Lunch with Susan & Jen

My local chapter of RWA had a fabulous meeting this weekend -- lunch with best-selling authors Susan Andersen and Jen Heaton (aka Desire author Caroline Cross). Although the food was fabulous (loved that Thai chicken salad) my favorite part was the question-answer session.

Susan and Jen answered all sorts of queries about the industry, their careers, their work. I was touched by their generousity and candor. What a gift to all of us working toward our own publication goals!

Some highlights from the conversation...

* Your writing/career problems don't magically disappear when you sell. There are always new things to tackle, new things about yourself to learn.

* Perserverance is the key to a successful writing career.

* A good synopsis focuses on the emotional arc of the characters. What internally will change from beginning to end of the story? How will they grow emotionally?

* If you get stuck in the middle of your story, work backwards from the climax of the story.

And now... to get on to my WIP. Nearing the 50k mark and feeling the "good pressure" of having to tie up the loose ends.

Good luck with your writing this week everyone!!