Monday, May 13, 2013

BE AN OUTSTANDING AUTHOR!

by Sharon Ledwith

There’s so much for an author to do nowadays. Writing, rewriting, polishing, promotion, marketing, social networking—the list goes on. So much to do and not enough time, it seems. So how can an author in today’s publishing market survive? The answer is simple—be outstanding.

However, this process, like any great work, requires time, perseverance, patience, and practice.

As a writer, you need to develop the constant urge to innovate. Understand what the best writers and exemplars in your chosen field do well and figure out why, then mix, match, and reconstruct these elements into something new and better.

Another great piece of advice is to stay diligent in the one field of writing you’re trying to master. Focus on that one specific point on your map or plan, and go for it. Make it your single quest and saturate yourself in it. Become like an alchemist and dilute these desires to fill the gap.

The trick is not to compare yourself with other writers in your field who have had success. Go beyond that and work toward being so good you can’t be ignored. Remember, success leaves clues. Search for them through books, manuals, audio and video programs, college or university classes, online course, seminars, and workshops. Then implement, take your place on the author’s stage, and shine.

If you haven’t already checked out my young adult time travel read, The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, here’s the blurb…

When 13-year-old Amanda Sault and her annoying classmates are caught in a food fight at school, they're given a choice: suspension or yard duty. The decision is a no-brainer. Their two-week crash course in landscaping leads to the discovery of a weathered stone arch in the overgrown back yard. The arch isn't a forgotten lawn ornament but an ancient time portal from the lost continent of Atlantis.

Chosen by an Atlantean Magus to be Timekeepers--legendary time travelers sworn to keep history safe from the evil Belial--Amanda and her classmates are sent on an adventure of a lifetime. Can they find the young Robin Hood and his merry band of teens? If they don't, then history itself may be turned upside down.

To read an excerpt of The Last Timekeepers and the Arch of Atlantis, please click HERE.

Check out The Last Timekeepers series Facebook Page.

BUY LINKS
Musa Publishing
Amazon Link
Barnes & Noble
Kobo

Sharon Ledwith is the author of the middle-grade/YA time travel series, The Last Timekeepers, available through Musa Publishing. When not writing, researching, or revising, she enjoys reading, yoga, kayaking, time with family and friends, and single malt scotch. Sharon lives in the wilds of Muskoka in Central Ontario, Canada, with her hubby, a water-logged yellow Labrador and moody calico cat.

Learn more about Sharon Ledwith on her website and blog. Stay connected on Facebook and Twitter.

16 comments:

  1. As always, thanks for the pep talk, Sharon! Best of luck to your continued success. :)

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    1. Thanks, Dusty! I find you're as good as the people you hang with, and I believe I'm hanging with a bunch of fruitful authors! Cheers!

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  2. Great advice! Thanks, Sharon!

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    1. Thanks so much, Sam! Sometimes, I amaze myself when I read what I've written! LOL! Cheers for your support!

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  3. Sloane - what a wonderful surprise! Thank you for showcasing me on your blog today, and for the continued support and kindness you've given me! Cheers, Goddess!

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    1. It's my pleasure to introduce a good author to the people who follow my blog.:)

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  4. Thanks, Sharon. Some days words of encouragement are much needed!

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    1. Anytime, Lizzie. And the odd dram of scotch helps too! Wink.

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  5. Love, "Success leaves clues"! Wonderful inspiration for a Monday, Sharon!

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    1. Cheers for your kind words, Alan! It's hard to be outstanding in this industy, but if we follow the bread crumbs other successful authors have left, then that's half the battle!

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    2. Amem, Arley! Cheers for surfing by!

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  6. Excellent advice. Sometimes we forget that our business is writing.

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    1. Sometimes I wish I could forget about the business part, Vonnie! Wink. Thanks!

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  7. Your energy and enthusiasm seems endless, keep writing and posting your excellent advice. best wishes.

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    1. Honestly, Lynda, I wish there was a pill for enthusiasm! Thank you for your kind and supportive words! Best wishes to you too!

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