Can I become an author with tips from an experienced professional author?
Author Feature: Danielle Thorne
“It’s never too late, and our
Danielle Thorne
dreams are always in reach
when the timing is right.”
Is becoming an author a possibility for me?
Becoming an author may seem like a dream to many people, but figuring out where to start can be challenging. The process can be overwhelming, and it takes hard work and determination to succeed. To help you along the way, we interviewed Danielle Thorne, an accomplished author of over 25 books, published poetry, and nonfiction. Her experiences and insights may inspire you to take your first steps toward becoming a published author.
When is the right time?
Danielle Thorne’s journey as an author started when she was a child. Growing up in the South with five siblings, Thorne was surrounded by books and a love of storytelling. Writing was a part of her life from an early age, and she even won an Honorable Mention in a National Scholastic poetry contest in middle school. After college, Thorne chose motherhood over a career, but writing remained a constant in her life.
It wasn’t until her youngest child started kindergarten that Thorne decided to teach herself how to write a novel. It took two years of hard work and dedication, but Thorne’s determination paid off, and she could get published with a small publisher. Her first novel, The Privateer (of San Madrid), was the culmination of years of reading books about the Age of Sail and piracy during the Golden Age. Thorne loves history and enjoys diving into different centuries and countries through the years.
What if I don’t know what I’m doing?
Thorne’s writing process is always changing as she learns more and accrues experience. She constantly studies plotting by reading and taking classes. Currently, Thorne brainstorms for a few days then spends a couple of weeks working out a rough outline with plot points. Next, she writes the first three scenes, then back up and rewrites the outline. Sometimes, she writes the midpoint and crisis scenes as well, and then goes back and fills in the missing pieces. Thorne’s outlines are not detailed because she likes to stay fluid and open to going in different directions if it feels right.
Research is an essential part of Thorne’s writing process. She begins researching as she begins outlining and continues reading certain topics as she writes the first draft. After she has something to work with, Thorne makes a deep dive, reads books, and takes notes so she can make corrections as she rewrites. Thorne’s advice to any good writer who wants to publish is to have strong editing skills. That means classes if necessary and excellent writing and grammar programs to point out mistakes you can learn from.
Marketing yourself as an author can be just as important as the writing itself. Thorne uses social media to market her books, networking with authors, and interacting with readers online. Advertising with distributors and on social media are also key. Occasionally, Thorne attends book fairs and festivals.
What do I need to know to get started?
Thorne’s advice to those who want to enter the field of publishing is to start small with regional book or small ebook companies if you are a learn-as-you-go writer. Experience will guide your path. If you have a writing or editing degree or have fully prepared yourself through classes and conferences and feel you know everything necessary, start midlist or with an agent. When choosing a publishing company, Thorne suggests researching companies that publish books in your genres and share your values.
Thorne believes that everyone has an important story to tell and encourages writers and editors not to be intimidated by others, no matter what their job is or who they say they are. She urges writers to push themselves relentlessly to achieve their dreams. Thorne says, “It’s never too late, and our dreams are always in reach when the timing is right.
To Sum It Up
In conclusion, Danielle Thorne is an inspiring example of how hard work and determination can lead to a successful career as an author. Her story and advice may inspire you to start writing your own story today.
What did you learn about becoming an author?