Tracking Shadows

Thanks for hosting this stop on the Tracking Shadows blog tour!

As a voracious reader, it's not surprising that I eventually started writing. The shock was realizing how much I enjoyed writing dark, edgy stuff like paranormal and urban fantasy. But I absolutely love it!

It's weird though. My favorite escape reads are often historical romances and often I find myself wishing I could write those sweeping romantic sagas that take my breath away.

Thank goodness when I first started writing, there were wise authors who told me to follow the lead when my hands took over and my imagination went racing forward. They told me not to sweat it if it got 'too dark', to just write it first.

So I did. And the subsequent novel, Justice Incarnate, became my first sale.

When I stopped trying to force myself into a specific box, my characters celebrated, cooperating and coming to life on the page. When I toyed with what the future might look like, parts of the story flowed so easily, making the hours at the keyboard more joy and less aggravation.

Eventually I learned the lesson I'd known in other facets of my life, but it took time and the echo of those wise reassurances to embrace it as fact in my writing life: I am unique.

Every person (and every author) has individual gifts and skills. While we can all learn to do a lot of things, we need to appreciate the things we're naturally good at, the things we most enjoy. It seems many of us label what comes easy to us as less valuable, instead of realizing what comes easy to us, doesn't come as easy to everyone.

It was trial and error when I began writing with an eye on publication. Sure I had to learn the business and markets and polish my grammar and layout skills, but the real trick was accepting my inherent strengths as a storyteller. (Like writing the dark and edgy stuff.)

I still admire the grace and elegance so many historical romance authors get onto the page, but I've learned to appreciate and celebrate the stories I know how to write well. Like the Chicago-based smuggler being hunted by a determined assassin in Tracking Shadows.

Who encourages you to be yourself and magnify your strengths?

Live the adventure!

Regan

Bio

Regan Black writes action packed paranormal and urban fantasy novels so readers can savor a fantastic escape from the daily grind. Raised in the Midwest and California, she now lives in the South Carolina Lowcountry where the abundance of history and legend fuels her imagination. Experience a Regan Black adventure at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords. You can keep up with Regan at ReganBlack.com, twitter @ReganBlack and Facebook.

June 21 – Final Stop: Author Regan Black's Website www.ReganBlack.com