We invited Helen Lacey to share with us some writing advice. She has a new book out, Book 4 in The Cedar River Cowboy series: Married to the Mom-To-Be. And we have a kindle copy giveaway for one commenter!
To find out more about Helen Lacey, connect with her on Social Media:
Your best advice for aspiring writers:
Just write! The only way to hone your craft is to do it. And read! Reading keeps you aware of current trends and what’s hot and fresh in the market, particularly in the genre you are aiming for. Also, don’t get bogged down with lectures about plotting verses pantsing. Be who you are. Find out what works for you as a writer by trying different way…writing scenes, writing only dialogue, writing the end first etc. There is no right or wrong way…simply your way. And don’t be precious…it’s hard sending your work out to contests and editors…but don’t take feedback personally. This is a business, and even if the feedback feels like a personal sledge, it usually isn’t intended that way. And surround yourself with like-minded friends. Join groups – face-to-face or online. And mostly, believe in yourself.
Most memorable book you read:
As a child, Black Beauty. My all-time favorite novel that I reread every few years. As an adult, A Town Like Alice.
As a child, Black Beauty. My all-time favorite novel that I reread every few years. As an adult, A Town Like Alice.
Which book would you recommend for all aspiring writers to read/own and why?
My favorite will always be The Art of Romance Writing by Valerie Parv. It came to me just at the right time and cemented my belief that I was a romance writer. And Valerie is awesome.Married to the Mom-To-Be (The Cedar River Cowboys, #4)
She's late. That kind of late
Kayla Rickard always planned to marry and start a familywith the right man. Then she met Liam O'Sullivan. Once she sampled passion in his arms, she forgot the feud that separated their families for decades. Now Kayla's in two times the trouble. She's secretly married toand pregnant bypublic enemy number one.
After eloping to Vegas, the scion of the O'Sullivan empire wants to come clean. Liam wants his wifeat his side, in his bed. He'll do whatever it takes, even get to the bottom of the feud. But are he and Kayla prepared for the bombshells they'll uncover? They have no choicebecause in nine months their little secret will be born!
Read Reader Reviews
Buy on:
Enter this Goodreads giveaway to win signed copies!
She's late. That kind of late
Kayla Rickard always planned to marry and start a familywith the right man. Then she met Liam O'Sullivan. Once she sampled passion in his arms, she forgot the feud that separated their families for decades. Now Kayla's in two times the trouble. She's secretly married toand pregnant bypublic enemy number one.
After eloping to Vegas, the scion of the O'Sullivan empire wants to come clean. Liam wants his wifeat his side, in his bed. He'll do whatever it takes, even get to the bottom of the feud. But are he and Kayla prepared for the bombshells they'll uncover? They have no choicebecause in nine months their little secret will be born!
Read Reader Reviews
Buy on:
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Married to the Mom-To-Be
by Helen Lacey
Giveaway ends April 28, 2017.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Hi Helen! Thanks for the writing advice. I look on my past attempts at novel writing as my 'writing university.' But I do think writers do need to learn the crucial aspects of plotting and structure. I was dead in the water until I realised my weakness.
ReplyDeleteYour latest sounds wonderful. Can't wait to read it.
Denise :-)
Hi Denise - yes, I think of all my early work as my apprentiship...thanks so much for commenting :)
DeleteCongrats to Helen! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteHi Armchair Squid - thanks for stopping by :)
DeleteHi Helen - I've never looked at writing advice ... I just started blogging, found a voice on which everyone commented and have just kept going. Yes I need to shorten things ... but I'd be completely distracted if I had to conform ... maybe if I get to writing novels I'd have to learn more about writing ... for now I'll hang on as I am ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHi Hilary - I think that's exactly it - there is no right or wrong way...just our 'own' way. Good luck with all your endeavors! Thanks for dropping by today :)
DeleteSounds like an interesting premise!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Helen!
Just write - so true!
Hi Yolanda - thanks so much! :)
DeleteGreat advice!
ReplyDeleteAwesome book too! Unique twists in this one!! :)
Hi Jemi - delighted that you enjoyed the book. Thanks so much :)
DeleteWonderful advice and I'm in complete agreement. Writing rules at times are overly rigid.
ReplyDeleteYour latest novel sounds like all sorts of fun.
Hi Sandra - thanks so much for stopping by :)
DeleteThat is so true, one must write the way one writes. There is no "right" way.
ReplyDeleteHi Liz - yep, everyone's way is the 'right' way. Thanks for stopping by :)
DeleteDefinitely a good recommendation and something I've already been trying to stick to. ><
ReplyDeleteHi Robert - Thanks so much for stopping by :)
DeleteThat's one secret that won't be kept! Best of luck with your novel.
ReplyDeleteHi Tamara - thanks so much :)
DeleteI loved Black Beauty as a child. I was recently thinking I should reread it. I am a huge fan of horses. :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a book with lots of tension! Quite the secret. :)
~Jess
Hi DMS - Black Beauty is my favorite re-read! Thanks for dropping by and commenting :)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHi and congratulations on the book! As an aspiring writer, I think that was the best advice I was ever given, 'Read,read,read and then read some more!' Enjoyable and the best way to find your own voice. Thanks for the tips :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Amy - all the best with your writing. Believe in yourself and it will happen :)
DeleteJust get on and do it is an excellent writing tip.
ReplyDeleteGreat advice! It reminds me that I really should be submitting more often, to journals, contests...
ReplyDeleteAwesome advice, and I agree 100%. The concept for the book sounds fabulous. Absolutely fabulous.
ReplyDelete