The optional question of the day is:
What do you love most about the genre you write the most often in?
I write romance and fantasy. Though I've published more books as a romance writer, my true love is writing fantasy. The thing I love most about writing and reading fantasy is the wide-open scope of where the story can go. World-building is fun as a writer and fascinating as a reader. There are endless ideas on creating a magic system. Villains can be anything. The possibilities are endless.
This past weekend we had an awesome writers' meeting. Lots of good things happened. A few promotional opportunities were presented. A presentation from a local group that presents workshops gave us a mini-lesson on story premise. The group of instructors have put together a series of lessons that will take a novice writer from story idea to a completed novel. They call their workshop A Novel Idea. It's pretty great with all highly successful authors doing the teaching.
I also signed up for a three online classes my group is sponsoring over the next six months. I'm really excited to take advantage of what I might learn.
My publisher is trying a few twists to get some of my older titles more attention. I'll tell you more about that later, especially if it works.
I also created a profile on Library Thing. Not sure if I have any idea what I'm doing there. I can't keep Goodreads up-to-date so of course, I added something else to keep track of. Anyway, be my friend on Library Thing if you're there.
63 comments:
A wonderful interesting post on an insight of what and how you write Susan.
Enjoy your Wednesday.
Yvonne.
Fantasy sure can take one anywhere. Hopefully the courses are grand. Never even heard of librarything, don't think anyway, will have to give it a look.
I love writing fantasy too. Glad that you had such a good weekend. I'm going to go to an online writing conference this weekend--as much as I can with what I've got planned.
Fantasy gives us a lot of possibilities.
I'm on Library Thing but not sure I even remember my passcode.
I love your plans and how you're preparing yourself for advancement. I enjoy taking classes and learning new things so of course that hit me directly in the eye as I read your article.
All the best in writing your fantasy.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
I've heard of Library Thing but don't know much about it. I enjoy spending time on Goodreads, although I do need to start doing it more as a writer and not just as a reader. :)
Soak up all you can learn! Sounds like you have a really growing writing group.
I like the genres you write: romance and fantasy. I'm also keen on taking some online classes.
Fantasy lover here too.
Hope your classes are great. My experiences have been a bit of a mixed bag.
michele
http://themanuscriptshredder.com/why-i-write-fantasy-iwsg/
Glad you enjoyed your conference. I'm doing good just to keep up with my blog. I haven't been on Goodreads for ages and Twitter? Well, at least I learned how to use it for pitch parties, but that's about it. Who has time for all these things?
Reading fantasy is such fun, you never know what an author will come up with. That would make it fun to write. Good luck with your classes!
The endless possibilities of fantasy and science fiction seem to be a theme today. I totally agree! That's why my heart loves spec fiction. I especially like to mix fantasy elements with my scifi. Like you however, I'm starting to spend more time writing romance simply because it sells so well. At least with romance, I get to remember and relive those early days of falling in love.
I love fantasy for the scope of the worlds that can be created. Although, I have yet to really dabble in it, but I do love reading it.
I am the same. I've published more romantic-suspense, but my true love has and will always be fantasy. I love urban-fantasy most of love, and of course, I swirl in some romance, too. ;)
I don't know anything about Library Thing, so I haven't signed up.
Way to keep learning and growing as an author, Susan. Fantasy sounds like a lot of fun to write!
World building is one of my favorite things too. And romance, oh yeah! :)
I like writing fantasy for those reasons too! I hope the new twists will bring you more readers to your older titles.
None of my non-writing friends understand why I'm busy when all I have to do is write. I know you understand, and like you, I can't seem to stop expanding my social media. When they find me face-down in a puddle of promo, that will be a sign to stop.
I tend to agree with you about fantasy. I've written different genres but come back to fantasy all the time. It's fun and fascinating to read and write just like you mentioned. Good luck getting more readers to your old titles.
I absolutely love that about fantasy - you never know where you'll end up, the story could take you anywhere.
Doesn't sound like there's much to be insecure about this month :). I haven't heard of Library Thing before. I'm interested in seeing what it's like.
Glad to see you've joined LibraryThing - I joined a long time ago, but maybe now's the time to make it work for me a bit more.
Sounds like you've got a busy and productive time ahead of you!
It's cold and wet, but thank you, Yvonne.
It seems my writing buddies have either never heard of Library Thing or love it. No much in between.
I haven't done an entire conference online but I've heard some good things about a few of them.
You're one of the few who have said they even know about Library Thing.
I haven't taken a class for a while, but these ones really interest me.
I do mostly reader stuff on Goodreads also.
My local writer group is great. We're always trying new things.
These ones are so inexpensive, I'd be crazy not to.
At least I'm not paying much so I don't mind if they're not great. Every little nugget will help.
I'm hoping to be ready for the next IWSG pitch party but I'll have to work fast.
And it's so great that everyone manages to come up with unique ideas.
I also noticed how many of the blogs I visited today had spec fiction as their writing genre.
World creation is one of the best parts or writing it.
I don't write urban fantasy but I read plenty of it. Your novels are definitely suspenseful.
Always learning is what I believe in as a writer. And I have lots to learn.
Those two things are right in your wheel house. LOL
Yeah, we'll see. Have to try something.
It is impossible to keep up with what is working and what is no longer of use. I'm stumbling through instagram now.
Thanks, Cathrina. Fantasy got me into writing and it will keep me here.
And it usually manages to go someplace I didn't plan.
I guess I did a good job hiding all my insecurity. LOL
Let me know how you get it to work for you. I'm kind of lost.
At least busy. We'll wait and see about productive.
I adore fantasy and romance as well! So much fun
Sounds like you are doing quite a bit. And yes, I love fantasy as well and as a writer, I especially love world-building.
Fantasy is my favorite genre to read. Total escape.
Have fun and learn a lot at the workshops!
I'm not active at LibraryThing BUT I like the free giveaway program for authors - you can ask readers for a review in exchange for the book. As usual, not all winners come through with a review but some do. (LibraryThing Member Giveaways).
I don't read fantasy, but now I want to! LOL. I've never heard of Library Thing. I'll have to go check it out. Have a great week!
Hi Susan, seems like I remember Library Thing from years ago. Not sure. I might have set up an account with them with an email I no longer use.
I love fantasy. It's a great genre that one can branch out in so many different directions.
February 2018 IWSG Co-host
www.stephentremp.com
Fantasy is a ton of fun to read and write! I've only dabbled in writing it, but have enjoyed it thus far.
A Novel Idea sounds interesting. I wish there were more writer's workshops in Oklahoma; it appears I would have to travel to another state to find a decent one.
I haven't even looked at Library Thing yet. Argh! So many different places to split our attention.
Fantasy and romance is a great combination. I remember Library Thing from years back - will have to look it up again.
Sounds like you have a heck of a lot going on Susan. As you say, taking on something else may not be a great idea. However, if it all helps with your books, best of luck.
Fantasy is my pick too. Great post.
Hi, Susan,
World building is something I find fascinating and I admire writers who create entire worlds for their stories.
Library Thing? Am I missing out on something? Is it similar to Goodreads?
Ah, Library Thing. The only remaining free forum of book giveaways... I haven't delved very much into the social constructs there, but I do love their giveaways, and have employed a few of my own there.
This Library Thing sound interesting. If I ever get a book together, I'll need to check into it. Keep writing, Susan!
lol, we writers sure spend a lot of time on social and public media trying to attract readers. I can't keep up with my blog, FB, or Goodreads.
I love creating worlds too. And characters. I think romance and fantasy goo well together.
Sounds like you have an outstanding writer's group. So much support and activity! Thank you for the links!
Hi Susan - I've heard of Library Thing via Deniz Bevan here:
http://thegirdleofmelian.blogspot.ca/
For some reason best beknownst to my younger non interested self ... I just enjoy something that's almost real and teaches me about life and history ...
Yes I'm agreeing with Jen - your writer's group does sound great ... cheers Hilary
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