So when she offered me a guest blog spot, I knew exactly what I wanted to talk about. Friendship and support in the writing world.
Knowing there are people out there to support you in your dreams means everything for a feeling of inner strength and belief. It’s human nature to doubt what you are thinking or doing, and worrying people will laugh or put you down.
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When you meet people who cheer you on, love and admire your work, and most of all, share your struggles, it gives an incredible sense of excitement and optimism.Writers are often introverts and happy in their own company, which all too often provides far too much surrounding silence allowing that horrible voice in your head to shout loud and clear, “give up!” “You’re not good enough!” “This story is your worst yet!”
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My advice? Fill your head with your stories, not your ‘internal editor’. Keep writing. Never EVER give up and believe in your dreams, ALWAYS! Just short six years ago, I was first published and then 2011 brought me an agent, 2012 contracts with Harlequin Superromance AND Kensington. Yes, I am living a dream than I never, ever thought would happen. Am I still shy? Yes. Am I still a teeny bit scared my ongoing success will mean I’ll have to stand up in public one day, YES!!! Terrified, would probably be a better description of how I feel about public speaking, LOL!I am happy. I’m loving my work, but more than anything, I am LOVING my writer friends so, so much. Mix up your social circle, reach out through social mediums such as Twitter and Facebook and surround yourself with optimistic, supportive and fun people. You will be amazed how quickly you realize your fears are echoed and conquered throughout your writing peers every day.
Stand tall and know you are no better or worse than the successful writers out there. Let yourself grow and shine until you feel as though your star is in reach – because it is!
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Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Enterprises LimitedRachel’s current release is “Finding Justice” available now from Harlequin Superromance. Here’s the blurb and buy links:
Blurb:
Old friends, new secrets
Sergeant Cat Forrester lives by her own set of rules. When her childhood friend is murdered, Cat's world is thrown into chaos. Especially because Jay Garrett-a man from her past-is a suspect, and he needs her help to prove he's innocent. After all they once shared, how can she say no?
The attraction flares between them, and getting involved with a suspect is a huge risk. But the more time Cat spends with Jay, the stronger the tug on her heart. He is the same caring, irresistible man she remembers. Yet she can't let her emotions interfere with the case—solving it is top priority. But as she digs deeper, she discovers Jay has secrets that may jeopardize any possible future together.
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Book Depository UK
Rachel’s upcoming release is a Victorian Romance – “The Seduction of Emily” is available for pre-order from E-Kensington right now. Here’s the blurb & buy links:
Blurb:
Seduction is a wicked game, and no one plays it better than the devilish Will Samson in Rachel Brimble's captivating new novel. .
Since girlhood, Emily Darson has accepted that she will marry Nicholas, the son of her father's trusted business partner. The marriage contract safeguards her family legacy, Emily's fortune, and everything she values--except her independence. Only when a sinfully handsome scoundrel enters her life does Emily realize quite how much a loveless match will cost her.
Will Samson has advanced from expert pickpocket to confidence trickster of the highest caliber. Now he has come to Bath to exact vengeance on the man who destroyed his mother--the man Emily will soon marry. But from his first glimpse of the enemy's bewitching, spirited fiancée, Will's plan changes.
Amid the ballrooms and salons of elegant society, heated glances explode into scandalous kisses. Revenge is sweet, but surrender will be irresistible. . .
Amazon US
Barnes & Noble
Amazon UK
Rachel can be found here:
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Great advice, Rachael. That is why I love you, lady.
ReplyDeleteI hear you about being afraid of what sucess might bring. I gave three workshops last year. I was so frightened, but in the end, I shared what I'd learned and attendees were grateful. It's all about being yourself and paying it forward, IMO.
Chinese Proverb: Fear is interest paid on a debt you might not owe.
Sorry, I hit send too fast. Congrats on your new release! It reads awesome.
DeleteAw, i love you too! Kudos to you for giving those workshops - i can't imagine ever getting to the stage that I'll be able to stand up like that. One of my New Year resolutions is to at least be part of a writing panel this year - baby steps is the key to everything, right??
DeleteI'll let you know when I manage to actually do it, LOL!
Rachel x
As someone just getting into this crazy world of writing and publishing, it is heartening to see your enthusiasm, Rachael. Sometimes the things we dream most about fall flat in the reality...so glad you are enjoying your success!
ReplyDeleteHi Brenda!
DeleteI truly believe anything is possible as long as we don't quit - writing is not a God given talent, it takes hard work and commitment. I joined every inexpensive online class i could find, entered RWA first chapter contests and took on board the feedback. I re-entered and after years of trying, i started to final. This gave me the boost to carry on and here I am.
Go for it!!
Rachel x
I agree with you, Rachael.I still take classes. I hear so many say they go to conferences for the sole purpose of networking. I think they're wrong. I go for the workshops. You can always learn something or at the very least be reminded of something. Apparently many reknown authors agree, because i've sat along many.
DeleteLordy, I go for the workshops too! I love the networking and socializing but it's the workshops and lectures that make the conferences worth every penny. You learn so much or someone can say something you've heard a million times in such a way, it finally sinks in and you get that 'aha' moment!
DeleteRachel x
I agree, surround yourself with supportive,kind people, those who believe in you! I look back now and realize there were a lot of people who rolled their eyes at me when I said I wrote a book. When I talked about getting published, they'd change the subject. I needed others who understood me, and I found that in the Roses at The Wild Rose Press. So happy to be part of this wonderful, supportive family!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Niecey! The Roses are the best and I have made friends online that I think I will talk to for the rest of my life. They are true friends! I wish you all the luck in the world with your career - if we work hard and ignore the pessimism, how can we fail??
DeleteRachel x
I made so many friends through TWRP who I absolutely adore. So glad we connected.
DeleteThanks for stopping by, Niecey, and good luck in your career.
Romance authors are way more supportive than other writing groups. No other organization offers instruction and shares information like romance authors. When it comes to classes like anything else, you have to learn to sort. What works for one may not for another and there is nothing wrong with that. Can I hear a cheer for romance writers?
ReplyDeleteWoohoo!!!!!!! There's the cheer, LOL!!!
ReplyDeleteRomance writers are amazingly supportive - here in the UK, it rumored we're a lot more supportive than the crime writers are of each other. If that's true, I find it really strange - what have you really got to lose by helping out someone else who wants to succeed? It's says a lot more about the person not willing to help than the writer asking for the help, don't you think...
Nice to see you here, Rita!
Rachel x
I think romance writers come at it from a different angle rather than competition. The more readers we can draw into the genre the better it is for us. Romance readers are voracious readers. While they are waiting for you to come out with your next book, they read someone else and so it goes.
DeleteLOL Rachael meet Rita.She is another example of the best of the best.
DeleteHere's to Romance writers around the world.
I'm late!! Again! Sorry ladies :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful, wonderful post - and I heartily agree with every single word. Where would we all be without each other? I think I've told you how super proud I am of your achievements, Rachel.
For me - I get excited every time I see one of our lovely roses career take off and reach for the stars. It affirms the dream is possible, as long as we keep learning and writing. And heck - its so much fun, why would we stop?!
That is so very true. Too fun. Thanks for stopping, Laverne.
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