So, with KT working her editing magic, my book baby is out of my hands for a couple of weeks. I know I should probably be using the downtime to do something productive like come up with a design concept for the cover. But screw it, I’ve earned a break.
I’m about to drop a small fortune on e-book downloads and enjoy slipping into someone else’s fantasy world for the next several hours days. Not just for escapism and entertainment purposes, but there’s also an educational component to my imminent status as a couch potato as well. Because, seriously, there is no better way to know the ins and outs of the genre you are writing in than to actually sit down and read it. In mass quantities. With the occasional bowl of ice cream.
I’m not trying to downplay the usefulness of writing podcasts, craft books, coffee shop workshops, critique groups, and actual writing classes. At this point, I’ve tried all of the above. But for me, I can honestly say that two things have helped me improve my writing game the most:
- Hiring a great editor. I’ve learned a tremendous amount from every round of professional editing I’ve experienced so far. (Props, KT.)
- Romance novels. They are my textbooks, and the badass ladies who write them are my teachers. That’s the truth, y’all.
Now, I’m gonna stop rambling. I need to continue my education…