Say hello to today’s guest blogger, Luanna Stewart…
When did you begin writing?
My first book was published in 2010, under a previous pen name, and I’d been writing for a couple years before that.
What’s been your biggest challenge?
About six months after I started writing (with the idea of some day publishing) I attended a meeting of the local chapter of RWA (Romance Writers of America). A workshop on building characters was presented by a multi-published author. About ten minutes into the presentation I wondered what this strange language was everyone was using. POV? GMC? Internal conflict? I realized I was way out of my depth and had a ton to learn. I joined RWA and my local chapter, took online classes, and slowly but surely learned how to be a professional.
I stuck my toe into the self-publishing waters a few years ago and needed to learn a whole bunch more. But it’s a ton of fun and I can’t imagine not writing.
Why did you choose your genre?
Of all the genres I read – historical fiction, thrillers, cosy mysteries – romance is my favourite. I love the happy ending, the trials and tribulations of the main characters, and the chance to really get to know fictional people who become very real in my imagination.
What writing tips would you like to share?
The most helpful tip I was ever given was to read my book out loud before sending it to an editor. A funny thing happens when I’m working on a story and have read the same words 3092 times – I occasionally see what I expect to see and not what is on the page. By reading out loud, I’m forced to read every single word and I’ve caught so many mistakes that way.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on Book 2 of my MacLeod’s Cove series and hope to have it on the virtual bookshelves this summer. I’m also editing a novella which will fall between Book 1 and Book 2, and that will be available any day now (knock on wood).
What would you like to promote today?
If I Didn’t Care (MacLeod’s Cove, Book 1)
https://books2read.com/if-I-didnt-care
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