Friday Facts About SlingWords

On April 12, 2005, I wrote and published the first post on SlingWords. It was a Japanese Proverb I learned when I lived in Japan.

Yes, I've been blogging for 21 years on SlingWords. Since that date 21 years ago, I've written and published 4,562 posts.

Wow! That even impresses me.

Once I blogged every day, but my life became so busy these last few years that I no longer had that luxury.

When I do blog, I put my best effort into the process. I do my own research, verify facts, select graphics to accompany each post, and try to make sure it's error-free.

Normally, I post this "birthday" blog on the anniversary date. This year, I've been inundated with too many projects which is why it's 2 weeks late.

Many people say blogs are dead, but I don't find that to be true. Blogging is alive and well and will continue to be so as far as I can see.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

I'll keep writing and publishing SlingWords until it's no longer satisfying. That's always been my plan. Hopefully, all of you who read SlingWords will continue to do so. To me, that sounds like a win-win..

I literally wrote the book on blogging. Get BLOG OPS today on

Amazon or read on Kindle Unlimited

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Happy Birthday, Dearest Daddy

Today is my dad's birthday. Although we lost him long ago, he is ever present in my heart and mind.

I never knew him when he looked like this photograph of him which was taken in a nightclub in London or Paris. He was one of the D-Day soldiers who came ashore in a hail of gun and cannon fire.

He survived and went on to marry after the war and have 3 children. I'm the middle child. I have his blue eyes and dark blond hair.

My older brother has his  handsome features, and my younger brother, also handsome but not resembling him as much with his facial features, has his body shape and strength.

Daddy played the guitar and piano by ear. He had a great sense of humor, loved a good joke, and had a wonderful laugh. 

I wish an impossible thing—to have known him in his youth when he was young and had the whole world in front of him. 

From his World War 2 experiences—fighting in England, France, and Germany—he suffered  from a back injury incurred when he carried a wounded friend to safety.

He also suffered from what we now call PTSD. I believe that arose from horrible abuse in his childhood coupled with memories of the war that haunted him—the dead and the dying and so many more awful things that he wanted to forget. I often wonder if that's why he developed Alzheimer's. In the end, he forgot everything.

If only I could have 5 minutes with him again. Five minutes to tell him how much more I appreciate him and everything he did and everything he was. Five minutes to tell him how much I Iove him.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

If your father is still on this earth, take time to tell him the things he has done that you admire. Tell him you love him. 

If Only I'd Known: Writing Lesson by Paty Jager

I'm happy to welcome Paty Jager, one of my friends from our group blog Smart Girls Read Romance.

About Paty Jager

Paty Jager is an award-winning author of 32+ novels, a dozen novellas, and a passel of short stories of murder mystery, western romance, and action adventure.

All her work has Western or Native American elements in them along with hints of humor and engaging characters.

This is what Mysteries Etc. says about her Shandra Higheagle mystery series: “Mystery, romance, small town, and Native American heritage combine to make a compelling read.”

Visit Paty Jager Online

Paty's Blog, Writing into the Sunset  

Paty's Website 

Facebook * Goodreads * Twitter * Pinterest

Sign up for Paty's Newsletter 

If Only I’d Known: Don't Believe Everything You're Told
by Paty Jager

Thank you for inviting me to give my 2 cents on what I wished I’d known when starting out in the writing/publishing business.

When I first tried to break into publishing, I was writing a mystery book that had been inspired by Sue Grafton’s Alphabet series. The books were told in first person--Kinsey Millhone’s point of view.

I used first person in my female protagonist’s point of view. I sent the manuscript to an agent who told me mysteries weren’t written in first person, but he saw promise in my writing. So, I rewrote the book, putting it in third person. He declined the book.

What I learned from that little episode was to not believe what everyone in the publishing business said. I knew it could be first person because Ms. Grafton had a whole series written that way and she was NYT author. But I let someone who I thought knew the business tell me to change my book.

Later, I was told you couldn’t write books with multiple subgenres.

Those were the books that called to me. So, I wrote them. And while the big publishers would say, “I like your book but I don’t know where to place it on the shelves,” my multi-genre books found a small press who liked them, and they were well received by readers.

It was suggested to me when my books were picked up by a small press that I should self-publish. I felt I didn’t know enough. And who would ever think I was a legitimate author if I self-published?

I wish I had started that journey when I was first approached. My friend who was self-publishing at that time is doing very well now, and because I waited, (went self-publish in 2011) I missed the first big flow of readers who could find your books in the smaller pool of books.

Now, I’m trying to find ways for those and other readers to find me in the sea of self-pub and traditionally pubbed books.

If only I'd known? Don't believe everything you're told by
so-called industry professionals!


Fatal Fall
Book 8: Shandra Higheagle Native American Mystery Series
by Paty Jager

Avarice…Family…Murder

When the doctor is a no-show for her appointment, Shandra Higheagle becomes wrapped up in another murder.

The death of the doctor’s elderly aunt has everyone questioning what happened and who’s to blame. Shandra’s dreams soon tell her she’s on the right path, but also suggests her best friend could be in grave danger.

Detective Ryan Greer knows not even an illness will keep Shandra from sneaking around, and he appreciates that. Her insight is invaluable.

When she becomes embroiled deeper in the investigation, he stakes out the crime scene and waits for the murder to make a tell-all mistake. But will he be able to act fast enough to keep Shandra or her friend from being the next victim?

Add Fatal Fall by Paty Jager to Your Library

 Takeaway Truth

Thanks, Paty, for sharing your wisdom with us. Readers, the weekend is here. Why not grab a great mystery like Fatal Fall for your weekend reading fun?

Carpe diem. Carpe librum! (Seize the day. Seize the book!)

If Only I'd Known: Writing Lesson by Diana Rubino

Today, popular author Diana Rubino shares some knowledge she learned the hard way: by experience.

About Diana Rubino: In Her Own Words

I'm a self-confessed history nut, my favorite eras being Medieval and Renaissance England, and all American history.

I've written several novels set in England and the U.S.: two time travel romances, a vampire romance, and an urban fantasy, Fakin’ It which received a Top Pick award from Romantic Times.

I'm a longtime member of Romance Writers of America, the Richard III Society, and the Aaron Burr Association.

In my spare time, I bicycle, golf, play my piano, and devour books of any genre.

My husband Chris and I own an engineering business, CostPro, and spend as much as time as possible living the dream on Cape Cod.

Find Diana Online: Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Amazon Author Page * Authors Den * BookGoodies * LinkedIn.

Please give a warm welcome to Diana Rubino.

If Only I’d Known: Editing and Patience
by Diana Rubino

When I was a beginner, that is, up to my third or fourth novel, I didn’t grasp the crucial importance of editing. Editing is the general term that covers all the revising, polishing, and deleting that turns a draft into a marketable work.

By deleting I mean obliterating superfluous scenes that don’t push the story forward. I also mean superfluous words—adjectives and especially adverbs. Oh, the adverbs! Always remember, strong verbs make adverbs unnecessary.

Learning that simple fact took me the better part of two decades--I wrote the first draft of my first novel in 1982. Learning to chop, hack, cut and polish without feeling like I was cutting off my arm was difficult, but I learned to look at my work as if I were critiquing and editing someone else’s writing, not my own. Words and scenes fell to the cutting room floor and I didn’t even flinch.

The most valuable lesson I learned, which is related to all this cutting and polishing is: do not be in a hurry to send a manuscript out. I collected many rejections because my work wasn’t ready. I rushed it out way too soon.

I read an article a long time ago, it may have been in Writers Digest, where the author said your work is ready when you’re no longer editing, but merely tinkering—when all the cutting and chopping and slashing is done.

Learning patience was harder than the numerous rounds of cutting, chopping, slashing, hacking, and polishing.

With the help of a few trusted critique partners who write in your genre--family members and non-writer friends, despite their good intentions, are not qualified to critique your writing--and numerous rounds of editing and infinite patience, you'll achieve your goal of a publishable manuscript much faster than trying to rush the process!

The New York Saga by Diana Rubino

Poverty, prejudice and murder won’t stand in the way of true love.

The New York Saga is composed of 3 novels. The sage spans 3 generations of the McGlory family, starting in 1894 amidst the poverty and crime on New York’s Lower East Side, through the wild, boozy years of Prohibition, and ending in 1963 as the country mourned President Kennedy’s assassination.

Book 1, From Here to Fourteenth Street

It's 1894 on New York’s Lower East Side. Irish cop Tom McGlory and Italian immigrant Vita Caputo fall in love despite their different upbringings. While Tom works undercover to help Ted Roosevelt purge police corruption, Vita's father arranges a marriage between her and a man she despises. When Tom’s cousin is murdered, Vita’s father and brother languish in jail, charged with the crime. Can Vita and Tom’s love survive poverty, hatred, and corruption?


Book 2, Bootleg Broadway

It’s 1932. Prohibition rages, the Depression ravages, and Billy McGlory comes of age whether he wants to or not. Musical and adventurous, Billy dreams of having his own ritzy supper club and big band. On the eve of his marriage to the pregnant Prudence, the shifty “businessman” Rosario Ingovito offers him all that and more: fame, fortune, his own Broadway musical.

Can anything go wrong for Billy? Only when he gets in way over his head does he stop to wonder how his business partner really makes his millions, but by then it’s far too late…

Book 3, The End of Camelot

This book begins on the day Camelot truly ended—November 22, 1963. The assassination of a president devastates America. But a phone call brings even more tragic news to Vikki Ward—her TV reporter husband was found dead in his Dallas hotel room that morning.

Finding his notes, Vikki realizes her husband was embroiled in the plot to kill JFK—but his mission was to prevent it. When the Dallas police rule his death accidental, Vikki sets out to find out who was behind the murders of JFK and her husband.

Vikki falls in love with Aldobrandi Po, the bodyguard her godfather hired to protect her. But he's engaged to be married, and she’s still mourning her husband. Can they find happiness in the wake of all this tragedy?

Add The New York Saga to your Library

You'll find this 3-book collection at: Amazon Kindle * The Wild Rose Press.

Takeaway Truth

I'm grateful to my published author friends for sharing their hard-won wisdom. If you get something from these posts, thank the guest author by buying one of her books.

If Only I'd Known: Writing Lesson by Caroline Clemmons

Caroline Clemmons, one of my friends from the Smart Girls Read Romance group blog, is an Amazon bestselling and award winning author of 39 historical and contemporary Western Romance novels and novellas.

A frequent speaker at conferences and seminars, she has taught workshops on characterization, point of view, and layering a novel.

Caroline and her husband live in the heart of Texas cowboy country with their menagerie of rescued pets.

When she’s not indulging her passion for writing, Caroline enjoys family, reading, travel, antiquing, genealogy, and getting together with friends.

And other Web Pages

Find Caroline

Blog * Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Google+ * WattPad * Shelfari * Pinterest.

Click on Caroline's Amazon Author Page for a complete list of her books and follow her there.

Subscribe to Caroline’s newsletter to receive a free novella, Happy Is The Bride, a humorous historical wedding disaster that ends happily—but you knew it would, didn’t you? Caroline loves to hear from her readers so email her: caroline at carolineclemmons dot com.

If Only I'd Known: The Value of Networking
by Caroline Clemmons

One of my mom’s frequent phrases was “If only,” and I believe if she’d won the lottery, she would have said, “If only it was one of the larger amounts.”

We still joke about her glass-half-empty (with a crack down the side and a chip on the rim) attitude. Yet, each of us probably has a long list of things we wish we’d done or known years ago about which we say “If only.”

When Joan invited several of us to submit a post for her new feature, I had trouble choosing which of the many things I wish I’d known at the beginning of my writing career.

One day, my very supportive husband (whom I call Hero) told me he’d learned there was a group of romance writers that met not too far away on one Saturday a month. Over the years, I had been in garden clubs, book clubs, Bible study groups, women’s church groups, bridge groups, and home extension clubs.

I’d worked for a newspaper, and thought I knew how to write, and I already had plenty of friends. Why, I asked Hero, would I want to sit around with a group of women just because they also wrote romance?

Wrong, wrong, wrong! Picture me banging my head against the desk as I recall that foolish remark.

One of the most valuable aids to my writing was joining a local chapter of Romance Writers of America. At the local RWA chapter meeting, women didn’t just sit around talking, although they did network before and afterward.

Monthly programs were presented on a segment of writing. I soon realized I knew nothing about writing a romance—at least not if I ever wanted to sell one. We heard about point of view, pacing, internal and external motivation, conflict, character flaws, dialogue, editing, character arc, and much more.

I drank in every presentation, went to conferences, and formed a critique group. How did I publish my first book? One of the members of that RWA chapter told me the name of an editor who was buying for a new line and suggested I submit my book.

Amazingly, the editor offered me a contract—and major edits.

If only I’d know to join a local RWA chapter before writing my first book! 

Lorraine, Bride Brigade Series, Book 6 by Caroline Clemmons

How to escape marriage to an odious man? Leave the state.

Lorraine Stuart joins a group of women traveling to Tarnation, Texas, a town with numerous bachelors but no marriage-aged single women.

She longs to meet a man who will admire her and the writing ability that has her published in several publications, by a pseudonym of course.

Just her luck, out of all those in Tarnation, she falls for the most stubborn man she’s ever met. But, the handsome newspaper owner is the only one who makes her heart flutter.

Grant Pettigrew has worked hard to establish the Tarnation Gazette. He is intrigued by Lorraine but he won’t let a woman write for his newspaper. Besides, he can’t afford to hire anyone yet. But the redhead is gorgeous and ignites dreams of family, even though he’s never met a more obstinate woman.

Will two immovable forces join to form a forever love?

Click to add Lorraine, Bride Brigade Series, Book 6 to your Romance Library.

Takeaway Truth

Writers, don't isolate yourself. Writing friends and writing organizations have a lot to offer whether you're a beginner or a multi-published pro.

If Only I'd Known: Writing Lesson by Elaine Raco Chase

My guest today is Elaine Raco Chase, the first published author I'd ever met!

I was totally in awe. She was one of the top romance authors back in the day of print bookstores that were found in all the malls. We're talking huge sales! Fast forward to today, and she's still at the top of her game. Like many bestselling authors, she's made the transition to ebooks and audio books.

Just meeting her--a woman who had a husband, kids, a dog, and a house to take care of--made me realize that authors weren't demigod geniuses up on pedestals, but normal people. Like me! She inspired me to pursue writing for publication. Even more importantly, we became lifelong friends.

Meet Elaine Raco Chase

If you like sassy, laugh out loud, contemporary romances - some more explicit than others - you have found the right author!

Reviewers have called them: "cat & mouse" - "slow burn" - "hot and steamy" - "highly addicting" - "solid characters & lots of humor" - "amazing reads!"

I call them fun! Her heroines are NOT: thin, petite, clueless or submissive. They are strong women who aren't looking for a man - until the right one comes along! And those men! Tough-guy, alpha males who don't know what hit them! But do know they want MORE!

Elaine has written a dozen romantic comedies, some more explicit than others, and she also writes explicit mystery/thrillers featuring Roman Cantrell and Nikki Holden.

Dangerous Places is their first adventure, followed by Dark Corners, with Rough Edges currently a work in progress. All of the thrillers are stand-alone novels with continuing characters but no cliff-hangers. So far, both have been Romantic Times Top Hot Picks for romantic suspense.

Elaine also wrote the Agatha Christie nominated non-fiction "How to write the Amateur Detective Novel" which is in the FBI Forensic Library at Quantico.

Despite having not been to college, Elaine has taught creative writing at colleges and universities in the U. S. and Canada. She taught most recently at Miami-Dade College in Florida.

Find Elaine Online

Website * Twitter * FB Profile * FB Fan Page. What's really fun – visit Elaine's Pinterest Page and see Roman, Nikki, Alex, Darnie, Rudy, Duncan, Edgar and all the other characters! Plus places, food, clothes – everything!

If Only I'd Known: Write What You DON'T Know
by Elaine Raco Chase

If only I'd known...anything!

Honest…when I think back, it's a miracle I was ever published. It was 1977 (we were still writing on papyrus), and I was home with two kids under five and not much time to read. When I did read it was assorted hardboiled detective novels and Mills/Boone romances.

The romances made me cringe…these were frail, frightened damsels who needed help crossing the road and were always in distress when the romantic hero showed up. And he of course, scowled, growled, and treated fair maiden rudely for 198 pages…then on page 199 stated: "Of course I've always loved you."

Where…where was that love…not in the first 198 pages.

I Did It My Way

That's when I started writing romances and mysteries and kicking to one side all of the publishing rules. Seriously, that's exactly what I did…I wrote the opposite of all the rules and that sage advice: write what you know.

I knew nothing. I never went to college – well, let me correct that – I studied wiring computer boards and Fortran programming – all perfect requirements for being a writer. Not!

What I did have was a talent for writing dialogue, for creating fun characters, smart women who had careers and didn't need a man to help them. Actually the men needed the women more!

In 1978, Dell saw something in my romantic comedies that started an entire new romance genre!

Back to Today

I celebrate 40 years as a writer this August…and a lot has changed both for major publishers and indie authors that can be summed up in one word: eBooks.

If only I'd known – but I would not have done anything different. I still NEVER write what I know… I love the hunt of learning.

I still never censor myself, and I've taken some nasty reviews for it. And I still never follow the rules…where's the fun in that? There's always a new genre to be created…and maybe you'll be the one to do just that.

Dark Corners (Roman Cantrell-Nikki Holden Mystery II) by Elaine Raco Chase

Exciting Explicit Extraterrestrial?

All over south Florida people are seeing things – things that can't be real –or can they?

Nikki's boss gives her the most bizarre assignment of her career. 

More than 200 solid citizens have reported sightings and contacts with UFO's! Soon she's on the trail with help from the University of Tennessee Space Institute & the Air Force!

Roman comes to the aide of an old Army buddy and finds himself with the most baffling case of his career. Did the US Army actually hijack an armored car? Or is his buddy feeding Roman a pack of lies?

When their cases converge – Roman and Nikki become trapped in a plot that's stranger than science fiction but as real as death in Dark Corners.

Takeaway Truth

If you like smart dialogue, high concepts, captivating characters, and sizzling relationships, read Dark Corners or any of the novels by Elaine Raco Chase!

If Only I'd Known: Writing Lesson by Loretta Wheeler

SlingWords welcomes Loretta Wheeler who writes in the friendly, casual style with which she speaks. Reading her post is like having a conversation with her over a cup of morning coffee.

Loretta is giving away a copy of her latest novel, The Verandah/Southern Breezes ,. All you have to do to win is leave a comment and your email addy. She'll choose a winner at random and notify you by email.

Loretta has 7 books available on Amazon: 3 short stories, 3 novellas, and a full-length novel which is her latest release under the name Loretta Wheeler, The Verandah/Southern Breezes.

Loretta, writing as L. Reveaux, recently released  Siren's Call which has a much higher heat level than her other books.

More About Loretta Wheeler

Loretta Wheeler lives in the south along with her Australian husband, their cat Lil’ Dickens, and their dog, Jack. Both pets are rescued fur-persons who are very much loved.

Most of Loretta’s writing is set in southern locales, whether in the thriller or romance genre. She says she writes of southern things because most of her stories speak to her in a southern accent. Something she recognizes easily since her own is so strong.

Find Loretta online: Website * Facebook Profile Page * Facebook Fan Page * Twitter.
Author Loretta Wheeler

If I'd Only Known: Change Is The Only Constant
by Loretta Wheeler

Boy, if I knew then what I know now, no telling how different things would be. How many of us say that? All through life, we glance over our shoulders, shake our heads and murmur (or if you’re a guy, you mutter) those words. The movie, Frequency gave us a good look at what being able to travel back, and share a few well-placed words, could do for us. We’d be off and running, right? Yelling Yahoo! all the way to the bank.

Well, since no one has broken the linear time line yet, the next best thing is to research what those who’ve gone before us have to share. Or heck, even research the ones running alongside us who took a slightly different path. And, just so you’re prepared, the path keeps changing. Bring a second pair of running shoes, or maybe a pair of hip boots. It can get mighty deep in here.

Everything Changes Faster Than You Can Imagine

What the path required even a few years ago is different than what is required now. This includes writing styles.

Throw out starting a paragraph with “It was.” That doesn’t fly anymore. Charles Dickens would be rewriting like crazy. Heck, even he might be muttering (See? Males mutter.) about finding the right freakin’ path.

The marketing path also changes often. What works best for a couple of years, suddenly wears thin because everyone’s doing it, and no one pays attention anymore. They scroll past all the familiar jargon and well-worn paths, selecting just a few footprints left behind. If you’ve chosen to stay with blogging, one thing that remains the same is to offer something free. If you yell Free it still garners a second look.

Be Prepared

I suppose, the gist of what I’m saying is be prepared to constantly change. You may even have to bend your style a little. I’m an “It was” gal, and I still love to start with an opening scene, not right in the middle of action. Be prepared to change your style.

Be prepared to change your marketing techniques, because sugar, the times, they are always changin’ when it comes to marketing. And with change comes a new learning curve. Whether it’s losing the oxford comma, eradicating passive voice, or donning a new hat labeled Marketing Guru, or MailChimp Madame.

I’ve bought the marketing hats, but the Guru and Madame hats are way too big for my head. Thank God there are others running alongside me who sport that Guru and Madame side like they’re walkin’ a runway.

I’m trying to keep up with them, but I’m thinkin’ there better be some signposts up ahead warnin’ of Slip-Falls and Avalanches. And further up, one with flashing lights, screamin’ in big letters: Changes Ahead!

Southern Breezes/The Verandah by Loretta Wheeler

Watch the Book Trailer!

What if everything you’ve hoped for suddenly comes true, almost as if it’s divinely orchestrated? But what if it’s accompanied by a ghost who’s dressed in clothes straight out of the Roaring Twenties?

It’s spring on Galveston Island, and everything’s running full tilt. Spring breakers swim in high curling waves, turquoise umbrellas line the sand, and the Pleasure Pier is lit like a bejeweled princess, her lights flashing with temptation.

Shelby Alexander, a New York Times Bestselling Author, has come back to the island to live. She and her friends came every summer when they were young and daydreamed often of living there when they were grown. Good to their word, all of them have now returned.

Shelby is finding that even though she’s thrilled to own a part of her Aunt Sookie’s house, the excitement’s only just begun, because a gorgeous guy has also arrived along with a scruffy dog named Charmin’. Fast on their heels is a ghost—a ghost who seems quite comfortable lounging on Shelby's verandah, blowing smoke from its cigarette—and who is always, always surrounded by a deliciously sensuous fragrance.

Time For Reading Fun

Add The Verandah/Southern Breezes to your Library. It's in Kindle Unlimited or buy for $2.99.

Remember, you have a chance to win a copy of this book. Just leave a comment with your email addy. Loretta will pick a random winner and notify you.

Takeaway Truth

How delightful! A romance with a ghost, a gorgeous hero, and set on fabulous Galveston Island. Thanks, Loretta, for giving writers the benefit of what you've learned.

If Only I'd Known, Writing Lesson by Anna Lores

Every author learns things after a few books. Authors often say that they wish they'd known "that" at the beginning of their career.

I think the best thing we can do as authors is to pass along the lessons we've learned.

With that thought, I've asked author friends to share these lessons with those who are at the threshold of a writing career.

My friend Anna Lores, author of the erotic romance, Ella's Triple Pleasure, has taken on that challenge.

Anna has learned a lot since her first book, and she's here to tell you what she wishes she'd known when she started.

About Anna Lores

Anna started writing romance as a by-product of insomnia. After a year of late night reading, she borrowed her son’s laptop and set about breathing life to her very own characters. A month later, she was surprised with a new laptop of her own to pursue her dreams.

With a B.A. in English Literature and a desire to fill her world with wonderful stories she and her close friends could not just talk about, but gush over, Anna shed the job as mom of three in the late night hours and assumed her alter ego of Dirty Girl.

Visit Anna Online: Website * Twitter * Facebook * The Wild Rose Press.

If Only I’d Known
by Anna Lores

Colleges and high schools around the country are all celebrating graduations, each of them featuring a speaker who imparts their personal wisdom for the newly minted graduates. Each speaker has unique experiences that have shaped their world and can help the young minds of the graduates avoid some of the same mistakes they’ve made along the way.

Many of us, when we get to certain points in our lives, look back at our beginning and, inevitably, think about what we thought something was going to be and compare it with what it really turned out to be. Writing is no different. What is the one thing I wish I’d known when I started?

The One Thing I Wish I'd Known

While I’m by no means a commencement speaker, but as I celebrate the publishing of my fifth romance novel, Ella’s Triple Pleasure, I can tell you what I wish I’d known. I wish I’d known about the importance of self-marketing myself as a traditionally published author.

When I first decided to actually BE an author six years ago, I had this grand vision in my mind… I would write a great story that I was passionate about. I would pitch it to a publisher who would love it. They would make some acceptable edits to my masterpiece and then they would blast it across Amazon, Barnes and Noble and every other place that books are sold.

Be Passionate

The first part of that is very important. You must be passionate about your stories. If you’re not, you will have a hard time convincing a publisher to be passionate about it. When you do convince them, you will get to work with an editor to make your great story even better. Listen to your editor. They know what they’re talking about. But the reality of the publishing industry is that you are your stories best salesperson.

The business landscape doesn’t allow publishers of any size to market your first book at a level that is really going to break through to the billions of readers out there who are ready to read a great story. Much of that foundation of marketing is on you, the author.

So my advice to you is to passionately write the stories you have in your heart and mind. But also recognize you will have to educate yourself on how to best share your story with your future readers. Your publisher will do what they can, and will be as encouraging and helpful as they can, but you are the most responsible for ensuring the world reads your story.

So today, as you commence on your writing-to-publish journey, I encourage you to not just focus on your writing, but those other skills, social marketing and reader platforms, that make you the most well-rounded authors. Whether you choose to publish as an indie, traditional, or hybrid, that investment in yourself and your work is vital for your future success.

About My Latest Book: Ella’s Triple Pleasure

It takes three men to satisfy one woman’s needs…

Single mom and massage therapist Ella Winthrop isn’t looking for a relationship. She has enough problems without risking a business that barely meets her needs.

Then her world is turned upside down by three men, each offering something she isn’t prepared for—love so deep it hurts, sex so hot she’s afraid she’ll melt from the pleasure, and a future beyond her wildest dreams.

Steamy businessman Cade Jackson has it all—money, looks, a giving heart, and a dominant nature—but Ella refuses to date a client even if she’s lusted after him for a year. After his brother’s death, Garrett Winthrop moves back to town opening old wounds and even darker fantasies. Dr. Derek McGregor gives her balance and understanding that speaks to her soul. All three men force Ella to question the limits of a traditional relationship.

Add This Erotic Romance to Your Library: Amazon US * Amazon UK.

Takeaway Truth

Learn from those who have created a writing career, and maybe your journey to success will be faster and smoother.

If Only I'd Known, Writing Lesson by Jennifer Bray-Weber

Every author learns things after writing a few books. Authors often say that they wish they'd known "that" at the beginning of their career.

I think the best thing we can do as authors is to pass along the lessons we've learned. With that thought, I've asked author friends to share these lessons with those who are at the threshold of a writing career.

Today, my friend Jennifer Bray-Weber, author of The Laird's Reckoning, a historical pirate romance, has a lesson to pass on to you. Jenn has written and published 8 Romancing the Pirate novels and one erotic romantic suspense under the pen name Harlowe Wilde.

About Jennifer Bray-Weber

Award-winning author Jennifer Bray-Weber is a proud native Texan. She is a married domestic goddess/beach bum with two beautiful daughters. The type to take dares, she has been able to express her creative thinking through countless questionable, often hilarious, life experiences.

Visit Jennifer Online: Website * Facebook * Goodreads * Amazon Author Page.

If Only I'd Known
by Jennifer Bray-Weber

Anyone who knows me is not surprised that I while I look before I leap, I jump into things with both feet. No dipping the toes or testing the waters. I believe in learning by doing, making mistakes, growing, and striving to be better.

What I Wish I'd Known

The one thing I wish I’d known, or at least learned early on, is how to manipulate my time better.

While the industry is fast moving and fluid, allocating my time has not been—think kids, work, obligations, and so forth and so on.

Time management is important, and I’ve been slow to train myself to better maintain it. Admittedly, it’s a work in progress. So my advice to new authors is to carve out time daily for writing. Treat it as if you are punching a timecard for work.

Be patient in learning your craft and don’t rush your product. Be aware that extra time is needed to prepare your launch into the world as a published author—building a website, forming a brand, creating a buzz, generating a following, etc.

After publication, still more time must be devoted to marketing your book, your brand, and yourself. Whew! Time really does fly!

One Other Piece of Advice

Always remember that you are at your best now, but you will be better tomorrow.

The Laird's Reckoning by Jennifer Bray-Weber

Pirate or Laird…?

Birk Bane was born the second son, the unwanted son, the unneeded son. Crossed by family and falsely accused of a crime, he flees Scotland to the sea where he’s recruited by a pirate.

Five years later, he’s captain of his own ship and embraces his new life, though an ache for the woman he left behind remains. When he receives word of his father’s death and his clan is floundering, Birk begrudgingly returns home. Little does he know there’s more he left behind than a title…much more.

Sheena MacRae helped Birk escape to safety years ago, always expecting he’d return. Time passes, and she believes him to be dead. With her clan being terrorized and slaughtered, she accepts she is the only one who can stop the suffering by agreeing to marry Laird Gordon, the man behind the assaults. The man who is also poised to rule Birk’s clan.

Despite the crushing need to hold Birk in her arms once more, his reappearance changes nothing. Sheena has too much to lose if she reneges the betrothal to Gordon. And while Birk’s intentions are to return to the sea after reclaiming his clan, she didn’t count on her pirate lover’s plan for revenge…

The longer he’s home, the more betrayal Birk uncovers. There will be a fiery battle ahead for Birk and his brethren. If he survives, how will he choose between the life he loves and the love of his life?

Add The Laird's Reckoning to Your Library

You'll find this pirate romance at Amazon. It's free for Kindle Unlimited Subscribers or only $2.99 to purchase.

Takeaway Truth

We're just hours away from the weekend. Get ready for reading fun with The Laird's Reckoning by Jennifer Bray-Weber. Click here to get it now!

Tune In Tomorrow For New Feature

I'm starting a new feature for SlingWords.

On Friday, I'll present If Only I'd Known, a lesson about writing an author has learned and is passing on.

Submit Your Experience

If you're an author and have a lesson to pass on, email me. If we haven't communicated before, use the Contact Page. I'll reply with what you need to submit.

I'll publish these succinct bits of advice as often as I receive them. 

Learn From Others

If you're an author--novice or experienced--you may find these of great value. It's smart to learn from others. It sure beats learning the hard way--from bad experiences.

Takeaway Truth

See you tomorrow with my first guest Jennifer Bray-Weber.