On the margins

When my novel was published in 2016, the display in the local Waterstones was of Monty Don’s Nigel: my family and other dogs. On the day of the launch, copies of A Time for Peace were available on the front table. I made a poster inviting potential readers to the launch.  Since then only copies that hadn’t been sold remained on the shelves – next to those by Nora Roberts from recollection! I was lucky to be launched by Waterstones and local people did order the book and read it.

As a result of persistence by the local Society of Authors, nowadays we receive more recognition as local authors. I took the photo below on 14th June. The novels by Amanda Smyth, Fran Hill and a non-fiction by S.C. Skillman were prominently on display. I asked why Anthony Ferner’s novel wasn’t among them. I was pleased to hear that after he signed all available copies, there is only one left on the shelf.

Waterstones  Leamington Spa

 

Many writers are not naturally good at promoting themselves. They have to learn how to do it. There is an expectation that a writer uses social media to promote, not only their work, but also some personal information. Warwickshire Society of Authors, Tindal Street Fiction Group and Novelink all provide me with support and advice. If an author has an agent, or an active publisher, more is available though often a well-recognised novelist or poet, needs to pursue their own opportunities for publicity. Self published writers have specific groups as well as the option of joining the above.

I’m in the process of submitting a second novel to potential agents and publishers. I received the following reply from one agent who took the trouble to explain why she wasn’t offering me representation: ‘… unfortunately the concept wasn’t quite strong enough for me to take this forward… The agent needed ‘a stronger hook or USP to help this cut through.’ Even popular authors face this setback. For those on the margins, it is another hurdle to overcome. Writing itself is a learned skill, selling the concept or developing the concept is another. It wasn’t anything I’d considered when I began writing. Luckily, I have some support, but it takes a degree of resilience to move on.

Self-seeding flowers (commonly called weeds) against the fence in Chandos Street carpark Leamington Spa

Another local novelist, Katrina Ritters, was long listed for Mslexia Novel Competition this year and was also accepted by Room 204, a West Midlands Literary Development programme. The team also runs courses for writers to improve their skills including the annual Writers’ Conference on 29th June this year.

It isn’t just writers who need to support each other. Sarah Horne, a florist in Warwick Street Leamington, won Silver Gilt at the Chelsea Flower show this year. The Sarah Horne team crowd funded and worked to get sponsors in order to enter their sculpture. It was inspired by the Jephson Gardens – its trees and some of its plants.

Sarah Horne window display which includes the silve gilt sculpture

This blog was prompted by the rejection of Making Good by an agent, plus an acknowledgement on the same day, from Mslexia that I hadn’t won a poetry pamphlet competition. At an Arvon course I went to in June 2023, we were told – Do not expect to be published. Both tutors had been published and well received so I think it was a warning to lower our expectations. While being published isn’t all there is to life, it acts as a spur to pursue a career, if you’re young enough and brave enough. If not, to write to the best of your ability, using not only the support of non-writers but the practical advice of those who are in a similar position.

Reading and References

RHS Chelsea Flower Show for more information about Sarah Horne’s silver gilt and details of other prize winners

Poetry: Downland – poems by Jonathan Davidson paintings by Anna Dillon A beautiful book to hold, with stunning paintings and delightful poems. Highly recommended.  Still reading: Poetry Unbound and House on A34.

Non-fiction: If Women Rose Rooted – Sharon Blackie                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 The Wren, the Wren – Anne Enright – struggling with this. I looked up a Guardian review which helped, so I started again!

I am attending Welshpool Poetry Festival Zoom course – led by Jonathan Davidson and attended by many interesting and excellent poets

Candlestick Press launched Jeanette Burton’s pamphlet about fathers. Ostriches. Another Zoom event so we heard  6 ofJonathan Edwards’ poems about his father,  and other poets on open mic – including me. Three quarters of an hour happily spent.