forget about it. Start a new story and continue to work. Once you are accepted, it seems they want everything you wrote. You think three or four stories are a lot. It’s not. I’d have at least six in the hopper for your own piece of mind.

Good luck! I can’t wait to read your books.

Filed under: romance