Author's World

Original Intention

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Whenever I get caught up in all the noise out there I try to remember my original intention for writing my novels. First and foremost the love of writing and creating characters and their lives. Second is to entertain.

I always picture someone with my book on a beach/ vacation, or on a plane or train, or nestled in their favorite spot on a chilly day with a cup of something hot and a plate full of yummies. (scones for me).

The original idea is always the most purest and gives such pleasure. Starting a new project is exhilarating. Working hard to see it to fruition is a must. Not burning out on it can be a challenge.

Getting caught up in making sure we don’t stumble or embarrass ourselves can really slow the process. All the noise of others you probably will never meet in this business can cause doubt and worry. I’ve trimmed down my sources considerably and stick to constructive and positive input. There is plenty of that out there too.

Here’s to my original intention filled with joy, hope and the love of writing.

Love and Peace,

Veronica

 

Author's World

Self Publishing

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It’s exciting to think that todays writers have a choice in how their novels enter the world.

I went the conventional way for several years- Querying, meeting with agents and editors for pitches, and mostly waiting.  It was a great learning experience and I recommend it. I learned how to create a tagline for my story, give a passionate pitch, and find the courage to put it all out there.

Yet, I wasn’t satisfied with the way I saw things going. It wasn’t so much the rejections, they were very thoughtful and a few helped me immensely. I’ve been an entrepreneur for most of my adult life. From having a small home-based children’s clothing line when my girls were young to owning a health foods store to renting salon space as an independent stylist to having my own salon for over 20 years.  My husband and I own and run a construction company. Entrepreneurship is in my blood! So why not use that to develop my career in writing?

What I know about business is that slow and steady win the race. Dedication, hard work and patience are needed. I would love my novels to arrive with a bang, but I also want to write for a long time. Burnout is not an option at my age!

Getting your novel written and ready for the public is a huge accomplishment – publishing it is the next step. Taking off your writer’s hat and putting on your business hat is courageous and I commend all the writers who self publish, making a career of writing on their own terms.  You inspire me!

Peace and love,

Veronica

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author's World

It takes a village

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Hello,

I want to say a few things about my wonderful editor Julie Christine Johnson. First of all I am so fortunate to live in the same town as her! We get to meet for tea and coffee and indulge in our love for writing. She’s been such a great help and inspiration to me over the years we’ve worked together. It’s been and continues to be a great writer/editor relationship. She is part of a team of pros that I am fortunate to work with as I inch forward in getting “The Traveled Heart” out into the world. Her skill as an editor and writer have taught me so much.
Her book “In Another Life” is a great read and I look forward to reading “The Crows of Beara”.
When you find a good editor it’s like a gift from the gods!
Thank you Julie!

Peace and love,

Veronica

Author's World

Edit it!

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Good Morning!
It’s a beautiful day in May- a little drizzle but that helps my flower and veggie beds!

I am ready to tackle more editing on my second book in my historical fiction series. Having written the whole series I am in the process of refining. Editing, eating, editing, it’s one of the most important steps in this wonderful process 

Speaking of series, I’d like to recommend a great series of books to all you historical fiction fans.
Sara Donati’s Into the Wilderness is such a great read! Adventure, history, romance it has it all.  Her subsequent novels~Dawn on a Distance Shore~ Lake in the Clouds~and Queen of Swords follows the lives of the Bonner family from the late 1700’s and forward. The characters seem so real, I feel I know them!
I’m working my way through the series but took a break to read her novel ~The Gilded Hour~ I so enjoyed that one! There’s a little surprise in there too… I won’t give it away but I love how she tied in some of her other works to this story about women doctors in New York City in the 1800’s.

Reading other author’s historical fiction has helped me to widen my scope and really put myself out there with my own writing. No fear!

Have a wonderful day!
Peace and Love
Veronica

Author's World

A little about me

Welcome to the Traveled Heart Press.

My name is Veronica Mahara. I was born in Massachusetts and traveled to the Pacific Northwest when I was seventeen. I’ve called this beautiful place home for the past 43 years. I began a career in hairstyling when I was 29. Two years ago I closed my salon and here I am ready to publish my first novel. It’s been a ten year journey to get to this place with as many twists and turns as are in my books!

~ THE TRAVELED HEART~ is the first of my series in the historical romance genre and fingers crossed it will be launching this summer. I will let you know when that happens.

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For now I am working on getting a great book cover and waiting patiently for the final drafts from my editor. Next comes formatting and the fun in getting every last detail right so I can present a novel that you can sink your teeth into. It will be available both in paperback and ebook form.
This has been and continues to be an exciting journey.

That’s all for now…stay tuned.

Love and Peace!