As an extremely active member of the Smoky Mountain Romance Writers, she entered all the contests they sponsored. After being a finalist in several of them, she won one that bragged Erin Niumata as the final round judge. Erin offered her a contract as soon as the book was finished and the rest is history.
Donna now has four books with Avalon/Montlake called the TENNESSEE: LOVE series. She has spoken at the Romance Writers of America® National conference, and several other conferences and chapter meetings.
Donna's Advice:
The Cautionary Tale by Donna Wright
I was once asked that if I could give new writers advice, what it would be. I think that there are 2 pieces of advice that I would like to share. I hope that someone will benefit from my experience.
First, Be careful.
I can’t stress this enough. Let me explain why. There are several choices writers can make that can damage their careers. First, be careful who you do business with. If you have been offered a contract with and agent, check her out. Compare her contract with others. Is this agency trying to charge you anything up front? No? Then, they pass the first test. But, make sure you have all your ducks in a row, you’ve done your research and you are going into the relationship with your eyes open.
Be careful what you say and to whom you say it. If you have a beef with someone in the business, keep it among friends. That doesn’t mean all your Facebook friends. It means keep your business your business. Publishing is a small community and everyone knows everyone. Maybe today you aren’t looking for a contract with New York, but plans change. If you look at the face of publishing today it doesn’t look remotely like it did ten years ago. Who knows what it will be another ten years? Cover yourself by keeping your cards close to the vest. Lastly, with all this talk of what publishing is like today, know your industry. It changes almost by the minute. Whatever you decide to do whether it is New York, indie publishing, or finding an agent go into it with your eyes open. Bottom line: Know your stuff.
And the other piece of advice:
NEVER QUIT WRITING. NEVER GIVE UP.
I hope you find these thoughts helpful. And, I wish you all the best in writing.
ABOUT DONNA'S SERIES:
The Tennessee: Love Series by award-winning author Donna Wright takes place in the small fictional city of Ft White, TN.
In book one; we meet two attorneys who are fighting the biggest custody battle in the state. After much ado they realize the child is really a pot bellied pig, Joey. This little guy appears in all four books and keeps the reader laughing while playing match maker.
For More About Donna Wright: http://donnawrightsbooks.com
Please welcome Donna to Sweet Not Spicy by leaving a comment below.
Welcome TO Sweet Not Spicy, Donna. Your series sounds cute, with the pot belly pig!
ReplyDeleteMorgan Mandel
http://www.chicklitfaves.com
Morgan, thanks so much for having me! I am so excited to be here! My books are a little different. The pig, Joey, actually started out as a dog. But, the more the group of authors I was with kicked the idea around, the pig just really became the way to go.
ReplyDeleteDonna :)
That's excellent advice, Donna. On one of my writer's loop (I'm a writer also) we've been discussing the changes in the industry and how quickly ebooks have grown in the last few years. Certainly your comment about "Who knows what it will be like in another ten years?" is right on. Thanks for sharing your experience, and best wishes on your series!
ReplyDeleteCarolynn, you are so right. It's almost like those signs states use on the interstate: BE ALERT! DON'T GET HURT! I like the extra N on your name. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for comment!
Donna
Donna:
ReplyDeleteI've read several of your books and laughed all the way through them. And you offer some really good advice.
Has your publisher thought about offering the books in a box set. I've teen talking with several authors who have had great luck with those.
I loved Joey. On day while driving to my mom's house I saw this little pot belly pig chasing a butterfly out in the field and stopped to watch him. They truly have a lot of personality.
I'll be waiting for your next book!!
Write on,
Teresa R.
Teresa, thanks so much! I remember speaking in KY and getting to meet you. I really appreciate your comments. Yes, Joey has his own personality too. It all works since the couples in these stories seem to need him to get together!
ReplyDeleteDonna
Donna,
ReplyDeleteWonderful advice, thank you.
Margot Justes
www.mjustes.com
Thanks, Margot! I enjoyed writing this article.
DeleteDonna
Great advice!
ReplyDeleteLoved the books, too!
TG, I appreciate you stopping by! Glad you enjoyed the books and the article.
DeleteDonna
Hi, Donna. I am an ex-Avalon author, too. Your series sounds humorous and clever, and I wish you good luck with it.
ReplyDeleteLinda, so great to hear form you! Please feel free to "like" my Facebook page at FACEBOOK/AUTHORDONNAWRIGHT. Would love to talk to you more.
DeleteDonna :)
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI really loved this highly humorous, engaging story. The storyline is unique and very entertaining.
ReplyDeleteVikki, thanks so so much. Please pick up the other books, you'll enjoy Joeys other tales too!
Deletedonna
Tonight is my last night on the blog! Thanks so much, Morgan, for having me! I have loved being here.
ReplyDeleteDonna :)