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My guest today is thriller and science-fiction author, Paul Teague. Paul is a former broadcaster and journalist for the BBC and he has transferred those skills to his fabulous podcast, Self Publishing Journeys.
One of the reasons I wanted to have Paul on the show is his refreshing honesty and openness about his own publishing business.
In our chat, he talks about the money he has made and his future plans, as well as revealing the pain of comparing himself to others and his own struggles with self-doubt.
For more on Paul and his books go to PaulTeague.net
To learn more about Paul’s podcast: Self-Publishing-Journeys.com
IN THE INTRODUCTION
In writing news, I am just finishing the rewrites on my new book, The Night Raven.
It is going to the copy-editor next week and will be out this October – meep!
Here is the cover and a little info: It’s the first book in a new London-set paranormal mystery series, featuring private investigator Lydia Crow.
If you like the look of it, perhaps you would like to join my author newsletter? I will let you know when The Night Raven is available and enter your name into my launch giveaway. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP!
Also, I reveal that I have failed to start my new book project (and have been working on the next book in the Crow Investigations series, instead), but that I’m being kind to myself. It’s been a tough few months, emotionally, and I’m just glad I’m able to write at all!
I talk about my plans to develop my career as a hybrid author – publishing both independently (as I did for Stop Worrying; Start Writing) and with publishers such as Lake Union.
RECOMMENDED
Adam Croft’s book The Indie Author Mindset.
This is a fabulous guide to developing a professional attitude to your writing – something I believe is important whether you are traditionally or independently published.
I also give a shout-out to my new supporters on Patreon. I appreciate my patrons (new and existing!) so very much – THANK YOU!
The next patron-only exclusive extra will go up mid-month and in it I will be answering a question about NaNoWriMo and giving some tips.
For more information on becoming a patron of the show, see The Worried Writer on Patreon.
IN THE INTERVIEW
On writing productivity and schedule:
‘Ever since I was sixteen I’ve been a formulas guy. The only way I can cope with life, really, is to parcel it up… I make meticulous plans.’
‘I don’t do panic. I don’t like surprises.’
‘Time management is a big thing for me… I’m planned out on my weekly planning sheet until December.’
On self-doubt:
‘I was on stage with L.J. Ross who’s just sold zillions of books… And I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was a privilege, but I left feeling deflated.’
‘There’s always somebody who is envious of where you are… But I’m beating myself up because I think I’m rubbish and doing terribly.’
The secret to success:
‘Persistence seems to be the one thing that comes through time and time again – just keep going, just keep getting better, just keep putting the next step forward.’
Thanks for listening!
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Two of my favourite podcasters together , what could be better? (well next time you could invite Jo, Mark Dawson and the girls from ‘being boss’ to join you)
Its interesting what Paul was saying about 5k days – he’s doing 5k a day with a big gap between, i’m doing 1.5-2k a day every day (although I did do 8.5k in a day last week). Our word counts probably aren’t that different.
Thanks, Pete! And, yes, I find Paul’s 5k days very impressive, but I love writing every day (or most days, at least). My word count is most often around 1k, but it still adds up…