Ten things I've learned since being a published writer
It’s two years since my first book, Captive, published. My second book, In Your Light, is due out in summer this year. As such, it feels like a good time for a bit of reflection (with some help from Disney). So here are 10 things I’ve learned since being a published writer. I hope they’re useful to you. Maybe some of you writers out there will identify with them!
10. The YA and children’s book world is lovely and welcoming.
9. Editors and agents are invaluable, as are copyeditors. Say thank you as often as you can!
8. Reviews are not meant for me. I am very grateful every time someone reviews my book, but I don’t read them any more. It didn’t matter how many stars or how many positive things they contain, my brain seeks out the one vaguely negative thing and sticks to it like glue. Reviews are for readers.
7. I will always be insecure about my writing. I will always wish my book was better. That’s a good thing. It means I keep trying harder!
6. Writing a book can be a challenge. There will always be a moment when I will think, despairingly, that this book will never (ever) be finished. This does not make that true. In the words of Dory, ‘Just keep swimming’.
5. Seeing your cover for the first time doesn’t get any less exciting.
4. I write slowly. No, that’s not true. I write fast. I rewrite slowly. And that’s OK.
3. Other authors, even the ones who are really successful, find this stuff hard too.
2. Getting a letter from someone telling you they loved your book means everything.
Seeing my book on a shelf in a bookshop is as thrilling as ever. I feel very lucky!
Captive is out now. Read a sample chapter here. Or check it out at your local library, or buy it from your local bookshop or online:
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon US | Waterstones | The Book Depository | Barnes and Noble
In Your Light is out in the UK in summer 2017. You can check it out on Goodreads or pre-order it online now.
Ten things I’ve learned since being a published writer was originally published on A. J. Grainger
