LaConnie Taylor-Jones

WHAT FACTORS MAKE YOUR BOOKS UNIQUE?

As an author, I absolutely love to write about real-life situations that individuals face every single day. As a result, I try hard to be sure three factors are included in my stories: the power of the love between the right man and woman, the support of family and friends and most importantly, ways to change the situation for the better.

Until next time – stay well and be blessed!

WHAT’S YOUR WRTIER’S VOICE?

Since the start of my literary career, many readers have posed this very question to me. The best answer I can offer is that every author has a distinct voice. It’s no different than an individual’s fingerprint. Although everyone has one, it’s distinctly unique to them and them alone.

From a literary perspective, let’s define the term writer’s voice. Simply put, it’s an author’s writing style. It includes their peerless combination of syntax, diction, punctuation, character development and dialogue, resulting in story. Stop and think about some of your favorite authors for a moment. All of them ultimately reach the goal, which is to tell a story, right? What distinguishes them from each other is the way they do it—their writer’s voice. And oftentimes, a reader can get a sneak peek into an author’s personality via their writing voice.

Until next time – stay well and be blessed!

Did you know…Barbara Cartland is the world’s top-selling author with over 500 million copies sold!

Ms. Cartland was an English author, known for her numerous romance novels. She also became one of the United Kingdom’s most popular media personalities, appearing often at public events and on television, dressed in her trademark pink and discoursing on love, health and social political issues. Other than her fictional romance books, she also wrote books on health and nutrition, advocating vitamin supplementation, as well as biographies and stage plays. She was often billed as the Queen of Romance.

Have you ever wondered what steps are involved to produce a romance novel? Well wonder no more! Click here and review author, Stephanie Bond’s step-by-step process on “The Making of a Romance Novel.”

However, before you can produce a romance novel, there are a few things you should know. First, the 2008 report from Simba Information reported that romance fiction generated a whopping 1.37 billion dollars in revenue despite the worst economic slid since the Great Depression and snagged the largest share of the consumer market. Why is this? Despite the cynicism of some for romance fiction, it has proven to be smart, fresh and diverse.

Secondly, you first need to know how to write a romance novel. “Know the romance market,” says Sheri McGregor, author of “Under One Roof.” Romance novels make up more than 50 percent of mass market fiction. “Read in the genre and find where you think your story ideas fit. Get the guidelines. Then write your story with the market in mind, without letting go of your story’s heart,” McGregor says.

1. Know the story you want to tell, and know your characters.
2. Join a writer’s critique group, either online or face-to-face.
3. Write, write and write more. Nothing helps more than practicing your craft.
4. Develop a thick skin. No one writes a masterpiece the first time.
5. Learn from criticism, but don’t lose the voice that makes your writing unique.
6. Read books about writing, such as Anne Lamott’s “Bird by Bird,” Natalie Goldberg’s “Writing Down the Bones,” or Evan Marshall’s “The Marshall Plan for Writing a
Novel.”
7. Study your market, and be prepared to write for a specific genre.
8. Become familiar with the publishers in your genre and subgenre.
9. Join a romance writers’ club and attend writers’ conferences. Make sure to schmooze with agents at these conferences.
10. Submit your book to an agent to make the rounds of publishers.

Blessed is the author who continues to write despite the circumstances in their lives, for eventually their story will be published. Times are tough in the publishing industry? Write! Your personal life is going to hell faster than a jet? Write! You can’t find an agent? Write! Your manuscript is still orphaned? Write! Your book finally sold? Keep writing!

Until next time – stay well and be blessed!