Zena Shapter's Blog, page 46

What it’s like being a debut novelist at Pan Macmillan / Harper Collins / Momentum Books / Indie Publishing / Ticonderoga Publications. Part 7…

Welcome to the final part of my blog series asking: what’s it like being a debut novelist? I love writing, publishing, and winning competitions with all my short stories… Still when I go to sleep at night, I dream about the day my novels will be read by, you know, readers – and not just sat on my computer! But will the reality of becoming a debut novelist actually live up to my expectations?

To find out, I’ve asked seven authors – all with debut novels releasing either this year or early next year. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been featuring their answers here, here, here, here, here and here.

Now it’s time to ask debut novelist Patty Jansen about her experience…

Part Seven: Patty Jansen

Patty’s novel Ambassador will be released next August. Yay – congratulations Patty!

Patty Jansen

Novel: Ambassador

Release date: August 2013

Published through: Ticonderoga Publications

One-sentence description: After the murder of a high-profile politician, Cory finds himself on the wrong side of the political fence, desperately trying to stave off an interstellar war. Good ol’ space opera in the vein of the Miles Vorkosigan books.

Hi Patty, and thanks for taking part in this series… Now let’s get stuck in!

1.    Most of the debut authors I know always look tired. What’s been the hardest part of getting your novel ready for its release?

I don’t have the edits yet, but I’ve been over this book so many times that I’m ready to offer Russ a carton of beer for every typo he finds. The hardest part about this particular novel has nothing to do with the production and writing of it, but with the emotional ride I’ve had with it. After an anonymous industry person ridiculed the manuscript on a public forum, I couldn’t bear to do anything with it for two years, even though I love this book, and the story, to pieces.

 2.    When I hear debut authors talking about their publishing experience, they often sound relieved. Maybe you could share your timeline with us?

a.     When did you first conceive the concept for your novel?

In October 2007, I was talking on LiveJournal to a friend about the UN (as you do–hey, we’re writers!) and all of a sudden, I saw the character Cory Wilson (who, as a kid, is the main character in my kid’s novel The Far Horizon) sitting across the desk from a high-profile leader talking about a job he was about to start. I often make notes that consist of characters talking to each other about the setting. Hint: these are usually rreeeaaalllyyy boring scenes that never survive into the finished novel. I was writing this when my brain decided that the scene was so boring, it had to throw a bomb in through the window. From that moment on, I needed to know who had done it, and couldn’t stop writing this book.

b.    How long did it take you to learn the craft of novel writing?

In total, probably about 4-5 years.

c.     How long from final polish to publication?

When it’s published, the first words will be six years old.

3.    How many other publishing options did you explore before embarking on this particular one?

I started off with trying to get an agent for different books, because people tell you that you have to do this. I got a few semi-bites before the GFC hit and everyone in publishing proceeded to sit on their hands and never get back to me about outstanding manuscripts. I decided to concentrate on short stories for a bit and found them more satisfying. Less time spent writing each project and more chances of success with each submission. I won Writers of the Future. I sold two stories to Analog. I also self-published some novels.

4.    What’s been the easiest part of the process for you?

Being asked to submit this book

5.    Apart from editing your manuscript until your eyes bleed, what else have you needed to do towards publishing your novel? Read and sign legal contracts? Write and approve marketing materials?

I haven’t reached the editing stage yet. The contract was straightforward and easy, and the advantage of being with a small publisher is that you’re not part of a production line and it doesn’t feel so intimidating.

6.    What promotional activities do you have planned to help launch your novel?

There will probably be a launch of some description (Sydney, Perth, Canberra, all of the above? No idea yet, it’s still a long time to go), and I’ll do all the usual things that I do for my self-publishing releases. Plus being around for interviews, going to cons, things like that. I think promotion is about doing little things constantly, not about having a big binge and then nothing.

7.    What aspects have you found most difficult this time around, which you don’t anticipate will be so tricky next time you publish a novel?

I won’t ever be anxious about selling a book anymore. Before you’ve sold, you feel like the world is going to end if you don’t sell, or if a contract falls through, as happened to me twice (different books). I’ll care a lot less about the stuff that doesn’t work out, because ultimately, you should only sign with publishers you like and trust. Having someone like Russ show his confidence in me is a morale booster that will help me not to sign deals I don’t like, if that makes any sense.

8.    Which leads me to ask what’s next? What will be your next writing project and how long will it be before its ready for the world?

I’m hoping to publish a hard SF novel before Christmas. This will be self-published and also submitted to publishers. Isn’t it wonderful that you can do that these days? Also, I have file with about 20,000 words of sequel to Ambassador, which I’ll get stuck into once I have another project out of the way. I’m planning to complete two books a year, and am on track for that goal.

9.    Finally, if you had just one piece of advice for those of us still out here waiting to have our brilliant debut novels published, what would it be?

Write another book. That’s it! It doesn’t mean forgetting the present one, or your loved older manuscripts. “Maintain” them (= keep submitting, self-publish, edit according to your latest skills, in other words, love your finished works), but for crying out loud, write something new.

Thank you, Patty!

Thanks too to all the other authors who have taken part in this series: Nina D’Aleo, Susanna Freymark, Kylie Scott, Monique McDonell, Bruce Lyman, and Greg Barron. Your journeys have been as fascinating to read as they have been varied.

For my readers, I’d love to know which journey sounds most similar to your own to date. Let me know in the comments below!

What it’s like being a debut novelist at Pan Macmillan / Harper Collins / Momentum Books / Indie Publishing. Part 6…

Part 6? Did you read correctly? Yes, you did!

Due to the enormous success of my debut author series, two extra interviews will be expanding what was originally planned as a five-part series… to seven. A debut author from Ticonderoga Publications will join one more Harper Collins author.

It seems I’m not the only one who goes to sleep at night, dreaming about the day my novels will be read by readers, and not just sat on my computer. There are multitudes of aspiring authors out there, and they all want to know if the reality of becoming a debut novelist will actually live up to their expectations.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been interviewing authors from Momentum Books, Pan Macmillan and Harper Collins, as well as a self published author, about their debut experiences. All of them have novels releasing either this year or early next year. Read their answers here, here, here, here and here.

Now it’s time to ask debut novelist Greg Barron about his experience…

Part Six: Greg Barron

Greg’s novel Rotten Gods was released this July. Yay – congratulations Greg!

Rotten Gods by Greg Barron

Novel: Rotten Gods

Release date: 1st July 2012

Published through: Harper Collins

One-sentence description: When terrorists take control of a conference of world leaders in Dubai, an Australian intelligence officer parachutes into Somalia, seeking to find the woman who might stop the cycle of violence inspired by religion and political upheaval.

Hi Greg, and thanks for taking part in this series… Now let’s get stuck in!

Greg Barron

1.    Most of the debut authors I know always look tired. What’s been the hardest part of getting your novel ready for its release?

The process of seeing my first novel reaching shelves in book shops, after ten years of writing has been a pleasure. I admit to having to deal with self doubt, and a new set of pressures—will my book sell? Will my next one be as good? But overall, I have loved every moment. I’m tired because I’m too excited to sleep.

 2.    When I hear debut authors talking about their publishing experience, they often sound relieved. Maybe you could share your timeline with us?

a.     When did you first conceive the concept for your novel?

The original idea came to me a year or two after the World Trade Centre attacks in New York.

b.    How long did it take you to learn the craft of novel writing?

I think I started to write books that were publishable after about five years of hard work. That’s about when I snagged an agent.

c.     How long from final polish to publication?

Rotten Gods was published around twenty months after my agent and I judged it ready to go out into the world. Later I did some more rewriting at the suggestion of my new editor.

3.    How many other publishing options did you explore before embarking on this particular one?

There was only ever really one publishing objective for me, and that was having a full length novel published with a major publisher. That is not to say that at bleak moments I didn’t consider other options, but I always stopped at the brink and returned to my main goal. I’ve written the occasional short story, in fact I’ve self-published a couple on my website, but they are not my primary medium.

That’s just me. Self publishing whether in electronic or print formats is a viable option for many people.

4.    What’s been the easiest part of the process for you?

The easiest part for me has been the transition from unpublished writer to published writer. I established routines and methods years ago that meant that I have the writing output necessary for a book-a-year contract.  Writing a good book every year is hard, and requires discipline. I record my word output every day in a little table at the beginning of my manuscript. I am never happy unless I’ve done my quota for the day. This varies according to whether I have a free day to write, have to work elsewhere, or have family commitments.

5.    Apart from editing your manuscript until your eyes bleed, what else have you needed to do towards publishing your novel? Read and sign legal contracts? Write and approve marketing materials?

I have read and signed contracts, dealt with queries from the copy editor and proof readers, helped write a blurb for the back of the book, provided a biography, written a synopsis of future books, and addressed a sales conference. Oh yes, and there have been a couple of lovely lunches along the way. I really treasure the times I get together with my publishing team, they are talented friendly people, and look after their authors.

6.    What promotional activities do you have planned to help launch your novel?

I have appeared at over forty bookshops and libraries across three states since my book came out on July 1. I’ve been interviewed on radio five times. Last week I spoke at a View Club, and am booked for a Probus Club in November. I use Twitter and Facebook to help promote the book, and network with industry contacts. One generous author gave me a guest spot on her blog. I’m still waiting for a call from Oprah.

I do, of course, maintain my own website, (I registered gregbarron.com six years before I got published), and am always trying to think of ways to get my novel into the public eye.

7.    What aspects have you found most difficult this time around, which you don’t anticipate will be so tricky next time you publish a novel?

When the novel first hit the stands I felt tremendously exposed. Up until then I had always been able to choose who read my work. Publication meant that it (and I) was open to criticism from everyone with twenty odd dollars and some time to kill. Hopefully this feeling won’t be quite so strong next time.

8.    Which leads me to ask what’s next? What will be your next writing project and how long will it be before its ready for the world?

An advanced draft of what will be my second published book has just gone to a structural editor, so I’m dying to hear what she thinks of it. It will be released on July 1 next year. Working title: The Savage Tide.

9.    Finally, if you had just one piece of advice for those of us still out here waiting to have our brilliant debut novels published, what would it be?

Here’s two:

1) Enjoy your life, writing isn’t everything.

2) Give your work to friends and listen to their opinions. I have a theory that if you can wow the people around you, wider success is assured.

Thank you, Greg!

It’s been fascinating to read answers from two authors with the same publisher. The other Harper Collins author was Bruce Lyman in Part 5. I’d love to know if readers thought their answers more similar than they expected, or more different?

I also interviewed two authors from Momentum Books here and here. What in their answers surprised you?

Let me know in the comments below!

What it’s like being a debut novelist at Pan Macmillan / Harper Collins / Momentum Books / Indie Publishing. Part 5…

Welcome to the final part of my five-part* series about becoming a debut novelist.

I love writing, publishing, and winning competitions with all my short stories… Still when I go to sleep at night, I dream about the day when my novels will be read by, you know, readers – and not just sat on my computer!

But will the reality of becoming a debut novelist actually live up to my expectations?

To find out I asked five* authors – all with debut novels releasing either this year or early next year. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been featuring their answers here. In my first four posts, I interviewed Nina D’Aleo, Susanna Freymark, Kylie Scott and Monique McDonell about their experiences with Momentum Books, Pan Macmillan and self publishing. Read their answers here, here, here and here.

Now it’s time to ask debut novelist Bruce Lyman about his experience…

Part Five: Bruce Lyman

Bruce’s novel Flowers of Baghdad was released this September. Yay – congratulations Bruce!

Flowers of Baghdad by Bruce Lyman

Novel:  Flowers of Baghdad

Release date: 1st September 2012

Published through: Harper Collins

One-sentence description: A breathtaking and heartwrenching novel in the tradition of The Kite Runner, with a story that brings the lives of ordinary people in strife-torn Baghdad luminously into focus.

Hi Bruce, and thanks for taking part in this series… Now let’s get stuck in!

Bruce Lyman

1.    Most of the debut authors I know always look tired. What’s been the hardest part of getting your novel ready for its release?

The editing gestation. That 80/20 rule of life applies here too – 80% of the writing was done in 20% of the time; the editing took 80% of the time but was only 20% of the effort. Or so it seemed.

 2.    When I hear debut authors talking about their publishing experience, they often sound relieved. Maybe you could share your timeline with us?

a.     When did you first conceive the concept for your novel?

I visited Baghdad for a month in October 2007, the novel idea grew over the next twelve months and I sat down and wrote it over a four week period in November 2008.

b.    How long did it take you to learn the craft of novel writing?

A lifetime I suspect. Narrative has always been strong; I spent the last two years finessing my dialogue skills.

c.     How long from final polish to publication?

Only about two months.

3.    How many other publishing options did you explore before embarking on this particular one?

I mailed a synopsis and the first few chapters to four other possible publishers. For a very brief nanosecond I considered self publishing.

4.    What’s been the easiest part of the process for you?

Writing the story. Those characters were very real to me and it helped that many of the events in the story were things I experienced in a city at war.

5.    Apart from editing your manuscript until your eyes bleed, what else have you needed to do towards publishing your novel? Read and sign legal contracts?

Yes – though I have a strong business background and the contracts were very straight forward.

Write and approve marketing materials?

Not really – Harper Collins have looked after that in a very sound, commercial way. I thought it unusual that the publisher wanted to involve me in the final cover design. Given I have a very artistic eye and a strong view about covers I was not only pleased with that but relieved, and delighted with their cover proposal.  I was also pleased to be able to meet their sales and editing staff early on. That gave me a lot of confidence in the publishing process.

6.    What promotional activities do you have planned to help launch your novel?

These activities are really in the hands of the publishers but I have organised a book launch and there are some radio interviews being lined up. A number of reviewers are committed to supporting the e-book versions with their comments, though of course I have no idea yet what flavour their comments will take.

7.    What aspects have you found most difficult this time around, which you don’t anticipate will be so tricky next time you publish a novel?

Finding a publisher!

8.    Which leads me to ask what’s next? What will be your next writing project and how long will it be before its ready for the world?

This novel is actually the second one I have written. The first, which has been finely ground over a number of years, is getting its final tweaks ready for the publisher even as I write this. As for being ready for the world well, that’s entirely up to the publisher. And a third novel is already well on its way.

9.    Finally, if you had just one piece of advice for those of us still out here waiting to have our brilliant debut novels published, what would it be?

The discovery for me as a male author is to make yourself a bit vulnerable in your writing – readers have resonated with that emotion. Don’t put your heart into your writing. Put you writing into your heart  – then open it up for people to see. The rest just seems to follow.

Thank you, Bruce!

What about you? Are you a debut novelist with experiences to share? Or perhaps something in these posts has surprised you? Let me know in the comments below!

*STOP PRESS: Due to the success of my debut author series, there will be two extra interviews in the coming weeks! A debut author from Ticonderoga Publications will join one more Harper Collins author. Subscribe using the ‘More Please’ widget above to find out when their interviews will appear, or just keep your eye on Twitter or Facebook.

Listen Here – To My Radio Interviews!

As some of you may recall, I was on the radio last month talking about my writing. It went so well, I was invited back a few weeks later to critique some writing by others. The radio show Ringside is usually broadcast at 10am on Sundays, so I know a lot of you missed my appearances. Luckily for you – I asked for the broadcast files and got them. Now here they are!

Zena Shapter Interview

On the radio – whoa, oh, oh!

This interview was first broadcast on 12th August 2012. With the music stripped out, it’s now a short 11-minute listen. Why not play it as you check your next email?!

ZenaShapterInterview

You could listen to me read from my short story Trigger (published last year by the Canberra Speculative Fiction Guild), then talk about the role social media can play for aspiring writers, about the critique group I founded (the Northern Beaches Writers’ Group – see below), and how I like to explore the commonality of humankind through speculative fiction.

 

Northern Beaches Writers’ Group Critique Show

This critique session was first broadcast on 9th September 2012. At 42-minutes, it’s a longer listen. But in it we cover a couple of critiques, the author Kourosh Keshavarz talks about finite numbers of friends, and I read from one of my favourite books: The Road by Cormac McCarthy.

NBWG On Air Critique – Part 1

NBWG On Air Critique – Part 2

NBWG On Air Critique – Part 3

The critiques we cover are Presque Vu by Mijmark and Die Dollar Die by Robert Salisbury. I don’t have a copy of Robert’s piece, but if you want to follow Mijmark’s as he reads it aloud, it’s here: PresqueVu.

The voices you hear include me, Rodney Timm, Tania Crivellenti (who also read aloud some of her writing, though it wasn’t captured on the broadcast file), Mijmark, Robert Salisbury (radio host) and Kourosh Keshavarz. Here are some photos of everyone:

Tania Crivellenti & Mijmark

Me!

Rodney Timm & Kourosh Keshavarz

Robert Salisbury

Thank you, Robert Salisbury, for inviting me to talk on your radio show. It was oodles of fun!

What it’s like being a debut novelist at Pan Macmillan / Harper Collins / Momentum Books / Indie Publishing. Part 4…

This is Part Four in my debut novelist series.

I love writing, publishing, and winning competitions with all my short stories… Still I’d love my novels to be read by, you know, readers – and not just sat on my computer!

But will the reality of becoming a debut novelist actually live up to my expectations?

To find out I asked five authors – all with debut novels releasing either this year or early next year – and I’ve been featuring their answers here. In my first three posts, I interviewed Nina D’Aleo, Susanna Freymark and Kylie Scott about their experiences with Momentum Books and Pan Macmillan. Read their answers here, here and here.

Now it’s time to ask self-published debut author, Monique McDonell, about her experience…

Part Four: Monique McDonell

Monique’s novel Mr Right and Other Mongrels was released this May. Yay – congratulations Monique!

Mr Right & Other Mongrels by Monique McDonell

Novel: Mr Right and Other Mongrels

Release date: May 2012

Published through: Self-published under Redfish Publishing

One-sentence description: Where dog phobias, hippies and make-over TV meet; “Mr Right and other Mongrels” is a quirky romantic comedy set on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Hi Monique, and thanks for taking part in this series… Now let’s get stuck in!

Monique McDonell

1.    Most of the debut authors I know always look tired. What’s been the hardest part of getting your novel ready for its release?

I think the hardest part of being an indie author is overcoming your own nerves and trusting in yourself to put the book out there. Of course the layout, the edit and cover design are also stressful.

 2.    When I hear debut authors talking about their publishing experience, they often sound relieved. Maybe you could share your timeline with us?

a.     When did you first conceive the concept for your novel?

2007

b.    How long did it take you to learn the craft of novel writing?

I’m still learning…

c.     How long from final polish to publication?

Gosh, the very final polish happened this year and it was published in May.

3.    How many other publishing options did you explore before embarking on this particular one?

I explored a lot of options. I entered competitions. I participated in the QWC/Hachette Manuscript Development program. I did agent pitches at conferences. I sent my book to agents and publishers everywhere. I explored most avenues for traditional publishing.

4.    What’s been the easiest part of the process for you?

Once I decided to take the indie publishing route it’s all been pretty easy. What I like about this path is that I have control over everything I do – the cover, the layout, the promotion and all the planning. I don’t have to compromise, I suppose, and I like that.

5.    Apart from editing your manuscript until your eyes bleed, what else have you needed to do towards publishing your novel? Read and sign legal contracts? Write and approve marketing materials?

There’s a lot of research required before you publish a novel. In my case I had to set up a blog, a facebook author page, commission a cover design, get someone to help me with the layout for the paperback and of course I’ve prepared all my own marketing materials. It’s very time consuming but I think it’s paying off.

6.    What promotional activities do you have planned to help launch your novel?

I did a virtual book launch for Mr Right and Other Mongrels on facebook, that was fun. I had postcards printed which have been handed out all over Sydney. I’ve set up my own mini blog tour visiting the blogs of other author’s I know. I also did a subsequent paid virtual blog tour.

7.    What aspects have you found most difficult this time around, which you don’t anticipate will be so tricky next time you publish a novel?

Next time around I won’t wait till the book is out to start the publicity and I’ll pre-book some opportunities. Also I realise now how long each step takes so I can allocate my time and manage my expectations better.

8.    Which leads me to ask what’s next? What will be your next writing project and how long will it be before its ready for the world?

My next book, Heart’s Afire, is ready to launch in the next month or so. I gave myself an August deadline but pushed it to September. I’ll have a third book out in December.  And I also have another manuscript with a traditional publishing house.

9.    Finally, if you had just one piece of advice for those of us still out here waiting to have our brilliant debut novels published, what would it be?

My advice is to write what you’re passionate about, what excites you. Literary trends cycle through, but a well told, well written story will always find an audience.

Thank you, Monique!

Next time, I’ll be asking Bruce Lyman, a soon-to-be-published debut novelist with Harper Collins, about his experiences. My last interviewee, will his answers be similar or different to the others? Subscribe using the ‘More Please’ widget above if you don’t want to miss out, or just keep your eye on Facebook or Twitter

In the meantime, are you a self-published author who remembers their first publication well? If so, how did your experience compare with Monique’s?

Or maybe you’re planning to self-publish. If so, what will be your major concerns?

What it’s like being a debut novelist at Pan Macmillan / Harper Collins / Momentum Books / Indie Publishing. Part 3…

Over the last few weeks, I’ve interviewing debut novelists about their experience. I love writing, publishing, and winning competitions with all my short stories… Still when I go to sleep at night, I sometimes dream about the day when my novels will be read by, you know, readers – and not just sat on my computer!

But will the reality of becoming a debut novelist actually live up to my expectations?

To find out I asked five authors – all with debut novels releasing either this year or early next year – and I’m featuring their answers here. So if you want to know what it’s really like to be a debut author these days too, read on!

In my first two posts, I interviewed Nina D’Aleo and Susanna Freymark about their experiences with Momentum Books and Pan Macmillan. Read their answers here and here. Now it’s Kylie Scott’s turn…

Part Three: Kylie Scott

Kylie’s novel Flesh will be released this October. Yay – congratulations Kylie!

Flesh by Kylie Scott

Novel: Flesh

Release date: October 2012

Published through: Momentum Books

One-sentence description: A M/F/M post-apocalyptic erotic romance featuring zombie chaos and carnage with plenty of sweet, sweaty lovin’ on the side.

 

Hi Kylie, and thanks for taking part in this series… Now let’s get stuck in!

Kylie Scott

 

1.    Most of the debut authors I know always look tired. What’s been the hardest part of getting your novel ready for its release?

Well, I’m finishing up edits right now. They’ve been a hard slog but it’s been an awesome learning curve as well.

 2.    When I hear debut authors talking about their publishing experience, they often sound relieved. Maybe you could share your timeline with us?

 

a.     When did you first conceive the concept for your novel?

Three years ago.

b.    How long did it take you to learn the craft of novel writing?

Six years to get to this point but it’s an ongoing thing. I don’t think you ever stop learning.

c.     How long from final polish to publication?

Seven months.

3.    How many other publishing options did you explore before embarking on this particular one?

I looked into New York and other American romance specific digital publishers. I had a couple of options but I decided Momentum was the best fit for me. The very first Australian digital imprint – how could I resist?

4.    What’s been the easiest part of the process for you?

I’m going to have to go with dealing with Momentum. They’re a dream to work with and Anne was excited about Flesh from the start. Submit to them, you won’t be sorry.

5.    Apart from editing your manuscript until your eyes bleed, what else have you needed to do towards publishing your novel? Read and sign legal contracts? Write and approve marketing materials?

Yes, there was a contract. I think I probably emailed Joel Naoum from Momentum about a dozen times with various questions that day but he patiently answered each and every one. I also put together some ideas for the cover along with working on the book blurb and my author bio, etc.

6.    What promotional activities do you have planned to help launch your novel?

Promotion-wise it’s hard to know what works but I have visits to blogs lined up along with pimping myself on my own blog and ‘Romance Writers of the Apocalypse’. RWoftheA is a group I helped to start that now boasts 13 published romance writers from around the globe who all write about the downfall of civilisation as we know it. But I think writing a great follow-up is the best bet so that’s where the bulk of my energy will be going.

7.    What aspects have you found most difficult this time around, which you don’t anticipate will be so tricky next time you publish a novel?

Having so little real knowledge of the process has been tricky. The various stages of going from the offer to the contract, then through to editing, etc. But having the team at Momentum and my friends from Romance Writers of Australia behind me has helped hugely. Kylie Griffin, Tracey O’Hara and my mentor Louise Cusack all deserve to have their feet kissed.

8.    Which leads me to ask what’s next? What will be your next writing project and how long will it be before its ready for the world?

I have a short story set in the same Post-Zombie-Apocalypse world coming out with Momentum in November. It’s part of a series of shorts from over a dozen Australian Erotic Romance Writers. Super excited about that.

9.    Finally, if you had just one piece of advice for those of us still out here waiting to have our brilliant debut novels published, what would it be?

Constructive and knowledgeable critique partners are invaluable. Being told you’re wrong will always suck, but it’s all a part of learning.

Thank you, Kylie!

Next time, I’ll be asking Monique McDonell, a debut indie novelist, about her experiences. Will her answers be similar or different to those who have published through publishing companies? And, later, a debut novelist with Harper Collins talks about his experience. Subscribe using the ‘More Please’ widget above if you don’t want to miss out, or just keep your eye on Facebook or Twitter

In the meantime, what are your thoughts on this interview series so far? Are these posts inspiring you to become a debut novelist EVEN MORE? (of course!) Have you been surprised by any responses? Let me know in the comments below.

I won first place… three years in a row! Yay – hat trick!

Winner – 2012 Fellowship of Australian Writers – Manly!

Three years in a row!

Three different judges.

Three separate wins of ‘first place’.

Hat trick!

I couldn’t believe it earlier today when, at a meeting of Manly’s Fellowship of Australian Writers, acting President Beatrice Yell read out the results for their 2012 Short Story Competition and I realised I’d won, again, three years in a row!

Of course I hoped to win, but seriously… who wins three years in a row?

Squeee! Me!

My winning short story The Something Said will be read aloud (by me) at the awards ceremony on Saturday 13th October at 2pm in Warringah Mall Library. Why not come along?

What it’s like being a debut novelist at Pan Macmillan / Harper Collins / Momentum Books / Indie Publishing. Part 2…

Welcome to Part 2 of my blog series asking: what’s it like being a debut novelist? I love writing, publishing, and winning competitions with short stories… Still when I go to sleep at night, I dream about the day my novels will be read by, you know, readers – and not just sat on my computer! But will the reality of becoming a debut novelist actually live up to my expectations?

To find out I asked five authors – all with debut novels releasing either this year or early next year. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be featuring their answers here. So if you want to know what it’s really like to be a debut author these days too, read on!

In my first post, I interviewed Nina D’Aleo about her experiences with Momentum Books. Read her answers here. Now it’s Susanna Freymark’s turn…

Part Two: Susanna Freymark

Susanna’s novel Losing February will be released next February. Yay – congratulations Susanna!

Susanna Freymark

Novel: Losing February

Release date: February 2013

Published through: Pan Macmillan

One-sentence description: A story about love, loss and bad sex.

Hi Susanna, and thanks for taking part in this series… Now let’s get stuck in!

1.    Most of the debut authors I know always look tired. What’s been the hardest part of getting your novel ready for its release?

The hardest part? Believing in yourself and ignoring the insecure but persistent voice in your head that keeps saying you’re no good. I’m a big believer of fake it until you make it. Keep writing no matter what.

 2.    When I hear debut authors talking about their publishing experience, they often sound relieved. Maybe you could share your timeline with us?

a.     When did you first conceive the concept for your novel?

In 2008 on a ferry trip across Sydney Harbour. The opening scene flashed before me like a movie and wouldn’t go away. So I wrote it down.

b.    How long did it take you to learn the craft of novel writing?

Learning the craft of novel writing is ongoing. Doing a Masters in Writing at UTS helped because I had support from some wonderful writers including Debra Adelaide, Rosie Scott and Jean Bedford.

c.     How long from final polish to publication?

5 years.

3.    How many other publishing options did you explore before embarking on this particular one?

I had entered the story in a Varuna scholarship and was short listed. Then on a whim really, I submitted the first chapter into Pan’s Manuscript Mondays and got a call back for more chapters.

4.    What’s been the easiest part of the process for you?

Sitting at my desk, music blaring and losing myself in writing. I love it. It is my ‘me’ time.

5.    Apart from editing your manuscript until your eyes bleed, what else have you needed to do towards publishing your novel? Read and sign legal contracts? Write and approve marketing materials?

I am about to embark on the blue line edit which writer friends have warned me about, the publisher’s editor puts a blue line through anything they want changed. I’m doing this now. Fortunately, as a journalist, I like editing.

Best thing I ever did to take away the stress was to get an agent. She took care of everything while I wrote.

6.    What promotional activities do you have planned to help launch your novel?

Blogging, sending books to reviewers who blog around the world, setting up a website, visiting book groups, libraries, putting my name down for writers festivals, etc.

7.    What aspects have you found most difficult this time around, which you don’t anticipate will be so tricky next time you publish a novel?

I’ll know the process next time and I’ll be building on what I have rather than starting new. This is my first-born and everything is new.

8.    Which leads me to ask what’s next? What will be your next writing project and how long will it be before its ready for the world?

I have half a manuscript of a first under-the-bed novel I’d like to revisit called Drowning On The Way Home. And my third novel Forgiving Hitler is in my head knocking at the door. Basically it is very busy inside my mind.

9.    Finally, if you had just one piece of advice for those of us still out here waiting to have our brilliant debut novels published, what would it be?

Never, never, never give up.

Thank you, Susanna!

Next time, I’ll be asking Kylie Scott, a soon-to-be-debut novelist with Momentum Books, about her experiences. Will her answers be similar or different to fellow Momentum novelist Nina D’Aleo, who I interviewed in Part 1? And what about when I ask a self-published novelist about their debut experience? If you don’t want to miss out, either subscribe using the ‘More Please’ widget above, or just keep your eye on Facebook or Twitter

In the meantime, what did you find most surprising about Susanna’s answers, and which answers were exactly as you expected? Let me know in the comments below!

What it’s like being a debut novelist at Pan Macmillan / Harper Collins / Momentum Books / Indie Publishing. Part 1…

I want to be a debut novelist! Who doesn’t? I love writing, publishing, and winning competitions with all my short stories… Still when I go to sleep at night, I dream about the day my novels will be read by, you know, readers – and not just sat on my computer!

But will the reality of becoming a debut novelist actually live up to my expectations?

To find out I asked five authors – all with debut novels releasing either this year or early next year. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be featuring their answers here. So if you want to know what it’s really like to be a debut author too, read on!

Part One: Nina D’Aleo

Nina’s novel The Last City has just been released. Yay – congratulations Nina!

The Last City by Nina D’Aleo

Novel: The Last City

Release date: 1st August 2012

Published through: Momentum Books

One-sentence description: An intoxicating blend of noir crime, science fiction and fantasy The Last City is Blade Runner meets Perdido Street Station.

Hi Nina, and thanks for taking part in this series… Now let’s get stuck in!

Nina D’Aleo

1.    Most of the debut authors I know always look tired. What’s been the hardest part of getting your novel ready for its release?

I think the hardest bit for me has been the wondering how readers will receive the story… it’s out there for all to read – to like or to hate… and that’s been pretty intense…

  2.    When I hear debut authors talking about their publishing experience, they often sound relieved. Maybe you could share your timeline with us?

a.     When did you first conceive the concept for your novel?

In the far-off past of 2003…

b.    How long did it take you to learn the craft of novel writing?

Definitely still learning!!

c.     How long from final polish to publication?

3 years I think…

3.    How many other publishing options did you explore before embarking on this particular one?

I think the story was seen by two other publishers before Momentum…

4.    What’s been the easiest part of the process for you?

The coffee drinking and chocolate eating…

5.    Apart from editing your manuscript until your eyes bleed, what else have you needed to do towards publishing your novel? Read and sign legal contracts? Write and approve marketing materials?

Yes – all of the above

6.    What promotional activities do you have planned to help launch your novel?

I have the great fortune to have the best marketing man in the world so he leads and I happily follow.

There will be a little film clip coming out soon.

7.    What aspects have you found most difficult this time around, which you don’t anticipate will be so tricky next time you publish a novel?

Good question… maybe the self-doubt, but I’m not sure if that ever goes away?

8.    Which leads me to ask what’s next? What will be your next writing project and how long will it be before its ready for the world?

I’ve got a few stories going at the moment – I tend to get half way and then re-start so that’s a bit of a challenge, but they’re definitely getting there!

9.    Finally, if you had just one piece of advice for those of us still out here waiting to have our brilliant debut novels published, what would it be?

Never give up!!!!

Thank you, Nina!

Many thanks for having me!!!!!

Next time, I’ll be asking Susanna Freymark, a soon-to-be-debut novelist with Pan Macmillan, about her experiences. Will her answers be similar, or different to Nina’s? And what about when I ask a self-published debut novelist about their experience? Subscribe using the ‘More Please’ widget above if you don’t want to miss out, or just keep your eye on Facebook or Twitter

Meanwhile, are you a debut novelist, or do you want to be? Let me know in the comments below!

What it’s like being a debut novellist at Pan Macmillan / Harper Collins / Momentum Books / Indie Publishing. Part 1…

I want to be a debut novelist! Who doesn’t? I love writing, publishing, and winning competitions with all my short stories… Still when I go to sleep at night, I dream about the day my novels will be read by, you know, readers – and not just sat on my computer!

But will the reality of becoming a debut novelist actually live up to my expectations?

To find out I asked five authors – all with debut novels releasing either this year or early next year. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be featuring their answers here. So if you want to know what it’s really like to be a debut author too, read on!

Part One: Nina D’Aleo

Nina’s novel The Last City has just been released. Yay – congratulations Nina!

The Last City by Nina D’Aleo

Novel: The Last City

Release date: 1st August 2012

Published through: Momentum Books

One-sentence description: An intoxicating blend of noir crime, science fiction and fantasy The Last City is Blade Runner meets Perdido Street Station.

Hi Nina, and thanks for taking part in this series… Now let’s get stuck in!

Nina D’Aleo

1.    Most of the debut authors I know always look tired. What’s been the hardest part of getting your novel ready for its release?

I think the hardest bit for me has been the wondering how readers will receive the story… it’s out there for all to read – to like or to hate… and that’s been pretty intense…

  2.    When I hear debut authors talking about their publishing experience, they often sound relieved. Maybe you could share your timeline with us?

a.     When did you first conceive the concept for your novel?

In the far-off past of 2003…

b.    How long did it take you to learn the craft of novel writing?

Definitely still learning!!

c.     How long from final polish to publication?

3 years I think…

3.    How many other publishing options did you explore before embarking on this particular one?

I think the story was seen by two other publishers before Momentum…

4.    What’s been the easiest part of the process for you?

The coffee drinking and chocolate eating…

5.    Apart from editing your manuscript until your eyes bleed, what else have you needed to do towards publishing your novel? Read and sign legal contracts? Write and approve marketing materials?

Yes – all of the above

6.    What promotional activities do you have planned to help launch your novel?

I have the great fortune to have the best marketing man in the world so he leads and I happily follow.

There will be a little film clip coming out soon.

7.    What aspects have you found most difficult this time around, which you don’t anticipate will be so tricky next time you publish a novel?

Good question… maybe the self-doubt, but I’m not sure if that ever goes away?

8.    Which leads me to ask what’s next? What will be your next writing project and how long will it be before its ready for the world?

I’ve got a few stories going at the moment – I tend to get half way and then re-start so that’s a bit of a challenge, but they’re definitely getting there!

9.    Finally, if you had just one piece of advice for those of us still out here waiting to have our brilliant debut novels published, what would it be?

Never give up!!!!

Thank you, Nina!

Many thanks for having me!!!!!

Next time, I’ll be asking Susanna Freymark, a soon-to-be-debut novelist with Pan Macmillan, about her experiences. Will her answers be similar, or different to Nina’s? And what about when I ask a self-published debut novelist about their experience? Subscribe using the ‘More Please’ widget above if you don’t want to miss out, or just keep your eye on Facebook or Twitter

Meanwhile, are you a debut novelist, or do you want to be? Let me know in the comments below!