It’s my Birthday…and I have a gift for you!

I’m the big 5-0 today.

Yeah, I’m okay telling my age. Maybe it’s because I’m channeling the Rob Thomas song, “One Less Day (Dying Young)” and I’m grateful for every day I’m blessed to be here. Hell, maybe it’s because as I age, I find I’m happier; more connected with my authentic self; and able to tackle my fears with more grace. Who cares? I’m taking the day to celebrate with all the people who love me, and not focus on the fact  I never shed those last ten pounds, or walked the red carpet in a gorgeous Dior gown for my book’s movie premiere, or chatted with GMA about my newest novel hitting all the bestseller lists.

Screw it.

I have family and friends and readers I love. I get to write books every day—my dream since I was young. And today, I get to share an amazing project I’ve worked on the past few months that’s finally ready to be unveiled into the world.

Write True: A Bestseller’s Guide to Writing Craft and Achieving Success in the Romance Industry.

It’s a book I lovingly crafted for all the writers out there-published and non-published. A book that continues to build on Write Naked and offer more stories, experiences, advice, and encouragement with my trademark humor and honesty. It’s a gift to myself, and hopefully to aspiring and career writers struggling to live a creative life on a daily basis.

Here’s the blurb and buy links below for pre-order—Write True is available on October 9^th everywhere.

I hope you enjoy the book, the day, and take some pleasure in the upcoming Fall season!

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Probst teaches a surprising key to success in the romance industry: truth.

Write True intermingles personal essays on craft and being a career author with down-to-earth advice on writing romance in the digital age. Probst will teach you how to:

– Handle and overcome fear using solid, step-by-step advice.
– Pivot in an ever-changing industry.
– Write fast moving, riveting dialogue.
– Create description and setting that pop.
– Master the keys to being a successful career author in the romance genre.
– Develop heroes and heroines that captivate readers.
– Seed and develop a popular series.
– Discover unique ways to market and build your platform.

In today’s ever-changing, competitive industry, connecting with your writing and story truths is key to sustaining a joyful, successful writing career. To survive—and thrive—you need the help and wisdom of an expert. It’s time to discover your truth as a storyteller.

Written in Probst’s unmistakable and honest voice, Write True is filled with lessons, craft, and truthful advice every writer needs to succeed.
Don’t just write.
Write true.
***

It would be an easier, happier world if none of us had to face the harsh realities and pain of our lives, but eventually, we all will. When it’s your turn, and you sink down into the abyss, remember there will be light one day. It won’t be easy to crawl out of the dark, but it’s possible because writing is about hope.
Hope that our story can give one person in the world a gift. Maybe that is the gift of escape, or happiness, or a laugh during a difficult time. Or the power to dream. Or the determination to keep going, just like our characters. We may not realize it during our darkness, trying to fight to make our writing come alive on the page, but those readers are out there, waiting for us.
We owe them this fight. They need our story.
They need your story.

Read an excerpt now: 

On Writing…

We need hope in this industry to consistently propel us forward. And if we don’t achieve fortune or fame from our books? If we just keep growing slowly but steady, experiencing highs and lows, all the while creating a body of work that stamps our voice into the story of humanity or the conversation of the day?

I’ll take it. That needs to be enough of a success sometimes. Yes, we need money to pay bills, and we deserve recognition for the hours and months and years of work with no reward. But sometimes the work needs to be the reward all in its own. If you can get there, you will win every time. You will be able to flourish in a creative career that I believe can give you more than what you take. Because the gift you’re really getting is yourself.

You are getting to know who you are at the very core. What you can do well and what you can’t. What you fear. Who you love. What makes you spiral and what makes you fight. What fills you with passion and what brings hate. When you are able to look yourself in the eye, reach deep into your soul to see the good and bad and in between, and bring that to the page—we will always be the winner.