Since going the indie author route with my urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels, readers might assume I work alone dawn to dusk. While somedays it feels that way, and other days I wish it was that way, the truth is no one really does the publishing thing alone.

Writing groups and conferences help you find your writing voice and develop your skills in the writing craft. Once you have those things working well within the story you want to share with readers, it’s time to get writing.

There is no set, perfect way to write a book. Because no two writers are the same. While it might be nice if there was a simple task list (beyond getting words on the page) it isn’t going to happen. Paying attention to your process, discovering which hours are your most productive, what tools work, and what actions nourish you along the way will be most helpful.

An author friend of mine does extensive character background and plotting before she starts. I’ve tried her way, but it wrecked the process for me. I’m considered a pantser, (meaning I don’t plot) but really I’m a hybrid now. I start out writing fast and loose, then take a look at what I’ve discovered, whittle that down and aim for the ending I have in mind. (Yes there’s more to it, but you don’t want to know).

No matter how you get to the finished draft. It’s only the beginning.

Teamwork begins when the draft is done – or earlier if you’re working with critique partners. Trading feedback on works in progress is another system that works for some, but not all authors.

Once that draft is complete and polished to your best ability, it’s time to send it out to either beta readers or your first round with an editor.

Beta readers (who read paranormal romance novels, or your specific genre) can be a fabulous asset, letting you know if your book will resonate with readers, if you’ve left something out of the plot, if your characters are engaging. They might even point out continuity errors or typos.

An editor can address structure, pacing, grammar, and/or typos too. To give your book the best experience with an editor, do your best to clean up those little typos so your editor isn’t distracted from what you want them to be looking for.

Readers expect and deserve your best effort and all these extra eyes on your book, all this teamwork, helps improve not only your writing process, but the finished product you will deliver to readers.

And let me offer up a special THANK YOU to my team of beta readers and editors who have helped me bring each of my books to readers, from the non-fiction to the urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels!

Live the adventure!

Today I’m launching a new series based on my experiences in traditional and indie publishing. Over the next few Tuesdays, you’ll find posts about writing, publication, and marketing and how it takes a village (or at least a committed team) to get a book to readers these days.

Whenever I get the chance, I encourage people to find what they’re good at, and nurture it. We all have skills and strengths and experience. Learning what those skills and strengths are, using them well, sets us apart from the pack, no matter what we do.

“What are you writing when the words flow effortlessly? Go write that!” It was the question (and advice) posed to me at the very beginning of my fiction writing adventure. And it’s made all the difference as I’ve developed my craft into a career.

That one phrase from a wise published author set me free to follow the darkness lurking inside my imagination, resulting in my first sale: a paranormal romance novel. That sale led to the Shadows of Justice series. (Book 5, Shadows to Light, is now available).

Which brings me to my first point of teamwork for writers of paranormal romance novels or any genre: you need support from other writers.

You can’t write in a vacuum (though some days I’m inclined to try). That’s as true as the statement “You can’t edit a blank page”. While I have no intention (nor the ability) to follow Hemingway’s example of living out the story I want to write, writers need support to learn their craft.

Passion is inherent, and talent doesn’t hurt, but when it comes to writing for an audience you need to match consistent, persistent effort with education.

While the publishing industry is a fluid concept these days, what readers crave – a great read – will never change.

So to start building the team that will help you hone your writing craft as craft is the one thing you have the most control over and the one thing that makes readers return for another great read.

A writing class is good start and a writer’s group with people of various levels of expertise is invaluable.

I’ll forever treasure the authors and industry professionals I met at my local writer groups as well as at regional and national conferences who shared their knowledge and encouragement in equal measure.

Through those groups I made lifelong friends, found critique partners, met agents and editors, and learned everything from industry to formatting from the speakers at classes and retreats.

Most of all, those writing groups helped me identify my particular strengths and weaknesses and made me aware that while writing is an individual sport, I wasn’t alone with my doubts, insecurities or triumphs.

You can find writing groups online, through your local bookstore, or even through your local schools.

Live the adventure!

Looking at the production schedule I’ve planned for this year (and the paranormal romance novels on the agenda) it seems the perfect time to post about my friend, the alphie. (which is my admittedly uninspired name for my alphasmart NEO).

I absolutely love this tool for writing! Naturally there are the obvious reasons. It’s lightweight, easy on/off. Runs nearly FOREVER on three AA batteries. It’s durable and amazingly portable.

But mainly, I love my alphie because it’s the most effective tool for “writing forward” on any given project.

I should probably write a testimonial or even a new sales page for the Alphasmart website, but they’ve really have a nice site already. (Did I mention it’s affordable?)

It was during my first writer’s conference (Thank you Smoky Mountain Romance Writers!) that I was introduced to this simple marvel of technology. Three different authors were singing the praises of the alphie and how it kept them productive and on schedule. (there was even mention of writing while in the dentist chair! *g*)

As the marketing responsibilities increase for writers these days, it seems more imperative than ever for an unplugged way to write. Unless of course you have an iron will and can ignore the temptation of twitter and facebook.

Which leads me to ask – do you offer seminars?

Anyway, the classics of pen and paper are another good solution, but they don’t work for me because I type so much faster. When I try to write by hand, it turns into chicken scratch within a few lines because I’m trying to get everything onto the page too quickly.

Big surprise, to those of you who know me well.

Some authors can write so thoughtfully and effectively with pen and paper, but I’m not one of them. I like to let the ideas pour out fast and loose and then refine them as I work layer in the details of a scene or chapter.

It’s a process that’s served me well so far and I’m thrilled to tell you the alphie keyboard is getting a real workout in January as I progress on my current projects.

Look for books two and three in the Matchmaker series of paranormal romance novels coming this spring and I have a wonderful new surprise I hope to share with you soon!

Live the adventure!

p.s. If you haven’t yet voted for the Paranormal Romance Guild Reviewer’s Choice Awards, please stop by today! Voting is open through midnight on January 20th!

As we say farewell to 2011, I thought you might want to know what to expect from this paranormal romance author in 2012…

To ring in the New Year, I’m participating with The-Cheap.net in a special Thank You event just for Nook readers. On January 1st, you can visit the site and request a free ebook from me or one of the more than 40 authors participating.

I’m excited to join this great effort as the admins and fans on the Facebook page have been so warm and welcoming to me and my books. If you read via Nook be sure to visit The-Cheap.net on January 1st.

Now, what about the remaining 364 days of 2012?

Though I panicked a smidge when I wrote up my 2012 writing plan, I’m truly thrilled to announce you will soon see books two and three in the lighthearted paranormal romance novel Matchmaker series.

Our goal is back to back releases in March and April. You can look forward Grant and Maeve’s story followed by Cade and the only female on the planet sure to drive him crazy while they fall in love. Keep an eye out for titles, blurbs, and bonus short stories in the coming months.

There are also two more new series ideas in the works that I can’t wait to share with readers.

One is a new dark paranormal adventure set in New York City starring a knight from King Arthur’s Court. Oh, the possibilities are wonderful, let me assure you! The other series I’m eager to share is a contemporary romantic suspense series. Details will be available soon, but I can say it’s been interesting – and surprisingly fun – to write a book without any paranormal elements.

The Join the Adventure newsletter subscribers will continue to have first access to new releases as well as exclusive short stories and behind the scenes details when the monthly newsletter resumes in January 2012.

Thanks again for your support and as always…

Live the adventure!

Reminder, December 31 is the last day for the Year of the Indie Celebration at WoMen’s Literary Cafe!

With all the recent repairs going on around here, I’ve been forced to re-examine the original wish list we made when we moved in to this house 12 years ago. Looking back, I realize just how many changes this house and our family has seen…

This house was where I discovered I could write novels. Then we discovered I excelled at paranormal romance novels. When I made my first sale (Justice Incarnate) and we started mapping my career goals, we dreamed up numbers and all the things we’d accomplish with each subsequent sale.

It was a standard sort of list. We wanted to eliminate debt. We considered a few home improvements that included a dedicated office just for me. We wanted to boost the college fund.

Well, as happens with life, our circumstances changed and we had to adapt.

Some things got put off. Upgrades became hopes instead of real goals and my career took a back seat when our daughter suffered health problems during my husband’s year-long deployment with the Army.

By the time I was ready to get back in the publishing game, the whole industry was changing. Revisiting the proposals from previous years I knew they weren’t going to cut it and my action packed thrillers with an edge of paranormal romance were too much of a risk for traditional publishers.

I faced a choice. Become a greeter at Wal-mart or step boldly into the unknown and take my career in a new direction.

Then my back injury narrowed my options even more.

So I took the chance, reclaiming the rights to my original two books and short stories in the Shadows of Justice series and moved forward. Who knew it would be such an odd and crazy journey…

Finding a cover artist was only the first step. Going indie meant revamping my website and learning how to increase my visibility online. It meant seeking out my target audience, honing my message for readers, and through it all, writing like the wind to get more books to those readers.

Are you wondering how it’s working out?

Thanks to my marketing team, the site is ranking well in searches and the newsletter list is growing each month.

Since going indie I’ve added three novels and a few short stories to the 2096 world as well as launched an entirely new series. The Matchmaker’s Mark is far more lighthearted than the Shadows of Justice world, but so far, it’s equally popular with my readers.

In addition, I’ve developed two non-fiction titles. The Adopt a Greyhound Guide was brought to market to boost awareness and funds for retired greyhounds  and the volunteer groups dedicated to the cause. The second non-fiction is designed to motivate and encourage writers: Goal Setting for Writers, Making Revisions work in Life and Art.

It’s been gratifying to offer well-crafted, well-packaged ebooks and paperbacks directly to readers who have pushed my titles to the top of the charts in ghosts (Amazon free), Dog breeds (Amazon), paranormal romance (Smashwords), and action adventure (Smashwords) in 2011.

Readers, I’m so grateful to YOU!

I look forward to meeting new readers in 2012 with the release of the next two paranormal romance novels in the Matchmaker series as well as a brand new, contemporary series.
And who knows, maybe one of these days I’ll get my dedicated office…at least I’ve learned through experience it needs to be sound proof so I don’t always have to write to the soundtrack of video game gunfire.

Live the adventure!

December is always busy, no matter who you are or how you celebrate (or choose not to celebrate).  As a paranormal romance author, this December was particularly busy with the release of Shadows to Light, the fifth book in the Shadows of Justice series.

Personally, there’s the task of addressing the retail side of my career in December, along with the joy and details of family time with Christmas and New Year’s as well as my wedding anniversary. (21 years, today, thank you very much)

The holidays offer so many distractions and traditions, it’s quite a bit for anyone to deal with. Even an alpha female paranormal romance author like me who loves to spend time with her fictional characters. Which is just one more reason I’m so glad for my amazing husband who listens when I vent about reality as well as fiction. He’s the best!

It’s also my 2nd anniversary as an indie author! I’ve never put out three brand new books in a year, but that’s what happened in 2011 and my husband was a big part of our success.

It’s wonderful to be able to share not only the writing process with him (he helps me brainstorm) but the marketing and planning too. He hung in there when I went a bit nutty prepping for my first blog tour (featuring Tracking Shadows), he stayed calm in the face of the planning when we launched the new, much lighter paranormal romance novel The Matchmaker’s Mark (a new series), and he stuck it out in recent weeks with the Shadows to Light release that coincided with the holidays and even more changes in publishing.

The Holiday season is naturally a time for me to say thanks to those who’ve been so helpful. Many, many thanks to everyone, from the unflagging support of my family to the new connections I make with amazing authors and reviewers, to the astounding guidance and wisdom of my marketing team.

But most of all, THANK YOU readers for making my second year as an indie author another fantastic experience!

I hope you’ll stay tuned for all the new ideas and fun I have planned for readers in 2012! (before the end of the world, of course). In the meantime…

Live the adventure!

Be sure to stop by the Year of the Indie Celebration for the wonderful reader event that’s open through December 31!

Hooray for Christmas Eve! Today is a wonderful start to the holiday week and it’s a relief to say this paranormal romance author finally got her act together, nailed the to-do list, and is ready for some holiday joy and relaxation!

As a bonus for readers, today also marks the beginning of a brand new event hosted by the Women’s Literary Cafe featuring over 100 authors and books for the Year of the Indie Celebration!

Readers can visit, buy any 3 books and choose a 4th book absolutely FREE! With titles spanning all genres and special hashtags at twitter to follow the participating authors and readers, this is a week of fun you will definitely want to check out ASAP!

It’s my pleasure to offer Tracking Shadows, book 4 in the Shadows of Justice series for this event. I’m partial to Tracking Shadows because it features Slick Micky (the notorious Chicago smuggler) as he meets his match in alpha female and renowned assassin, Trina in order to unravels a nasty takeover attempt.

Slick Micky was one of my favorite heroes to write because everyone *thinks* they know him, and yet the truth is buried beneath a tough, elusive exterior. Trina, with her ability to create hallucinations, was also a blast to write, especially since she’s gunning for Slick Micky as a matter of vengeance long overdue.

Please come on over and see the authors who have listed their books with this promotion just for readers at the Year of the Indie Celebration!

If you’re on twitter, look for these hashtags to help spread the word and keep up with the fun: #YearofTheIndiesWLC #WLCBookEvent #WLC

Wishing all of you a very happy holiday season and always…

Live the adventure!

When Nat invited me to the Reading Romances Challenge, I thought “perfect!” Not only do I primarily write paranormal romance novels, but I love to read romances across many genres. Years ago, I tried to write straight mystery/thrillers. But I just couldn’t leave out that romantic connection.

Depending on the series or genre, the romance in my novels might be of varying degrees, but I’m a sucker for a team effort on any adventure, so I’ve never really gotten completely away from the romantic elements. And looking at this team effort for reading – cool!

When I read Nat’s post that the “Reading Romances Challenge is not about the amount of books you read, but the variety of titles you’ll have read when the challenge is over!” I knew this was a great challenge for me. The primary goal is to read a bit of everything related to romance and test out genres we wouldn’t usually read.

Let’s broaden those reading horizons! If you’d like to join us on this challenge, here are the guidelines. It’s a fun thing, no pressure, but rather a great way to connect with other voracious readers.

Join the 2012 challenge

Challenge Guidelines:

1. The 2012 Reading Romances Challenge will run from Jan 1, 2012 – Dec 31, 2012.
2. Anyone can join, you don’t need to have a blog. Feel free to sign-up in the comments – you can post reviews to any book site (i.e. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Smashwords, Goodreads, Librarything, Shelfari etc).
3. I’ll post a list of romance sub-genres and a few cool themes for you to choose from each month (you can read all of them or just a couple).
4. You can list your books before reading them (by leaving a comment on the post with the topics for that month) or just put them in a wrap-up post. If you list them, don’t feel obligated to read them, changes are welcomed!
5. When you sign up in the linky, put the direct link to your post about joining the Reading Romances Challenge. If you don’t have a blog, please link it to the page where you post your reviews (Goodreads, Shelfari, Amazon etc).
6. You don’t have to participate every month, but please try to!
7. Sign-ups will be open until Dec 15, 2012, so feel free to join at any time throughout the year.

• I will never tell you to read one specific author, but I might suggest a few titles and authors to give you some ideas.
• You can read the same author more than once and the books can be old or new, but they must be read during the course of the challenge.
  
• Books used in this challenge may be used in other challenges.
• Books can be in any format – paper, audio, ebook.
• Post the button to post on your sidebar, this way others can find their way back to this post and join in the fun!

At the beginning of each month there will be a roundup post for you to add your reviews for that month. If you forget, feel free to add your reviews in the following month. It can be something simple and short, please don’t worry about it!

There will also be random giveaways during the year for everyone who is actively participating on the challenge. There might be special giveaway by the end of the year for those who read all (or most of) the topics during each month.

I hope you’ll consider joining this great team of readers for a little fun and camaraderie in the reading world next year! (just click on the challenge image above to sign up)

Live the adventure!

It’s hard to believe we’re only a few days from another Christmas and 2011 is nearly complete – amazing but true. Between the release of three new paranormal romance novels, blog events, and meeting so many new readers this has been a phenomenal year.

Those of you who have joined the adventure newsletter group have been a wonderful inspiration and I appreciate all the beta reads, reviews, and recommendations you’ve given to Tracking Shadows, The Matchmaker’s Mark, and now Shadows to Light.

New from Regan Black

It was a newsletter subscriber who actually titled Shadows to Light (thank you, Nikki) and another winner from the blog tour who had the restaurant in Shadows to Light named after her (thanks, Leanore).

As we go into 2012 I’m making some changes around the website (before the world ends, you know).  ;)

Visitors can look forward to more guest authors and book features in 2012 as I want this to be a place for fans to feel at home, keep up with what’s new with me, as well as discover great reads from other authors.

There will still be plenty of world building and industry posts. And I’ll add more to the writer’s life collection of posts because going behind the scenes can be so very entertaining. Or embarrassing. Either way, it should be amusing for all of us.

For those of you who want to keep up with the retired greyhound news, you’ll find those posts at the Adopt A Greyhound website now. Since we’ve put the fundraising Adopt a Greyhound Guide on kindle, we want greyhound rescue and adoption groups as well as new readers to find all the details in one place.

If you’re looking for gifts for readers who enjoy action packed paranormal novels, consider gifting books – mine or another of your favorite author’s – sharing a book you’ve enjoyed is a wonderful way to connect with friends and family.

Live the adventure!

Years ago, on the advice of other productive authors, I invested in an alphasmart NEO so I could write anywhere, anytime. While I’m waiting for the kids, a doctor appointment, car maintenance, or whatever else may otherwise interfere with my ideal daily writing progress for my paranormal romance novels.

Usually, during these waiting periods, I can tune out most noise and distractions. I just dive into the paranormal romance novel or short story and enjoy the bonus time with my characters. Even with the later, heavier edits, even if it’s just brainstorming, writing while I wait always makes me feel productive and always moves the story forward.

During a recent visit to the shop for an oil change, I’ve discovered there are indeed limits that impede said progress. Obstacles. Chaos. It started with the tv in the waiting area set to People’s Court at the maximum possible volume. The case involved a few Jersey Shore wannabes…and well, that’s not really the point, is it?

My ipod couldn’t drown it out.

Add in the other kind, chatty patrons who assumed my ear buds were just decoration and my tapping at the alphasmart was merely an exercise to keep my fingers nimble.

And we can’t overlook the absolutely adorable three year old. She distracted me on two counts, she was cute, but she was also loud. In a good way, but combined with the People’s Court and the chatty folks, it was too much for my paranormal romance novel.

It might’ve been more bearable if my back wasn’t screaming and I wasn’t feeling the ticking of every second as opportunity lost for my daily word count goal.

When I got back home and uploaded the alphasmart file to my computer I found this rather sudden departure from Mira’s paranormal romance novel in progress:

“How long does it take for an oil change anyway? Gee I hope that’s my van they just pulled up. I can’t quite see… but if any benevolent being is smiling on me today, it IS my van and when I get inside, I’ll be so grateful for the simple quiet, I might just take the long way home to let my ears heal.”

To all my readers anticipating the paranormal romance novel featuring Mira, I can assure you that bit has been edited out, or at least modified to fit an appropriate waiting room in 2096.

Live the adventure!