The Path To Success Sometimes Requires A Look At Where You Began: Guest Blog by @ReneeVincent

After hitting USA Today last month with some of my fellow InkHeart Authors, I started to reminisce about when my career started, what paths I took along the way, and how I ultimately succeeded in obtaining one of my life-long dreams. Upon looking back, I sifted through countless author interviews I'd done from my past and came across one I'd done soon after I signed my first contract for my Emerald Isle Trilogy.

As I read through the interview that was well over five years old, I came to realize that what I'd said then is still true today. Sure, many things have changed in the way I write and promote myself because let's face it, the publishing industry often changes with the wind. In order to make it in this fast-paced world, you must stay up to date on fluctuating trends and markets. But there's something to be said about consistency.

I feel consistency plays a major role in success. For me, that means putting out quality books in a timely manner and staying true to my voice. That also means remembering the things that are important; the things you know to be true in your heart—because those are what will carry you through the rough patches.

Knowing what I know now, I read the answers to one of my first interviews and it brought me a sense of comfort. Though I'd sometimes walked blindly, I must have been on the right track as I attempted to pursue a career in the romance genre.

For a little trip back in time, I thought I'd share a few questions from the interview that I can honestly say I'd answer the same way today. I hope you enjoy!

* * * * *

You’ve just sold your first book. How exciting! We’d love to know the details.

Yes, I am still on cloud nine! Signing a 3-book deal with Turquoise Morning Press has been an amazing turn of events in my life, and I must admit I’m actually waiting to suddenly wake up from this incredible dream.

I signed this contract in front of everyone who attended the Career Writer’s Network Workshop in French Lick, Indiana at the West Baden hotel, and being there made my very first signing even more special. It is a day I will never forget.

Let’s talk about your writing process. Are you a plotter or a pantzer? 

As a whole, a pantzer. I cannot outline a story (believe me, I’ve tried) because it would change from week to week, and I’d spend more time rewriting the outline than the manuscript itself. 

But before I write on a chapter, I plot it out in my head first over a cup of coffee. I often go outside to my lake (weather permitting), and go over dialogue, sequence, and character building. Don’t ask me why…I just find that it works for me. Once I have that down, I spend the rest of the day writing it—although, sometimes the direction I plotted that morning has been know to change on the fly. But I don’t mind. I’m a very flexible person. And if it helps the story, I welcome it.

What advice do you have for aspiring writers?

Dream big. But keep your goals attainable. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but with each attainable goal accomplished, it’s a step closer to the distant dream far out of reach. Eventually, you will arrive there. And when you do, you can look back at all the hard work and feel an incredible sense of pride that you didn’t give up.

Now, here is the totally off-writing subject question. What’s the coolest, wackiest, most risk-taking thing you’ve ever done? 

Let me set the stage… 

I was horseback riding on a couple’s ride in Tennessee and we came to a place on the trail where we had to climb up about 3-foot high rock steps. Now to make this the most risk-taking thing I’ve ever done, the trail (if you could call it that) was only about 4-foot wide—with a high rock cliff to the left of us, and a sheer drop-off to the right. No room for mistakes. 

At this point, it was either turn around or trust your horse to climb it. I chose, among many others to let my horse try. Some had gotten off their horses and led them up on foot. I, however, trusted my horse completely and gave him full-reign. 

It was a bit nerve racking, but I never doubted my horse’s abilities or his common sense. I made it all the way to the top. It was such a rush! I am ready to go back and do it again, and knowing my horse’s disposition, I would venture to say Lucky is ready as well!

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