Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Ten Steps of the Successful Author

Okay, there is no mystery in this post, except the one I'm giving away two copies of!!!  My newest Guideposts Mystery from the Savannah Secrets collection "Patterns of Deception"!



No mystery to my advice, whatsoever.

None.

Zero. Zilch. Zip. Nada.

There are, however, layers of potential success, so let's talk about those today because if you go into this business with a full heart and a gentle soul and wide-eyed dreams of becoming the next Karen Kingsbury, J.K. Rowling or John Grisham, you may succeed beyond your wildest dreams.

YAY! 

Or you may miss seventeen very important steps, trip yourself up, fall flat on your face, and crawl away, sobbing like a two-year-old.

But the difference lies in those seventeen steps! (There aren't really seventeen, there could be twelve or eleven or thirty-two, I used seventeen solely for the purpose of syncopation with the word 'steps'. A long, multi-syllable word sounds even better when paired with a short, snappy word. Can you tell I've been teaching fifth graders all year? And yes-- before you ask the obvious-- I am, in fact, smarter than a fifth grader.)

But let's get back to the steps. Did you know that steps, while a basic form of architecture, are not easily achieved via wood/saw/concrete/stones/etc.? 

Level steps are a simplified masterpiece of mathematics. If your angle for the step is slightly off, then the person going up or down feels that "tilt" and compensates. A good step is flat and requires no compensation. A good step needs to be weather-resistant. It needs clean lines, flat planes, and the same degree of "rise" (from step to step) to make it easy to climb and safe.

Listen up, Einstein! Your book has similar needs.

1. TELL ONE STORY (this was my first major mistake, thinking I was brilliant and all that and a bag of chips. You get the drift...) You can add a subplot or reflective story but it is very difficult to tell multiple stories in one book unless you're penning a book of short stories. Focus on the one story, like a spider focuses on the center of her web, then take avenues from that center. 

2. KEEP WRITING (Your first book is probably junk no matter how much it means to you. There are exceptions to this rule. But that's why they're called exceptions, because they are not the norm. Toughen up, finish the book, let some smart folks read it (other writers or contest judges, critique partners) and grow a firm skin because just like not every baby is the cutest (although every baby IS THE BEST EVER) not every book is good. 

3. WRITE MORE BOOKS.

4. TAKE GOOD ADVICE. (You will hear that not all advice about your book is good, and that's true. But having said that, if you have several people tell you it makes no sense for hero to do/say/act like this, then you haven't laid the groundwork for his actions. That's your bad, darlings, so go back and rewrite. If it isn't clear to the reader, it doesn't matter that you meant it to be clear... That means you have to edit/revise to make it clear and sometimes that means going back to page one and re-delineating your hero and/or heroine's reasons for living and/or being a jerk or a wimp or a whiner or a tough gal or whatever it is they are supposed to be. It all begins on page one.)

5. IGNORE SOME ADVICE  This comes with practice and paying attention. I avoid jerks. I ignore them. If someone is inherently negative (and they are as prevalent in publishing, Christian or otherwise, as they are in life) I avoid them and not all negative people appear to be openly negative. You can often recognize them for the excuses they make about, well, most things. Like forever. Decades. When confronted with that advice, it's a consider-the-source moment. And quietly recede. But recognizing these people sometimes takes work on your part. 

6. STAY OFF SOCIAL MEDIA  Social media is a total time-suck. It's up to you, of course, but if you waste your ninety minutes of writing time every day by cruising Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, or whatever, that was your choice to squander the time. Not for the good of mankind or your new career. Just... a waste pit of lost opportunity. Focus. Focus. Focus. Like a good fifth grader, you learn to allot your time, not put things off, and stay focused. The reason they teach this diligently in fifth grade is because:

       A. Kids are old enough to comprehend it at age ten.

       B. Kids are old enough to make a conscious choice and deal with consequences.

       C. Kids learn from their mistakes.

7. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY (Here's the dealbreaker for so many wannabe authors. They don't want the real responsibility of writing every day, of making up stories and typing them out, of revisions and edits and marketing and they slip away, sometimes not so quietly, blaming all kinds of folks for all kinds of things and you know what? That's okay... This business is sometimes wonderful and often brutal and there are people who do not long for your success so if you don't personally long for it enough to take the heat, then it's okay to leave the writing kitchen. I mean that. Sincerely.)

8. BE GRATEFUL FOR EVERY OPPORTUNITY GIVEN You may not love each opportunity the good Lord puts before you. You may not appreciate what editors have to say, the rewrites and revisions, the phone advice, or the revise and resubmit letters you might receive, but even if it's not what you envisioned, remember that if you're working with a publisher, they call the shots. They want what they want, not necessarily what you want to write. Build a base and stand by that base once built, but don't be afraid to branch out and deliver as requested. You might find out you're not the know-it-all you thought you were. You might-- gasp-- learn something! :) And learning is good.

9. GET UP.  One thing I know about this business and about life is that you will get knocked down. You may want to pout or whine or cry, and that's okay, but let's do the Eleanor Roosevelt thing, okay? Let's go into the bathroom, run the water, and gnash our teeth in there because whiny authors are a pain in the neck... although they are out there and a meany-pants like me just sighs and moves on and refuses (mostly) to engage in their drivel and I will tell you why: because they choose to be that way. You can choose to be that way, too. Or you can pull up your big girl panties, get back on the bike and learn to ride without training wheels because that's what the big kids do... and they don't gnash their terrible teeth, and show their terrible claws and roll their terrible yellow eyes without blinking once in public. Because. Gosh. That's dumb.) 

10. BE GRATEFUL. EVERY SINGLE STINKIN' DAY

CAVEAT: This is the expected Ruthy rant about respecting your country, taking time to appreciate not only your God-given gifts, but each little and big opportunity that comes your way every day. If you woke up? NEW OPPORTUNITIES AWAIT. It's up to you. Consider this your warning that the rant ensues below.

You're welcome! :)

Gratitude should be a no-brainer. 

Unfortunately that is not the current truth.

I look around this great country and I am constantly amazed by whining, lack of industry, laziness, lowered expectations and so many things that seem to fill mainstream media 24/7 today. I look at stories written and I may know that some of that story is actually untrue, but the story is written, edited and published as is because it follows a chosen narrative.... And lately that narrative is to mock, scourge, deride and besmirch our country, the kind of thing that is encouraged when often rich and power-hungry people want things to eventually tip in their favor. Encouraging discouragement in a populace is a very real maneuver, and golly gee whillikers, folks, what have we got to be discouraged about? Depending on your bar of measure, here's my take:

Not much.

We have more material goods than is good for us. We are blessed with opportunity, jobs, income, health and amazing health care, but still we yearn.

Well, we're silly.

We should be like Mary, following that cross. Not whining. Standing strong for the faith we share and the life we have. Standing firm in faith, together.

My "bleeds red/white and blue heart" loves being patriotic. I love this country, this land of opportunity, the options, the choices, the chances we're given to be our best so understandably I cringe when folks go out of their way to bring it down because if you've read history (not Cliff notes, darlings) then you can see the parallels of creating dissent for no other reason than dissent itself and how it affects a nation.

So be grateful. If not for yourself, then your grandparents or great-grandparents who risked life and limb for freedom, not to have it squandered two generations later... but to secure your freedom.

From that spirit of gratitude may come great words! 

Or maybe not.

But at the end of the day you won't feel like a jerk, you'll probably be nicer and maybe less whiny and that right there is a blessing to others. :)

So we bless them by appreciating our blessings. And that's a win for everyone! 


Leave a comment below about pretty much anything and I'll enter your name into the drawing for one of these absolutely wonderful mysteries! 


Multi-published, award-winning and really bossy author Ruth Logan Herne loves chatting up writing with all kinds of folks. She also loves God, her family, country, she bleeds red/white/blue and has been known to say the Pledge of Allegiance on the spur of the moment... and she thinks God is the coolest of the cool.


Friend her on Facebook, email her at loganherne@gmail.com or stop by her website ruthloganherne.com... she'd love to get to know you when she's not growing pumpkins, making wreaths and running a very busy and fun pumpkin farm!


43 comments:

  1. Ruthy, As always, excellent advice! I love your comments on our country and gratitude! We are so blessed and it’s time to acknowledge that and daily express our gratitude!

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    1. Good morning, Edwina! I love counting blessings because it's so much healthier than wishing for what we don't have yet... and maybe don't even need.

      I think we've skewed "need" vs. "want" in so many ways. I see families in my cities that truly "need"... and yet it's often those that have who "want", so that's a human thing, isn't it? That lack of self-satisfaction. And the orneriness. Let's not be ornery. :)

      ISN'T THAT A GREAT WORD?????

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  2. I absolutely am a book dragon! God has given me my dream with this reading/influencing gig and I will never take it for granted.

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    1. Susan, isn't that the truth? We are SO fortunate to be doing this.
      Kathy Bailey

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    2. You are both a blessing to so many. I love calling you "friends".

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  3. Gosh, it was so hard to delete (yes, delete forever!!!) the comment offering escort services in far-away Middle Eastern cities, and yet, I did it. :)

    Although if the writing gig doesn't work out...

    OH MY STARS.

    Face-palm.

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    1. HAHAHA what was that you said, Ruthy? "be grateful for every opportunity given." ;)

      PS - great post!!

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  4. Ruthy, you've about covered it. All of it. Please enter me in the drawing!
    Kathy Bailey
    Your Kaybee
    Soaking up your words in New Hampshire

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  5. Good morning, Ruthy!

    Love all the advice and I couldn't agree more!

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    1. Hey, Connie! Well, you know I'm only after total agreement. :)

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. I will have to share this with my daughter as she has started a book but isn't getting very far, she will appreciate your advice. I really enjoy your books and your encouraging posts on FB. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of your book.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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    1. Wendy, best of luck to her! And I'm tucking your name right in!

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  7. Thank you for the advice Your books are so amazing Have a Great Day!

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    1. Hi, Sarah! Thank you so much, what a nice thing to say. Bless you!

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  8. Right now, I'm happy as a pig in slop. I'm finishing my 5 year recovery from throat cancer today. My last radiation treatment was April 14 2016, and the recovery period began on that date. If I'm cancer free on April 14 2021 (and I am) I'm free. Now to tackle this Covid bug. I'm didn't fight like hell just to be bumped off by some little twerp. I'm back to raisin' hell. Now finish my WIP called "Blue Cottage". I'm trying to spruce up draft 5.

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    1. Tom, get back to that Blue Cottage and finish it up! Best of luck to you... and then move on. Write something else. Unless you're Harper Lee and that's different, but most of us aren't. I have faith in you! You're an overcomer!

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  9. Ruthy, I was nodding my head through every point in your post! Thank you for being such a truth-speaker! Your wisdom, your passion, your (occasional) kicks in the backside are always helpful. Loved your words about gratitude. And now, I'm getting back to the work of writing. ;)

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    1. Jeanne, you are so good for my ego! Thank you so much for stopping by!!!!! And yeah, keep going!

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  10. Ruthy, thank you for all the reminders. I don't reply very often but take time to read all posts at least once a week if possible (I'm currently keeping my 3-month old twin grandsons and their 17-month old big brother so time is limited). I'm still not writing at this time but have delved back into relearning all the writing things I've most likely forgotten ha, so I can jump back in later this year. I'm super excited to do so and really just wanted to thank all the seekers and villagers who post with advice and encouragement. Seekerville is definitely one of the main reasons I haven't given up on my writing dream. Just had to postpone it for several years. I'm 57 so if I don't do it soon, it might not happen ha. THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!

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    1. Pat! I love it when you stop by. And I know how busy that is, twin babies and a toddler! Pat, you're amazing and wonderful! Go you!!!!! You know the whole writing thing is always there. I waited so long because the kids had to come first. I totally understand and I want you to keep that dream alive. I always think of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her late start and how Herman Wouk stayed writing well into his 90's. We've got this!

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  11. I always love your posts, Ruthy. Thanks so much.
    This month, I've made my writing career better by taking a break from the actual writing and doing other creative endeavors before diving in again soon. My muse has thanked me with three or four new ideas. And I know the rest of the year is going to be busy with edits and rewrites and first writes all scattered through real life, so I better soak up the peace now, right? I'm thankful I found this blog several years ago. I always enjoy it.

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    1. Amy, I'm so glad you found us, too. And well done, Muse! :)

      I love the thought of the rest of the year being busy. Busy is awesome!

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  12. Great post as always, Ruthy. You always give me the inspiration I need. No need to put me in the drawing. I am rather impatiently waiting for Guideposts to send me the book. They must have had a slow down of delivery again, or something, because I have been waiting a long time.

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    1. Sandy, you haven't gotten it? Let me check on that for you..... I thought it went out a few weeks ago. And thank you so much for ordering that series. That means so much to all of the authors on the series, but mostly to me, Sandy!!!!

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    2. Ruthy, I had called Guideposts and they said the book wouldn't be available to ship out for about three weeks. Then I checked online and suddenly they show a shipment going out but it is a completely different book title and not from Savannah Secrets! So I called again and she couldn't figure out why I would be getting this other book. She also said it showed Patterns of Deception wasn't yet available but I told her I knew that wasn't true! Then she apparently found it and said it would be shipped out to me. So I don't know what is going on. I am about two months behind on my shipments by now. Hopefully the next book will come before too long, too!

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  13. Ruthy, you crack me up! Love your sense of humor. I wrote a longer post, but it disappeared when I previewed it. So, you'll have to imagine how erudite I was. Love you, girl!

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    1. Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

      I hate when that happens! OH BLOGGER!!!!

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  14. Hi Ruth:

    I must say I'm reading, "Rebuilding Her Life," right now and you are either getting better with each book, (which would seem almost impossible to do), or you have me snowed. Of course, with such a heartwarming story as "Rebuilding Her life", snow wouldn't have a chance to even form a snowflake!

    Now as far that being a rant today, well, to my way of thinking, that was about as much a rant as is the "Apostle's Creed". :)

    Amen.

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    1. Oh, what a sweet thing to say! Vince, I love you to the moon and back, my friend. :) Thank you so much for your kind words, I'm so glad you love Jess's and Shane's story. I'm smiling, big guy!

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    2. Hi Ruth:

      I think your mother/daughter doctor theme would make a great series for the Hallmark channel. Set it in a beautiful location and have a handsome doctor work at their clinic. Make him nine years older than the daughter and nine years younger than the mother and have him flirt with each of them equally while always being willing to take them to social events that either is expected to attend. Lots of room for conflict both above and between the lines. Lots of romantic tension!

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  15. Any word from Ruthy is always appreciated and so needed.....in posts or your wonderful books. Please count me in your drawing. I am an avid reader and even more so in these covid days 'cause we stay home more. I try to be very mindful of my blessings!

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    1. I am tucking you right in! And thank you so much for your sweet words, Jackie!!!

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  16. Ruthy, I love your 17 steps! And I agree with each of them!

    Unfortunately, I can get sucked into the FB rabbit hole in a heartbeat. Shame on me. I need to set a timer and limit my social media!

    God bless the USA! I love this country. I love who we are as a nation. I love the freedoms and opportunities we have as Americans! And I don't understand people who trash our nation or our history or our fellow citizens. I'm standing with you, Ruthy, and waving Old Glory and singing the Star Spangled Banner! My heart, like yours, bleeds red, white and blue!

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    1. Ditto. A thousand-times ditto... We are all in this together, and the more we stand together, all people, the stronger we become and the better the government becomes.

      And yes, the time suck of Facebook... Phone timer, activated! :)

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  17. Congrats on your new mystery! Appreciate all of your points (well, except that our first books tend to be junk. I'm 67 and on my first book, lol. I've got a long way to go and a short time to do it in "writing time.") Thank you for your sage advice. I love your passionate heart for country, gratitude, family and the Lord ~ it inspires and encourages. God bless you, your family and America!

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    1. Becky! I love that you're 67 and your book is probably MAGNIFICENT! But sweetness, even if it's not, we've got to start someplace, right?

      I remember an old "Dear Abby" column, when I was a young mother, and a man wrote a poignant letter saying he'd always wanted to be a doctor, that was his dream and he was married now, with a family and a job that he didn't like, and of course he couldn't become a doctor because by the time he was done he'd be XXX years old...

      And Abby's reply hit me dead on and fed my dream, because what that pragmatic lady said was simply this:

      "So how old are you going to be in six years if you don't become a doctor?"

      I realized then that the future was in my hands and when the Holy Spirit opens doors, our job is to put the work of our hands right into it... So GO YOU!!!!!!

      LET'S GOOOOOO!!!!!! :)

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  18. Ruthy - God bless you! Love your humor, open honesty and down to earth attitude. I quite enjoyed your post.

    A few years ago my husband decided to build a shed in our backyard next to the house and he had so much fun designing it - we call it his mathematical shed (he was teaching high school math at the time). All kinds of crazy angles, geometric shapes, and mathematical theories put into practice that I have no idea he was talking about....lol. Your comment about the angles of steps brought his shed to mind.

    And when I go to FB, I say to myself, here I go into the black hole. Then proceed to set the timer on my watch.... However, I usually spend one afternoon a month scheduling all my author FB posts so I don't have a need to check it more than once a day or a couple of times a week. LOVE that I can do that.

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    1. Lee-Ann, I love that shed idea and the angles, corners, shapes! We have a course at our local high school called "Geometry in Construction" and the kids learn geometry, then put it to work building a shed or a playhouse, etc... and they take the state Regents test in the spring (well, maybe not this year because of remote learning and testing being canceled) but NORMALLY... they take the test and get Regents credit. I love hands-on learning because then you never forget!!!!

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  19. Ruthy, I have only one response. Amen, sister!

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  20. Great advice. Thank you for being you. You always have the best advice.

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    1. Jamie, I would hug you right now if we were anywhere near one another on the planet. Not everyone thanks me, you know. (Laughing!) I have been told a little of me goes a l-o-n-g way. Bless you, sweet lady!

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  21. I'm late to check in on this post, but as always, I needed that kick in the pants, Ruthy. But in addition, these comments from everyone are so great and so inspiring. I've been lacking in inspiration, dedication, and motivation for the last few years, if I'm honest. These posts are great for lighting a fire and reminding me why I love writing--along with how much I love America. So thanks, again!

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