Fiction writing is a solitary occupation. It takes time to produce a believable fictional world and characters that matter. A writer gets immersed in that world, but when they step away from the computer no one really cares about those places, relationships, conflicts or mysteries because they are not connected to them in any way.When I finish writing a story, whether it is a short story or a novel, it's a bittersweet feeling. I'm thrilled to tie up loose ends and bring closure. It is a real sense of accomplishment. But then I miss those characters. This is something I hear from other writers.
As writers we move on to the next story with new characters. If we are lucky we have a series going that allows us to stay in touch with the characters in previous books. But while you start writing the next story, you are faced with finding someone who thinks your first story is worth publishing...or publishing it yourself.
Once the story is published, the curtain is lifted. The story is before the public. For me, like I said, that always feels a little scary. I know that not everyone likes every genre. I'm not a horror fan, so I get that. And many of my friends are not fantasy enthusiasts and so I don't expect them to read my fantasy novels.
My fantasy novel Dragonborn dropped this past Monday, and I felt that excited but scared feeling. Yes, I have a publisher who considers Dragonborn worthy of publication, but now it is before potential readers. The people I actually hope will enjoy the story.
Pumping Your Muse writing prompt:
I say all this leading up to a different kind of writer's prompt for today. I am prompting you to encourage another writer whose work you enjoy. If you aren't a writer and happen to read this, I challenge you to encourage a writer today, too. Here are a few ways you can do that, but don't limit yourself to my ideas if you can think of another way, share in the comment section.
- Write a review and post it on Amazon, Goodreads, or another place where the author will see it as well as other readers. It's like a word of mouth pat on the back and helps others decide if they might want to read the book. If you want to really make an author's day, find one who doesn't have a review as yet, and be the first.
- Instead of just giving a thumbs up to something someone has written add a short positive comment.
- Recommend their book to others
- Write fan mail (or email) to an author/writer
- Ask them if they can get an autographed copy of a book
- Follow an author on any platform (Goodreads, Book Bub, Facebook, MeWe, Twitter, Amazon). This is a way to show they do have fans.
I'm not talking about flattering someone but telling them something that isn't true. I'm talking about a word or act of encouragement.
What inspired this writing prompt? I received my first reader fan mail post on Dragonborn today and it has energized me. Here's what this fan had to say in a recommendation they posted on FB and Amazon:
An absorbing story of dragons, clans and the characters bonding and traveling through time with them to fight evil and possibly change history. I am so immersed in the story and life brought to the characters, both human and dragon in this wonderful work of art. I find it hard to put down and though I can't wait to know what comes next, it will be bittersweet, because I never want it to end. A well written, captivating story of love, magic and adventure which I will have to have more of! If this becomes a series, I foresee a reader clan emerging as I simply can't get enough. Recommended for readers both young and old and anyone who loves an imaginative adventure. ~ Kai-Ara Lhasa Apso Kennels
These kind words go a long way. If you enjoy someone's writing, take a moment to tell them so. Even if it is your eight-year-old. Encourage them. My tenth-grade English teacher was the first one to tell me I had a gift with words. I'll never forget her. It's your turn. Tell someone you enjoy their writing. As for me, I'm encouraged to get back to writing book 2 in the Dragonborn series!
Dragonborn available through the following outlets.
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