Publishing will be the first step in the process of actually doing something with my work - getting it seen by someone other than a close friend. I do have books out there, but they are compendiums of reviews and interviews that I have done in the Tarot world. Getting to the actual published product requires feedback of some kind. One way to do this is to join a critique group. I have not taken that step yet, and don't intend to with this book. I will have my book professionally edited, and will act on the editors suggestions. I have an idea that my voice will become stronger and more focused with the help of a good editor!
What else can I do to get feed back? I have been thinking about entering different levels of contests in my genre (mystery), just to have my work out there. I had not even considered that I would be getting some good feedback for my efforts. I will definitely be doing this!
The other thing that I have to start doing is to pay attention to the "how" of other writers. How are they writing? How are their presenting their characters POV? What is currently popular in my genre? How is the writing world changing? My aim is to be able to change with it in a very smooth fashion.
The year 2011 will see many changes for me - not the least of which will be having my first book published. (In the field of Tarot.) May each of my writer friends embrace their new year with passion and intent!
(c) December 2010 Bonnie Cehovet
