Do You Have A Plan? by Renee Knowles

Good morning, everyone! I'm pleased to welcome back Renee Knowles as today's Word Wizard. Some of you may remember that Renee was here back in June to tell us all about her release Going Topless. Well, Renee has a new book out called Courting Trouble. The reviews are in...readers love this book! Today, Renee has some great advice for those of you readers who are also aspiring writers! And for those of you readers happily (and some would argue intelligently) content to be readers, we have the inside scoop on Renee's latest book!

Renee is offering e-copies of her books Going Topless and Courting Trouble in a contest so be sure and comment to be entered!

Courting Trouble
Renee Knowles
A TWRP Best Seller!
http://www.reneeknowles.com/
The Wild Rose Press
Regency Historical Romance

Blurb: Lord Anthony Darby is determined to marry a wife with an exemplary reputation. Then he sees his childhood companion, gorgeous, scandalous, Lily Kennyon again. And all he wants is her in his bed. He decides to avoid her. Until her father makes him an irresistible offer: he'll sponsor Anthony's entry into an exclusive club, if Anthony will accompany his outcast daughter to society events. Can Anthony resist Lily's sensual lure? Or will his hunger make him lose control?

Lily has always rued her impulsive nature. Never more than when her defiance led to an accident, which paralyzed her sister. Afterward, she decided if her sister would never marry, neither would she. Yet she wants to experience lovemaking. So, when Anthony courts her, she devises a plan to seduce him. But she fears she's falling in love. Then she discovers Anthony's attentions were all part of a pact with her father…

Read an excerpt here: http://reneeknowles.com/courting_trouble.html

Buy E-book link: http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=896

Buy in Print link: http://www.amazon.com/Courting-Trouble-Renee-Knowles/dp/1601542941/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1221014585&sr=8-2

What reviewers are saying:

A Recommended Read and 5 Stars from Dark Diva Reviews!
"Ms. Knowles has weaved a very emotionally provocative and hot read. My heartstrings were pulled along the path of this couple, and I shared all of their passion, laughter, pain and enduring love.

I wholeheartedly recommend Courting Trouble and give it 5 Delightful Divas. If I could I would give it ten! I look forward to reading many more works by this talented author."--Eliza, Dark Diva Reviews

5 Angels from Fallen Angel Reviews!
"The chemistry between them is strong and immediate...Courting Trouble hugs the line between historical romance and erotic romance. Lily's awakening to passion is skillfully written... Courting Trouble simmers with emotion."--Fallen Angel Reviews

5 Stars! Black seal--Fantastic Stays on Shelf from WRDF Reviews!
"Both Anthony and Lily find balance and a red-hot romance in each other's company as they brave the Ton together…
Ms. Knowles makes her characters work for their happily ever after packing the pages with emotions that will leave you happier than ever … living up to the goal of a romance. Full marks for COURTING TROUBLE, as they court each other Anthony and Lily will win your heart too!!!" --WRDF Reviews

4 1/2 Stars from Cocktail Reviews!
"What a great read! The pace bounds along, sweeping the reader into the refined Regency world with ease and humour. Anthony is a very endearing hero from the first page: moral, honourable, and a little bit cynical, yet he still believes he can find love...
This sexy novel has some very hot love scenes that remain true to the setting and time period. Both characters are a delight, but this is Anthony’s story more than anything. His struggle to embrace love and happiness makes for a sensual, heart-warming read. If you love Regency romances with a touch of spice, I recommend Courting Trouble."--Cocktails Reviews

Congratulations, Renee!

And here are Renee's words of wisdom for the day...

Do you have a plan? by Renee Knowles

So, you’ve mastered the art of dialogue. You can recite the rules about point of view in your sleep. And the grammar gods have nothing on you. But do you have a career plan? Have you figured out where you’re going?

Writing is first and foremost a business. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget that when we’re sending our “baby” and our pride and joy out into the world on submission. Yet, to agents and editors, business is the top priority. And planning will give you one more leg up. How do you write a career plan? Here are seven easy steps to guide you:

Define your goals. Take some time to write down both your larger goals and some specific objectives that can help you realize them. It’s important to dig deep and pin down your ambitions. Do you want to write in multiple genres? Publish only one book a year? What do you want to be known for? Where do you see your career in one year, five years, or ten years?

Write out your mission statement. Your mission statement should describe who you are, what your writing is about, and what your values are. Keep it simple. One or two lines should be sufficient.

Develop your vision. A vision statement differs from a mission statement because instead of defining who you are now as a writer, it proclaims what you would eventually like to become. Be as specific as you can and think of the future.

Study your industry. It’s imperative to understand the industry and your specific genre. From determining who the publishers are that put out books that are similar to yours, to their word count requirements, to tracking which editors are moving where, knowing your market is invaluable.

Describe your strengths. Next, you will want to set up a company description defining your marketability. What makes your writing stand? Are you a New York Times best seller? Do you have work experience in the area you’re writing about? Consider how to market to your strengths.

Do a financial review. Determine where your money is going, and where it could best be spent. List categories and projected allocations for the coming year.

Take action. Detail all the steps, one by one, you will need to take to put this plan into action. List them and their timelines. Put deadlines on your calendar and celebrate when you achieve each step. It’s one stride closer to your ultimate goals.

Most of all have fun with it! This is your plan, customize it and make it useful for you.

Happy writing! --Renee
http://www.reneeknowles.com/