I think may are aware of it but there are so many kids that still don't read for fun. Today's generation is more interested in visual arts (electronics/media, etc).
I don't think they realize all the research romantic suspense authors have to go through. There are some things I still struggle with when it comes to research, especially when it comes to police procedure because there is a lot that you still can't find online.
Yes, sometimes when I have other issues going on in my life I feel writer's block really hard. Sometimes I just have to let it sit, but you don't want to stay away from your work for very long because it will never get done. I try to read or even watch movies. And that's when the writer's block starts to crumble and I can go back to my writing.
YES! I know, I shouldn't read them, but it's this need I can't resist. I really want to know what people think of the book. The good reviews I get all giddy inside and emotional-like. The not so good reviews I take with a grain of salt and see what they didn't like about them. And I say to myself... okay. They didn't like it. You can't please everyone and that's just the way it is.
If it was possible, I would give up my job. Its a mediocre job at the moment, but I'm hoping in time I can quit so I can work only as a full time author.
Trying to figure out their reactions, wjhat they would say. I never had any guy friends growing up or brothers even. So most of my cues come from other books or tv. Sometimes from my male relatives. ;)
My first "published" book was called, Crush: A Supermarket Romance. It's kind of on the eh side. I didn't do much but use my critique group and sent it to a line/copy editor before publishing. Now I still use the critique group, but I also used beta readers in addition, went back and edited again and sent off to a proofreader and then an "officiial" editor before publishing. I think it helped a lot better for my current book, Forget Me Not.
Have patience, writing takes time to perfect. Also don't take other authors or readers opinions personally. Take everything someone tells you with a grain of salt because their opinions aren't the be all end all.
When I was 15, I read Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas. It was my very first romance novel and I said to myself I want to do that. I started seriously writing to publish since I was around 16 yrs old. Twenty years later, I FINALLY got my first book published and I couldn't be happier.
I've never had that happen yet... but it's fun to see people when they realize what I do. And then there are the family and friends who tell me not to forget them when I make my millions lol.
