‘being an author’

I have been asked several questions as of late about ‘being an author’. It is all strange and still a bit new to me. Really, it is something I never pictured for myself…it just kind of happened that way. Time is one of the many blessings that a bad economy has given me.

I had a story to tell, wanted to tell, needed to tell…but, no voice. I found a wonderful friend on the internet. One as creative as myself, with the knowledge I lacked. We started 4 books and were working on each of them and together we found a groove. Through his kind words and consideration, my voice became clear. I woke one morning and I knew how the story was that needed to be told. I got on my computer and let what was on my mind flow. I e-mailed it to Chris and called him. I was so excited. We chose to put the other books on the back burner….Boudica was born.

This is a job that does not pay right away. That being said, I had to work my day job. I would type at night and send it to Chris. In the morning, I call him and we go through it. Discussing every note and working through every detail. He would take what I sent and add his spin to it and we would go through it again. I average about 35 hours a week writing and conferencing about the book.

The story flowed like water through my keyboard. I have trashed entire chapters if I do not feel they hold true to the story. The lead heroine came from a very deep and private place and through the series she has grown quite dynamic…mystical and human at the same time. The reporter became a way for Chris to give men a voice and inject a male line of thinking in the book. Not some Joe GQ but, rather an everyday kind of guy.

In the first book, I wanted to transport the reader to Boudica’s world. I had to give care with the story as I knew it would be a series and did not want to give away too much. Since I had never done this before, I bumbled my way through it. Chris and I spent hours on research. The cover held a lot of meaning to Chris and me and it took a few days to get just what we wanted. We were also blessed with help and criticism from our spouses. They gave us a lot of love and support. As the book ended, Rose stepped up to the plate and was a big help once we chose how we would publish (see blog on publishing).

While book 1 was being published, we worked on book 2. As it began, we started calling it ‘the sexy book’. It was difficult to write as most of it was in areas I was well acquainted with. I took a lot for granted. We had to rewrite the first 3 chapters 4 times just to add detail. The family we met in book one became part of our family in book 2. Our parents, spouses, children, friends and clients all now wanted weekly updates. I found myself reaching deeper and wanting more from book 2. I wanted the reader to feel as though they were at the table with the characters’.

As marketing for book 1 is happening and publishing on book 2, we are currently working on book 3. So far, it carries the name of the fun book. This one has been very unusual and had a lot of research put in. The reader feels a sense of friendship. I am always amazed to see where Boudica will take us next…..