Today on WWW, I have Ellen Butler, author, chocoholic, & shoe shopper-holic sharing about how she came to be a published writer...
Did You Always Want to Be a Writer?
Hi Terri, thanks for having me at Scribbler’s
Sojourn! It’s always a pleasure to reach out to new readers. Following my brief
article, you’re visitors will find a blurb from my recent release Heart of Design, and entry for a promotional
giveaway. So make sure to read to the bottom!
One of the questions I am often asked in interviews
is; did you know you always wanted to be a writer? My initial answer is a
resounding, no. My major in college was Political Science, and I have a
Master’s in Public Administration and Policy. I was going to be a Congresswoman
or Senator. Or I was going to work for a lobbyist, influencing public policy
and writing brilliant, mountain moving legislation. However, after working on
Capitol Hill for one short summer, my eyes were opened; watching the political
grind left me jaded and disheartened.
Then did you decide to become a writer? You ask.
Nope. I found a rewarding position at a medical, nonprofit association
providing management services, leadership development, and eventually working
my way into international affairs. My job included quite a bit of writing,
including articles, bylaws, policies, and marketing materials. So, writing was
an integral part of my work life, and I will admit to getting dinged by the
editorial staff for using “flowery” language, or going off on tangents;
basically, being told “stick to the facts.” I believe it was the glint of early
stages of my fiction writing career.
So, how did you decide to become a writer? You’re
wondering. After my kids were born, I chose to quit my job and stay home with
them. Throughout my life I’d always been an avid reader, enjoying a variety of
genres from chick lit, to romance, to mysteries, to legal dramas. When my
oldest was three and attending preschool a few hours a week, I found my idle
brain cranking away, making up stories. I’d read a news article, or watch a
show and my brain would say, “But what if this happened instead?” So, I created the outline for Poplar Place (released in March 2014)
and two other unpublished novels. Then promptly shoved them in the drawer when
my second baby was born, too busy and exhausted to carry on. When he went to
preschool, those back-of-the-drawer outlines called to me. My husband bought me
a new laptop computer and I began banging out my first novel.
I would say that the first novel was easiest one for
me to write. There were no deadlines to adhere to, no reviewers to make happy,
and no rules to follow. Now that I’m starting my fifth novel, I miss the bygone
lackadaisical days of limitless possibilities with minimal constraints.
However, I appreciate the vindication that comes with a book contract. That
someone in the industry has said, “Yes, you write a good story and we want to
publish it,” can mean everything to a new author.
So, for aspiring authors I have this advice to
provide; no matter what your background, if you have the urge to write, do so.
Stop thinking about writing. Do it. Start with an outline. It’ll help get you
on the way. Taking that leap over the edge is the hardest part, but once you
do, you’ll never look back!
~~~oOo~~~
first in the Love California Style series
Author: Ellen Butler
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Release Date: July 7, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-4405-8364-3
Genre: Romance, Romantic Comedy
Blurb:
Sophie Hartland has recently turned 30, and is five years out from a confidence crushing divorce. She’s sworn off men in favor of making her interior design business a success when her best friend introduces her to LA Heat’s hot, new star, Ian O’Connor. He’s one of Hollywood’s beautiful people, with an Irish accent that makes Sophie’s toes curl. Ian hires her to renovate his home, and at their second meeting he initiates a scorching kiss that knocks her socks off. Even though she would love to drop down and go for it on the funky kitchen floor, Sophie sticks to her guns and enforces her “no dating clients” rule.
The tabloids portray flirtations Ian as Hollywood’s latest playboy who has women falling at his feet, and Sophie refuses to be another notch on his bedpost. But Ian isn’t the type to take no for an answer, and he finds Sophie a refreshing change from the actress wannabes trying hop aboard his new gravy train of success. Using his charm, he tries to persuade Sophie to break the rules.
Can Sophie ignore her traitorous libido and hold Ian off for the next five or six weeks until the renovations are finished? Or will she cave in to his pull on her heartstrings, and end up doing the knicky-knacky on the new velvet sofa? More importantly, can she protect her heart in this game of wills?
Links: Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Heart-Design-Ellen-Butler-ebook/dp/B00LH63T1I/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1404748942&sr=1-2&keywords=Heart+of+Design
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heart-of-design-ellen-butler/1119908399?ean=9781440583643
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~~~oOo~~~
Ellen Butler lives in the Virginia suburbs of
Washington, DC, and is new to novel writing. She holds a Master’s Degree in
Public Administration and Policy, and her history includes a long list of
writing and editing for dry but illuminating professional newsletters, and
windy papers on public policy. The leap to novel writing was simply a creative
outlet for Ellen’s over active and romantic imagination to run wild.
Heart
of Design is her third release in 9 months. You can find her
first two releases, Poplar Place and Second Chance Christmas at Amazon and
other major eBook retailers. Professionally, she belongs to the Virginia
Writer’s Club, the Northern Virginia Writer’s Club, and is a founding member of
the Tempting Romance blog. When she’s not writing, Ellen is either, running
around after her children, decorating a neighbor’s house, or holed up in her
favorite lounge chair reading. Ellen is an admitted chocoholic and confesses to
a penchant for shoe shopping. Book club questions for Ellen’s novels can be
found on her website.
Website: www.ellenbutler.net
Twitter: @EButlerBooks
~~~oOo~~~
Giveaway Time!!!
Signed Hard Copy of Ellen’s Novel Poplar Place & $5 Starbucks Giftcard
Well right now I'm currently crushing on the rock, Dwayne Johnson. I want to see him in hercules.
ReplyDeleteME TOO! I never get to the movies these days, though.
DeleteEnjoy!
I can relate - I never wanted to be an author either. Had one of those manuscripts in a drawer as well.
ReplyDeletePulling out those old manuscripts is sometimes worth it...
Delete;)
Thanks for stopping by, Alex.
Yeah those MS or outlines seem to call to you at the oddest times. And sometimes taking a look after some time has gone by allows you to improve the writing too.
DeleteMy favorite actor is Leondardo Dicaprio! I love his movies and acting.
ReplyDelete