I often tell myself that I'm "too busy" to attend conferences, but when I get into the mix of them, I'm hit by inspiration. I love writing. That and riding my horse Aramis are my passions.
I'm often asked what inspires me to write. The answer? Everything around me! Other authors are such a motivation as well. This past week, I met Nalini Singh. best-selling New York Times author. What a warm, wonderful, sharing personality willing to share her knowledge with those who would be her! I attended for just that reason: to learn from and share with other authors. I'd say it was a resounding success. There were seminars on branding, marketing, publishing, distribution, PR, getting reviews, you name it. And the chance to rub elbows with readers and talk about and share my books! The name of the game was networking! Work it, baby!
Whatever your career, wherever you are in life, the real name of the game is building ... wait for it .... RELATIONSHIPS! I made some new friends, shared knowledge with them and learned a lot. The key is to never sit in your Ivory Tower (wherever that is) and think that you have learned all you need to know. You can never know enough. You should never stop growing, and you should never miss the opportunity to meet new people who will always teach you something. Remember The Celestine Prophecy? That book taught us that each person that we meet is here to give us something, to teach us something. Take advantage of those opportunities every chance you get. You'll be amazed at how those relationships will change your life for the better.
And as a bonus for reading me, I want to share some books that I discovered that you should definitely read while you wait for Snow Blood 3. At least, I hope you are waiting! Here they are:
- Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter Novels (series) - I'm reading Book 1 - Angel's Blood now.
- A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forest
- Night Shift by Charlaine Harris (of Sookie Stackkhouse novels fame)
- The Last True Vampire Series by Kate Baxter (The Dark Vampire is the new one)
- Alpha Wolf Need Not Apply by Terry Spear
- The Sea Haven Series by Christine Freehan (Fire Bound is the latest one)
So many more! But that will get you started. Start with Nalini Singh. She is fabulous! She combines angels, vampires and vampire hunters. Fun! Fun! Fun!
Til Next Time,
Carol