Author Guest Post and Giveaway: C. Lee McKenzie on Writer Misconceptions

C. Lee McKenzie is the author of The Princess of Las Pulgas. I'm pleased to have her here today to talk about a very interesting topic. I asked her, 'what are some common misconceptions people have about writers?'

"This is a tough topic because I have no idea what other people’s misconceptions are about writers. I do have the memory of my own misconceptions. Before I started writing novels, when someone would say, “I’m a writer” I used to lump them into this package of spectacled-tweed attired-intellectuals. But since I’ve met many writers in person and had the chance to talk to them about all things (writing, hobbies, family, life in general) I discovered that they are as diverse a population as any I can imagine. Since I had this misconception, it’s likely that others have similar ones.

Another misconception I used to have was that writing was a natural talent. While talent helps and is certainly important, practice is just as important. There are a lot of talented writers out there who never stick with the task of finishing or following through to publication. I recently read this quote by Richard Bach: “ A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” That’s the truth.

If you write one book and publish it, then you can write others and have them published too. Huge misconception. Some of us have one book inside us. Others have many. Some have the stamina and the desire to continue after book one and others say, “That’s enough.” I’m in awe of writers who produce hundreds of good books, and I wonder how many I’ll be able to write and see through the process.

One thing is sure about this writing business. No two books are created alike. That’s another misconception that went flying out the window after I entered into this career. I assumed I’d write book two using the same strategies as I did for book one. That absolutely did not happen."

*GIVEAWAY*

I have one new copy of this book to give away to one lucky U.S. Google Friend Connect follower. Please comment below with your e-mail address if you'd like to win. You can earn one extra entry by spreading the word via Twitter, blog post, etc. Please leave the link for that in a separate comment. The giveaway will end on January 27th. Good luck!