My first book came out in February of 2004. In fact, I had two books release that month.

A small romance from Heartsong Presents and an e-book from Writer’s Exchange.

In August, I left the corporate world to write full time.

And never looked back.

I was hopeful in August of 2004 for a budding writing career. I’d sold another Heartsong with a third on the horizon.

I’d also had interest in my chick lit from then Steeple Hill Cafe.

In September, two hurricane’s blew through our neck of the country. Frances then Jeanne.

While my husband cleaned up after Frances, I sat frantically writing the final chapters of Lambert’s Code in front of a fan, running on borrowed energy from our neighbor’s generator, and my hands were all sticky with dew and humidity.

But I finished that book.

You know, in some ways, every book faces it’s own opposition.

And we have to finish them anyway.

Now that I have a nine year perspective on publishing and full time novel writing, here are some things I’ve learned.

1. It’s amazing to do what I love for a living, er, I mean, get paid to do what I love. (Note to self: Add ‘earn living from writing’ to life long goals.) But seriously, all jesting aside, I’m so often humbled that I live my dream. I wanted to write books ever since I was a kid. How rare for people to do what they actually love to do. And get paid to do it. BLESSED!

2. Deadline made into two words is dead line. See the line? If you don’t make it you’re dead.

3. Reviewers have no idea that reading a book in 8 – 10 hours then writing a nominal to bad review of  my master piece — of which I devoted five months or more of my life to writing and yes, some tears may have been shed and for sure there were sleepless nights — is akin to smiling at a mother of a new born and telling her, “Some babies grow into their cuteness.” P.S. Anything less than 5 stars is a nominal to bad review.

4. The e-book world has changed everything for writers. Books are my assets! My legacy. Who knew? Backlists have new life in the e-world. I’m challenged to think differently about my work.

5. I don’t write ahead. Meaning, I get story ideas when I need them. I’m not sure I have a “book of my heart.” Deal with it.

6. Good relationships and a good reputation is imperative in publishing. Build them. Build good ones. Be sincere. Honest. Trustworthy. Don’t be a jerk. Ever.

7. Pick a genre and stick with it. Write, write, write. Prepare to be in it for the long haul.

8. Set aside money for your own promotion. Don’t be green and think you can buy you a new Beamer with our advance check. Or new underwear. Well, maybe underwear. But only one package of three. Budget the rest to buy some promo. 😉

9. You’ll think your writing is brilliant but no one else will. Not for one or two books anyway. I entered my first trade books in contests. Didn’t even final. Not one. Huh? What gives?

10. This is true. I promise. The Lord loves stories. He told stories to communicate His message all the time. I think He longs to partner with us to tell our stories and put then in the hands of people He wants to touch. His fragrance is in us and on our words. Don’t think your writing life is separate from your spiritual life. It’s not. Blend them in your mind and heart. He truly is with us. Granted, not every word is divinely inspired but He’s given us everything we need to write. And He let’s us do our job! I love that. I simply do. And it’s been evident over and over the last nine years. Walk YOUR walk. Not someone else’s. Follow YOUR yellow brick road and don’t compare. Amen. Let’s all stand and sing “Just As I Am.”

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Best-selling, award-winning author Rachel Hauck loves a great story. She excels in seeing the deeper layers of a story.

With a love for teaching and mentoring, Rachel comes alongside writers to help them craft their novel. A worship leader, board member of ACFW and popular writing teacher, Rachel is the author of over 17 novels. She lives in Florida with her husband and  dog.

Contact her at: Rachel@mybooktherapy.com. Her latest release is Once Upon A Prince. Go forth and write!

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