Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Dyer.
Elizabeth, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Like most authors, I started as a reader. I really can’t remember a time when I didn’t love reading, but it wasn’t until I was in law school that I started reading romance novels—and started wondering if I could write one. I can still vividly remember sitting in the back of my dead-boring constitutional law class dreaming up ideas. But it wasn’t until a few years after I graduated that I stopped wondering and started doing. Dallas has a variety of resources for new writers, and I took advantage of a night class at Northlake Community College to get started. Now, nearly ten years later, I’m a non-practicing attorney, working full time in the legal field, and writing romance novels at night.
My first two books were published traditionally, but for my most recent novel, Fearless, I decided to try Kindle Direct Publishing. With self-publishing, I’m fully in control of every business decision – from cover art to marketing to pre-order decisions. It’s challenging in a whole new way and I love being an entrepreneur.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has definitely not been a smooth or easy road and there have been several starts and stops along the way—some due to career demands, some due to burnout, and others due to depression and anxiety. But I’ve always come back to my computer and an idea that just won’t let go. For me, it’s really been learning how to prioritize my writing, which requires discipline (which I’m still working on) and sacrifice (which no one likes to hear). I also struggle with balancing art with business. I like investing in the process and I love working on and growing my craft, but there’s a point where that can become problematic. I’m constantly reminding myself that finished is better than perfect.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I’m known for smart, fast-paced romantic suspense. I joke that my readers come for my heroes (who doesn’t like a strong, capable guy?) but stay for my heroines, who I try to portray as smart, independent and unflinchingly real. And I’m really excited to say I’m not alone in that—I’m constantly discovering new authors and peers who are bringing their A-game in terms of smart, savvy heroines.
At the end of the day, I’m exceedingly proud of every book I finish—and every lesson I learn in the process—but I’m also extremely proud to say that this summer, my latest novel, Fearless, was awarded in the category of Romantic Suspense by the Romance Writers of America 2019 RITA Awards. This was a book that really, really made me work for every single word that landed on the page, so to have the work recognized by my peers is a professional high point that still doesn’t feel real.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least about our city?
The food! I’m kidding . . . okay, no I’m not. The Metroplex has an amazing food scene. But it’s also incredibly engaging—top-notch museums, all the major sports teams—there’s never a reason to be bored. It would be the perfect city . . . except for the summer heat . . . that I could do without.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amazon.com/Elizabeth-Dyer/e/B071FDHKNP%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethdyerwrites/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizabethdyerauthor/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/lizdyerwrites
- Other: https://www.elizabethdyer.net/
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