The next person who says writing romance is a hobby better watch out!
Writing is work, clear and simple. Sure, ideas might pop up or a dream might linger, but take an idea and plot a 400-page book and see how quick that illusion fades. I am not a new author, but I sometimes struggle with non-writing commitments such as social media and self-promotion. Most writers are introverts and are more comfortable sitting alone, tapping away on their laptop with a cat or dog on their lap.
However, in order to sell books, we need to get our work ‘out there’. When I have a self-published book being released soon, I find myself deep into promotion mode to get ready. Also, when my publisher (when I had one) or an editor sends me edits for a book, I need to keep it all straight while setting up guest articles, book reviews, and interviews on blogs all over the world.
Luckily, I am an organized person. I learned this while raising two boys. I keep a physical calendar by my side, since I can’t figure out the one on my phone.
Getting out and talking to like-minded people helps keep the juices flowing. I attend a monthly Romance Writers of America© chapter meeting as well as a monthly meeting (currently on Zoom) with a local freelance writers’ group. Now that the pandemic is winding down, I have enjoyed meeting other writers for breakfast or lunch, and have shared chapters with query partners, while giving them feedback about their chapters. I attended various conferences over the years, and I especially love being a member of the Fantasy-Futuristic & Paranormal on-line chapter. I even volunteered to be in charge of this blog. (We are always looking for writers to share a craft article).
Sometimes while I write, I listen to a television show playing on the TV in the background, but I could be writing in a coffee shop or in a beach house along the North Carolina coast. Whatever location I chose, I will continue my writing while glancing at my promotion calendar so I never forget what I need to work on next.
*Note to writers: get a calendar and fill it in with goals and you will be less likely to get off track.
More About the Author Nancy Lee Badger recently released her 45th novel, THE ROGUE’S RING. Nancy is a member of Romance Writers of America, Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, Fantasy-Futuristic & Paranormal Romance Writers, and the Triangle Association of Freelancers. She finds story ideas in the most unusual places. Connect with her HERE.