Literary Spotlight: Brenda Novak

Brenda Novak

Brenda Novak is an award-winning The New York Times bestselling author of historical and contemporary romances.

Q: Your first career was as a loan officer. How did you “teach” yourself to write?

A: I taught myself how to writing by reading. I sifted out the books I liked and tried to figure out what they had in common. I trusted my intuition. Most importantly, I practiced. I approached writing a bit like sculpting. I put everything I had out on the table, and then I molded it until I was pleased with the result. The most crucial thing I learned while writing my first book is that you can't let all the how-to information overwhelm what comes naturally.

Q: With five children, what is your writing schedule like and how do you find time to properly promote your books?

A: I treat my writing like a full-time job. I get up every morning, go to my guest house (which is my office) and write. I try to do ten pages a day, but that's usually a stretch for me. E-mail and the business/promotion side of being an author take about half my time, which is why ten pages is now a stretch.

Q: What tips do you have for new writers?

A: One word: Believe. If you believe in your writing, you won't give up., you'll trust your intuition, you'll take advantage of every opportunity and you'll work your butt off. You get the picture. It all starts and stops with having faith in yourself and your dream.

Carlotta Holton is the author of Salem Pact and Touching The Dead, and is a member of the National Federation of Press Women and an affiliate member of the Horror Writers Association.

Carlotta Holton has just received her second award for Touching the Dead from the National Federation of Press Women Communications Contest. Click here to purchase the book.