Answer: Eat

Come on...did you seriously think I'd say we focus on plot and character so much that yumminess wasn't a factor? Sheesh.

Last week I met author Julie Klassen for lunch, and if you don't know her yet, you will by the end of this post.

Julie writes historical fiction set during the Regency era. Think Jane Austen. Yeah, she's that good. She writes full-time now, but formerly was an editor with Bethany, so she's seen both sides of the writerly road.

With this wealth of knowledge, I asked her what she thought was one of the most important skills a writer should hone in order to get published. You'll never guess what she said...

Keep your butt in your chair.

Granted, she said it much more eloquently than that, but y'all know what I'm talking about. Grandiose ideas and half-finished manuscripts are not going to get you published. You've got to roll up your sleeves, sit down, and do the hard work of typing word after word. And believe me, I'm preaching to myself as much as to anyone out there in blogland.

This method is a winning formula for Julie. She's put out a book a year for the past 5 years. I love all her stories, but her recent release happens to be my favorite...

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

Pampered Margaret Macy flees London in disguise to escape pressure to marry a dishonorable man. With no money and nowhere else to go, she takes a position as a housemaid in the home of Nathaniel Upchurch, a suitor she once rejected in hopes of winning his dashing bro ther. Praying no one will recognize her, Margaret fumbles through the first real work of her life. If she can last until her next birthday, she will gain an inheritance from a spinster aunt--and sweet independence. But can she remain hidden as a servant even when prying eyes visit Fairbourne Hall?

You'll have to pick yourself up a copy to find out!