I remember what it was like back In 2003 when I dreamed of seeing my first romantic suspense novel in print. Today, so many ask the “What’s it like?” questions that I wondered if you might enjoy a look at the heart of a typical aspiring author and her persistent journey toward publication.

THE DREAM

We all have dreams right? My dad used to say, “You might as well dream big. They don’t cost anything.”

True–when you’re only dreaming. But venture out to achieve your dream, and the “cost” soon makes itself known.

So, what does it cost to become the author of a novel? Here is a small portion of what I’ve learned so far:

• reading tons of the kind of novels you long to write
• studying endless books, magazine articles, and CDs on writing (which, by the way, also cost $)
• investing in equipment (computer, laptop, software, etc) to produce editor-friendly manuscripts
• participating in local and online writers’ groups to share much-needed fellowship, information, and encouragement with others who understand your desire to write
• setting up an Internet presence–website, blog, facebook, and more
• attending writers’ conferences, seminars, and workshops to network and to learn from talented experts
• spending months–maybe years–getting to know your novel’s characters and learning how to capture them on the page through endless practice
• sitting long hours alone at your computer or laptop crafting your stories
• drinking deeply at the fountain of life’s inevitable joys and sorows, then praying for the words–and the courage–to pour out what you have learned for all the world to see
• laboring over your manuscript, writing and rewriting until your words sing on the page
• finding the courage to endure as you submit and resubmit your manuscript at writer’s conferences, online, and through the U.S. mail (if requested)–until your story finds a home.