I’ve blogged here before about the importance of authors letting the world know about our books. Writers may prefer just sitting at their computers and writing. We’re more successful, though, when we actually publish those manuscripts we’ve spent so much time, effort and love on and let others read what we’ve been up to.
The internet and social media help a lot with letting readers know what we’ve written, but it also helps to get out in the world and meet readers and discuss our stories with them.
I’ve been doing quite a bit of that lately—not that I don’t always seem to have something pending. Or just behind me. I write in different genres, so I’m always busy.
Recently, I attended the RWA National Conference in Denver, where I had a great time—and was recognized for having had my 25th Harlequin novel published.
Returning home to L.A., I headed south to San Diego, where I participated in a panel called Romancing the Galaxy at Mysterious Galaxy, a bookstore specializing in—what else?—mysteries and sci-fi, but they also include romantic suspense and are now branching out into more romance.
Also, in the past couple of weeks, I’ve been on a delightful panel with other mystery authors at the Beverly Hills Library. And yesterday, I did a reading from my most recent Barkery & Biscuits Mystery Pick and Chews at the August meeting of the Sisters in Crime, Los Angeles Chapter.
More to come? Always. Can I tell you about it? Not yet. All I can say for certain right now, though, is that it won’t involve my dancing in front of a crowd—fortunately for me and for that crowd.
One thing I wholeheartedly believe in, though, is that writers don’t just write, then promote themselves. Writers help other writers in all stages of writing, from starting out to finishing books, then getting published, and, yes, then in getting out there and promoting. So, thanks to those writers out there who’ve been there, and continue to be there, for me. And if any writer has any questions for me, whatever stage you may be in, let me know.
And, oh yes, I’ll be glad to tell you more about my own stories.
Linda
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Linda O. Johnston enjoys writing, romance, puzzles, and dogs. A former lawyer, Linda is now a full-time writer and has published 57 books—so far.
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Linda O. Johnston enjoys writing, romance, puzzles, and dogs. A former lawyer, Linda is now a full-time writer and has published 57 books—so far.
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What does a writer do between drafts of a story? Well, that depends.
I finished a first draft of my upcoming fourth story in my Shelter of Secrets series for Harlequin Romantic Suspense. It still needs some work, but it’s currently in the hands of my excellent beta reader.
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I’ve had a fun few weeks–including my usual writing. Plus, I heard that the Dog Writers Association of America, of which I’m a member, was looking for humorous articles for their upcoming issue of RUFF DRAFTS, their publication, so I of course had to submit a short article about how my puppy keeps me from concentrating on my writing by insisting that I play fetch with her while I’m sitting at the computer. Humorous?
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I recently got word that my next Alaska Untamed Mystery, CRY WOLF, number two in the series, is now scheduled for publication on November 7. I love the cover! And the series is the first in which I’ve taken a pseudonym: Lark O. Jensen.
It’s not my only remaining book this year. I was already aware that my Coltons of New York book for Harlequin Romantic Suspense is also a November release. CSI COLTON AND THE WITNESS is officially out on November 27.
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