Things an author needs to know!

Now that I am retired there are things that never occurred to me until I could write on a regular basis and my book was published. I want to share them with anyone who writes.

1. A comfortable chair is a necessity especially with the amount of hours you sit in front of a computer or typewriter.

2. Since an author's time is limited, you need to learn chair exercises to keep in shape and to avoid weight gain.

3. Do not be discouraged when you sit down to write and it takes hours or days for the creativity to kick in.

4. Develop a thick skin because everyone will have an opinion about your writing style, book cover, and anything else.

5. Develop a thicker skin because you will be rejected on a number of different levels.

6. When your book is published, do not fret over the errors--it happens to the best.

7. You received your first royalty check. You cannot wait to open it. You blink, there must be a mistake. The check will barely cover the cost of dinner. The reality hits--do not quit your day job!

8. Your book is published and suddenly you feel as if you have won the lottery. You begin to hear from relatives and friends you have not heard from in years. Why? They want a "free" book.

9. Your first book is accepted and published. You finish the second book and the only guarantee you have is that you think you understand the process enough to get it published.

10. Do not worry about whether anyone will like your book, your concern will be whether anyone will "buy" your book. That is when your role changes from author to salesperson, publicist, book agent, and promoter.

I am sure other authors have more that they can add to this list. I hope I brought a smile to your face. I write because it is my passion. It has nothing to do with fame, stardom, or fortune. Be encouraged!!!