Recently, I had the honor of contributing to an erotica anthology ,and to say it was a learning experience is an understatement. An anthology is a collection of stories from different authors published in one book, but it’s more than that. I learned more about the writing process from this experience than I had from publishing my own novel (“The Novel Within”). Here is are the 5 things that I learned from contributing to an anthology.

1. It’s not all about you.

Yes, you are an author and your story is important to the anthology, but your voice isn’t the only one that needs to be heard or is going to be heard. You have to share the platform with other writers. This process is not all about you, it’s not even half about you.

2. Your opinion might not matter.

It’s nothing against you as a person, but just as America votes for representation, the authors vote for what the book should look like, cover options, text, giveaways, and, in our case, charities for the proceeds to go to. Please don’t misconstrue, at the end of the day,  everything turns out the way it should, but just because you vote a certain way, doesn’t mean things will come out in your favor.

3. Everyone has different agendas.

Just because there is a deadline, it doesn’t mean everyone will abide. Timelines vary per author. It is okay, and things get done, but everyone works differently.

4. Some talent is untapped.

The group of authors I worked with is hugely talented. Some of these women have multiple books under their belt and are such an untapped resource it’s almost crazy. These ladies contributed something unique to this project, their own flair, their own voice, and it is awesome!

5. The group is more than a workgroup.

I feel like I know these ladies, more than just from a Facebook group. I feel like they know me. They let me contribute pieces of me that I was unwilling to change and were okay with that. Now we have a network of friends and authors. It’s pretty amazing, I would have never thought that would happen. I am so glad I get to work with the same group for another anthology! I can’t wait to see what I learn this time around.

Check out The Parlour: All Access to pre-order, book available in e-book and paperback February 28, 2018.