1)
I needed beta/critique
partners.
I sent my first draft to publisher. (I know
I know…) I was isolated in China and had NO CLUE on how many times you should
re-read, edit, re-read a draft before you hand it off to a beta/critique
partner to do the same. Then work through their feedback, re-read and do it all
again before you even think about sending your work in.
2)
Scrivener
This is a writing program, and at this
point I don’t think I could write without it. I plot and have an outline but I
have a constant rush of ideas when I’m not “writing” (aka working on the story)
Scrivener gives me some place to put those notes. It allows me to label and
shuffle chapters easily. It keeps everything on one screen for easy access (all
my chapters, research, character sketches, world building, notes, summaries,
POVs, etc.).
3)
Character Sketches
These usually include: physical
description, background, family situation, milestone experiences, internal
motivation, external motivation, conflicts, relationships to others, and other
basic information. Understanding the characters is a no brainer but a character
page allows you to keep all the little details straight if you write another
book with the same character. I live with characters sometimes for years but I
like knowing their birthdates, eye color, and internal conflicts at a glance.
4)
Publishing is more
than writing
When a publisher invests in you
there are things you can do to help ensure they see a return on their time and
money. You need to maintain a presence on Facebook, Twitter, Insta-gram, Pinterest,
Redbubble, etc. (Facebook and Twitter are no problem for me). Having a blog and
a website helps you interact with readers and allows them to find out more
about you and about your work. (This takes blood, sweat and tears for me to do
this one). Then there’s promotion which is tough to do because it feels like
you’re saying buy my book again and again > which you are but I’ve learned
to do is really share pieces of myself, the story, my process, and extras that
have gone into beloved characters. You need to consider attending conventions,
writing retreats, festivals, Pride, etc. so people can meet you in person. The
writing part is easy… it’s the sharing that can be work.
5)
Branding
My love describes Z. Allora as who I am when
I’m my absolute self. Meaning a 13-year old boy who loves penises, bunnies,
sex, and a beret wearing LGBTQ warrior ready to throat punch at a giggle’s
notice. When a reader picks up a Z. Allora book they know it’s going to be a
yaoified romance with lots of sex, fluffy deliciousness, and a happily ever
after. I think branding who you are is essential because buying a book is a
contract between the reader and the author. You want know if you’re on the same
page with someone or not. Branding gives that information.
The Great Wall
Blurb:
Destiny will be decided by a battle between heart and mind….
Jun Tai “Styx” Wong loves two things: playing the drums and
his best friend, Jin. But being a good Chinese son means he can’t have
either—he’ll have to marry a girl of his parents’ choosing and settle into a
traditional job. His move to the bigger city of Suzhou is both a blessing and
curse, as living with Jin makes it harder for Styx to suppress his desires.
Nearly dying while trying to eradicate his feelings serves as a wake-up call
for Jin, who takes extreme measures to keep Styx safe from harm.
When given a second chance at life and happiness, will Styx
be able to claim the future he wants with Jin, his bandmates, and his music?
Can love and hope grow with the constantly looming threat of Styx’s parents
ordering him home? Great things await—if Styx finds the courage to break down
the wall that stands between him and everything he wants.
BUY LINKS:
Z. Allora believes in happily
ever after for everyone. She met her own true love through the personals and
has traveled to over thirty countries with him. She’s lived in Singapore,
Israel and China. Now back home to the USA she’s an active member of PFLAG and
a strong supporter of those on the rainbow in her community. She wants to
promote understanding and acceptance through her actions and words. Writing
rainbow romance allows her the opportunity to open hearts and change minds.
To contact Z. Allora:
E-mail: Z.AlloraHappyEndings@gmail.com
Twitter: @ZAllora
Queer Romance
Ink:
www.queeromanceink.com/mbm-book-author/z-allora
