Do you think you want to write a book?  If so, then this post is for you.  If you don’t want to be a writer, feel free to ignore the words that follow.

If you are dipping your toes in the writing pool–just getting started on the path to your dream, I think there are a few things you should know:

1. You will get rejected.  VERY rarely do folks sell the first story they wrote to the first editor they submit said story to.  Instead, you’ll find this writing road is bumpy. No, not everyone will love your precious story–and it will suck when you find that out.  But if you love the story, if you love the dream, you’ll keep writing anyway.

2. Some people will quote writing “rules” to you (ex. the hero and heroine must meet in the first 5 pages, you can never use semi-colons in a story, red-headed heroes don’t sell…). Remember that rules are made to be broken. I’ve never once had an editor call me out on any of the so-called rules.

3. Some people will write faster than you. Some will write slower. Some will sell their stories faster. Some will sell slower. You know what? It doesn’t matter what those people do. Focus on yourself and you’ll be just fine.

4. Don’t think that all you have to do is write a great story.  Promotion will soon account for a vast portion of your time–whether you are mailing PR packets, chatting online, attending conferences…Writing is just the beginning.

5. You will meet some absolutely amazing people on your way to publication.  My writer friends are fantastic…and when it comes to readers…seriously, the emails I’ve gotten have made me so happy.  Writing can introduce you to some wonderful people–enjoy them.

6.  Never think that you know everything about the industry.  This industry changes. New trends emerge. Publishing houses shift their focus.  Be ready for anything.

7. Don’t be afraid to take chances.  Try to stretch yourself and try something new with your writing.  You never know where that new-ness will take you!

Anyone else have advice to offer?

I’m blogging over at the Bradford Bunch about why fall is my favorite season! If you get a chance, come on by and tell me your favorite time of the year.

Have you seen ’em yet?  The pumpkins. The flying witches. The vampire bats.  Every store I enter seems to have the Halloween decorations up already. I know–some folks think it’s too early for that. But, hey, I’m a paranormal writer. For me, it’s NEVER too early for that.  I’ve had my “Here lives the wicked witch and all her little monsters” sign up for weeks now.  I can’t help it, the Halloween decorations make me feel good.

And speaking of Halloween…here’s a friendly reminder that my Month of Monsters will be kicking off on October 1. I’ve got some fabulous authors lined up to guest post–and there are some great prizes waiting for commenters!  So be sure to come by for a month full of monster posts and fun.  🙂

I hit page 300 on my WIP.  Got a little behind schedule due to the page proofs, but I’m trucking in the right direction now.  A sneaky secondary character just appeared and he’s trying to steal my show. What is up with that? Now that I am in the final push on this story, the pages will start to come faster.  It will be harder and harder for the hubby to drag me away from the computer.  The story almost writes itself in those last 100-150 pages.

Over the weekend, I took my son to Six Flags.  He had a great time in Thomas Land (the boy loves trains) and my husband rode the roller coasters. Yes, I stayed safely on the ground.

And how was your weekend?

Just wanted to pop in with an update because I know I’ve been quiet this week.  🙁  Sorry!  I finish up my page proofs today (for Eternal Hunter) and I’m in the middle of a PR mailing for the mass market re-release of Hotter After Midnight.  I’m also working on my still untitled paranormal romance–hopefully, the rough draft will be done in the next two weeks.  I’m enjoying this story. It just took one of those turns that I totally didn’t plan when I began the story.  Those turns are always fun.

My motivation level is about to really kick up. Why?  Well, because those bad boys of Supernatural will be back on tonight.  Oh, I love that show! Talk about some phenomenal characterization! Wow! For those who follow the series, well, you know what happens tonight…Lucifer rises from hell.  Oh, yeah. My motivation is about to kick-up. I’ve got to be finished with my work so I can have Supernatural time!!

And what shows are you looking forward to seeing in this premiere season?

My page proofs arrived for ETERNAL HUNTER, so I’m going to be a working girl this weekend.  (But, on a brighter note, whenever page proofs arrive, that means ARCs aren’t far behind! So stay tuned for an ARC contest soon!  Probably in another week or two…)

I thought I’d post some links today, for your viewing pleasure.  🙂

First up, a site I always head to for inspiration and positive posts:  Magical Musings.  Today, LaDonna has  a great post up on what she calls “open window moments.”

Lynn Raye Harris has a great series up on her blog:  SO YOU WANT TO WRITE FOR HARLEQUIN PRESENTS.  If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at writing a Harlequin Presents novel, I’d advise you to check this out!

And finally…a movie I do hope to see this weekend (just have to budget my time!):

For those of you who said you liked happy endings yesterday, I think this one looks promising!  Enjoy your weekend!