Paying it forward

I was fortunate enough to be a mentor this year via an online RWA group to an aspiring author. And, lo and behold, she sold her first book (congrats, Rolynn!) My mentoring mainly involved answering questions and being a board off which she could bounce ideas. Great fun for me -- really, it was.

As soon as she knew she would be offered a contract, she sent me a list of questions and it brought back a lot of memories. It's been 4 years since I signed my first contract, and 3 years since my first books came out. Now here I am, 17 books later, and I'm still learning as I go along! But I was able to offer her some regarding her questions, and you know, when I look back at what I wrote, I realized, it's all mainly common sense and it boils down to one thing:

Act like a professional and you'll be treated like one. Yes, you'll meet some people along the way who don't act very professionally, but overall, I think you will be treated with courtesy and respect if you just take a minute to act like a businessperson.

Publishing is a business. It's a creative business, true, but it's a business. So treat it like the business it is, and you should be fine.

And above all else -- enjoy that first year! It's a crazy learning experience, one that really never ends (the learning, that is). Grow as a writer, learn your craft, and keep experimenting, but overall of that -- have fun! Your enthusiasm will show up in your writing (I certainly hope it shows up in mine!)

So if you're just getting started on a writing journey or if you've never tried to pen a book, stop and think about what drives you forward, what makes you happy -- and if you can, pursue that. It's a fun, fun ride if you do...

J L Wilson writes mysteries, romantic suspense, and paranormal thrillers. See her web site for more details about her "mysteries with a touch of romance...and romance with a touch of gray" novels.