A Writer Is A Writer

I'm a member of the Romance Writers of America and in our chapter newsletter last month, I found a little saying and I wanted to share it with you.

A Writer is a Writer not because she writes well and easily,
because she has amazing talent, or because everything she does is golden.
A Writer is a Writer because, even when there is no hope,
even when nothing you do shows at sign of promise,
you keep writing anyway.

This really hit home for me. I love writing. I enjoy the process, but not everything flows easily. Somedays it would be easier to just give up, throw away my work, and find something else to do. But I can't. I can't explain why. There's just something in me that keeps coming up with stories I want to write and share with my readers, so I keep writing.

Today I received a box of my newest books in the mail. Cherry Wood Place. They look great. I'm excited for you the read them, and then I knew why that saying fit.

A writer is a writer -- and I'm one of them.

Happy Reading!

K. R. Bailey

www.KRBailey.com

It's A Writing Contest!

Whether you're a published author, a wannabe author, a starving writer, or whatever, our Utah Romance Writers Chapter is sponsoring a contest.  It's open for any type of romance entries -- historical, young adult, murder, suspense or just plain contemporary manuscripts.

If you've ever wanted to know what others think of your work or if you're wanting some great feedback, go to the following link and find out how to enter.

http://www.utahrwa.com/howcontest.html

We have wonderful prizes and who knows, you might get a chance to win a free cover design or perhaps a professional edit.

Go to our website at:  www.utahrwa.com and check out our Heart of the West Contest.

Utah RWA Conference

I just returned from a wonderful Writers Conference sponsored by the Utah Chapter of Romance Writers of America held at The Lodges at Deer Valley in Park City, Utah. Beautiful setting, wonderful rooms, and great service.

It was a fantastic conference with workshops by such authors as Jo Leigh, Lynn Kurland, Nicole Jordan, Elizabeth Lane, Rachel Gibson, Melissa Mayhue and Raeanne Thayne. In addition, we had a special workshop by Jude Bown, author and inspirational speaker. I enjoyed all their words of advice and am amazed at all the talent of these wonderful authors.

We were also lucky to have agents, Kelly Mortimer and Christine Witthohn, as well as editor, Amanda Bergeron from Avon Books, present workshops and a panel for us to ask questions to gain from their knowledge.

If you’re an author or anyone who is striving to achieve a dream, here are few words of wisdom I gained from the workshops and speakers:

You have to take the first step. If you’re an author, put your butt in the chair and start writing.

Never stop learning about the process. Do your homework. Know who to submit your work to, know what they are looking for. Overcome your fears and never stop pushing yourself to do better.

Don’t try to mimick others. Learn your strong points, emphasize those strong points. Find what makes you unique and go for it. Don’t let anyone change that.

Network. Get to know others in the field you’re striving to succeed in. Ask for their help. Be their friend and offer any assistance you can to help them. Always be professional. Look for the positive and don’t complain.

Treasure the small successes and achievements you make. And lastly, Do what you love.