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| Ann Collins author of PROTECTING JENNIE How did it feel to become published? AC: It felt wonderful, a validation of seven years of hard work. It was also a relief, because I was finally going to make back some of the money I'd spent in pursuit of my dream of publication. Selling my novel was also the greatest confidence builder there is. Writers often suffer from self-doubt, and I am no exception. If you could teach aspiring writers one thing, what would it be? AC: I can't limit my answer to one thing. My advice is the following: Learn everything you can. Be patient. Work hard. Read a lot. Trust your own instincts, but listen well to the constructive criticism offered by others. Go to writers' conferences and RWA chapter meetings. Never give up. Best advice given or taken? AC: A British woman, a writer that I met in Japan, gave me a wonderful piece of advice. I often remind myself of it. She said I should think in small increments -- scenes or chapters -- rather than about the entire book, which is too overwhelming. Have you ever worked with a mentor, critique group, or writing/plotting partner? AC: I have had experience with critique groups, as well as with a writing coach who helped me with a mystery book project. Currently, I am working with a critique partner who lives out of state. She helped me with the proposal for my romance-work-in-progress and months later read the full manuscript, which was my fourth draft of the book. Is your life anything like the romances you write? AC: I tend to put adventure in my books because I like adventure in my life. I like seeing new places, meeting new people and learning new things. It makes life so much more interesting. Fun, too. |
 Protecting Jennie Harlequin Historical Romance December 2000 ISBN 0-373-29142-6 © 2000 by Harlequin Enterprise Ltd. ® and TM are trademarks of the publisher. Check out Ann's website by clicking here! |
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