Always Learning

Yesterday was my birthday, and I asked my husband for an unusual gift. This time of year, there are so many beautiful sweaters and slippers and holiday dresses and gloves with little buttons...so you might be surprised that I chose...

A class.

That's right. An online class on the craft and structure of writing. I've already plowed through half the videos and downloaded half the lesson PDFs, and I've learned so much. I mean, sure, I know how to write...right? I've published seven books with Harlequin and dozens of other books, so I know how to get from Chapter One to The End.

That doesn't mean I know everything.

Not. Even. Close.

I still have a lot to learn about writing a compelling book that will keep its promise to readers and keep them up late. As I continue to write and publish, I owe myself and my readers a quality experience that doesn't get stale or lazy. I can always write better. Do you know how I know this? I read books every day that are written by other authors whom I admire. And...dangit...I swear they're all better than mine. The other Heartwarming authors? They've got more heart. Romantic Suspense writers? They've got more nerve. Thriller writers? They've got the plotting magic I can only dream of.

My favorite two things to do, in no particular order, are to read and to write. I can't put them in order because they're intertwined. The more I read, the more I know I can be a better writer. I'm never going to stop learning. So, while eating leftover cake, I'm furiously taking notes along with my online class instructor, and it's wonderful! This may be my best birthday gift yet!

My editor called me last week to offer another two-book contract with Heartwarming. In Love with the Firefighter will have a sequel! That news alone helped motivate me to want to deliver the very best books I can write. Let's go!

Comments

  1. Congratulations on your new contract--and your class! What a good idea that is. And now I'm thinking... Oh, and Happy Birthday, too.

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  2. Yay! Congrats on the new contract. So exciting :)

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  3. Amie, you’re so,right when you say we can never stop learning how to get better...no matter what we do. Congratulations on your contract!!

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  4. Very happy about your new contract--and I think asking for class is such a great idea. Hope you have a wonderful birthday.

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  5. I'm someone who thought your books were great before your class. But glad you like it so much and looking forward to sequels. Sounds as if you had a happy birthday.

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  6. Yeah! Great news. I'm thiking I want to take a class too.

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  7. Amie, Happy belated birthday and huge congratulations on your new contract! I feel exactly the same way as you! Reading and writing are so intertwined for me. And it seems like the more books I write, the less I realize I know. I like those classes, too. I've taken a few really great ones. Have fun!

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  8. What a fabulous idea!! I take a lot of classes, but I never thought of asking for that as a gift. And congratulations on your contract! How exciting!!!

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  9. Hope it was a wonderful birthday and that you're enjoying the class. It's such fun to find new ways of looking at things. Loved the book, and can't wait for the sequels.

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  10. Thanks for the birthday wishes, everyone! I have eaten too much cake, and now I have to be serious and get down to the business of writing.

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  11. Happy birthday, congratulations, and I think it's a great idea! Have fun! :)

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  12. I like the idea of a class - too much "stuff" in the house anyway. Congratulations.

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