Special Guest Saturday: Lena Nelson Dooley on Her Publication Journey

Things I’ve Learned on My Publishing Journey

by Lena Nelson Dooley

As a beginning author, I had a lot to learn. I’ve always been a storyteller so that came naturally. I believe authors are created by God in their mother’s womb. However, just as sports figures and singers and actually anyone with a God-given talent, we have to learn the craft. And that takes time. For some, more time than others. But by honing your skills, you move steadily toward publication.

I’ve learned to really love my readers. Many of those who are real fans have become friends. But I also love the readers who aren’t really fans of my work. I learn from their comments, and I pray for them when they contact me. Without readers, books cannot be published.



Critique partners are very important to me. They help me see the flaws in my story so I can correct them. My critiquers are also my special friends now. We connect. We fellowship. We pray together. We grow together.



I’ve learned to appreciate the help that agents give an author. My agent has become a dear friend to me as well. She has helped me grow.



I started out intimidated by editors. One of the most valuable lessons I learned was to realize that editors wouldn’t have a job if it weren’t for authors writing books. We’re partners in creating the work of fiction. I welcome their valuable input. And my editors have become my friends.



I love other authors. I learn from those who’ve been in the business longer than I have. And I help the new authors coming along beside us.



Do you see a pattern here? Our writing life gets better when we value efforts of others as much or more than we value our own efforts.



And above all else, I’ve learned that I’m a better author when I stay connected to the One who gave me the talents in the first place. God has led me places I wouldn’t have been able to go without Him.

A wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Lena is also a fulltime writer, speaker, and book reviewer. Lena's books that are currently available: Minnesota Brothers, Pirate's Prize, Never Say Never, A Daughter's Quest, The Spinster and the Cowboy (Spinster Brides of Cactus Corner), Can You Help Me? (Carolina Carpenter Brides), Christmas Confusion (Montana Mistletoe), Who Am I?, The Best Medicine (Snowbound Colorado Christmas), Wild Prairie Roses, The Prairie Romance Collection, Cranberry Hearts, The Spinster Brides of Cactus Corner (Large Print edition), Can You Help Me? (Large Print Edition), Charlsey's Accountant (Wild West Christmas), No Thank You (Christmas Love at Lake Tahoe), A Daughter's Quest (Large Print edition).