I know as of lately I've been posting and promoting my books on this blog and I haven't really said much about myself. So, here's a little window into the way I write and a little advice that I've learned on my journey of becoming an author.
I've gotten many questions on how I write, how do I deal with it all (being a stay at home mother and a writer) and many other questions which I'll cover the best I can.
Well, first off I have rarely planed out what I'm going to write. The story comes and I write as it plays out in my mind. Yes, it a very unusual way to write and I've often thought that it was not the way "writers write" but it works for me. If I even try to plan things out the story still plays out a certain way in my mind, completely ruining those plans.
The nice part about this way of writing is that I grow excited everyday to write just to find out what's going to happen next. I never grow bored and I have yet to run into writers block. (Crossing my fingers now and knocking on wood).
The bad part, well there isn't really a bad part that I have run into, other than being judged by other authors thinking that you're doing everything wrong.
That's why if you're thinking about being a writer or if you're already doing your own thing, most understand that being a writer doesn't mean you have to follow by any rules. There are no real rules to being a writer. Do your own thing, if it works for you then don't let anyone tell you differently.
Even though I've been writing for just under a year I've learned so many things in a short amount of time. And I continue to learn with every book I write and with ever interaction I have with fellow authors, writers, readers, and editors.
I've learned that releasing that first book is intense, but every book afterwards gets easier, it's still exciting to put your work out there and get sales, but it isn't quite as intense as that first book you put out there.
Reviews are both a necessary evil and a blessing. I'm not going to lie or sugar coat that they can be heartbreaking. They can make you feel as if you're the worst writer on earth, but you have to learn from the bad, you also have to learn from the good. A thick skin is necessary in order to get past the bad reviews which I guarantee you will get somewhere along the line.
Never, never, never give up just because of these.
A word of advice towards those bad reviews, never, never reply to them. I've never made this mistake but I have seen others who have. I know sometimes it seems like a huge blow against you as a writer and you feel as if you have to defend yourself, but you have to let it go, take a deep breath, and like me and my husband do, laugh it off. (Especially, if it is a silly review that just leaves you stumped and confused)
You're never going to get everyone to like what you write, so don't even try.
A good tip I've given to others is if you do get that dreaded bad review, go check out a favorite book from a favorite author that you've read, now go to their worst reviews.
Read them.
You're not the only one who gets them. Even the best books have bad reviews.
Again, you can't make everyone happy.
Just do your own thing when it comes to writing. Dance to your own little dance and write something that you can be proud of.
That's what matters in the end. Ask yourself "Is this a book I can be proud of?"
Next, when you write and finish your book, re-read it. Read it over and over. Ask yourself "Did you like it? Was it something that you couldn't get enough of?" If you said yes, then more than likely your readers will think the same thing.
I've found myself reading books that I've written over and over just because I loved my own story so much. Again, that's where my style of writing fits in with its uniqueness.
Sometimes I step back and ask myself if I really just wrote that.
I'm constantly surprising myself.
Now, here's a kicker with me, unlike most authors who have others who have an editor, and an artist to do their cover art, some even have a little team to help them.
I am completely on my own.
You might be thinking that I'm crazy for doing it all on my own, and it takes a great deal of work in order to place myself into each position that I need to be (whether its the picky editor who has to distance myself from my work and critic every word, or to bringing out that inner artistic side to do my own covers) none of it is an easy task, but for me it is fulfilling to be able to step back and say I did it all myself. But that's just me, and while it might not work for most it works for me.
Now, onto a small secret about myself..........I use a pen name. (gasp)
Ok, now that that's out let me explain why I do this. I use a pen name in order to place myself into work mode per say. When I write I am Raven K. Asher, and when I'm not writing I'm just me. I don't use a pen name to hide, I use it to distance myself from well, ..........myself. Being a writer I need this because there isn't a time when my mind isn't running through a story (Even while I'm sleeping I dream of books I'm writing) and sometimes I feel as if I'm drowning. I need to be able to tell myself that I'm not working, that I'm just a mom.
It's also helpful when you get a bad review, you can tell yourself that it wasn't against you, it was against your pen name.
If you're on the ledge of whether or not to use a pen name I'd say go for it.
Another little tidbit about me is that I write to music, I edit in quiet, and I do my best cover art while watching a good TV show. (I know odd, but true)
There's nothing like finding that perfect song to write to. The funny part is whenever I listen to that certain song that I've written a book to that story floods back into my mind.
Now, on to me being a mom. (My primary job) Being a mother and a writer is a juggling act that I am proud to say that I've pretty much mastered. My kids are awesome, I am fortunate to be able to write with them in the same room. They are so much a part of my writing also, they always ask about what I'm writing. They just love the idea that I write. With my oldest going to school this year I don't quite know how things will change, but I'm sure things will work out.
This mommy knows though that I'm never too busy for a dance party while in the middle of writing. Sometimes a dance party is just what I need.
I've also been lucky enough to be blessed with such a supportive husband that pushed me into following my dream in the first place. Without him I would never have even written my first book. It's always good to have support like that even if its just from family.
Now, since I've gone on and on and hopefully I didn't lose most of you I'd like to say thank you for reading, thank you for being awesome, and thank you for the support you've all given.
My journey has just begun and I can't wait to see where it takes me.
Thank you,
Raven K. Asher
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