10 things you wish every aspiring writer would know by Liz Ellyn author of Willful Parties

10 things you wish every aspiring writer would know

1.  Never stop reading. As a spicy romance author, I find reading helps ignite creativity and refine my craft. Whether it’s other romance novels or entirely different genres, reading is essential for growth and inspiration. 

2.  Patience is a virtue. The wait for feedback or publication can feel agonizing, but it’s a natural part of the process. Develop a plan to stay productive during these periods, even it is self-care. 

3.  Listen to critics. Yes, criticism stings, especially when it’s about a story close to your heart. After patching up your bruised ego, revisit the feedback and see if there’s truth to it. Criticism can be a powerful tool for growth.

4.  Learn from criticism you don’t understand. Early in my career, a publisher pointed out “head hopping” in my manuscript. At first, I didn’t fully grasp the concept, and it cost me. Eventually, I read a recommended book on the topic, rewrote my manuscript, and landed my first publishing contract. Don’t be afraid to do the extra work to understand feedback.

5.  Invest in your craft. Writing spicy romance isn’t just about the heat; it’s about delivering compelling characters and captivating plots. Attend seminars, read books on writing, and seek feedback from other writers for continuous improvement.

6.  Start marketing yourself today. Build your brand as soon as possible. Create a website, grow your presence on social media, and let your audience know what makes your work unique. Romance readers are passionate and loyal. Connect with them early. 

7.  Budget for marketing. Marketing your books can be costly, so set a budget and stick to it. Find creative ways to promote your work without breaking the bank, like leveraging book bloggers or joining author collectives.

8.  Connect with other authors. The romance writing community is full of supportive authors willing to share advice and tips. Networking can help you avoid scams and learn from others’ experiences.

9.  Embrace your unique journey. No two authors or books have the same path to success. Resist the urge to compare yourself to others and focus on your own goals and milestones.

10.  Persistence pays off. Writing spicy romance isn’t easy. But almost every successful writer has faced these challenges. Keep writing and remember your perseverance will pay off.

Enter to win an eBook copy of Willful Parties

a Rafflecopter giveaway Willful Parties by Liz Ellyn
Published by The Wild Rose Press on January 1, 2025
Genres: Fiction, Adult, LGBTQIA+, Romance, Contemporary
Pages: 364
Buy on Amazon, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada
Goodreads

Seth is the vibrant bisexual marathoner who sparked the relationship with Kat and Dylan. He remains undeterred in pursuit of their perfect love, even when confronted with a devastating blow. Kat, their sharp-witted pixie, treasures good moments as gifts due to past experiences. She hesitates to wholeheartedly commit based on a deep-rooted fear of heartache and pressing her luck. Dylan exudes irresistible confidence and brilliance and is marked for an impressive political future. However, his internal struggle with identity and career decisions poses a significant hurdle in committing to their love affair.
They share a sizzling three-way passion but are destined to part ways after graduating from their Chicago law school. Legal battles, heart-wrenching losses, and mounting obligations challenge the prospect of reclaiming their love.