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| Anne Patrick |
We can
all learn from each other as we experience the highs and lows of the writing
life. Author Anne Patrick has
gained some insight, and today she shares encouragement for the rough days, as
well as tips for success. ~ Dawn
The
Best Advice
I Can Offer
The best piece of advice I can offer to a new or budding
author is to never give up. There are a lot of ups and downs in the craft and
there will be times you may want to throw in the towel, but don’t. Sooner or
later the door will open for you and you’ll find your groove. Undoubtedly, the
best book I’ve read about the craft is Stephen King’s book On Writing. He may not be your cup of tea, but he offers some great
advice.
My journey, like most others in the field, has been a bumpy
ride. There was even a time where I quit writing for a couple of years because
I became so frustrated with rejections and what not. I did have a few offers,
but their percentages were ridiculous to what I could make self-publishing, so
I decided to take this route.
I’ve no regrets. I’m not saying self-publishing is for
everyone. Some prefer working with large publishers. I'm somewhat of a control
freak, so this route is best for me. The most important thing about
self-publishing is making sure your book is the best it can be. Hire an editor
and use professional book covers. If you can, line up some good beta readers
who will give you honest feedback. Personally, I prefer using long time
readers.
Another important thing to remember right from the start is
not everyone is going to like your work. Sooner or later you will get that dreaded
one-star review. I admit I’ve gotten a few. If it’s an honest critique, learn
from it. If it’s not, brush it off. You’re going to need tough skin in this
business. Whether the critiques come from editors or readers, don’t let it get
you down. Make the corrections, if need be, and move on!
Something that helps me to move past those pesky and,
sometimes, scathing reviews, is I keep a folder with emails from readers and
editors as a source of inspiration. You’d be surprised at how well it works to
boost your confidence.
Sometimes I have to remind myself I’m not on this journey for
fame, fortune or notoriety. God has
given me this wonderful gift for a purpose and I want to use it in a way that
pleases Him. In this day and age, that is often hard to do. Keep your chin up though
and remember Philippians 4:13 (NLT). “For I can do everything through Christ,
who gives me strength.” Let Him walk before you and you’ll never lose your way.
God bless!
Anne Patrick
Detective
Gwen Jamison has the highest closure rate in her division, but when a string of
armed robberies turn deadly she must race against the clock to find the sole
witness that can end the carnage. Standing in her way is a cold-blooded killer
who she fears has murdered before.
Lieutenant
Ian McKean knew he would have his hands full when he took over leadership of
the detectives unit. He wasn't prepared for the headstrong Detective Jamison,
though, who quickly becomes a thorn in his side.
If they
can stop butting heads long enough they might realize they are more alike than
either imagined.
Anne Patrick is
the author of more than a dozen novels of Romance, Mayhem & Faith including
the award-winning and best-selling Fire
and Ash and Out of the Darkness.
When she isn't working on her next novel she enjoys spending time with family
and friends. A former Oklahoma native, she now resides in Kansas.
To learn more and connect with Anne, please visit:
Website: www.annepatrickbooks.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/anne.patrick.98
Twitter: https://twitter.com/suspensebyanne
GoodReads: www.goodreads.com/AnnePatrick
