Not many of us get the chance to change our lives through the generosity and action of others. I’m one of those few.
After the Annual General Meeting of my writing chapter last June, a group of writers were sitting around playing the ‘what if’ game. This can be a dangerous activity for writers. With our imagination and creativity, almost anything can come out of such a conversation.
And last June, Bandit Creek Books was born. See www.banditcreekbooks.com
I wasn’t at that meeting but was invited to participate shortly after. I hadn’t written a new word in several years. I had continued to take classes and hone the craft but I wasn’t sure if I was going to continue. Of course not writing wasn’t easy either. Almost all my friends are writers and they all belong to the chapter I started.
Needless to say the invitation gave me pause. And forced me to look at my life, my goals and writing. In short order I realized a few things:
- I wanted to join this group
- I wanted to write another book
- I was terrified because I didn’t know if I could.
So I said ‘yes, count me in’ and immediately began writing a book. Not the book I’d committed to write but another one. A historical romance. I applied what I’d learned in the time of not writing and classes and did what worked for me and before I knew I had a book. Writing daily allowed me to finish that 80,000 word book in 3 months. And I knew I’d found my way back to what matters for me.
I am so amazed at the work of the key members of this group. There is a series Bible, town maps for both before the great flood and one for modern time, a website www.banditcreekbooks.com and a newspaper for the town. They’re talking about street teams and marketing and a myriad of other things I have had to learn.
Each book is reflective of its author. So paranormal, ghost stories, suspense and traditional romance are all represented in the series. There will be an erotic novel as well as a YA one. Some are contemporary and some are historicals. All are set in Bandit Creek and include some ongoing characters and buildings. Books come out on the first and fifteenth of each month.
Some of the authors are multi published and others are pre-published.
What can I say? Some books are better than others, in my opinion. Some are more my type of books. But regardless, this series re-awakened my desire to write. And for that I’ll ever be grateful.
You’re right, Louise, the Bandit Creek Book authors are a great group and the energy is very catchy. Congratulations on completing your historical!
Sheila, you are so right – the energy is contagious. It’s so good to have you in my life and our groups. thanks for being you.
I’ve seen this series mentioned several places recently – a lot of these books look really good! Nice cover designs, too. What a cool story of how they came to be! I just bought LOST by Vivi Anna off the Bookloversbuffet.com website, where the ebook is on sale for $0.99. I’m looking forward to reading!
Jeanette, Tawny/Vivia Anna is the driving force behind Bandit Creek (just as she was so involved with the Book Lovers Buffet). she’s a dynamo. Happy reading. I’m sure you’ll enjoy Lost
You never know what will set off the creative spark. Great post Louise!
Ain’t that the truth, Coleen. After I got over the fear, I was totally motivated. And today I remember that when I get frightened (like this course) to just plow ahead and keep writing..
What a great idea! I love historical novels, but I also love things that have a common element. Hmm, any time travel happening? Will have to go check out the series.
Jennifer…everything happens in bandit Creek. For time Travel try Siren’s Song by DL Snow. The latest installment is Quinn’s Christmas Wish: romance, hot sex and a wolf who talks and is a little girl. Both are entertaining reads.
This sounds like an interesting series and a great motivator to write. Congratulations.
Stacy, it has been a wonderful motivator. and a wonderful opportunity for me.
Lynn, thanks so much for the kind words. That groups saved my ‘creative’ live. I’ll forever be grateful. thanks for stopping by
That’s awesome, Louise! Sounds like Bandit Creek Books was just what you needed. How cool that you wrote that novel in three months. This is a very inspiring post. I’m so glad that you got your groove back! LOL!