5 Thing I've Learned Since I Entered the Writing World, By Kathleen Ann Gallagher

I am an upcoming author for Decadent Publishing. My paranormal romance, Echoes At Dawn will be coming soon. I hope you stop over and check out Decadent's website. I'm sure you'll find it a worthwhile visit.

I have been writing since I was a young girl, but stopped to have a family, and pursue a career in nursing. Five years ago, I got the writing bug again. I've learned so much, since becoming serious about my writing. These things are only my opinions.

1. Commit to write everyday.

When I began this adventure of writing seriously, I had no idea what to expect, or how to begin. All I knew was that I had an idea for a story and a plan to write everyday. Since I work full-time, I knew I couldn't commit to many hours daily, but I made an agreement with a co-worker to write for an hour each day. We both had an interest in writing fiction, and we each had a premise in the back of our minds. I recall scribbling down the first few lines and showing them to her one day at work. We shook hands on our promise, and started on a journey to complete our first manuscript. In the beginning, I started slow. When I got into the middle of the story, I typed faster, and the story took off. My desire to write became a need to write. If there is no commitment, there is no manuscript. A completed work of fiction will not appear on its own. You have to do the work. It is not easy, but if you ask another writer, they will tell you how miserable they feel, when they do not write for a few days. Writing becomes part of who you are, and your characters need you to help them get from point A to point B.

2. Don't submit too early.

I made the mistake of submitting before I was ready, and lost many wonderful opportunities. I tried to hurry the process along, and it does not happen that way. You must do the work required, before an agent, editor, or publishing house will make you an offer. If you are serious about your writing, there are many wonderful organizations that offer support, knowledge, and an opportunity to network with other writers. There are also editing services and for a fee, you can get an idea if your manuscript is worth working on, and where you need to improve. If you take your time, it will show in the final product. Even if you studied grammar in school, completing a manuscript that is marketable takes time. You may have read stories about authors who get a deal with a top agent or publisher on their first novel. It might happen, nothing is impossible, but be realistic, and get information.

3. Learn how to accept rejection.

Rejection is not an easy thing to face. It takes a toll on even the most confident writer. However, it happens to the best of us. When I got rejected, and I sure did, I became tougher each time. At first, I took it very personal. It felt like an attack on my work and talent. I learned to read it carefully with an open mind, and try to absorb the message, if any. Sometimes you will get a form rejection, which can be cold and make you feel like you got a slap in the face, but it's not. If you're lucky, you will get a comment, or remark that explains why they are rejecting you, and a few lines offering encouragement. If that happens, value it, and take it for what it's worth. Move forward and learn from rejection. Don't give up.

4. Be kind and courteous.

Writing is a business, and it is essential to be professional at all time. If you attend a meeting or conference, try not to gossip. Be friendly and open to meeting new people. You never know when you will be working on the same team with someone. Everyone has different views, so listen without judging. We are all in this together. A kind word goes a long way, but a bad comment can come back to you and put you in a negative place as a writer.

5. Take a break when you are overwhelmed.

I have been working on edits, and as some of you know, first edits can be challenging. I would suggest working a few hours each day, with breaks in between. When you are tired, your creative energy stops. You must allow yourself a rest period, and something healthy to eat. My brain does not work, when I'm hungry. If I read something else for a while, or listen to music, a new idea will come to me. It is a great to watch a movie, too. Sometimes it is exactly what you need to help you get back on track. Going to bed early is not a bad idea, either. If only I could follow my own advice.

Thanks Anne, for having me as a guest on your blog today.

You can find me at:
http://kathleensplacetoreflect.blogspot.com/
http://kathleenanngallagher.net/Home.html

Interview with Author Kathleen Ann Gallagher

Kathleen Ann Gallagher, a new author for Decadent Publishing, stopped by to tell us about her new upcoming release, Echoes at Dawn.

What inspired you to write the current release?

I adore my characters and I hope my readers love them, too. Echoes At Dawn investigates the strange way our lives are connected. It also explores the power of a mother's love, since the heroine Madeline has an elderly mother who cannot rest, until she finds her daughter the perfect match. I got my inspiration for my story from an old photo. One day while cleaning out a closet, I came across a family portrait. It had two rows of people lined up, with the children sitting in front. I could not stop thinking about the two little girls wearing white dresses with big bows in their hair. I created Echoes At Dawn around the magic of twins from separate generations, who bond together to accomplish a final mission of love. You'll have to read my book to find out what happens and how their lives become intertwined.

How did you find the experience of seeking a publisher?

I found the experience of seeking a publishing challenging, and exciting. Although, I will admit, at times it made me discouraged. But, I did not let rejection stop me. It made me stronger and more determined. I would spend hours researching publishers to query. The submission process became a special part of my day. I looked forward to checking my inbox for responses. There were times when I changed my mind about who I wanted to represent my work. It surprised me to find that some publishers are not as selective as others. It is important to do your homework when submitting. I'm glad I did.

How did you feel when the acceptance letter came?

I jumped up and down like a maniac when I got my acceptance letter from Decadent Publishing. I had already researched the site, and I really wanted to join their group of talented authors. I had to read the offer over and over, before I could grasp the idea of actually getting a publisher. I called my family to announce the news, feeling like I was on top of the world. It made me so happy to finally have all of my hard work pay off.

What books are you reading now?

I'm currently reading a signed copy of Nicholas Sparks, Safe Haven. He is one of my favorite authors and a good friend of mine recently went to one of his appearances and surprised me with the book. I recently finished Summer Iris, by M. Kate Quinn. It is a romantic suspense published by Wild Rose Press. Another book I've started is Lisa Dale's, It Happened One Night. I read Simple Wishes by her, and loved it.

Thank you for having me as your guest Anne. It was my pleasure and I had a blast.

Echoes At Dawn is coming soon. You can find me here.

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Kathleen might be new to publishing, but has been writing since she was a teen, and also enjoys cooking and the theater. Along side an author, Kathleen is an emergency room nurse, a wife, a mom and a grandma - where on earth does she find the time!?!

You can follow her blog or meet her on Facebook, and find out more about Echoes at Dawn here.