by Michelle Sass Aleckson, @MchelleAleckson
So you want to be a writer.
This website is a great place to be if you do. You’re going to need a spirit of learning and a whole bunch of perseverance. But writing a novel doesn’t just include coming up with a great story. There’s so much more. If you want to be a successful novelist there’s a few other hats you’re going to wear too.
Marketing guru: not only are you going to need to write novels, you need to advertise your novels and reach readers. That means you will need to spend time connecting with potential readers. You have a variety of social media options. While you don’t have to master them all, you should become proficient at a couple. Also, take some time and home in on what makes you and your stories unique. Develop a brand, a recognizable style that fits your personality and your genre and use that in all your marketing.
Website designer: yes, you need a website. In this techy age, that’s where people are going to look when they hear about you. They want to see the person behind the story. Use that same brand you decided on above—think fonts, color scheme, mood. There are free platforms, some more user friendly than others. And you don’t need a lot of content, but it should look professional and up to date.
Networker: writing might be a solitary act, but you don’t get far without networking within the publishing world. Get to know other writers, editors, agents. Conferences and writer groups are great places to do so. Find local writer organizations or guilds. There are national groups, online groups, as well as local chapters. And get to know other rookie writers too, especially in your genre. Finding a troupe of comrades will be one of the best investments you can make. You’ve chosen a difficult profession and will need their encouragement from time to time. Believe me. The sting of rejection, the frustration of waiting, the confusion…no one “gets it” like another writer! And there’s no one who will cheer louder and revel in your victories too.
Small Business Owner: if you write books and sell books consider yourself a small business owner and that means you’re going to need to learn a few things about financing. When you get to the point of having a contract or self-publishing your novel, look into your state tax laws, what it takes to establish a business, decide how you will keep your book money separate from your personal finances. Again, this is when knowing other writers who have done this before comes in handy. They can often point you in the right direction.
If you go the self-publishing route, there’s even more hats to wear (or if you have the money, you can hire out.) You’ll need to learn about formatting, printing, cover design, and more.
It’s a little overwhelming to think of the multifaceted novelist job. But many writers often find another niche in the novel writing business as they establish themselves. You might stumble upon some new skills and find a way to market them too. Love making graphics? Editing? Teaching? Do you dream of starting a podcast? Making videos or setting up websites? You might just have found a sweet little side-gig! A new passion you hadn’t considered.
So don’t be discouraged, dear writer, but do be informed! Being a novelist is a great career.
The problem with being related to everyone in town is that there is no one left to date…until now…but will this outsider survive his family?
Former soldier Veronica “Ronnie” Morales isn’t going to let her kid brother, Tiago, get pulled into the gangs of Minneapolis, so, seeking safety and a fresh start, she heads to sleepy Deep Haven on the north shore of Minnesota. She’s hoping to put down roots as the paramedic for the new Crisis Response Team, but it’s not easy to be the town outsider.
Fire Chief Peter Dahlquist is a peacemaker—he has to be. After he’s related to both of the Deep Haven dynasties – the Zimmermans and the Dahlquists, Deep Haven’s version of the Hatfields and the McCoys. Worse, Peter is the holdout vote for a landmark project, which also makes him the loneliest guy in town when both sides demand that he pick sides. The only one who seems to understand his plight is the newcomer in town…his pretty, street-tough paramedic.
When Tiago finds himself caught up in small town shenanigans and the town blames Ronnie for tragedy, Peter is forced to pick sides. But will his choice cost him the home—and the woman—he loves?
Up for PREORDER now! Releases May 25, 2021
After growing up on both the east and west coasts, Michelle now loves living the country life in central Minnesota with her own hero and four children. She rocks out to 80’s music on a Saturday night, enjoys playing board games, and is a hopeless romantic. And if you’re wondering, yes, Sass is her maiden name.