So… what would you like to see me write about here? I’m asking for you to post a comment and let me know! I’d love to address what our members and other blog visitors want to hear about from me.
I’ve got lots of ideas about writing, and ideas about selling what you write, and, yes, ideas about getting ideas! I write in different genres, and I write two series (my Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mystery series, plus my Alpha Force shapeshifter series for Silhouette Nocturne) and am about to embark on my third–a spin-off mystery series about Lauren Vancouver, pet rescuer. If you have questions about any of that, please let me know and I’ll be glad to address answers in future blog posts. Or–nearly–anything else relating to writing. Just ask, and I’ll try to oblige.
Meantime, I consider OCC an immeasurable asset to my writing. If you’re a member, you know what I’m talking about!
Linda O. Johnston
http://www.lindaojohnston.com/
http://www.killerhobbies.blogspot.com/
Linda O. Johnston is the author of 16 romance novels and several novellas, including a Nocturne Bites, with more Nocturnes upcoming. She also writes the Kendra Ballantyne, Pet-Sitter mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime and will soon start working on the spin-off Pet Rescue series.
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Linda O. Johnston enjoys writing, romance, puzzles, and dogs. A former lawyer, Linda is now a full-time writer and has published 57 books—so far.
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Linda O. Johnston enjoys writing, romance, puzzles, and dogs. A former lawyer, Linda is now a full-time writer and has published 57 books—so far.
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What does a writer do between drafts of a story? Well, that depends.
I finished a first draft of my upcoming fourth story in my Shelter of Secrets series for Harlequin Romantic Suspense. It still needs some work, but it’s currently in the hands of my excellent beta reader.
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I’ve had a fun few weeks–including my usual writing. Plus, I heard that the Dog Writers Association of America, of which I’m a member, was looking for humorous articles for their upcoming issue of RUFF DRAFTS, their publication, so I of course had to submit a short article about how my puppy keeps me from concentrating on my writing by insisting that I play fetch with her while I’m sitting at the computer. Humorous?
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I recently got word that my next Alaska Untamed Mystery, CRY WOLF, number two in the series, is now scheduled for publication on November 7. I love the cover! And the series is the first in which I’ve taken a pseudonym: Lark O. Jensen.
It’s not my only remaining book this year. I was already aware that my Coltons of New York book for Harlequin Romantic Suspense is also a November release. CSI COLTON AND THE WITNESS is officially out on November 27.
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I have learned this about the synopsis. I did take the online workshop, but had to stop due to a personal situation. Cammy Tang was so nice and understanding.
Hmm…you bringing this up makes me realize I need to look at thise lessons laying so neatly in their folder and work on them. I do the synopsis last from the story and the outline. I think this is where the problem lies. Epiphany! Do it first and use it as a tool, as intended.
Oh and by the way, I write under Abbie, so I did not notice the name glitch. The blog wants my google name…Abbie.
Thanks again,
Holly
Oops–sorry for not getting your name right, Holly. I do generally write from a synopsis these days but I used to do a very detailed scene list. That's a matter of preference, although a synopsis is generally needed to sell in the first place.
–Linda
So the ever so elusive Synopsis is the key. Ha!
I do outline.
Thank you for such a quick response.
Holly
Thanks, Janie!
Hi,
You are one busy lady!! I don't have any questions but just wanted to say that I enjoy all your books and keep them coming.
Thanks for your comments, Abby and Jeri.
Abby, I'll try to address your concerns in upcoming blogs, but the short answers, to me, are:
Keeping things simple–I tend to plot ahead of time. Things change, of course, but I try to stick to my synopsis as much as possible.
Regarding selling–you can find and target agents and editors that buy your kind of story without going to conferences. OCC and the Internet are great resources!
And, Jeri, conferences are definitely helpful for making contacts for selling in the future –as well as learning more about the craft of writing.
Enjoy your weekend!
Dear Linda,
Thank you for your insights. I just discovered OCCRWA site and am looking forward to utilizing all of itss resources. I just finished my first novel and am embarking on the task of selling it. Would you find it beneficial to attend writing conferences if you are not a published author?
Best Regards
Jeri
Good Morning Linda!
Funny I always wonder if anyone reads all of this great information, because there are so few comments. Little goes on at Slice of Orange anymore.
The things I find most hepful is everything you mentioned. It is fascinating and most insightful to get a peek into a successful writer's mind.
About writing: My biggest issue is keeping the plot/subplots simple and not too many. It is like ideas pop into my little head and I add them instead of filtering. How do you filter through them to keep the storyline flowing.
As far as selling: How do you submit if you do not have the funds to attend a convention?
Happy holiday weekend.
Holly