Nana Malone's Writing Journey
When I started writing my first book (which now sits in the bottom drawer in my office) I immediately grabbed my laptop and started banging out a manuscript knowing nothing about characterization, plot or the writing business. Like so many newbie “have a lot to learn” writers, I said things like, “How difficult could it be?” An adorable heroine, sexy hero, a cute meet, sprinkle some acerbic wit and bam, you have a book. God, I had no idea. Who knew I needed plot, characterization, some magical writing and heaps of luck?After several failed attempts at gluing a haphazard plot together for my first book, I got myself some craft books. Make that lots of craft books, joined RWA, signed up for every class I could get my hands on, and found the best critique partner that a newbie like me deserved or could ask for. She’s been patient, but honest. Tells me what I don’t want to hear, encourages me to be the best writer I can be and I’m so honored to call her a friend and one of my favorite authors, Misty Evans. If you’ve never read her, you’re missing out!
Over the years I’ve met some amazing writers. Women who pour their hearts out onto the paper. Those who plot, those who pants it. All of them hustling towards an impossible goal while traversing the land mines of day job, significant others, kids and personal lives.
Because now, 13 years later, 14 books, over a hundred rejection letters and experiences I wouldn’t trade for a pair of Prada pumps, (Let’s be honest, I might trade the experience for some Louboutins), I know what work goes into being a writer. The pain, pleasure, joy of it. The sweat and the literal tears. It’s in my blood now.
The In Stilettos Series came out of my love of strong heroines and even stronger friendships. Sure, these books are about romance, but they are just as much about the strong friendships that women form. I wanted to explore these friendships as well as love and look at the things that women would do for people they love. With the final book in the In Stilettos series now out, I find that I miss my ladies. They were such a hoot to write. Jaya (Sexy in Stilettos), Ricca (Sultry in Stilettos), and Micha (Sassy in Stilettos) are as real to me as real friends. Their friendship will always be part of me and influence other books I’ve written.
About Nana
It was a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana, and Nana was a precocious thirteen. She's been in love with kick butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.
While she waits for her chance at a job as a ninja assassin, in the meantime Nana works out her drama, passion and sass with fictional characters every bit as sassy and kick butt as she thinks she is.
Nana also writes sizzling erotic novellas as Q. Malone.
Find Nana
Buy Sassy in Stilettos
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for stopping by and taking time to write a little comment!