NEWS
I haven’t updated this blog and newsletter since April. It’s not because I don’t love writing all about my life and everything going on within it (I do!). It’s not because I don’t want to rant on about how great I am, (I do!) and how it’s only a matter of time until I convince the Man Booker judging panel that my political fantasy thriller novel is never going to be entered for their prize no matter how much they beg me. Basically like most of us, I’ve been busy. I haven’t had much exciting news to share on a weekly basis and I didn’t want to bore people about the time on April 3rd when I stared at a wall for nearly an hour.
Journalists growl. Authors listen.
It’s much more fun to do a mass information dump at the end of every month! So that is what I will do. Here’s what I’ve been up to since March.
1. Sci-Fi Bloggers
I’ve been continuing to contribute at least 2 posts/articles a week to this growing site of science fiction aficionados. It’s ranking 4th on Google when you type in Science Fiction Blogs and is becoming a hot spot for anyone who enjoys reading and sharing stories and news in this genre. Being a keen Sci-Fi buff, having an opportunity to write for this site is fantastic and the editor even kindly allowed me to reduce my input giving me more time for other work. You can read the latest stuff I’ve written on their site here.
2. VECTOR Magazine – The Critical Journal of the British Science Fiction Association (BSFA)
I’m a nerd. Who knew? I was delighted when the editors accepted a political piece I’d written illustrating how modern politicians could learn from science fiction. Due to be published in the summer issue of the magazine at the end of May, if you want to read it I think you’ll have to buy the magazine. You don’t have to. But you should.
3. London Book Fair and Indy Author Fair April 2015
A great author friend of mine Kenechi Udogu, is directly responsible for getting me a free ticket to this international event held this year at London Olympia. Basically it brings all the major publishers and authors together in one big place allowing for sales, discussion and opinion on the writing markets. It’s a good opportunity for publishers to sell their wares and promote their line ups, but it’s a great opportunity for authors to do the same and for writers to see what’s out there and what different markets are looking for at a given time. I had a great time meeting people, asking questions and attending seminars on the latest developments in the world of fiction, independent publishing and more. I even got growled at by a few journalists from the Mail Online and Publishers Weekly. I didn’t growl back. I just smiled. I wasn’t sure what the etiquette was.
Very cool writers and authors
4. I’ve moved in…with a girl
This one came as a bit of a surprise for me. The last thing I expected was to be happily shacked up with a girlfriend. I surprised myself when I asked her in a Wetherspoons pub (I’m a classy guy) if she’d be interested in living together last October. I was even more surprised when she said yes. Nevertheless, that’s what happened and in mid April this year we found a nice little flat to rent in London for a price that’s not totally extortionate whilst we decide where to go next. So for the first time I find myself living with a woman who’s not as one friend put it ‘crazy’. It helps that she’s totally cool with my Star Trek collection, working TARDIS, DVD warehouse, book warehouse and ability to walk out of the flat 3 times of a morning forgetting something each time.
ADVICE
I met some amazing people and fellow writers at the London Book Fair, but I met even more at the Independent Author Fair Fringe at Foyles in London. For the first time in a while, I was amongst contemporaries doing the same things I’m doing. Trying the same things I’m doing. Making the same mistakes I’ve made and vice versa. I was in a huge room surrounded by cool people. It’s impossible to cram all the advice I was given into a small section, but some of the highlights included:
Best selling author with future best selling author
The Reader is God (Customer is always right even when they’re wrong)
C.J.Lyons, New York Times Best Selling Author said this to me. I met C.J. at the London Book Fair but managed to talk to her more at the Indy Author Fair (see stupid photo above). This woman is inspiring, funny, loud and a former ER doctor! Her number one piece of advice to me was to always keep your readers in mind. If they like something you write – give them more of it. This still allows you to try new things, but you should always remember that the people reading your stuff and buying your books have total power over you. Treat them poorly at your own risk.
Don’t Underestimate the Work and the Marketing Aspects
Nothing worth doing is ever easy. My Dad still says this to me on occasion. Nice to know that he’s supported by virtually every writer and publisher I met at the fair.
Give Yourself a Rest
I’m guilty for regularly working long hours and am now getting told off for it on a regular basis (thanks Jess!). However I’m learning that if I’m constantly exhausted, I can’t produce any work at all. Not good. Don’t feel guilty for needing to take a break (he says feeling guilty for even thinking about a holiday)
Don’t Give Up
Hackneyed? No. If we give up, then we might as well stop breathing.
