Month: November 2018

The Worried Writer Episode #46: Sherrilyn Kenyon ‘Respect Your Muse’

Sarah

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

My guest today is urban fantasy superstar Sherrilyn Kenyon. Sherrilyn is a number 1 New York Times and Internationally bestselling author. Her first novel came out in 1993, she has over 70 million books in print worldwide and she writes in several successful series such as the Dark Hunters and Black Hat Society. Her latest Dark Hunter book (number 28) is Stygian.

I spoke to Sherrilyn in the summer while she was busy packing for DragonCon and she was incredibly nice and upbeat, despite having just come back from a visit to the dentist. A real professional!

Sherrilyn shares the worst rejection of her career, secrets of longevity in publishing, and her writing process.

Find out more about Sherrilyn at www.sherrilynkenyon.com

Visit her on FaceBook or Instagram

IN THE INTRODUCTION

I go through my goals for 2018 and talk about how I’ve done, and some lessons learned.

I mention my on-going attempts to improve my concentration and focus after reading Cal Newport’s Deep Work.

Here is the link to my 2018 goals (set in January).

 

I give a shout-out to new patrons supporting me via Patreon. Thank you so much!

You can support the show for as little as $1 per month and, for supporters at the $2 and above level, there is an exclusive mini-episode released in the middle of every month.

There are nine ‘extras’ already available and another one will go up mid-December. So far, I’ve answered patron-questions and given writing craft tips, but I’m also open to suggestions…

To become a Worried Writer insider and to support the podcast head to The Worried Writer on Patreon.

THANK YOU!

LISTENER QUESTION

If you have a question you would like answered on the show

contact me via email or Twitter or leave a comment on this post.

 

IN THE INTERVIEW

On writing a long series:

‘I’ve been writing Dark Hunter since I was eighteen… I love the characters, I love the world.’

‘Don’t write anything you don’t love… Go into it thinking that these are lifelong friends… Don’t chase a trend, don’t write just to get published, write what is in your heart, what is in your soul, because you may have to live with these characters for the rest of your life.’

On the pressure of success:

‘You never want to disappoint a fan, you do have that pressure… And nothing hurts worse than hearing that a fan didn’t like a book, that’s a stab to my throat and my heart.’

‘I put my heart and soul and every ounce of time, I don’t rush a book, I respect my fans too much for that.’

Sherrilyn’s writing process:

‘I know when I’m really in the zone when it’s just me and the characters and I don’t hear anything else.. I used to keep my babies literally strapped to my chest because I was worried they would need something and I wouldn’t hear them.’

‘All I’ve ever really done is write.’

‘Writing advice is like a buffet, take what you like… Leave everything else behind.’

‘I attempt to do 25 to 30 pages a day, but I don’t always.’

 

‘To me writing is like channeling spirits, its almost like being a medium.’

 

On self-doubt:

‘I hate it when writers beat themselves up… Writers – don’t be cruel to yourselves! Respect your muse, because that’s a quick way to kill her.’

‘No, we all think we suck. The suck song goes on every time I write.’

‘All I ever wanted was to be a writer and I pursued it wholeheartedly.’

‘Be fearless when you write. Just turn those chickens loose in the yard and let them take you on a journey.’

On not giving up:

‘Let those characters fly… We’re all writers but those characters chose you. They live in you. They could have picked another writer but they picked you, don’t let them not have their story told.’

‘I’ve seen so many writers give up over the years and that really breaks my heart because I think of all the stories they had in them… And I hate that… Please don’t give up, get that story out there.’

 

Thanks for listening!

If you can spare a few minutes to leave the show a review on iTunes (or whichever podcast app you use) that would be really helpful. Ratings raise the visibility of the podcast and make it more likely to be discovered by new listeners and included in the charts.

The Worried Writer on iTunes

[Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to rate a podcast on your device]

Also, if you have a question or a suggestion for the show – or just want to get in touch – I would love to hear from you! Email me or find me on Twitter or Facebook.

2018 Holiday Gift Guide For Writers

Sarah 4 Comments

Oh, yes, it’s that time of year… I have started my Christmas shopping and keep seeing super-cute (and tempting) items for myself. So I thought I would share them in case you have a writer in your life and are looking for gift ideas. Or want inspiration for things to put on your own ‘wish list’ this year!

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Stationery is always a good bet for writers…

I have been loving using my bullet journal this year, and I adore the turquoise Leuchtturm 1917 (dotted) I recommended last year. It has two ribbon markers, lovely paper and an elastic closure (plus loads of colour options!).

However, my daughter went with this Lemome notebook for her writing journal, and I was very impressed when it arrived… The paper is excellent quality, and I like the handy pen loop.

Lemome hardcover dotted journal/notebook – £9.99

Also, pens and pencils are very important… I love a fine nib (and still swear by Stabilo fineliners for journalling and doodling) and my go-to black pen for everyday use are Uni-Ball Pins in 0.1. £4.49 for a pack of three.

I also love a sharp pencil and mechanical ones are perfect for maintaining a good point. The Zebra M-301 fits my criteria of quality (at a very reasonable price so I don’t cry if I lose one!) and comfortable to hold. £2.58 each.

 

 

If you love fountain pens you probably already have a favourite brand. However, if you are keen to try one (or give one as a gift) and don’t want to break the bank, Pilot MR Retro Pops are a good choice…  They write very nicely, with good ink flow and a decent nib, and come in four colours: light blue, orange, purple or green.

Pilot MR Retro Pop: £19.32

Another nice stationery item is Washi tape. Even if you don’t bullet journal or scrapbook, this pretty tape is great for adding interest and colour to any diary or calendar, for marking pages in a book, and adding ‘literary love’ to wrapping paper. It’s also cheap enough to make a handy stocking filler.

Book Washi Tape for the reader/writer in your life! £3.95

 

 

I love my mechanical keyboard. Plus, alternating between different keyboard types (I use my laptop and iMac keyboards, too) seems to stop my wrist/finger pain from getting too bad.

If you know a writer who would enjoy the clicky-clacky noise and satisfying ‘travel’ of mechanical keys (along with the retro-style typewriter keycaps), this model fits the bill… Typewriter White keyboard. £86.98

Alternatively, the one I use is a Drevo, back-lit with rainbow lights! £45.99

ARTY

Lots of writers also love craft and other art forms. There is something deeply therapeutic about knitting or colouring/doodling and it’s a really good way to occupy part of your brain while your subconscious works out tricky plot points.

This year, I’ve discovered cross stitch as brilliant way to relax. It’s like doing a colouring book but with pretty thread – perfect! And this design (which I’m currently in the middle of stitching myself!) also happens to be one of my favourite quotes. It’s something I repeat often when I’m stuck in a draft (or in edits).

Impossible Cross Stitch by Satsuma Street. £8.75

(This link is for the printed chart on a handy website which also sells the necessary threads etc, but you can also go to Satsuma Street on Etsy for the digital download).

And for book-lovers in the US, I found this Hogwarts Crest cross stitch kit!

(NB: Not an item I have tested personally.)

If you know a writer who could benefit from some distraction/relaxation but they would recoil at the suggestion of craft, how about a jigsaw? No, come back… Honestly, it’s a good idea!

Personally, I love a good jigsaw puzzle, especially during the Christmas holiday, and this one combines two of my favourite things: fantasy and bookshops… In fact, I might have to send this blog post to my nearest and dearest as a subtle hint!

This would also be a great gift for a book-loving (older) child or family.

The Fantasy Bookshop 1000 Piece Puzzle: £12.99

 

HOMEWARE

 

As always, The Literary Gift Company is a treasure trove of book-related jewellery, apparel and homeware.

This year, I’ve picked out this lovely retro-style bookshop bookend.

Gorgeous, and a very reasonable £9.95. 

 

 

 

 

Writers are readers, too, and what could be nicer than a book sleeve to keep their favourite novel well-protected when out and about?

There are loads of different patterns available, so you could match a themed fabric to a particular book for a truly thoughtful gift.

Fox Book Sleeve £10.59

 

 

 

BOOKS

 

I have put a resources page HERE which lists my recommended writing books (craft of writing, business and mindset).

Of course, if you know a beginning (or professional) writer who suffers with fear, self-doubt or procrastination, I would recommend my own book on the subject(naturally enough!).

Stop Worrying; Start Writing is available in ebook, paperback or audio book (read by me).

 

 

Also, if you know someone who likes thoughtful ‘book club’ fiction, my dual narrative books In The Light of What We See and Beneath The Water might fit the bill…

And if you know an urban fantasy/paranormal mystery fan, may I suggest The Night Raven?

For memoir, I recommend I am, I am, I am by Maggie O’Farrell.

Other outstanding reads from this year (with thanks to the publishers for providing the review copies!):

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton – a brain-bending, high-concept and original murder mystery.

The Invitation by Keris Stainton – perfect for fans of romantic comedy, sparkling dialogue, lovely characters, and joyful reading!

The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley – a claustrophobic, twisty, gripping crime thriller set in the Scottish Highlands. Out 3rd December 2018.

Belleweather by Susanna Kearsley – I am a huge fan and this well-researched ghostly tale was every bit as enjoyable as I expected.

 

I hope that list helps a little – or sparks some ideas! If you’ve found the perfect writerly gift, do let me know in the comments below… And good luck with your Christmas/holiday shopping!

The Worried Writer Ep#45: Rachel Burton ‘Little And Often Is The Key’

Sarah

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: RSS

My guest today is Rachel Burton, author of contemporary women’s fiction. Her two novels, The Many Colours of Us and The Things We Need To Say, have been called thought-provoking and emotional.

Rachel and I first connected as she was a listener of the show, and I was delighted to chat to her about her writing success. Rachel suffers from chronic illness, M.E and Fibromyalgia, and we talk about writing books under challenging circumstances.

For more information on Rachel and her books – and for tips on writing with a chronic illness – visit RachelBurtonWrites.

Or you can find Rachel on Twitter and Instagram.

IN THE INTRODUCTION

I give an update on the launch of The Night Raven. Short version – it went really well and I’m a very happy author!

If you are interested in London-set paranormal mystery which has been called:

‘My favourite new urban fantasy series, clever and twisty and deliciously magical, with a shivery sense of wonder that feels utterly grounded in its London setting. Perfect for fans of Ben Aaronovitch, Genevieve Cogman or Robert Galbraith!’

You can click here for shopping options – thank you!

And I give a shout-out to new patrons supporting me via Patreon. Thank you so much!

You can support the show for as little as $1 per month and, for supporters at the $2 and above level, there is an exclusive mini-episode released in the middle of every month.

There are eight ‘extras’ already available and another one will go up mid-November. So far, I’ve answered patron-questions and given writing craft tips, but I’m also open to suggestions…

To become a Worried Writer insider and to support the podcast head to The Worried Writer on Patreon.

THANK YOU!

LISTENER QUESTION

I answer a couple of listener questions this month.

One from Karen Heenan (via Twitter) about writing a synopsis. I run through the differences between a synopsis, blurb and pitch, and recommend a book I found very helpful back when I was submitting to agents:

How To Write A Great Synopsis by Nicola Morgan

And one from Catherine Barbey. Catherine has published her first novel – congratulations, Catherine! And is getting fabulous reviews, but is finding it really difficult to write the next book in the series.

Catherine wrote:

‘How did you know, after you got your first book published (which I know wasn’t the first you’d written) that you wanted to carry on and keep writing? How did you know that you weren’t just a ‘one-hit wonder’?  And how did you get over ‘second book syndrome?’

 

If you have a question you would like answered on the show

contact me via email or Twitter or leave a comment on this post.

 

IN THE INTERVIEW

On publishing:

‘It felt very like I had no idea what I was doing… It felt very overwhelming, like I was totally out of my depth.’

On writing her first book:

‘The last few chapters of that book seemed to take a hundred years.’

Rachel’s writing process:

‘I write the end first. So when I plan a book, I know how it opens and I know the ending… When the going gets tough which, for me, is usually around 40,000 words in, I go and write the end. I write the last 5000 words, and then I’ve got something to aim for.’

‘I’m not a huge believer in necessarily writing the book in order. Some scenes require more research, some are harder than others… So just leave it and move on… Don’t just sit there hoping they will miraculously write themselves, just move on and write the next bit; keep it flowing, keep going.’

‘Little and often is the key because it gets you in the habit of putting words on the page.’

‘It is hard to get to the end so make your end somewhere you want to get to.’

‘There are days when I will do anything rather than write.’

 

On writing with a chronic illness:

‘I do suffer from chronic pain issues… I do have to make sure I’m sitting in the right chair. I also have to take very regular breaks and I can only write for a little bit of time and then I have to get up and walk around the room or I will get stuck in a chair shape for the rest of the day.’

‘In terms of energy levels, that has been hard. It’s hard to work out when you can and can’t write. With M.E one of the biggest problems is brain fog and when your brain is foggy, concentrating is hard, focusing on something for a long time is difficult.’

‘There are times when I’m not well enough to work at all, but I do find that even if I’m just writing a few notes about a character… I find that really does help my illness and helps me find a bit of energy and joy.’

‘Creativity does energise me.’

‘With chronic illness than can be a lot of feeling bad about yourself, feeling that you’re not adequate enough. You compare yourself to other people who aren’t ill and the word counts that they do…’

‘You can’t compare yourself to someone who doesn’t have the same setbacks as you.’

‘Be honest with everyone. I think we want to hide our chronic illness sometimes, we think people will judge us… Think we’re not capable. But I found when I was honest with my editor and my agent, they were absolutely fine with it.’

 

Thanks for listening!

If you can spare a few minutes to leave the show a review on iTunes (or whichever podcast app you use) that would be really helpful. Ratings raise the visibility of the podcast and make it more likely to be discovered by new listeners and included in the charts.

The Worried Writer on iTunes

[Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to rate a podcast on your device]

Also, if you have a question or a suggestion for the show – or just want to get in touch – I would love to hear from you! Email me or find me on Twitter or Facebook.