Today's inside tip on how to get published

Do you want to be a better writer? Do you want to be published?

Then READ.

The editors at Harlequin / Mills & Boon frequently suggest that aspiring writers read the books they publish. The cynical might believe this is so they can sell more books. But think about it.

Would you trust a tax lawyer to defend you in a criminal case? Would you want the world's top cardiac specialist operating on your foot? So why would anyone buy romance novels written by someone who doesn’t like to read romance? Will this writer understand the conventions, and know how to keep them interesting?

Only when you’ve read enough vampire/angel/witch stories will you understand what makes some merge together into obscurity, and makes others stand out. Only when you’ve read enough ‘secret baby’ stories will you be able to put your unique spin on it. When you know what has already been done, you know what hasn’t yet been done. And that is what you need to do: write the story that hasn’t yet been written.

And that’s today’s inside tip on how to get published:
Read, read, and read some more.

If you don't believe me, check out Scott Eagen's recent blog post on what you can learn from reading.

So what are you reading today?

Time

So last month I wittered on about my domestic failures and lots of you took pity on me and said any writing is good writing when you're a busy mother. Thank you for that! I also received lots of great tips to help me be more organised so thank you so much for those :-)

This month I thought I would blog about a related subject. I'm presuming the organisation has taken place and you've carved out some time in your busy lives for writing. I'm wondering when that time is? Do you fit it in early after dropping children off at school? Over lunch time when little ones are taking a nap? At night time when the children are all in bed? Or are you one of those people I really really admire who get up before anyone else in the house and write while everyone is asleep. [As an aside, I am in awe of anyone who regularly gets up before 7am. Those people have my undying admiration.]

I've read advice that suggests you should work out when you are most productive and make sure you schedule your writing time to coincide with that time. So some people work really well first thing in the morning and some later at night. This month I'm specifically wondering when your time is? Maybe we could have a little unofficial Minxy poll? When do you write? Do you guard that time with the ferocity of a momma bear? And if you do ensure that time isn't disturbed--how do you do that?!

Author Spotlight - Louisa George

Today we're delighted to welcome new medical romance author Louisa George, one of Harlequin's 'new voices'. Originally from Yorkshire in the UK, Louisa now lives in New Zealand in a testosterone-filled household - it's no wonder she writes romance!

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Thanks so much for inviting me here!

What is your writing process?

I wish I knew! Before I got The Call I dithered and plotted a little and pantser-ed (is that a word?) a little. But now I’m on deadlines I try to plot out the conflict and motivation at very least. I start with an image usually. For One Month to Become a Mum it was a car crash scene. For my second book, Waking Up with His Runaway Bride it was as simple as a stain on the ceiling. For the one I’m writing now it was a lone man standing on a jagged outcrop staring out to sea. Then I build from there. I usually write a synopsis before I start, but often veer away. I write a dirty first draft, and am constantly adding layers.

Everyone who writes knows it's not easy - what methods do you use to keep at it on days when it would be so much easier to go shoe shopping?

It’s a constant struggle. I force myself into my office from 11.00-4.00pm every week day. But that doesn’t mean I use that time well – and there is always internet shoe shopping! Lately I’ve discovered Freedom for Mac, which is a dinky little app for my Mac which disables the internet. I set it for 2 hours and am surprised how many more words I get done. I also read that spending five minutes at the beginning of the writing session just planning, longhand, what you are going to write helps. And it really does!

Keeping fit: Do you have an exercise regime to counterbalance all those hours sitting at a computer?

Absolutely. At least three times a week I do a very intense zumba class (I am a total addict and have been known to do 6 classes in a week). I try to do kickboxing once a week too.

Do you believe in writer's block?

Yes. And no. (should I get off the fence now?). Yes, I think it is possible to get stuck in a hole. But I find that forcing myself to write just anything helps, another scene, from a different POV... Who was it that said you can’t fix a blank page?

Have you ever used an incident from real life in a book? If so, did it get you into trouble?

Not an incident, but snippets, settings. And so far I’ve been trouble free!

In what way is being a published writer different to how you thought it would be?

It’s harder than I thought! It’s more than a full time job! I write from 11-4 but there are a lot of other things that need doing too – promo, edits, plotting next book, research….But it’s such fun, better than I ever dreamt!

Promotion is no longer a dirty word. In what ways do you strive to reach more readers?

I’m on most of the social networking sites – facebook, twitter, goodreads, pinterest, I am about to start writing for two blogs – Love Cats Downunder and Medical Romance Authors, so I am trying to raise my profile. I’m also fairly active on the New Voices Facebook page.

What is your top promo tip for other authors?

Oooh, good question – tricky….write a damned good book. Your book is your brand, if it isn’t good it won’t sell regardless of how much promo you do. Or at least, your first one might sell, but the rest won’t.

What did you learn while writing this book?

So, so much. How conflict has got to be deep rooted and consistent. No matter how deep you go, you can go further! How fabulous my editor is!

What was the most fun part of writing this book?

The first kiss scene where Luke dares Jessie to kiss him…such fun to see the fireworks!

And just for fun: what would your hero’s honeymoon destination of choice be?

Vietnam appears in the book so possibly there. Lots of culture, yummy food and spectacular beaches.

One Month to Become a Mum

Some things in life are worth waiting for…

Jessie Price has lost her only chance at motherhood – it’s a constant hurt, until she meets sinfully sexy single dad Dr Luke McKenzie and his gorgeous little girl. Luke’s intoxicating kisses and his daughter’s adoring hugs have Jessie longing for the impossible. But she's a temporary locum, the clock’s ticking – and there’s only a month to make all her wishes come true…

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I'm happy to give one copy of my debut release, ONE MONTH TO BECOME A MUM which is in a 2-in-1 book with Margaret McDonagh on each blog stop plus a $50 US amazon voucher to whoever visits me the most on the tour!

One Month to Become a Mum is available from Amazon, Amazon UK, Mills & Boon and The Book Depository.

You can find out more about Louisa on her website, at her blog, on Facebook, or follow her on Twitter.

Bollywood Hero #1

When the minxes were thinking about then next hotties poll..,umm, I mean, man of the month poll, I instantly thought of Bollywood (I cringe every time I hear that) Heroes..meaning Indian heroes...
But then I realized , wait, not everyone knows Indian hotties like I do...and of course, I had to remedy that...

So, for purely educational purposes :-), I decided I would introduce a hunk from Bollywood, so that we can all vote droll..Ahem...vote...

And the first one up is Shahrukh Khan, referred to as  as King Khan by the Indian media and masses...

What do you think of our first lesson into leading men of Indian Cinema?

Looking for a man... - And news of a fabulous freebie (for today only)

As the title says, I'm looking for a man. Specifically a hot man. Or, rather, several hot men - to grace our Minxy March Hot Man Poll. It's my turn and I've run out of inspiration, so I'm turning the challenge over to you.

We've done a variety of nationalities, we've done sportsmen and actors. We've even done hairy men. And now it's your turn to let us know who makes your heart beat a little faster as you gaze at their likeness?

Find me hot men by my next post, the Friday after next (please), and I'll organise the poll.

And the fabulous freebie? Well, it is indeed fabulous. The Morning After, written by very lovely minx, Sally Clements, is free to download today. Follow the link to find out more about the book. While you're there, have a look at the gorgeous cover - I smile every time I see it. And what's inside that cover is so good I've read it twice already.

Click here to snap up 'The Morning After' for free, but be super fast as it's only for today!