It wasn't until my twins were born and morphed into living, breathing, creatures, who talked in stereo, and touched all my stuff with their Inspector Gadget hands, that I took to writing. In an effort to silence Dora the Explorer's voice in my head, I began writing my first paranormal romance. It was bad. Since I lived in bush Alaska, I didn't realize there was a whole writing community waiting to embrace me. After seventeen years in the bush, we finally moved to the big city. I spent the first three weeks enjoying the flush toilet, fast internet, and driving by Walmart just to make sure it was still there.
Soon I found Romance Writers of America and my life changed. Next came the AK chapter where I am the current Vice President. I joined Futuristic, Fantasy and Paranormal RWA. I began going to meetings and learning how to actually write. It quickly became apparent that I didn't know the first thing about writing or selling my story. Developing thick skin came next as my critique partners lovingly trashed my writing. They're the best. I even went to my first conference.
It's been three years since I began this journey and there are a few things that I know for sure:
Boone Brux
ABOUT BOONE
I wish I could say I was one of those people who have been writing since they were three, but I'm not. As a matter of fact, I was a complete underachiever in any academic endeavor I attempted, which was rather embarrassing since my father was a chemistry and earth science teacher. I was much more of a visual learner.
1. Writing the story is the easy part.
2. Never get too attached to anything in your plot.
3. Hot coffee is not good for the keyboard
4. Your friends and family will love your writing. Don't trust their opinions. They lie out of love.
5. Write what moves you, not what you think the market wants.
6. Getting up to pee and refill your coffee mug doesn't count as exercise. If only.
7. Don't try to go it alone. There are thousands of writers just like you trying to make a start. Connect.
8. Don't be afraid to get involved and volunteer.
9. Make your writing a priority. If you seriously want to be a writer, then make a space, make time, and write. The book won't finish itself
10. If it's not fun, don't do it.
So there are my pearls of wisdom. I'm sure in another few years I'll have to revise tmy list, but this is what I know right now.
