This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending Dreamin’
in Dallas, an event hosted by Dallas Area Romance Authors. It was a huge
success and I give my thanks for those who worked hard to pull it all together.
I walked away with pages of notes, a clear direction in which I want to take my
writing career and the determination to succeed in this ever-changing business.
Dreamin’ in Dallas was an event full of informative classes,
book signings and making new friends in the literary world. Over 50 authors signed
books and discussed their latest works. It was book nerd heaven at its finest.
I was entertained by the amazing author Christie Craig
during her seminar on adding comedy to a novel. I learned way too much about
her father. One word: colonoscopy. Enough said. International cover model,
Jimmy Thomas, shared his experiences with the production of stock photography
for romance novel covers. Yes, I had my picture taken with him. No, it will
absolutely not be featured on any
cover EVER. My husband laughed so what does that tell ya? LOL!
During breakfast, Meljean Brook explained how being an
author was like exposing yourself to the world. She could not be more accurate!
Smashwords founder Mark Coker enlightened us about the ins and outs of
e-publishing and producing a book that will succeed in the digital age. A link
to his free book is below. Anyone interested in the world of ebooks should study
it for strategies in marketing and making your book discoverable to readers.
Later, Cherry Adair had us all choking on our lunch while
she talked about her version of early romance and why she started writing. (I
will never look at a camel the same again. Thanks Cherry for that hilarious
story!) She then went on to teach a fantastic class on layering and texturing
throughout your novel. As if that wasn’t enough, she kindly stayed after the
conference was over to impart more wisdom to a small group on how to properly
use dialogue.
There is one truth that I heard over and over again from
every author and attendee. The writers who succeed, those who get contracts or
publish their own books, those who make their living spinning tales and
transporting readers from reality—they all have two things in common.
Persistence and passion.
Anything done well is done with these characteristics. I
have a dear friend who sells beauty products. Her passion for her business and
for changing women’s lives is contagious. It’s an attitude that has brought her
personal and professional success. I know a real estate agent who can sniff out
a potential client from five miles away. Her persistence has matched many families
with their dream home.
These two women have a built-in radar for those who need
their services. They go after their goals with vigor and believe in their
abilities. Me? Everywhere I look I see a story, a character, a plot or a
setting for my next book. Don’t fear my friends, names will be changed for your
protection! And if you’re reading this post, I’ve already succeeded in reaching
out to you. Go me!
People have their own definition of success, be it personal,
professional, financial or spiritual. I challenge you to think about your life.
Do you have the type of success you’ve always dreamed of? Are you the person
you’ve always wanted to be doing a job you love?
Pursue your
goals with vigor and self-assurance. Be ready for the marathon, not the sprint.
And whatever you do, do it with passion and persistence.
Lovingly yours,
JoAnna
Please visit my friends!
C.A. Szarek: http://caszarekwriter.blogspot.com/
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