It’s time to start the next book. Actually, since it’s due on September 15th, it’s probably a little past time to start writing the next book. At least I have plenty of inspiration to get moving. First, there’s the fact I have a book contract and the nice people at Kensington expect the book and deserve to get it on time. That’s my promise as the author who takes the check. Next, there’s the Seventy Days of Sweat Challenge (and if you haven’t signed up, go do it). Nothing like the fear of public failure to get your butt moving. Then there’s the part where I opened the newest edition of Cosmo (August ‘07) and saw my newest release, YOUR MOUTH DRIVES ME CRAZY, spotlighted there. it was one of those “I can do this and need to keep getting better” moments. After I squealed with pure joy, of course. Finally, I took a look around my website this morning. My fab webdesigner updated everything and posted my March ‘08 cover for RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW - which I love! Something about seeing what the finished product will look like spurs me to keep writing.
I’m thinking that’s it – you have to find your inspiration. That “thing” that forces you to sit down and get writing. When I started writing, I did it more as a hobby. Not that the “hobby” thing was clear at the time. No, I thought I was really trying when I wrote now and and then and talked about writing. That wasn’t enough. The desire had not sparked to the point where I was willing to make the commitment. Then it did. Something clicked when I finaled in that Lori Foster Brava Novella Contest. For the first time the reality of wanting it and maybe even getting it hit me.
Eighteen months later, after rejections and writing and writing and more writing, I got THE CALL. For some dumb reason I thought everything would get easier from there. It didn’t. All the distractions are still there. In fact, there are even more because of the addition of promotion and future contract worries. But, really, there always will be a way to fill time that doesn’t include writing. Seems to me, whether you’re unpublished, newly published or been published for a long time, you still have to want it until the need almost knocks you over. And then you have to make it a priority. To the extent there’s a “secret” to getting published, I’m thinking that’s at least part of it.
So, off I go to work on my next single title NOT SO INNOCENT (working title).
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I just stopped by to say Thabnks for chatting about the challenge! I signed up for it today, and honestly, I need it. I need to find my passion (Or inspiration) again, and I think this will help.
by Sasha July 9th, 2007 at 10:35 amHey. I read the “Red Hot Read’ in Cosmopolitan and fell in love with the book just from the paraphrasing of “Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy.”
by Lisa July 9th, 2007 at 11:52 amThe challenge sounds awesome and since my little sister is NUTS and has been pushing my to create a story for her crazy ideas, it’s just the push I need to crack down and do it.
Thanks.
Where do we sign up for the challenge. I put my name down on your website yesterday, but I would like to know if I have to put it in a different area for the chance to win the prizes.
by Patty L July 9th, 2007 at 12:47 pmSasha – You wrote so many books in a row. You probably just needed a rest
It’s terrific you decided to join us.
Lisa – Thank you!! I just saw the article. Gave me a tiny thrill. I’m so happy you’re joining us. We figured we could cheer each other on.
Patty – click on the SEVENTY DAYS OF SWEAT CHALLENGE link in the blog entry above. That will take you to Alison’s blog and the sign-up page. Get to it!!!
by HelenKay July 9th, 2007 at 3:57 pmSince I have trouble just putting two sentences together, I am in awe of anyone capable of writing a story.
Good luck to all!
by Susan July 10th, 2007 at 7:52 amTrue. I can’t decide if I burnt myself out, or if I just never should’ve stopped. LOL
by Sasha July 10th, 2007 at 11:07 amIt’s like dieting, gettign started again is hell, but I’m sure it’ll feel wonderful once I have.
I just love all of the titles you come up with for your books. I ‘ll bet my hubby would say your mouth drives me crazy to me.
by Virginia July 10th, 2007 at 1:27 pmWrite away, we need those books.
Love the cover of RHRN.
by Pat L. July 10th, 2007 at 3:28 pmRIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW sounds awesome!
by Diana July 10th, 2007 at 9:22 pmI think routine helps…just forcing yourself to do something regularly, then it starts flowing…
by Diane Pollock July 11th, 2007 at 3:48 amI wouldn’t attempt to write because I have a hard time expressing my feelings, I think that is one of the reasons my wife got me started reading romance. I’ll just leave the creative stuff to you ladies!
by Jack Mishler July 11th, 2007 at 3:51 amHope you stay safe and have a blast in Dallas!
Your Mouth Drives Me Crazy in on my tbr stack…lol That dang stack keeps getting bigger and bigger. It’s literally taking over the living room!
Jen
by Jen July 11th, 2007 at 4:17 amMore! More! Love your books!
by Michele E Hines July 11th, 2007 at 4:51 amKeep those wonderful stories coming…
by Ann Blake July 11th, 2007 at 5:47 amWhat a wonderful suggestion in building the inspirisation… good luck to everyone entering… if only I could apply the same in my line of work *sigh* Recently its been so hectic that I don’t enjoy coming into to work!!! Actually I’m at a crossroad and don’t know where to go – that’s why I enjoy reading for it allows me to forget about the hardships of my present work and the escape of reading gives me a few moments of peace where my mind relaxes
by Rita from South Africa July 12th, 2007 at 11:11 am