I attended the Atlanta Writer’s Club meeting this afternoon. I enjoyed it immensely. Four published and successful authors were presented, one children’s book author and three romance writers. I listened intently to their advice and their stories of how they got started and where they were now. I dreamed of being where they are in their careers and was happy to know that I am on the right track. They were informative, but shared nothing new I haven’t read or heard before. It was just so good to hear it again from successful authors. Their advice rang true and reminded me to:
- Let the story drive you. Some of the authors wrote multiple genres. The romance writers reminded us that there is romance in most stories and it can cross genres. The message was not to set out to write a specific genre or deliver a specific message, just let the story drive you to write it. The messages and the genre will follow.
- Read books that help build your trade and your skills. Some of their favorites were shared, such as Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maas and Story by Robert McKee.
- Find a process for writing the novel specific to you. One author wrote in the evening and re-visited or re-edited in the morning. Two authors wrote outlines. Everyone was different, but each had found their own comfort zone and knew how long it would take them to write, revise, and edit their novels.
Those were just a few of the tips that reminded me that “Yes I Can” be a successful author just like they are. So thank you, Danny Schnitzlein, Anna DeStefano, Tracie Howard, and Jennifer St. Giles for making me believe my dreams can come true, too. I am half way there. My first novel is already in the homes and hearts of many.
Check out my latest YouTube excerpt of Dreams Thrown Away…Dilsa Saunders Bailey
Dreams Thrown Away – YouTube Excerpt
Only of One of Two Choices
Have you walked out of a store because of poor customer service? Have you hung up the phone because you had to wait so long or the opening message was so long all you did was get distracted before you heard your option? I want to hear about your customer service experiences, good and bad. It hit me as I was driving the other day why some companies succeed no matter the economic climate. Instinctively, I believe it is because of great customer service. However, if you could share with me the good, the bad, and the ugly, I would like to compile a few snapshots of who is successful and who is not based on the type of service provided. Email me at dilsa@simplydilsa.com if you want to be discreet. Or post it here.
And don’t forget, pick up the book that nobody wants to end: Dreams Thrown Away by Dilsa Saunders Bailey.
