Keeping Clear Why You Write by Susan Hanniford Crowley

I write in two genres and as a cross over author.  I’ve been asked by more interviewers than I can count, “Why do you write?”  I always give the same answer: “Writing is like breathing.  Writing is my life.”  For me, whether I’m writing science fiction and fantasy or a paranormal romance, I must do it.  I always love doing it more than anything.  The act of writing for me is a lot like the act of sex, sheer fun!

What is the hard part?  Keeping clear.  What do I mean by that?  In an author’s life, there are the pleasantries and there’s the muck.  I enjoy the readings, being on panels, and the  signings at conventions. The sf community also embraces paranormal romance and steampunk romance. Being that I came from that community to begin with makes it a comfortable place for be and let my hair down.  Giggles.  I enjoy meeting readers at romance conventions, being on panels, and attending Q&As.

What is the muck?  Figuring out my taxes has been made easier by my cousin who is a CPA.  The taxes and deductions possible and not can be dizzying.  Promotion is another muck.  If you not with a big publisher, for the most part, the author is responsible for their own promotion.  My new publisher Soul Mate has been outstanding with opportunities and I thank them for the event they held for their authors at Romantic Times in New Orleans.  But as an author, you can never tell how much promotion is too much, what is absolutely necessary, and how much time you should be doing interviews, appearing in social media, whether you should or not try new venues?  Even if you love doing promotion, which I happen to, it’s still time away from writing.  Every single author I know would always choose writing.

I’m a social media publicist at my day job, so I’m exhausted when I get home and would rather write.  You will see me on Facebook saying sometimes that I’m not going to be seen for a while as I’m going into the writer’s cave.  There’s something about that dark cool cave that rejuvenates the spirit and psyches you up for a great story.  Charlaine Harris told me that she doesn’t know how the end will happen exactly until she gets there.  She knows the general end but not the details. I’m the same way.  I’m walking around corners with my characters. Writing is a constant rush, an adventure that keeps me wanting to know what comes next.

A big part of keeping clear is ignoring negativity.  Vampire King of New York was on the top #100 Best Selling Vampire Romance for three months in a row on Amazon Kindle.  When I sent that out as part of my publicity packet, one publication actually cut out the word “best selling.”  I didn’t put that term in.  Amazon Kindle did.  So I had to ignore something that was a huge accomplishment for me was not being acknowledged and move on.  I know an author that got a negative review in Romantic Times, and it really upset her, but she’s managing to move on.

With Vampire King of New York, I’ve received private emails from readers who love King Max for all his fun and compassion and courage.  I cherish all those emails.  In general, the book has gotten fine reviews and has moved my career surprisingly forward.  I’ve even unintentionally converted a person who hates vampires to loving my vampire books.  She didn’t know vampires could be like that.  It’s important to keep the “words” from other that inspire you and ignore the rest.

Keeping clear means to focus on the reason you have for writing.  My only reason for writing is to have fun!

P.S. I am giving away a print copy of Vampire King of New York on Goodreads. Visit this link for the details: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/102543-vampire-king-of-new-york

-Susan

Susan Hanniford Crowley

http://www.susanhannifordcrowley.com

Filed under: romance, Social Media, Susan Hanniford Crowley, vampire books, Vampire King of New York In Print, Vampire Maximillion Vander Meer, vampires, What inspires you?, Writing Topics