How Long Should It Take to Write a Novel?

I've seen a lot of blog posts recently with writers complaining about how hard it is to find time to write, or how they've been working on the same story for YEARS and just can't quite get it right.

Here are my thoughts on that subject:

EVERY writer struggles with those same problems.

But--

SUCCESSFUL writers spend less time complaining about it, and instead, learn how to FIX IT.

The reality is that if you are serious about getting published and being successful as an author, you have to figure out what areas you struggle with, and fix them.

When an agent or editor calls, interested in your manuscript, you can bet they will be asking some probing questions. "How long did it take you to write this story?" "What else are you working on?" "Do you have other manuscripts completed?" They don't want authors that can't get the writing done.

Take a step back and look at your writing life through an objective lens. What is it that's holding you back? And how can you fix it?

No time to write? Find some. Get up earlier. Set aside a little chunk of time everyday, and, as Martine Leavitt would say, chip away, chip away, chip away. Make that time count.

Bogged down trying to get your story just right? Find a good critique group--and LISTEN to what they say. Move on. Maybe that story just doesn't work and it's time for something new. Set rules about how much time you can spend editing each day--maybe only allow yourself to re-read the one page previous to where you left off. Five minutes tops.

Plot going nowhere? Try pantsing. Try outlining.

Embarrassed by a hideous first draft? Welcome to the world of writing. That's why I prefer the term rough draft.

Discouraged by negative feedback or a lot of critique from your writers group? Step away. Let their comments percolate. They're not trying to be hurtful, they're trying to help your story. EVERY writer--no matter how good--can still improve. If you need warm fuzzies, ask your spouse to read it and have them tell you only the things they liked.

My point is, to be successful in this business, you have to be able to get the manuscripts written. Written, polished, and ready to go.

Figure out what's holding you back, and FIX IT.

DON'T compare yourself to other authors, you aren't them. Experiment, learn, and find out what works for you.

Filming A Book Trailer

This weekend, we filmed the book trailer for A BLIND EYE.

There is so much to say about it, I don't know where to begin.

I'll start by saying this whole filming thing came about when this awesome and amazing cinematographer married into the family--Paul. If you want to see some of his work, go to his website and check it out. I especially recommend the History Channel one--with the old guys and guns.

When he said he would help me do a trailer, I had no idea that we would be shooting a real piece of film. This was big time stuff, in my opinion. Real actors, real movie-making equipment, even a stunt driver and weapons specialist!

Since we didn't have a real Hollywood budget, we used a lot of friends and family. My son was on dolly, I helped with the directing, my sister in law did craft services, and my nieces did the fake blood, set dressing, take-marker clacking, and my sons and nephews and husband moved tons of equipment, lighting, props, dolly tracks, fog machines and light reflectors. Whew! It was a crazy weekend!

I don't have all the stills and behind the scenes photos yet from the official photographer, but here are a few I snapped with my phone.

Top to bottom, left to right.
Mason Mac as Christian. Yes, they are making snow while filming.
Christian getting into his character before shooting.
Christian taped to the chair.
Christian and Scarlett (Amberlee Wilson) at the diner.
Christian and Jenny (Mariah Tess).
Christian and Scarlett.
My son working dolly and the genius Paul filming.
What's left of the crew after wrap on Saturday night.

As soon as I get more stills, I'll put them up. And then hopefully we can expect to see the trailer in a few weeks.

The Really Big Cooking Show

My publisher--Covenant Communications, Inc--is hosting a cool cooking show at Thanksgiving Point on April 13.

All the details are HERE.

Tickets are $12 ahead of time, $18 at the door, or FREE--if you enter to win them right now on my blog.

Enter to win 2 Free Tickets to the Really Big Cooking Show:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks!

The Reviews are In!

Congratulations to Michelle Craig! She won the Shannon Hale giveaway pack!

Now, head on over to InkSplasher to read the first official book blog review of A Blind Eye.

For any of you locals, I'll be having a book signing and launch party at Seagull Book in American Fork Saturday, February 16, from 1-3 PM.

I have some awesome door prizes I'll be giving away--including a few T-shirts all the way from LONDON!

Coming up on the blog tour:
February 18: LDSWBR
February 20: I'm a Reader, Not a Writer
February 20: Peggy Eddleman: Will Write for Cookies

And check out this bit of awesomeness:

Since my book has hit the shelves, I've been overwhelmed by the excitement, support, kindness, and generosity of nearly everyone I know. I've had established authors recommending me for speaking and panel positions, friends and family buying more books than I can count--and reading it and LOVING it! And the list goes on forever. THANK YOU everyone! 

I can't wait to show you the super fantastic book trailer of awesomesauce that's coming up in March. Just you wait and keep your pants on, or it's going to rock them off!

Super Duper Awesome Giveaway Number Three!!

The winner of last weeks Mary Stewart books is J. A. Bennett! Huzzah!

This week, you can't believe the amazing books I have to give away!

In keeping with my theme of books and authors that have influenced me, I'm giving away two books by Shannon Hale. Her novel Book of a Thousand Days has been a huge inspiration to me, especially as a writer. I love everything about this book, the unique setting, the strong voice of the narrator--Dashti, her strength and courage, and Shannon Hale's remarkable ability to take a mucker girl's words and transform them into poetry.

Whenever I feel that my writing needs a step up, I pull out this book to remind myself what great writing really is. It's absolutely beautiful!

So this weeks amazing prize package is:

A beautiful Hardcover copy of Book of a Thousand Days signed by Shannon Hale.
A Hardcover copy of Midnight in Austenland, also signed by Shannon Hale.
AND a copy of my new novel, A Blind Eye, signed by me.

Plus, I'll throw in a bonus bookmark and bumper sticker:

All you have to do is enter the rafflecopter contest. And thanks in advance for entering and helping me spread the word about my book. It is appreciated beyond words!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Awesome Giveaway Number Two!!

Last week's winner of Keturah and Lord Death is Michael Offutt!! Congratulations.

This week I'm giving away two books by the author Mary Stewart. She is often called the founder of the romantic suspense genre. I've read at least a dozen of her books. My favorite is Nine Coaches Waiting, followed by her Merlin Trilogy (which isn't romantic suspense, but they are amazing).

Since my novel, A Blind Eye, is romantic suspense, I'm sticking to that category and giving away a copy of Nine Coaches Waiting and The Ivy Tree.

These are classics. Her interesting characters, intriguing plots, and exotic settings are her trademarks. Mary Stewart's books have been a big influence on my writing.

Also, for the lucky winner, I'll throw in a bit of swag to promote my own book. A Blind Eye bookmark and an Oregon bumper sticker. Exciting, I know, but try to keep calm.

If you want to know why the bumper sticker--you have to read the book!

Enter here:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Next week the prizes get even better! TWO Shannon Hale books, signed, and a copy of my book, A BLIND EYE! plus more swag. You know you want them all!

And So It Begins

The time has come for me to start promoting my book. I'll be running a series of giveaways leading up to the release of A Blind Eye in February.

I've decided to give away copies of my favorite books by the authors who have really influenced me as a writer.

I will tell you a story of magic and love, of daring and death, and one to comfort your heart. It will be the truest story I have ever told. Now listen, and tell me if it is not so.

Keturah follows a legendary hart deep into the forest, where she becomes hopelessly lost. Her strength diminishes until, finally, she realizes that death is near--and learns then that death is a young lord, melancholy and stern. Renowned for her storytelling, Keturah is able to charm Lord Death with a story and gain a reprieve--but he grants her only a day, and within that day she must find true love. 

This week's prize is a brand new copy of Martine Leavitt's Keturah and Lord Death.

I LOVE this book. The story is sweet and sad and wonderful, the writing is divine. I can honestly say this book changed my life.

I had the great privilege of taking a week-long writing workshop from Martine Leavitt. She is brilliant, and I learned more than I ever thought possible about the craft of writing and storytelling. She is an amazing person.

If you haven't read any of Martine Leavitt's works, you should. Her latest book, "My Book of Life by Angel," is a breathtaking novel in verse about a young girl trapped in the world of prostitution.

You have several chances to win this delightful book. Just follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter below--and thanks for helping me spread the word about my own book!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


I'll be giving away TWO awesome books next week by another author who influenced me!