Finding Silver Linings in
Silver Wishes
One of the attributes
required by an author is perseverance. My children’s chapter novel, Tails, Book
One, Silver Wishes Series, endured many pit stops over several years, before
finally becoming a book I was proud to share with the world.
I’ve realized
there is often a silver lining to be found in setbacks. Golden information
awaited me at the end of the rainbow. Yes, I had to trudge through trenches of
disappointment and rejection (strongly suspicious that the mud sticking to my
boots was tainted with a mixture of unicorn and troll poop). In retrospect,
valuable lessons were learnt that enriched my story or helped me grow as a
writer.
v
Verify that anyone
professionally assessing your manuscript has experience with your specific
genre, and they possess credentials that back up their claims (Literary Awards,
Work Experience, Testimonials from trusted sources). A non-fiction author
assessor is a mismatch for Children’s Fantasy; they may understand where the
commas go, but lack the skill set to understand the genre and readers’
expectations.
v
Believe in yourself and
your story.
v
If others let you down,
brush yourself off and find another way.
v
No one cares as deeply
as you do about your story so you need to make it happen.
v
Find a skilled editor in
your genre (structural as well as copy editing).
v
Assemble a team of beta
and proof-readers. You are too close to your work to pick up the errors.
v
Polish your manuscript
until the light shining off the pages blinds you – before pushing the ‘publish’
button.
v
Celebrate the birth of
your book!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Wendy Scott
has a New Zealand Certificate in Science (Chemistry), which allows her to
dabble with fuming potions and strange substances, satisfying her inner witch.
Wendy writes
fantasy and children’s novels.
One of the
creeds she lives by is to always – Live a life less ordinary!
Gold Medal
Winner: The Wishing Shelf Book Awards UK 2015.
Silver Medal
Winner: International Readers’ Favorite Book Awards 2016.
Finalist: The
Wishing Shelf Book Awards UK 2016.
Gold Quality
Marks: BooksGoSocial 2017.
Please visit
http://www.authorchildrens.com/ to learn more, read Wendy’s blog, sign up for her
newsletter, or to leave her a message. She loves hearing from readers.
Pen Names
Fantasy ~
Wendy Scott
Children’s ~
WJ Scott
Romance ~
Wendy Jayne
This tour sponsored by 4WillsPublishing Author Services!
