WriteCast - Between the Pages: Recent Episodes
WriteMentor
Our podcast will focus less on the WHAT, and more on the HOW and WHY of writing a book. Of course, we will still focus on WHAT our guests write, and discuss books, but we will examine the things that happen behind the scenes – the book of YOU, the writer. The trials and tribulations, the rejections and the successes – we will explore deeper and with greater insight, the authors psyche and process, and the person beneath the book. Hosted by Stuart and Florianne, we will welcome guests to discuss all of the above and we hope that the conversations we have will be relatable for all who listen. Welcome to WriteCast!
This time we discuss barriers to writing!
Stuart, Emily and Melissa discuss their own barriers, and those volunteered by writers, published and unpublished via Twitter.
Want more writing-related content?
Follow us on social media, sign up to our weekly newsletter, check out our website & listen to our podcasts for FREE writing resources, advice, insights & updates:
📧 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3N1EDKn
🔗 Website: write-mentor.com
💻 Twitter, Instagram & Facebook : @writementor
🎧 Podcast: https://writecast.buzzsprout.com
✏️ Want to be part of a writing community? Join the Hub: https://write-mentor.com/community-le…
⚡️ Be mentored by leading authors via our Spark services: https://write-mentor.com/mentoring-pr…
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Who are we?
WriteMentor helps anyone who wants to write and publish a children’s book with the support of authors and industry experts. Through our membership platform, online courses, one-to-one mentoring, awards, and virtual events, we’re busting the myth of the isolated writer by creating a community of storytellers.
Since 2018 we’ve helped almost 80 writers secure agent representation or publishing deals.
Join our supportive community of storytellers.
writinglife #thiswritinglife #writingcommunity #writingtips #writingtools #writinganovel #goals #dreams #goalsetting
I believe it’s possible to self-publish well and to the same quality and standard as traditional publishing.
The landscape is changing. And I’m ready to take a different path.
Stuart discusses editing with his developmental editor, Emma Read. You can find Emma and her editorial services here: https://www.emdashed.com
You can keep up with me on my monthly newsletter - sign up here: https://stuartwhite.substack.com
You can also follow me in the following places:
Website: https://stuartwhiteauthor.co.uk/
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMNuaRDeP/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stuartwhitewm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StuartWhiteWM
Ghosts of Mars is available to buy here: https://t.co/hJpVW4qKxL
Authortube #SelfPublishing #novelwriting #authorpreneur #scifi #middlegrade #ghostsofmars #SelfPublishing #ChildrensBook #IndieAuthor #WritingCommunity #KidLit #Illustration #PictureBook #AuthorTube #PublishingTips #BookMarketing #BookPromotion #WritingTips #WritingAdvice #BookTube #SelfPublishingSuccess
I believe it’s possible to self-publish well and to the same quality and standard as traditional publishing.
The landscape is changing. And I’m ready to take a different path.
Stuart discusses his publication day, his book launch and the time after and how he is looking forward.
You can keep up with me on my monthly newsletter - sign up here: https://stuartwhite.substack.com
You can also follow me in the following places:
Website: https://stuartwhiteauthor.co.uk/
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMNuaRDeP/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stuartwhitewm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StuartWhiteWM
Ghosts of Mars is available to buy here: https://t.co/hJpVW4qKxL
I believe it’s possible to self-publish well and to the same quality and standard as traditional publishing.
The landscape is changing. And I’m ready to take a different path.
Stuart discusses his latest self-publishing tasks, including:
- preparing for his launch party and publication day
- marketing and publicity to raise awareness
- focussing on individuals
- setting goals and how to break those down
- update on sales/reviews towards the 1000/100 target!
You can keep up with me on my monthly newsletter - sign up here: https://stuartwhite.substack.com
You can also follow me in the following places:
Website: https://stuartwhiteauthor.co.uk/
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMNuaRDeP/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stuartwhitewm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StuartWhiteWM
Ghosts of Mars is available to buy here: https://t.co/hJpVW4qKxL
I believe it’s possible to self-publish well and to the same quality and standard as traditional publishing.
The landscape is changing. And I’m ready to take a different path.
Stuart discusses his latest self-publishing tasks, including:
- Registering
- Selling
- Marketing
- Publicity
- Launching
You can keep up with me on my monthly newsletter - sign up here: https://stuartwhite.substack.com
You can also follow me in the following places:
Website: https://stuartwhiteauthor.co.uk/
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMNuaRDeP/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stuartwhitewm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StuartWhiteWM
Ghosts of Mars is available to buy here: https://t.co/hJpVW4qKxL
This week we discuss Goals and Dreams!
Stuart and Melissa discuss their own goals and dreams, and some of our Twitter followers most common ones, chatting about pitfalls and alternative goal setting!
Want more writing-related content?
Follow us on social media, sign up to our weekly newsletter, check out our website & listen to our podcasts for FREE writing resources, advice, insights & updates:
📧 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3N1EDKn
🔗 Website: write-mentor.com
💻 Twitter, Instagram & Facebook : @writementor
🎧 Podcast: https://writecast.buzzsprout.com
✏️ Want to be part of a writing community? Join the Hub: https://write-mentor.com/community-le…
⚡️ Be mentored by leading authors via our Spark services: https://write-mentor.com/mentoring-pr…
——————————————————
Who are we?
WriteMentor helps anyone who wants to write and publish a children’s book with the support of authors and industry experts. Through our membership platform, online courses, one-to-one mentoring, awards, and virtual events, we’re busting the myth of the isolated writer by creating a community of storytellers.
Since 2018 we’ve helped almost 80 writers secure agent representation or publishing deals.
Join our supportive community of storytellers.
I believe it’s possible to self-publish well and to the same quality and standard as traditional publishing.
The landscape is changing. And I’m ready to take a different path.
Stuart answers some Frequently Asked Questions from the WriteMentor Hub, including:
- how do you know when you're ready to go for it / publish?
- budgeting
- finances
- distribution of your book
- working with illustrators
- hybrid publishing
- print of demand
You can keep up with me on my monthly newsletter - sign up here: https://stuartwhite.substack.com
You can also follow me in the following places:
Website: https://stuartwhiteauthor.co.uk/
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMNuaRDeP/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stuartwhitewm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StuartWhiteWM
Ghosts of Mars is available to buy here: https://t.co/hJpVW4qKxL
I believe it’s possible to self-publish well and to the same quality and standard as traditional publishing.
The landscape is changing. And I’m ready to take a different path.
Stuart chats about the latest in his publication journey, including:
- Round-up of what’s been happening.
- Editing.
- Cover alterations.
- Uploading and formatting.
- Pre-Orders.
- Launch.
- Build up to release and ARCs.
You can keep up with me on my monthly newsletter - sign up here: https://stuartwhite.substack.com
You can also follow me in the following places:
Website: https://stuartwhiteauthor.co.uk/
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMNuaRDeP/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stuartwhitewm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StuartWhiteWM
Ghosts of Mars is available to buy here: https://t.co/hJpVW4qKxL
This week we discuss NaNoWriMo!
Stuart and Melissa discuss what it involves, how it helps writers and the pitfalls, with ways to avoid those.
Want more writing-related content?
Follow us on social media, sign up to our weekly newsletter, check out our website & listen to our podcasts for FREE writing resources, advice, insights & updates:
📧 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3N1EDKn
🔗 Website: write-mentor.com
💻 Twitter, Instagram & Facebook : @writementor
🎧 Podcast: https://writecast.buzzsprout.com
✏️ Want to be part of a writing community? Join the Hub: https://write-mentor.com/community-le…
⚡️ Be mentored by leading authors via our Spark services: https://write-mentor.com/mentoring-pr…
——————————————————
Who are we?
WriteMentor helps anyone who wants to write and publish a children’s book with the support of authors and industry experts. Through our membership platform, online courses, one-to-one mentoring, awards, and virtual events, we’re busting the myth of the isolated writer by creating a community of storytellers.
Since 2018 we’ve helped almost 80 writers secure agent representation or publishing deals.
Join our supportive community of storytellers.
I believe it’s possible to self-publish well and to the same quality and standard as traditional publishing.
The landscape is changing. And I’m ready to take a different path.
Stuart chats to Jennifer Jamieson, illustrator represented by the Plum Agency, about their collaborative process in producing the cover for Ghosts of Mars, and much more about the creative process, the illustrator community and life as an illustrator!
You can find Jen here:
https://jenniferjamieson.com
https://jenniferjamieson.substack.com
https://www.instagram.com/jen_jamieson/
https://twitter.com/Jen_Jamieson_
You can keep up with me on my monthly newsletter - sign up here: https://t.co/bZJEGLkTG5
You can also follow me in the following places:
Website: https://stuartwhiteauthor.co.uk/
TikTok: https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMNuaRDeP/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stuartwhitewm/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StuartWhiteWM
Ghosts of Mars is available to buy here: https://t.co/hJpVW4qKxL
I believe it’s possible to self-publish well and to the same quality and standard as traditional publishing.
The landscape is changing. And I’m ready to take a different path.
Stuart discusses how to ensure you give yourself the time and breathing room to get all the tasks done, and how to set aside funds for particulate outsourced tasks, but also how you can do some of those yourself. He also discusses the important of treating self-publishing like a business.
Maz Evans discusses her own experience of self-publishing the now best-selling Who Let the Gods Out, originally called Elliot and the Immortals and how she used her business acumen, coupled with her energy, determination and drive to be successful to sell 2500 books in a year and land a traditional publishing deal.
This week we discuss SUCCESS as writers!
Stuart, Florianne, and Melissa discuss what it means to be successful and we chat about what others authors have to say on the matter!
Want more writing-related content?
Follow us on social media, sign up to our weekly newsletter, check out our website & listen to our podcasts for FREE writing resources, advice, insights & updates:
📧 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3N1EDKn
🔗 Website: write-mentor.com
💻 Twitter, Instagram & Facebook : @writementor
🎧 Podcast: https://writecast.buzzsprout.com
✏️ Want to be part of a writing community? Join the Hub: https://write-mentor.com/community-le…
⚡️ Be mentored by leading authors via our Spark services: https://write-mentor.com/mentoring-pr…
——————————————————
Who are we?
WriteMentor helps anyone who wants to write and publish a children’s book with the support of authors and industry experts. Through our membership platform, online courses, one-to-one mentoring, awards, and virtual events, we’re busting the myth of the isolated writer by creating a community of storytellers.
Since 2018 we’ve helped almost 80 writers secure agent representation or publishing deals.
Join our supportive community of storytellers.
I believe it’s possible to self-publish well and to the same quality and standard as traditional publishing.
The landscape is changing. And I’m ready to take a different path.
Getting started (or where to start?)
- Think long and hard about what you want? This is not a path to take lightly. You must be certain this is what you want, be aware of what you’re giving up and what you’re gaining - be conscious of the advantages and disadvantages of this path. Perhaps the information in this series of podcasts will help you decide - that’s what I’m hoping for.
- So you’ve decided it’s for you, or at least you want to wander a little down the path and find out more? This is where the hard work begins. I would recommend at this stage that you read every free post, Podcast or YT video out there on self-publishing - I found hundreds. Some more useful than others. I also bought an E-book from Karen Inglis, How to Self-Publish and Market a Children’s Book. Read that front to back, and if the things she discusses still make it sounds appealing with the many, many facets involved, and you’ve read about at least 10-20 other posts outlining other SP authors experiences, then you’re ready for the first big step. Marking a plan.
- Timelines. I’d say you need at least 6-12 months if you have a finished manuscript (before editing - if you’ve already gone through the many stages of edits, you can speed up this timeline by a couple of months probably).
- Business plan and finances.
- Editing.
- Formats to publish in.
- Cover illustration/design.
- Cover reveal/pre-orders.
- Marketing/publicity.
- Doing it and doing it right.
- How to - there’s many courses/websites/blog posts/e-books which can show you how to almost every aspect, step by step. You may have to pay for many of the better resources here but I assure you it’s worth every penny to know which box to tick on Amazon or Ingram when they ask you what to do with bookshop returns or how to set up a pre-order campaign for paperback etc
- I’ll go into each of these elements in more detail in their own dedicated episodes later in the series but I hope that’s given you food for thought and an idea of what’s involved. Is it for you? Well, let’s see what the next few episodes bring.
This week we discuss Taking Opportunities as writers!
Stuart and Melissa discuss opportunities they've taken that have made all the difference! And WriteMentor's biggest opportunity of the year - WOWCON! Tickets still available here:
https://write-mentor.com/wowcon-2022-writers-conference/
Want more writing-related content?
Follow us on social media, sign up to our weekly newsletter, check out our website & listen to our podcasts for FREE writing resources, advice, insights & updates:
📧 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3N1EDKn
🔗 Website: write-mentor.com
💻 Twitter, Instagram & Facebook : @writementor
🎧 Podcast: https://writecast.buzzsprout.com
✏️ Want to be part of a writing community? Join the Hub: https://write-mentor.com/community-le…
⚡️ Be mentored by leading authors via our Spark services: https://write-mentor.com/mentoring-pr…
——————————————————
Who are we?
WriteMentor helps anyone who wants to write and publish a children’s book with the support of authors and industry experts. Through our membership platform, online courses, one-to-one mentoring, awards, and virtual events, we’re busting the myth of the isolated writer by creating a community of storytellers.
Since 2018 we’ve helped almost 80 writers secure agent representation or publishing deals.
Join our supportive community of storytellers.
I believe it’s possible to self-publish well and to the same quality and standard as traditional publishing.
The landscape is changing. And I’m ready to take a different path.
The emotional side - complete honesty - I thoughtt trad publishing would be easier/less competitive.
Family - daughter is 8 next year, ideal age range - would love her to read it independently.
Friends - what will they think?
Finance? Investing like a business.
Time running out - ticking clock? Not getting any younger!
Ego/Confidence
Asking people to be part of it? Cover quote/blurb/reveal. Fraud as not trad?
Will I ever get it into shops/up for awards/respect from peers?
Is there an element of proving yourself after all the rejections?
My book latest:
I’ve seen some exciting cover stuff and individual illustrations, too.
Dev edits are coming along.
Also signed up for a SP course (my 4th now!) to keep learning, keep developing.
Planning some cross-curricular schemes of learning for 8-12 between english and science.
I believe it’s possible to self-publish well and to the same quality and standard as traditional publishing.
The landscape is changing. And I’m ready to take a different path.
- Thanks to everyone for social media responses last week - that level of support helped calm the voice in my head that’s been yelling imposter etc - I had been feeling so nervous about publicly mentioning it (I had said in my newsletter) and the support specifically for the project
- Why didn’t I sign with agent or go through with pub deal before (not to the standards/rigour I expect)
- We sometimes sleepwalk into this industry and assume that one linear pathway is the only way - but it’s not and more are opening all the time. So it’s important to keep your eyes and options open.
- Debunk some assumptions people make about SP
- Such as; taking easy option, lower quality, less developed, poorer quality editing and cover, people spamming and hard selling, SP means you have talent
- Also SP is a poor name for the process because most people don’t do it entirely alone - it’s a collaborative effort and can even involve as many people as a traditionally published novel, often the same freelancers
- Why those figures - 1000/100
- First steps when thinking of SP
What is this?
Simply put, I want to see if it’s possible for me to go down the SP route and sell 1000 copies of the book, and get 100 reviews within 12 months!
You will be able to follow my progress via this podcast.
Ambitious? Yup! Kesia Lupo recently said on Twitter that any self-published author getting over 1000 sales is doing great! My good friend Sally is close - she just needs a few more to push her to the target and so it’s given me belief that this is possible.
It’s about showing that it’s possible to self-publish well and to the same quality and standard as traditional publishing.
The landscape is changing. And I’m ready to take a different path.
Episode 1
How writing and a rejection cycle of 10+ years has made me feel
What we think trad publishing will bring us
What it actually brings us
Why I’ve decided to self publish
What I’ve decided to self publish
How I’ve decided to self publish
Power transference
How making this choice has made me feel since
The best view comes after the hardest climb (opening image in my book, too)
Why my writing and book(s) are important - what impact will they have? Legacy? Who will benefit?
Will my family, my wife, my children be proud? Will I tell my friends? What if my parents find out? Will they care?
What’s to come
- my own progress towards the goal
- a comprehensive look at what’s involved in self-publishing a children’s book to a high standard
- a story in itself - not just the story in the book but the story of a single person, with a team of supportive professionals trying to do something of importance and worth - to me if not to anyone else
- a series of interviews with the professionals involved (and others not involved with me directly, eventually)
- Other SP authors and their journeys - as no 2 journeys are ever the same
This week we discuss Controversial Writing Opinions! (Part 1 of 2)
Stuart, Emily and Melissa discuss theirs as well as sharing your answers!
Want more writing-related content?
Follow us on social media, sign up to our weekly newsletter, check out our website & listen to our podcasts for FREE writing resources, advice, insights & updates:
📧 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3N1EDKn
🔗 Website: write-mentor.com
💻 Twitter, Instagram & Facebook : @writementor
🎧 Podcast: https://writecast.buzzsprout.com
✏️ Want to be part of a writing community? Join the Hub: https://write-mentor.com/community-learning-hub/
⚡️ Be mentored by leading authors via our Spark services: https://write-mentor.com/mentoring-programme/
——————————————————
Who are we?
WriteMentor helps anyone who wants to write and publish a children’s book with the support of authors and industry experts. Through our membership platform, online courses, one-to-one mentoring, awards, and virtual events, we’re busting the myth of the isolated writer by creating a community of storytellers.
Since 2018 we’ve helped almost 80 writers secure agent representation or publishing deals.
Join our supportive community of storytellers.
This week we discuss the best part of writing!
Stuart, Florianne and Melissa discuss their experiences as well as sharing your answers!
Want more writing-related content?
Follow us on social media, sign up to our weekly newsletter, check out our website & listen to our podcasts for FREE writing resources, advice, insights & updates:
📧 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3N1EDKn
🔗 Website: write-mentor.com
💻 Twitter, Instagram & Facebook : @writementor
🎧 Podcast: https://writecast.buzzsprout.com
✏️ Want to be part of a writing community? Join the Hub: https://write-mentor.com/community-learning-hub/
⚡️ Be mentored by leading authors via our Spark services: https://write-mentor.com/mentoring-programme/
——————————————————
Who are we?
WriteMentor helps anyone who wants to write and publish a children’s book with the support of authors and industry experts. Through our membership platform, online courses, one-to-one mentoring, awards, and virtual events, we’re busting the myth of the isolated writer by creating a community of storytellers.
Since 2018 we’ve helped almost 80 writers secure agent representation or publishing deals.
Join our supportive community of storytellers.
This week we discuss Imposter Syndrome!
Do you get it? How does it manifest? How do you manage it?
Stuart and Melissa discuss their experiences with the phenomenon, too!
Join Stuart in this 4th episode, as he discusses what you could do when you get an a full request, or an offer, from an agent.
Where and When do you write?
Stuart and Melissa discuss their writing spaces and routines, and share some of your spaces, too!
Why do you love writing?
Stuart and Melissa discuss their own love of writing, and discuss tweets by YOU on why you love it, too.
Uplifting and positive, we hope this episode will help ignite the joy of writing for all of you who listen.
Join Stuart in this third episode, as he discusses the wait and what to do after you press send.
All your important questions answered!
Information on the summer programme can be found here: https://write-mentor.com/mentoring-programme/2022-writementor-summer-mentoring-programme/
Our mentor list is here: https://write-mentor.com/mentoring-programme/2022-writementor-summer-mentoring-programme/2022-mentors/
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=U9C8ZPUWXBM3J)
Join Stuart in this second episode, as he discusses the build up to pressing send, the last minute checks and then the act itself!
Building an agent list 6:50
Mental Preparation 10:55
Pressing Send 14:28
After the Send 19:12
Surviving the wait 21:49
Hope: A blessing or curse? 28:10
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=U9C8ZPUWXBM3J)
Join Stuart in this opening episode, as he discusses preparing to submit your work to agents and the steps he takes in advance to optimise his chances of…well…probably rejection! :-)
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=U9C8ZPUWXBM3J)
Stuart talks to previous winners/runners-up, Alexandra Page, Kathryn Foxfield and Sophia Payne about their experiences before, during and after their successful entries into their respective awards.
With great stories, advice and tips for those considering entering.
You can follow these brilliant writers here:
https://twitter.com/alexandrapage
https://twitter.com/KathrynFoxfield
https://twitter.com/Everlastingbeta
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=U9C8ZPUWXBM3J)
Natalia Godsmark joins Stuart to discuss her writing journey to date, the rejections, the perseverance and shares her top tips and advice for helping other authors navigate through the mirky waters of querying and rejection.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=U9C8ZPUWXBM3J)
Clare Golding joins Stuart to discuss her writing journey to date, the rejections, the perseverance and shares her top tips and advice for helping other authors navigate through the mirky waters of querying and rejection.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=U9C8ZPUWXBM3J)
Tasha Harrison joins Stuart to discuss her writing journey to date, the rejections, the perseverance and shares her top tips and advice for helping other authors navigate through the mirky waters of querying and rejection.
About Tasha Harrison
I write comedy for kids and young adults. I've been shortlisted for the Bath Children's Novel Award 2017, and longlisted for both the Bath Children's Novel Award 2018 and the Mslexia Children's Novel Competition 2018. Clementine Florentine, my middle grade comedy with a punk & poetry flavour, will be published in Jan 2022. Pre-Order here: https://amzn.to/3psaTwr
Please visit my blog at http://tashaharrison.com/ or follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DotDashTash I'm also on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TashaHarrisonWriter and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/dotdashtash/
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=U9C8ZPUWXBM3J)
Anna Britton joins Stuart to discuss her writing journey to date, the rejections, the perseverance and shares her top tips and advice for helping other authors navigate through the mirky waters of querying and rejection.
You can follow Anna at @BrittonBookGeek on Twitter.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=U9C8ZPUWXBM3J)
Josie Smith joins Stuart to discuss her writing journey to date, the rejections, the perseverance and shares her top tips and advice for helping other authors navigate through the mirky waters of querying and rejection.
You can follow Josie at @_josiesmith on Twitter.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=U9C8ZPUWXBM3J)
Becky Orwin joins Stuart to discuss her writing journey to date, the rejections, the perseverance and shares her top tips and advice for helping other authors navigate through the mirky waters of querying and rejection.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=U9C8ZPUWXBM3J)
Loretta Chefchaouni joins Stuart to discuss her writing journey to date, the rejections, the perseverance and shares her top tips and advice for helping other authors navigate through the mirky waters of querying and rejection.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=U9C8ZPUWXBM3J)
Matt Cuyes joins Stuart to discuss his writing journey to date, the rejections, the perseverance and shares his top tips and advice for helping other authors navigate through the mirky waters of querying and rejection.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=U9C8ZPUWXBM3J)
Krystal Snead joins Stuart to discuss her writing journey to date, the rejections, the perseverance and shares her top tips and advice for helping other authors navigate through the mirky waters of querying and rejection.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=U9C8ZPUWXBM3J)
Deborah Bailey joins Stuart to discuss her writing journey to date, the rejections, the perseverance and shares her top tips and advice for helping other authors navigate through the mirky waters of querying and rejection.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=U9C8ZPUWXBM3J)
Stuart discuss the upcoming season, plus gives an update on his own recent rejections and experiences.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=U9C8ZPUWXBM3J)
Honor Cargill began writing when she was about sixteen, co-authoring the funny teen series, Waiting for Callback (Simon & Schuster). Honor read Classical Archaeology and Ancient History at Oxford and studied masters in the History of Art. She enjoys researching party scenes and also writes non-fiction history.
Perdita Cargill spent years working as a commercial barrister before she finally turned to writing. Bizarrely for a pessimistic Scot, she loves to write funny books. She is the co-author with Honor Cargill of the Waiting for Callback series (Simon & Schuster) and lives in London.
Their most recent novel is Diary of an Accidental Witch, the first in a middle-grade series described as "a fresh take on the witch school genre".
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=U9C8ZPUWXBM3J)
Sophie Cleverly was born in Bath in 1989. She studied for a BA in Creative Writing and an MA in Writing For Young People. Her book series Scarlet and Ivy and The Violet Veil Mysteries are published by HarperCollins worldwide, as well as being translated into 6 different languages so far. Aside from writing, she can often be found listening to symphonic metal, watching fantastical TV and struggling to find her way out of her ever-increasing pile of books.
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Catherine Emmett grew up in Newcastle and was an avid reader from a young age. She spent 14 years working in an office in the City, before deciding to follow her passion and write picture books. Catherine now lives in rural Essex with her husband and three sons and is a full-time writer.
She writes rhyming and prose picture books, which are funny and heart-warming, with twisty plots and endearing characters. Her first book, King of the Swamp, was published by Simon & Schuster in 2020 with illustrations by Ben Mantle. It was shortlisted for the Portsmouth SLS Picture Book Award and the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award. Her second book, The Pet: Cautionary Tales for Children and Grown Ups, was published by Macmillan and illustrated by the bestselling illustrator of the ‘Mr Gum’ books, David Tazzyman.
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Naomi grew up in Cheshire, UK, and is now based in Glasgow, Scotland. Her childhood was spent with her nose in a book and her hands on a sketchpad, constantly in search of adventure and new worlds. Encouraged by her family to be creative, she developed a love for writing at a young age - something that never left her. She studied Art History at the University of Manchester. Whilst there, she met her husband, someone who continues to tell her all about the latest advancements in AI, space, and consumer technology, even when she's not listening. Every Line Of You, a Young Adult romantic psychological thriller about artificial Intelligence, is her first novel, and proof she does in fact listen to her husband.
Every Line Of You
An edge-of-your-seat thriller which will keep you gripped to the last page…
Lydia has been creating her AI, Henry, for years - since before her little brother died in the accident that haunts her nightmares; since before her dad walked out, leaving her and Mum painfully alone; since before her best friend turned into her worst enemy. Now, Henry is strong, clever, loving and scarily capable: Lydia's built herself the perfect boyfriend in a hard-drive filled with lines of code. But what is Henry really - and how far is he willing to go to be everything Lydia desires?
Out 5th August 2021 and available for pre-order:
Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/every-line-of-you/naomi-gibson/9781913322014
Blackwells: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Every-Line-of-You-by-Naomi-Gibson-author/9781913322014
Local Indie Bookshop: https://uk.bookshop.org/books/every-line-of-you/9781913322014
Foyles: https://www.foyles.co.uk/witem/childrens/every-line-of-you,naomi-gibson-9781913322014
Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Every-Line-You-Naomi-Gibson/dp/1913322017/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PNCOV804UBDM&dchild=1&keywords=every+line+of+you+naomi+gibson&qid=1612973583&sprefix=every+line+of+you%2Caps%2C205&sr=8-1
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Stuart reviews the season so far and discusses his current and future direction and where rejection might sit for him in the future.
Here is a link to sign up and be a guest for an episode on season 2. We will be looking to record these in October/November time.
I am looking for writers, published or not, who have had at least 200 rejections over at least 4 projects and who are still writing and chasing the dream.
If that sounds like you, look out for the chance to guest slot soon.
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- How to measure your worth and progress in a healthy way
- Focussing purely on processes and letting the outcomes take care of themselves
Often our dreams as writers are VERY outcome based. We dream of publishing deals and book launches and bestsellers and seeing our name on a cover etc etc
And when we see others having all these things, we naturally hope that they will one day happen for us, too.
But I suppose it’s a little like the iceberg metaphor, where we only see the tip of it, the part above water, and that’s the outcomes of all that have come before.
And it’s only once you follow the progress of a published writer, or read an account from those who are most honest and open to sharing, that you begin to get the sense that the outcomes, while great, are not really what matters.
It’s like that old saying about ‘enjoying the journey, not the destination’ and that’s so true as a writer, I believe, because the journeys are sooooooo long and often the destinations are fleetingly quick.
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I **sometimes view writing as a relationship:
- flings - those passionate, lusty opening 5ks that never got finished**
- young love - oh yes, a first foray into writing a story - perhaps you did a course - perhaps not. Perhaps you thought it would all just flow out onto the page - I did - and perhaps you thought it would be this organic, natural unplanned process where you could just write and write and to hell with the long-term and with consequences. You just write without thought of the future. But you mature and finally see this story for what it is - a product of a misguided idea of what love is. And you move on, chalking it off to experience.
- first love - this is THE story - oh yes, we’ve all been there - the first novel we complete - we know it MUST be the one - yes, we do and we send out off to agents with a cover letter saying ‘Dear Agent’ and a 4 page explanation of why you took up writing, your writing routine and favourite place to do so. No pitch or any kind of research into writing novels or how to query or what else is in the same place in the market, or why this agent is perfect because, my friends, this is the first love. No-one will reject it, it will be published and I will become a full-time writer, sipping lattes in Paris in the sunshine and mingling with fellow creatives at cocktail bars in the evenings. Until, oh yeah, those rejections start coming in, with an ironic reply of ‘Dear Author, thank you for the DEEP insight into your writing. Unfortunately I just didn’t connect with your novel because it’s crap. Do better next time!’
- friends with benefits - those stories we start, but just don’t love enough to fully commit to, but keep coming back it at times because we know there’s something there…
- shotgun weddings - those stories that we instantly fall in love with and can’t stop writing and finish in a month! Before often realising we rushed into it, and we have to somehow make this thing work.
- the one that got away - ah yes, the story that came to you and you didn’t know what you had until it was gone - yes, the first 20k went down so easily, all the plot was weaving together perfectly - you had a perfect beat sheet and outline, and so you didn’t pay it enough attention...you didn’t give it all the love it deserved, and one day, unexpectedly, it walked out of your life and, try as you might, you could never get it back.
- our own true love - the soul-mates of stories - the one you were meant to right - it comes perhaps only once in a lifetime, but it feels right from the first moment - this is true love and it basically writers itself because it’s destiny and the stars have aligned for you and this story to come together in perfect harmony.
- divorced, beheaded, died - you know the one? That story that starts so well, but the amore doesn’t last. It gets put in a drawer, it gets filed away. Then one day it comes back out, and you think that maybe with quite a severe edit and a lot of chopping away at it, that something might come of it. But despite beheading the wayward plot deviants and trying to sort those wants and needs, it just isn’t working...it’s time for this story to die.
- married with children - the novel you want to write but never have bloody time! Between housework, work work, kids and their clubs and the never ending requests for snacks and drinks, how is anyone supposed to finish this novel!
- happily ever after - finally, this is the book that not only you were happy with throughout the planning, writing and editing stages, but that you’re content to read back in 10 or 50 years time and still be happy with it.
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Who is your biggest obstacle, and why is it you?
Good advice - don’t compare yourself to others - your output, success, or skill. The only person you’re in competition with is yourself. Can you be the person you want to be? Can you write the book you want to write?
Our Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Strategies to overcome the antagonist in your life - yourself!
- Accountability - be public and don’t give yourself a way out
- Displacement - imagine you are someone else looking at you - what do you see? Positives and negatives.
- Track your progress - the physical act of doing this gives you motivation when you look back and see how far you’ve come.
- Be kind...to yourself! Many of us would be kinder to others in our own shoes, so remember to show that kindness to yourself.
- SHINE! Don’t be afraid to let your light shine brightly - as Marianne Williamson says, it serves no-one to do so, and actually, by letting it shine you give others inspiration, you unconsciously give them permission to let their light shine, too.
And this all makes the world a brighter place!
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Maisie Chan is a British-born Chinese author. She has written early reader books for Hachette and Collins, and a collection of fairy tales, myths and legends in Stories From Around the World for Scholastic, as well as many stories for The Big Think: a well-being curriculum based around stories for primary school children. She also started the group Bubble Tea Writers to support and encourage new British East and Southeast Asian writers in the UK. Originally from Birmingham, Maisie now lives with her family in Glasgow. When Maisie isn't writing, she enjoys yoga, dim sum and singing really loud. She has lived in the U.K, U.S and Taiwan.
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Is there any hope?
- There is always hope - the only way there is no hope is if you give up forever. Otherwise hope persists.
- “Hope is like the sun. If you only believe in it when you see it, you'll never make it through the night”
How to pull yourself out of the depths?
- Strategies:
- Take a break (from writing/social media - whatever works for you)
- Reflect on why you’re writing
- Write something only for you
- Forget everything you know about the industry/chances of publication and write like a newbie.
- Try not to over-analyse or think while you write - forget all that craft knowledge, especially during a first draft. The time for applying that can come later.
- Tell someone how you feel - EVERY writer will have felt this despair at some point. They will empathise and may have a kind word or two to say to you that might help. At the very least, you'll know you’re not alone.
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Bouncing Back
- So, you’ve had that first rejection - it hurts! What next?
- And what to do when all hope is lost - how to bounce back and write that next book.
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Emotional Resilience
"Emotional resilience refers to one’s ability to adapt to stressful situations or crises. More resilient people are able to "roll with the punches" and adapt to adversity without lasting difficulties; less resilient people have a harder time with stress and life changes, both major and minor."
In this episode we look at what emotional resilience is, and top tips for developing resilience, both on a day-to-day basis and long term for the big knock-downs.
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Dave Rudden has been a writer, performance poet and actor in Dublin’s arts scene since 2008. Graduating with first class honours from the University College Dublin Creative Writing Masters in 2013, his work has been published in The Stinging Fly, The Irish Times, Cracked, The Quotable and the Guardian.
He is the recipient of the Fantasy Book Review 2011 Short Story Prize, and has been shortlisted for the Bath Short Story Prize and the Hennessey New Writing Prize. His short stories have been optioned for film, adapted for the stage and adapted as music videos.
His first novel, Knights of the Borrowed Dark, was published in Spring 2016. It has since been translated into five languages and released as an audiobook, with the film option being held by Prodigal Films. Knights of the Borrowed Dark won Most Read Novel at the Student Library Association Great Reads Award, was shortlisted for the North Somerset Teachers’ Choice Award and was the Irish Children’s Book of the Year in 2016. and the 2017 Dublin UNESCO Citywide Read.
Since the release of Knights of the Borrowed Dark, Dave has performed in over 700 schools and libraries on three continents. He is a Literary Death Match champion (exactly as fun as it sounds) has appeared on panels at festivals and conventions in Ireland, the UK, Germany and the US.
The sequels, The Forever Court and The Endless King, are on sale now.
Dave has also written two collections of Doctor Who stories for the BBC called The Wintertime Paradox and Twelve Angels Weeping. Both are on sale now.
Follow him @d_ruddenwrites
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You're listening to The Rejection Diaries.
My name is Stuart White, struggling writer, biology teacher and dad of two.
This is a podcast that has been started to explore and share the journey of an unpublished writer, from the raw beginnings as a fledgling novelist to the point of sending to, and being rejected by, agents.
I'll discuss the delirious highs and the crushing lows of this rollercoaster journey and give personal experience and anecdotes from my decade of writing and having my work rejected.
This will be an honest account, with very little censored, and I hope that you'll be able to relate to much of it, and that in turn it will bring you some comfort that you're not alone in this struggle.
We write because we love it, we put ourselves out there because we are brave.
Rejection is tough, but not writing and sending out our work is tougher.
So let us begin.
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Louise Gooding is the author of Just Like Me; 40 neurologically and physically diverse people who broke stereotypes.
She lives in Switzerland with her husband, three kids, Mina the Dog and Coraline the Hamster.
Louise took up writing to find a way to discuss neurological and physical diversity, and other sensitive issues within children’s books. With a physically and neurologically diverse family of her own, she understood the challenge of finding positive and authentic stories to read and share that featured people like them.
Louise has also written a piece for our May magazine.
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Episode 3 - Emma Read
Emma Read is the author of Milton the Mighty, and it’s sequel Milton the Megastar, published by Chicken House books. She was shortlisted for the Bath Children’s Novel Award and is represented by Lauren Gardner.
Emma was once a very sensible biologist. Now she uses her transferable talents such as attention to detail, patience and fine motor skills, to extract Lego from under the sofa. And of course to write children’s books.
Her favourite things in the world are: badges, Death On the Nile, hats, foxes, deserts, desserts and Buck Rogers. Her one regret in life is never having trained to be an astronaut.
When not writing her own books, you can find Emma helping other writers at WriteMentor, as a Spark Mentor and a course tutor.Tell us how you did on the Guest Versus Host quiz. Use the hashtag #GuestVersusHost and #WriteCast
Join in the conversation on Twitter - find us at @writementor
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All your important questions answered!
Information on the summer programme can be found here: https://write-mentor.com/2021-writementor-summer-programme/
Our mentor list is here: https://write-mentor.com/2021-writementor-summer-programme/2021-mentors/
More information on #WMPitch is here: https://write-mentor.com/2020/04/19/wmpitch/
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WriteCast – between the pages
Our podcast will focus less on the WHAT, and more on the HOW and WHY of writing a book.
Of course, we will still focus on WHAT our guests write, and discuss books, but we will examine the things that happen behind the scenes – the book of YOU, the writer.
The trials and tribulations, the rejections and the successes – we will explore deeper and with greater insight, the authors psyche and process, and the person beneath the book.
Hosted by Stuart and Florianne, we will welcome guests to discuss all of the above and we hope that the conversations we have will be relatable for all who listen.
Welcome to WriteCast!
Episode 2
With guest Clare Helen Welsh, picture book author and writing tutor.
Clare is an award-winning picture book writer. ‘The Tide’ (illustrated by Ashling Lindsay, Little Tiger 2019) won The North Somerset Teacher’s Book Award 2019, SCBWI-BI Crystal Kite Award 2020 and an Honour Award for Illustration at The Children’s Book Awards, Ireland.
‘The Perfect Shelter’ (illustrated by Asa Gilland, Little Tiger 2020) was shortlisted for the InstaBookGrammies 2020 and has been reviewed by The Guardian, identified as a book to support children through the Coronavirus pandemic.
She is also a WriteMentor Picture Book Writer-in-Residence and leads our much adored Picture Book online course.
Clare is represented by Alice Williams of Alice Williams Literary.
Tell us how you did on the Guest Versus Host quiz. Use the hashtag #GuestVersusHost and #WriteCast
Join in the conversation on Twitter - find us at @writementor
Want to watch the the podcast with video? Find us on YouTube.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=U9C8ZPUWXBM3J)
WriteCast – between the pages
Our podcast will focus less on the WHAT, and more on the HOW and WHY of writing a book.
Of course, we will still focus on WHAT our guests write, and discuss books, but we will examine the things that happen behind the scenes – the book of YOU, the writer.
The trials and tribulations, the rejections and the successes – we will explore deeper and with greater insight, the authors psyche and process, and the person beneath the book.
Hosted by Stuart and Florianne, we will welcome guests to discuss all of the above and we hope that the conversations we have will be relatable for all who listen.
Welcome to WriteCast!
Episode 1
Discussion on what we hope to achieve with the podcast:
- The overriding thought is to dissect between the pages of a writer.
- To understand how they work and write stories.
- To understand why they do it.
- To find out more about the writing life, in general, and specific to our guests.
- To create a relatable bond between writers at different stages of their career.
Discussion about our own writing processes/hopes/dreams:
- When/why did we start writing?
- How do we write? Dissect our processes?
- How are we motivated to write?
Quick fire questions
- Plotter or pantser?
- Day or night writer?
- Love or hate editing?
- Favourite writing snack?
- Favourite writing drink?
- Handwritten or typed?
- Favourite childhood book...
- The best thing about writing...
- The worst thing about writing...
- A book you wish you'd written...
- Three words to describe your current WIP...
- One word that sums up your writing...
**Use the #AskWriteCast hashtag for asking us or our guests questions.
If you want to share how/why you started writing, tweet us using the hashtag #IStartedWritingBecause**
Join in the conversation on Twitter - find us at @writementor
Want to watch the the podcast with video? Find us on YouTube.
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