Wow, is there ever a lot to learn about writing a book! Who knew?!
I studied journalism, received my degree and then landed a job in public relations. I have written hundreds of news releases that have gone to media to be used as the basis of articles. Some have been used word for word, as is, in print. That has always made me happy; it meant I understood both the client requirements and the needs of the media.
I’ve also taken several writing courses. Romance writing…yes, I have a romance novel started. Actually, more than started. I should finish the thing.
I have learned so much about the publishing industry in the past eight months. I have done what I always do when I start something and I want to understand it: I research.
As I was making the decision to get more into writing “the” book—the one about being a stepmom, I had the opportunity to take a writing course from Hay House Publishers. I know Hay House. I have bought many books from them. They published Mel Robbins’ best-selling book, The Let Them Theory. (A really good book by the way.) I decided to take the free course and learned so much. I learned even more by joining the writer’s community. It taught me what it meant to be a writer, an author and a published author. Big difference.
It helped to ground me and connect me. It focused me. I was able to settle in and write. I created a submission for the CBC Nonfiction Contest in February, one month after taking the course. This is something that has been on my bucket list for several years. Check! Done!
I started writing my nonfiction, transformational, memoir book to help other stepmothers. Check! Done!
I submitted a book proposal to Hay House for the book. Check! Done!
I created a professional website—myself—even though it was so painful. Check! Done!
I created a professional Facebook page. Check! Done!
I mark these things as done, but they will be ongoing. It is all part of the step-by-step process of moving from writer to author. Little by little, step by step, I’m learning as I’m doing. The journey continues.
Wishing you love and learning,
