Many years ago when I was plotting out my career it was my desire to be involved in the writing world. Sure, I wanted to write but I knew that took time and then the publishing world was very different from today. At the time, I would have taken any position that would have put me in that atmosphere of writers.

Then my life changed and instead of dreams of plots and story ideas, I became the sole caregiver for my son who required my full attention. I became a medical expert in his area of need, not a writer as I had planned. I have to admit that in today’s world of self-publishing that old dream is stewing in my brain.

I am a blogger, reviewing books. It is as close to the industry as I have come. As a reader I have a lot of opinions on stories and their development, as a reviewer I also have opinions of how the authors of the novels I review have hit that mark of a really good story. In reality, the two aren’t that much different. I normally do not review non fiction. Yet when this one came available I took a moment to really think about it – and then simply dived right in.

Writing the Bestseller II is a wealth of information that any author should be aware of. I don’t care if you are an established author of two hundred books or a struggling author with two hundred words on a Word document… this book is packed with useful, pertinent and needed information.

When you can find twelve amazing, bestselling authors in one spot giving out such thoughtful, insightful and totally useful information – then you, the current or planning to be author should perk up your ears and jump on this book.

We’ve established that I am not currently an author – but taking the mindset of a wannabe someday, this is a book that I need. Yep, I did get it for review through NetGalley… but I will be purchasing my own copy. Because this is good information that I want to have close to hand – and I’d think any author would feel the same.

I have such respect for Tule Publishing and the amazing group of authors that give me (and you) amazing characters to love and stories to enjoy. That only makes this book which features the authors of Tule more valuable to me personally.

If you write or intend to write – Writing the Bestseller II is perfect for what you do… or plan to do one day.

*I received an e-ARC of Writing the Bestseller II: Romantic and Commercial Fiction from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.*

Excellent, useful information.

Writing The Bestseller II has been a joy to read. Why? Well I guess one reason is that I feel I've come to know all the authors who have contributed to this book through their novels. I admire all of them and the more I read of their work the more I appreciate the subtle nuances that make each of these talented ladies stand out both as successful novelists and as interesting women.
When offered the opportunity to read an advance reader copy of this book I jumped at the chance and I'm so glad I did. I don't know if I will ever embark on a writing career. Part of me dreams of being a published author while another part is happy to sit back and enjoy the wonderful stories that others have written. Regardless of the path I take, this book has been useful on so many levels.
If you are an aspiring author or even if you have a few good books under your belt, the tips contained here will help you. These tips are all encompassing. There are some handy hints on dealing with emotion, but overall Writing The Bestseller II assumes that you know how to write, and focuses on all sorts of other things you may not have thought about. How is your time management? What is the best way to talk with your editor/publisher/beta readers? Have you thought about diet, exercise and maintaining your health? What about marketing, social media and connecting with your readers?
The writing style is largely chatty, warm and conversational, and above all so supportive that I found myself wanting to rush to the keyboard right away and get writing. So whether or not you have a book in you, why not sit down with a cup of tea and get to know these girls a little better. You'll likely learn something and I think you'll be really glad you did!

It's always nice to hear from the people who are where you would like to travel. Jane Porter shares some tips and yes, sometimes some reality checks, associated with writing in general and romances in specific. She has taken the time to gather information and anecdotes from quite a few successful and beloved authors. I so appreciated the conversational style of this reference piece; it read more like round table discussion than a how-to lecture. Does it tell a fledgling author everything one needs to know? No, and it it does not make that claim. I think this book has a definite place on any writer's shelf.
*I received my copy through NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

If you are interested in the craft...
If you want guidance from those who know their stuff... then this is perfect.

 
Writing the Bestseller II: Romance and Commercial Fiction,  Jane Porter Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews Genre: Non-Fiction, Adult
 I love to read, always have, and always have my kindle with me – everywhere and anywhere, even took it to the dentist this morning. Loving stories though and writing them...well, its a whole different ball game. How many people say “ I’m going to write a book” and it’;s always One Day or When there’s time etc...Many years ago when my kids were toddlers I tried writing short stories – and found making them interesting was a real problem for me..it’s one of those things I reckon where the simpler it looks the harder it is ;- ) and I felt I just hadn’t got it. After reading my way through this though, advice from real authors on everything from where to start, how to plan characters and plots, how to hook the reader early on, ( and as a reader I know if a story doesn't get me quickly I’ll drop it)  how to balance writing time with the other things in your life, how to deal with editors and a host of other incredibly useful advice from people who have done all this themselves I feel inspired to give it another shot. Some people have a kind of compulsion to write, they sacrifice other things in their life to do it, and to me those are natural authors but there’s others for whom it’s a way of making money more than an inbuilt compulsion that can’t be left alone. Does it matter which you are? who knows. for me I think its more a personal challenge, can I really do this, make something others would want to read? I know as an artist how good it feels when someone buys something I’ve created...though I hate marketing and I suspect writing successfully needs just as much time spent on that as selling artwork does. there’s a chapter devoted to building an online presence, something in todays media savvy generation that's so important. whereas we’d go to a book shop or ,library before now it’s the web and big sellers such as amazon that's first port of call. Social media helps spread the word about your work to reach those readers who look online for books. I read blogs, look at what they recommend and as a (small time ) blogger myself I search out new and upcoming release to read and review.
 Something covered that I feel is incredibly important is editing, the Writer/Editor relationship. I’ve started and abandoned books that just don't have a free flow of words, have bad grammar, spelling issues etc Not just a few typos but an error ridden novel, no one wants to read that, and even if you make it free then reader time is precious – never forget that. In the early eBook/self-publishing days I abandoned probably at least ten per cent of free novels as too difficult to read. I’d see disclaimers – this book is free so...I’m dyslexic so...I can’t afford an editor so...Well, to me if you’re putting work out there with the hope someone wants to read it you have to do all you can to make it as good as you can. Get beta readers to look at plot issues, friends to critique – though they need to be honest and you must take it if you want to remain friends!! Then there’s spellcheck and grammar software if you really really don’t want the expense of an editor but really, its an essential expense IMO. Its a fascinating read, from the how to of plotting and characterisation, to the nuts and blots of editing and finally  marketing. When I look at a painting the artist part of me wants to look at how its actually done, how the paint layers were set out, whether what looks like detail from a distance is the same close up, how the artist has worked out getting the viewers eye to drift round, taking in the story told by the image. With a book is the same kind of thing – I want to know How its constructed, how to set out the plots and make them work, how to make characters realistic, even if they’re vampires and werewolves! After reading this I feel I’ve been given a huge insight into the practicalities of writing and I’ve really enjoyed it....now to put some of that into practice...maybe :- )
Stars: Five. It’s a great read, full of helpful situations and uncovering so much useful, but not necessarily known, advice.  
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers 

Great advice and good reminders for writers of all levels of experience. I liked that it wasn't an overly sophisticated piece, but more of a conversational tone amongst writers. Four stars!

Review of Writing the Bestseller II by Lindsay Stover

This is a collection of short pieces by various published authors on how to write romances (mainly) and commercial fiction. It covers the craft of writing but so much more and there are many ideas in here that make the book well worth the purchase cost regardless of the type of book you want to write or are writing. There are pieces on how to stay healthy, how to manage overload, how to deal with editors and then the classic “how to write” but even they have a new twist here and there.

I especially enjoyed the articles about getting in the zone so your writing flows well, how to develop your personal brand and vision boards, how to convey emotion and writing your opening.

The book is an easy read and the authors obviously know their stuff. It takes a few hours to finish but I reread it and copied passages into my writer’s notebook and I will do some of the exercises. I’m currently thinking about the branding and defining your passions steps.

There is a lot here and any beginner writer will benefit from reading this book, even if just to understand that there is more to being a writer than putting words on paper. I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Twelve top authors have contributed chapters to this writing guide targeted at the contemporary women's fiction/romance markets. With readers seeking to feel as if they are in the main character's shoes, friends Jane Porter and Megan Crane talk about the best ways to convey emotion. Dani Collins, Terri Reed, Kim Boykin and Lenora Worth discuss ways to avoid burnout and stay healthy, while Erika Marks shares some social media tips and Kaira Rouda offers her take on establishing an author brand. There is also advice on crafting a killer opening, getting along with your editor, getting into the zone via music, and attending critique groups and writers' retreats. Written in conversational style, this guide gives authors - both aspiring and more established - the chance to immerse themselves in a session of information, motivation and fellowship. Well worth a read - you're sure to pick up several nuggets of wisdom.

Interesting and informative. Very well thought out and planned. Easy to read and understand - everything you could need.

I had trouble getting the file to open with my Kindle.

Writing the Bestseller II: Romantic and Commercial Fiction wasn’t what I expected—I was expecting a book about writing craft, but this was actually a series of essays on a range of subjects, only two of which were craft issues (conveying emotion, and writing the opening line). The essays were all written by Tule Publishing authors, many of whom are multi-published bestselling authors.
The result is I found some of the issues more interesting and relevant than others. I found the essays on balance, social media, and author branding the best, and thought the essay on writing-related health issues would have been better with some illustrations of correct posture. While all of the essays were useful in their own way, I do think the overall book would have been better with some kind of unifying theme (e.g. writing craft or marketing or manging your writing life to minimise health issues and burnout).
Overall, I’d recommend authors skip this in favour of books focused on their specific need. While there are nuggets in here, the overall book is simply too general.
Thanks to Tule Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

Packed from beginning to end with practical tips and helpful tricks, this book is a must for all writers!

Book Review: Writing the Bestseller II: Romance and Commercial Fiction

Edited by Lindsey Stover, “Writing the Bestseller II: Romance and Commercial Fiction” is a collection of essays written like a how-to or advice column in how to succeed in the high competitive romance and commercial fiction genre.

With contributions by these bestselling authors: Jane Porter, Megan Crane, Joanne Rock, Mallory Kane, Dani Collins, Terri Reed, Kim Boykin, Lenora Worth, Tessa Shapcott, CJ Carmichael, Erika Marks, Kaira Rouda, you really cannot ask for something more authentic in the advise department as they share their experiences and thoughts on their careers as writers.

From what to use as your opening line to setting up social media accounts to avoiding burnout and other topics, “Writing the Bestseller II: Romance and Commercial Fiction” will be a great read for aspiring fiction writers.

And the best thing about it, “Writing the Bestseller II: Romance and Commercial Fiction” can be read by installment. You can read and finish an article by an author during your lunch break or any free time. You can leisurely read the rest as time permits.

Writing the Bestseller II: Romance and Commercial Fiction is Rated T for Teens.