With TEXAS BLUE in April
I’m releasing my 31st book and my 24th Historical
Romance.(My book video for TEXAS BLUE is out today)
I’ve been a National Bestseller since my third book and on the USAToday
and NYTimes lists since book 16. I have the Harmony Series going
in mainstream fiction and sales are equaling my historical sales already. As a
bestseller in two running series, I’m being asked over and over what the secret
is and I’ve given it some thought.
A few years ago a writer visited Amarillo to give a speech. She said, “I’m
excited to be in the hometown of Jodi Thomas for here must be very rare air
indeed.”In one way she was right. Writers do develop in rare air, but not pure
air. Most people who make their living writing have stumbled, tumbled until they
are covered with scars. The bumps they took molded them into what they are as
writers far more than simply talent did.
First, those who succeed, treat writing as a profession. Writing is only
half the game, the business of writing is the other half. A woman asked me if
she should take a class. (She didn’t feel she needed one, after all she’d just
finished writing her first book) I suggested she take the Writing Academy. In
one week she could learn the bones of the business. When she e-mailed back that
she didn’t have time, I answered, ‘People who only study writing and never the
business have a great hobby. Writers who study both have a career. To check out
the Writing Academy click here. Give us a week, we’ll change your life.
Second, writing for me isn’t my profession. It’s my life. I don’t just
write. I am a writer. Sometimes I think I got it backward in this life. No
matter what happens in the real world, I’m making notes for the fiction world.
Third, love what you do. Someone asked me if I’d still be writing after
twenty years if I’d never sold. Yes, definitely. I’m not so sure I’d be
rewriting or editing though. I have a feeling when I’m a 100 years old and they
roll me out into the sunshine for a few hours, I’ll be sitting there smiling
because there will still be a story dancing in my head.
To readers, thank you for coming along on my travels with me whether it’s back
in Texas history or to a small town called Harmony. To writers…write on. Write
when you’re happy and the sun is shining and write when you are exhausted and
it’s stormy in your life. Write because that’s what you do. A writer writes.
Jodi Thomas
www.jodithomas.com
www.facebook.com/JodiThomasAuthor
6 comments posted.
I have enjoyed many of your books. I appreciate your insights regarding being a writer.
(Maria Munoz 11:35am March 27, 2011)
I must confess I'm not familiar with your books, but after reading all of your accolades, I'll have to read your latest book for sure!! The tips you've given are much more thorough than any author who ever graced these pages before, and I appreciate that, as I'm sure many other budding authors do. Congratulations on your new book. I love the cover, too!!
(Peggy Roberson 8:49pm March 27, 2011)
A writer can't help but write to explain those things swirling around in the mind and make some order out of them or not. Thanks for the tips.
(Alyson Widen 9:41am March 28, 2011)
I loved your post - thanks for sharing your thoughts and for providing so much entertainment with your books.
(Karen Cherubino 2:42pm March 28, 2011)
I was out all day Sunday or would never have missed your blog. And, after reading it, I have an even greater appreciation ( and it is GREAT!) for your writing. It's no wonder your books continue to keep us all intrigued. Love everyone I've read. You are fortunate to have a "job" you love & as I said before, it shows!
(Jean Merriott 1:07am March 29, 2011)