When writing, lots of good and not so-good advice will come your way. You have to know when to take some with a grain of salt, learn from some and walk away from some. My ears are wide open and always eager to add more helpful tips along this journey, but I have learned to trust my gut as well. Here are 2 examples I walked away from.
When I was submitting, I had one Publisher tell me my work was good, but I needed to tone down the sex and violence. Second one, a writing group member said, No one wants to read bodice rippers anymore. Maybe if you add a werewolf or vampire to it, they might. Hmm, glad I did not heed either of those.
I write from my heart.
I write what I would like to read.
My covers have been called cheesy. Everyone has an opinion and I respect that, but I respect what I like as well. I choose my covers by what I feel and how I browse book store shelves. Medieval covers of old drew me in and made me pick up the book. And yes, I was an admirer of the Fabio covers. How could I not? Before him the men were tall, broad shouldered, but not all that muscular, but all the same swoon-worthy in their book cover poses holding a heroine hot for them in their strong embrace. I was just a kid when my sister handed down her romances to me and I’ve loved romance ever since.
Thanks for sticking with me and taking the time out of your busy schedule to stop by.
Advice
October 12, 2013 by Amber Dane
7 Responses
I agree with you, every piece of advice isn’t golden. Plus you also have to stay aware of people’s intention when handing it out. I had a close friend tell me recently that she saw me doing something totally different in the future. She then proceeded to offer suggestions on things I might pursue right when I’ve begun to get ultra serious about my endeavors. It really upset me – til I remembered she abandoned her writing for more ‘sober,’ pass-times.
Yes. I must quit b/c she has.
No thanks.
Given, I am ulta afraid what people will think of my stories. But how can anyone enjoy what we are doing if we aren’t. If you enjoy what you are writing, keep on. I think the enjoyment translates. All the best! xo
Thank you, me too.
I’m not much of a romance fan, but I always admire people with the strength to stick to what they believe works for their writing.
If it’s your passion, follow your heart and keep writing. Learn everything you can, find a writer’s support group; join National Novel Writing Month, etc.. Lots of advice will come your way, but in the end it’s up to you to choose your direction and find out what is best for you. Write & read a lot. Happy writing!
so for someone about to start writing short stories again what would your advice for them be? Do they just pass them out to friends? Do you hand a copy to your author of an aunt or do you keep it away from the professionals. Do you listen when people tell you to submit to contests or just keep it for fun?
Oh thank you so much, Marie! 🙂
Hi Amber . please just keep on writing as you do . I love the old bodice ripper style off writing and your book covers are fabulous .