POD or Print on Demand is a method used by Indie Authors, small publishing firms, and even large publishing companies, which ensures the continuous supply of books printed to order.
The way it works is that when you click ‘buy now’ the books is automatically printed and shipped within days. POD is the most cost effective way to ensure a steady supply, without the need for massive warehousing of large book stocks.
Years back, publishing companies had to take a costly gamble on their print runs, and if a book flopped and did not sell, then they were left with a warehouse full of unsellable books, and the bill for printing them. Today technology has advanced so much, that new printing machines allow for a connected stream of books to be printed one copy at a time, and that saves a huge outlay for the publisher.
Print on demand has made it possible for more small independent publishing companies to exist, such as VCP. With the printers connected to large companies such as Amazon and Barnes and Noble, printing and distribution worldwide can literally be done with the click of a mouse or a push of a button, and books can be printed on any continent close to the delivery address and despatched at high speed. Without POD, companies such as Amazon would struggle, and many independent authors, would be unable to write or make a living.
The greatest thing about the whole process is that it has brought freedom to the book market, and today there are more Indie Authors than ever before, and it has allowed all those who dreamt of getting their books printed, a chance to break away from agents, and large publishing companies who can exploit the solo author.
The problem is, as we are now seeing, is large companies who sell books, are now moving into publishing themselves and using POD. For a truly independent company like VCP, that is not such a good thing, as even though our books are available to print, and can be printed and posted with three days, the larger companies would prefer we publish with them, and as we are now seeing, they give advantageous perks to their own authors, and place a lot of roadblocks in the way of true independents.
Recently we published a new story by one of our authors Robin John Morgan, his book, Abigail’s Summer, about a culture clash between a group of young nineteen years olds and the village of conservative residents, which is witty funny and very profound, has been listed as taking one to two months to deliver from a well known book retail online site.
It is the kiss of death to the book, which should be available within days, the printer certainly has that ability and has confirmed is waiting for orders. This act by a large multi national company is yet again another show of power, to force all indies into their publishing arm, and it is wrong. The odds of the book selling now are almost zero, and this large company knows that. The sad reality is they could have the book within days, and despatch it to its waiting customers, but they are so large, killing one small authors livelihood means nothing to them, they know that no customer will wait that long, and are so big they can afford to do this, because ultimately, they are trying to force this author onto their platform, something which after this he will never do.
Big business and big companies care little for the small people, and as long as they are allowed to this, it will continue. Customers need to make their voices heard and complain, and point out the book is POD and available for print, the big question is, will they?
When Robin John Morgan, finally finished his long running series in 2020, and he sat back and took a break from Heirs to the Kingdom, we really had no idea what he would do next, to be honest, none of us really thought Kingdom would end, and a few of us did not want it to.
This Summer Robin retuned to VCP with something completely different, in all honesty, it was a story none of us expected, we are not sure he expected it either, but as we read through it, we were not only surprised, we were over joyed.
If you want to go from one extreme to the other, his new book (Soon to be published) Abigail’s Summer, is the book to read. It is fast, very funny, and actually a very enlightening story, that turns the spotlight on modern life, and highlights a lot of behaviour that many of us brush aside. We wanted to know more, and so sat down with him for a chat.
Abigail’s Summer by Robin John Morgan
Robin, this book really made us laugh, and it is pretty irreverent at times. To be honest, no one expected this from you, where does a book like come from?
‘He chuckles.’ I had an idea back in 2017, and so I wrote it down, like I have many other story outlines, and put it in my ‘ideas’ folder. It sounded interesting and unique, and it was also something I could really relate to from my own youth. You know, I have talked to a lot of people over the years, and so I have gained a lot of insight and information on people, of all ages. I simply took certain aspects of life I know about from conversations, and placed some new characters into those situations.
Why use university students, and also a small rural village for a setting, would this not have worked better in a northern town?
To be quite frank, I am not sure it would work as well on a northern council estate, I think it had to be a remote place, otherwise Abigail and Deb’s would not have been as naïve. I think the north has a more grounded reality to life, hence Birch who has that northern street wise streak running through her, would not have had such an impact. I love the balance of characters, from the intelligence of Birch, Deadly, and Edwina, to the naïve Deb’s, and street smart, foul mouthed Chloe, and the timid Anthony. You know when you look at life today, there is a huge disconnect between young idealism, and the old traditional values, which is why the clash of cultures works so well. If you think about it, you have three very well educated women, who are filled with hope and dreams, and then run head long into entrenched views, it is a great clash, and vehicle for debate, especially in today’s landscape.
Birch is quite a character, what made you think of a wiccan, naturist, training sex therapist?
I thought it would be hilarious. I learned a lot from Harry in HTTK, I mean if I am honest, he did not belong anywhere in the books. He was so out of place, and yet the readers loved him so much. I guess I took the same recipe, and made a character that was as wild and crazy, and completely obsessed with sex, which was everything Marjorie would find offensive, and it has worked so well, I really am happy with the set up. You know in every group there is a leader of some sort, Birch leads by example, albeit it a bonkers and insane one, yet within that, there is a logic that actually makes sense. I loved writing her, and it is her street wise attitude, mixed with her intelligence that actually becomes the groups strength. Through Birch, each character learns to value who they are, and gain the wisdom to accept themselves, and others.
This book is funny, it is very off the cuff, and to be honest, has some pretty unexpected, but funny moments. I do not want to give too much away before the release, but you pretty much take moments of what appear sadness, and turn them on their heads, and yet you bring out a truth, in a really startling way, and at times, the book does not hold back, it really hits home.
I think a book should, I think every book should challenge a reader, and at times yes, life is challenging, I suppose the question is, how do you survive that? From my own personal experience in life, and from watching others, I think you have to find a way to smile. You know life has that way of just horrifying you, and crushing you at times, and if you do not laugh, you break. I remember growing up, and being in a group of complete misfits, we took a lot of grief at times, and that is how we got through, we laughed, we looked for the humour. Look at nurses, police officers, therapists, Care workers etc, their sense of humour is vital to survive the job, because life is hard and painful in those professions. If you look to Kingdom, it is the humour there that keeps the Specialists going, I think it is vastly important aspect of survival.
There are some pretty topical issues threaded all the way through this book, especially around bullying, LGBT, shaming, and assault, why use those subjects to drive the plot?
Why not, it is happening today. I knew if I was going to write this story, I wanted it as real as possible, even though it is a work of fiction. I find there is a massive gap between what the media present and the actual reality of life. The whole concept of what goes on behind closed doors is actually very up to date, and especially when you see the end of the book, and how Veronica pulls it all apart and shows the facts of life today. I think it makes a valid point, and holds a spotlight up to the sorts of shaming, bullying and discrimination we see today, and how it is used as a means of control, and is unacceptable. That is not just in small villages and towns, it is happening everywhere. I realise it is an uncomfortable subject, and I think some people will not appreciate it, but it is happening in this country and all over the world. I thought if I was going to write about modern life, I would show what I have seen and heard. I am in a way very fortunate, in so much as I have worked in counselling with some of these issues.
Full Cover of Abigail’s Summer by Robin John Morgan
There is some aggressive language used in the book. Will that not offend some people?
I have written a very gritty realistic story, and when I write, even though it is fiction, I want it to be as close to reality as possible. I get that some people do not approve a foul language, but if people are truly honest, that is where language is going. Wishing it away will not work, you have to accept that older generations will not approve, and that reflects the disconnect between generations, which is born out of the lack of understanding. Just walk down a street and watch the teenagers, and listen to their parents, especially in the North of the UK. It may not be appreciated, but it is true to life, and that is what I write. I will add, I did water it down, it could have been stronger, which would have been far more accurate. Watch what is broadcast every day, the language that is used in film and TV is far worse than what I have written. If you think back to Game of Thrones, and how huge that was, it was far cruder and more sexual than what I have written.
There are a lot of subtle layers of story in this, and one we found wonderful, was the comparison between the friendship of Harriet and Felicity, in contrast to Birch and Abigail, was that deliberate.
Yes. I have talked with a lot of mums over the years that have lost sight of themselves, and go through the whole who am I inner conflict, and start to question their life choices. I have always said to them, if you want to know who you are, or how to be, watch your daughter. At the start of the book, Harriet is shocked when she sees Abigail, and sees in her how alike she is to her own mother as a teenager. Felicity, in watching Birch, starts to see her in the same light as she does Harriet, and starts to understand the bond between Abby and Birch. I really love the way Felicity starts to look at her life, and question herself as a result of watching her daughter, and through that, she starts to understand who she should have been. I think it is wonderful how Felicity, who is married to a cold emotionless man, starts to see how trapped and isolated she is, and how Abigail felt the same before she left for university, and as a result starts to learn from her daughter. It really has played off very well in the story, and there is more to come in the rest of this series.
We cannot talk without mentioning Marjorie and her cronies, she is quite the force to be reckoned with, and she is very in your face and offensive. Do you really think that is a real portrayal of older women today?
I would not say every woman, but there are certainly women who are exactly like Madge. In many ways, I think I look back at my own life with this. My Grandmother was a very dominant and forceful woman, and she had her circle of friends who were very like Marion and Henrietta. Honestly, I could not get away with anything, everything I did in the local town was reported back to my grandmother, and I was always in trouble. (Laughs) I have met quite a few Marjorie’s in my time, it does not matter what you do, they form a first opinion, and it never changes, and yes, they really do speak their mind that way. I feel this book highlights how easy it is to shame, victimise and bully people, through a simple lack of understanding, and without considering who they actually are, and there are some pretty thought provoking points raised within it, especially in the final chapters. I would like the readers to really take a long look at the world around them, and just ponder the reality of their own lives, because we have all experienced judgement at some point in our lives.
We cannot talk without mentioning Heirs to the Kingdom. It took fourteen years to write, and much longer to research, and Abigail’s Summer is a complete departure from fantasy. There is rumour there is more HTTK, but in all honesty, how do the two series compare to each other?
I think you said it earlier, it has been one extreme to the other. Kingdom was a labour of love, honestly, I loved putting it together, but it was literally a huge fourteen year project that just absorbed all of my life. I needed a change, I wanted to stretch myself and write in other ways, and the Curio series has done that, it literally has been a wonderful and liberating experience. If you look at it from my point of view, I came up with Abigail’s Summer in 2017, but I was so involved with Kingdom I had to shelve it. I literally started this story with nothing but a few pages written three years prior, and I just thought, this is it, this is the next one, and I dived in. I wrote the first draft in two weeks.
I will not deny, there were a lot of late nights, but I had no notes or anything, all of this came from all the deep conversations, from supporting friends, and being in a counselling role. I mean all of it was there waiting inside me. It was huge fun, my wife was amazing, I would ask her questions about how would she deal with this and such, to get her perspective, and we had such fun laughing and joking about things, it really lifted me up and gave me this huge passion to write again, just like the early days of kingdom.
When the book came to its final conclusion, I knew, even though I said I was not doing another series, I knew I could not walk easily away from these characters, and so I wrote more, to show their story through into adulthood.
From what we have heard, you wrote from mid October 2020, right through to April 2021, and that was it, you had a series?
Yeah, I just felt so alive and had so much fun, I wanted more, and so here I am five manuscripts later, and the whole thing is done before the first one even comes out, and I am now on new things. The series covers ten years of their lives, the next book is set when Abigail is twenty four, and then moves on two years, and when the last book ends, she is just twenty nine. I have loved it, because they have all evolved and changed with life, and I am sure those readers who love the first book, will really enjoy what is to come.
You say new things, now, there is another kingdom story in the works, isn’t there, and what else?
I have another related book for kingdom, which goes right back to the very beginning and Branna and Ariel, and I will shortly start editing that for publication, I am also working on another book, which is sort of a grown-up fairy story type thing. I am still early in the writing of that, and have to develop it, the start is a little dark, and looks at death and beyond, and our own sense of the meaning within our lives. As I say, it still in the first five or so chapters, and it could change dramatically as I work through it, but I am enjoying writing something completely different all over again. I do think Kingdom fans will enjoy it. I get a lot of fans of Kingdom who ask for things, and I have an idea for a HTTK related story that will start after the last book, which I am still putting together in my head. If it makes sense, at some point I will write that, I do think it will work well, I just need to really focus on it. There is a lot to do, which I love, I like to keep busy, and keep my brain active, and I have a little more time now for writing, which is always a good thing.
Abigail’s Summer will be out soon, are you excited about it, and what kind of response do you think you will have?
I am excited to be moving forward. I loved writing this series, and had so much fun with it, and I will throw it out there and watch what happens. It will not be everyone’s cup of tea, but that is the writing life. I write for those who enjoy what I do, and I do not worry so much about the others. I am interested in seeing how it is received, but busy with other stuff too.
We would like to thank Robin, who took time out to talk, and we will wait for the release of the book, and we hope, a wonderful and funny Summer Read.
Abigail’s Summer, the first part of the Curio Chronicles by Robin John Morgan, will be available soon from Violet Circle Publishing.
Here at VCP we are avid advocates for reading and writing, and whilst it is not always easy to get into schools these days due to new strict rules, we were delighted to find out that our resident Poet Ted had been invited.
Allowing authors of any description into schools we believe serves a great purpose for the children, in so much as firstly they get to see the creative process and love of words first hand from someone who does it full time, but secondly and possibly more importantly, the younger generations get to talk openly with a person who looks at life and life experiences in order to use it in their creative endeavour. Having that ability to interact with a writer or poet can be an eye opening experience for the young, and also provides some vital insight into the writing industry as a whole. At VCP we have always seen ourselves as the holders of the baton, which one day will be passed on to take the writers baton into the future, therefore keeping the industry alive and vibrant with new upcoming talent. We hope that the inspiration given by Ted will encourage new future talent to work towards joining this industry.
We asked Ted for a few lines about his day in school, and below is his take on the days events.
A Poets school experience.
With some trepidation I accepted an invitation to talk about my Remembrance poems to some year five and six pupils at a school. They were having a week studying the concept of Remembrance and the significance of the poppy in the celebration of these events. I started off each of my sessions with a poem about their invitation ,which I had written especially for them and their class.
I was booked to go into 4 classes, with half an hour allocated to each class. As I walked into the first class I was amazed to see my poems “Poppies” and “Remembrance” projected onto the classroom wall.
They had been using the text to highlight words that I had used, which were not in common use, and also for them to find out what words they did not understand. They were encouraged by their teacher to use their dictionary’s in the first instance. Unfortunately, some of the words were not listed, so it developed into a question and answer session, at which I gave my explanation of why I had used such words.
This was a very positive session and highlighted the fact that in verse you can express yourself in a succinct manner without the need for long descriptive passages. The teacher then told the pupils that they must try and write a haiku poem (5 then 7 then 5 syllables) using my poem Poppies as the basis of their composition. This was a very interesting concept which some of the pupils worked hard at. I will go back to this class in a couple of days to see what they accomplished.
My next class had concentrated on my Remembrance poems, but it was mainly a question and answer session, ranging from when I started to write to what it was like to be Famous! and a discussion about war and its effects. I then read at their request some poems which were not connected with war, as I was asked did I only write war poems. More questions followed but time ran out as I had to go to another class. I did promise I would go back and talk to them in another couple of days.
My last class was a similar age to the previous class and again we went through the poppy’s poems. with a lively question and answer session, again on multiple topics such as why do I write verse, how do I write verse, and again explanations of the words I use which they had not heard of. Again I was asked if I wrote other types of verse, I explained about writing verse to express emotion, and finished off the session with a couple of comic poems which they enjoyed. I have encouraged them to try and write a poem which I will read when I return in a couple of days’ time.
Well done Ted, and thanks for sharing this small part of your week with us. Not only is it important to show children the writing world, it is also equally as Important to show them the importance of remembrance. Let’s hope one of those children one day finds their way into print and keeps the legacy of poetry going.
Ted Morgan has publish three books of poetry. Wordsmith Wanderings ISBN 978-1-910299-09-8, Peregrinations of the Wordsmith ISBN978-1-910299-18-0 , Silhouette Soldiers ISBN978-1-910299-22-7. Published via Violet Circle Publishing. All of his books are available from Amazon and other online book retailers
With the release of another new title, VCP asked one of our resident fantasy readers to have a look at our new release, and share their thoughts on it.
In a book world, where for the last serval years, vampires, werewolves, and super-heroes have ruled, Riveria, The Awakening is a very interesting and refreshing change. I found it to be a very thought provoking story with a good mix of fantasy to keep me reading and questioning what I thought may happen next, and was delightfully wrong as the story unfolded with a good few twists and surprises.
One of the age old unanswered questions of the universe, has to be “Is there a Heaven and a Hell?”
I really do think that there is not a single person who at some point in their life has not pondered this question, and just like everyone else who has asked, I am sure they have come up with their own interpretation for an answer, and yet we are all still curious as to what others might believe. I read the following:
“This is heaven?” I asked. “Not exactly. Heaven isn’t a place where anyone goes, it’s a place where people already are; partly anyway. You are always connected to Riveria, even while you’re alive.” “I thought we went to heaven when we passed away. Or at least that is the hope.” “There isn’t one place that everyone will go, because everyone’s idea of what heaven should be differs greatly. So you create your own heaven, when you sleep.”
The above extract is from a new book released through Violet Circle Publishing, by a new Author, G.L. Jackson, and it really caught my imagination, and had me sat in thought for some time. It is so simple, and yet I found it to be a wonderful way to express an all-round answer to this age old question, whilst providing the back drop for this inspired new fantasy adventure.
The book in question is called Riveria, The Awakening, and begins with Deacon Thomas, who is orphaned young, then widowed, and left to care for his disabled daughter Ellie. His life is mundane and his daily routine has ground him down, and driven him to believe his life must be destined for something better, even if that is a mild and wishful dream.
During a chance encounter with a group of youths as he returns home one evening, from yet another dull day at work, his fight or flight response kicks in, and as he runs for his life and to ensure the safety of his daughter, his whole world becomes turned inside out.
Deacon is transported to Riveria, a heaven like realm, where he discovers that maybe his life is meant to amount to something more, and the fate of everything is on his ignorant and untrained shoulders. The story takes you on his journey of discovery; all driven by his inner need to get back and ensure Ellie is safe.
I would like to say this is a tale of Heaven and Hell, but it isn’t, it is more Ying and Yang, in the sense that in all good there is evil, and in all evil there is good, just like life in general, and as the book comes to its conclusion, I was still trying to guess what the next book would hold, which is something I love, as it makes me look forward to the next instalment of in this particular case, Riveria the series, and what is to come.
It has a host of characters who you like the moment you meet them, or you just know they could be the bad apple in the barrel, with a few who I am still not completely sure about, as power struggles and the politics of a fantasy world torn apart unfold. The lives of its inhabitants and creatures are delightfully detailed enough for you to paint your own pictures in your imagination, and as Deacon explores, you do feel you have a privileged position beside him, which carries the story wonderfully.
I have many questions, but obviously do not want to spoil it here for others, but I am curious as to the future of Ellie, and I am actually really interested in the fact that this story features a character that is disabled, something quite unique, which I have not encountered in a fantasy story to date, and it is written in such a way that I had my eyes opened a little to the workings of life around such a character, and the struggles of a parent, so I am looking forward to finding out more.
New VCP Author G.L. Jackson
For G.L. Jackson this is his debut novel, and I think it is great start, and a wonderful foundation from which to launch a follow up. I love that this is an excellent read for the younger reader, but also suits all ages, with a well-balanced blend of myth and fantasy to fuel the imagination. It is an all-round entertaining and interesting read.
Riveria – The Awakening by G.L. Jackson is available in print ISBN: 978-1-910229-24-1 from all online book suppliers, and to order from bricks and mortar stores. It is also available in digital download formats for all digital book readers.
One of the most wonderful things about poems and verse is the wonderful way in which the words on the page can bring forth great emotion. It is easy to see how poetry has been linked to romanticism for over a hundred years, as it depicts the glorious feelings of a loved filled heart, or the utter destruction of a broken heart. Above everything else though, one of the reasons that I enjoy a well written poem, is because of its ability to make me stop, think, and reflect.
With the publication on the third book of poems and verse by Ted Morgan, such an instance occurred. Ted’s first two books, Wordsmith’s Wanderings, and Peregrinations of the Wordsmith, painted a wonderful picture of one man and his approach to an ever changing world. Ted who is now 81 very beautifully used his poems and verse to show how he coped with a world that has become something radically different from his youth, often using humour in his workings to show his frustration and confusion, and both books provided a wonderful insight to his daily life, whilst creating a very enjoyable and easy to read collection of his favourite works.
His new book Silhouette Soldiers I feel really opens up the man, and brings the reflective and insightful aspect of his work into full focus, and it is in his new works that I have found myself often sat thinking and considering not just my own life, but the lives of all of us.
Front Cover of Silhouette Soldiers by Ted Morgan.
Again there is great depths to his work, and some very heartfelt poems, but he also has that wonderful streak of humour to make you smile and chuckle at the absurd aspects of modern life. I do feel this books shows a deeper insight to his whole life, and the opening poem from which the book is titled, Silhouette Soldiers, paints a picture of events that happened long before Ted’s birth, and yet had a profound effect on all of his life.
Ted’s father was shot in the head during World War One, and left for dead on the battlefield. Luckily he was taken by the German’s and nursed back to health, and spent the remainder of the war as a POW. It was 20 years after his return that Ted was born, and although he returned from war a different man, it is clear the profound effect it had on Ted growing up. Sadly mainly due to the effects of his wounds, Ted’s father died when he was only nine years old, and it is in this aspect of Ted’s life that I began to see how profound an effect it has had not only on his life, but on his writing.
Ted Morgan as a small Boy
Silhouette Soldiers is a wonderful reminder that all of us have a past, of which whether we are aware of it or not, actually shapes the people we become. All of us struggle in our daily lives, we all have to soldier on dealing with whatever life throws at us, sometimes with tears and also with smiles. Many of us forget that we are sum total of all that has been before us, and Ted’s new collection of poems and verse really made me stop and think. We all have a silhouette of one form or another in our past history, be it a person or an event that has in some way shaped the people we have become, and this wonderful little book is a very good reminder to not only make us think, but also inspire us to keep moving on and adapting to whatever comes next.
This is without doubt Ted’s best book yet, not only does it reveal the great depths of whom Ted is, it is also a good reminder for us to take a moment and think. As always there are some works that will touch you deeply, but you will also find yourself seeing the joy of life and chuckle. It is a great conversation starter that belongs on the coffee table, but is also a wonderful companion in those quieter moments.
Silhouette Soldier’s by Ted Morgan ISBN 978-1-910299-19-7 is available from all online book sources and can be ordered from all books shops, it is also available in digital formats too.
Recently we asked our Author, Robin John Morgan, for his take on his life as a writer. We know how seriously he takes his writing, but we are also very aware of his tongue in cheek approach to life, so we thought he would provide us with a thought provoking and light hearted look at his own life. We are happy to say he did not disappoint, have a read:
Being Simply a Writer. Written by Robin John Morgan for VCP.
I was asked if I would like to describe my point of view of life as a writer, it seemed a little odd at first, I thought, “Have they any idea what they are doing asking me?” Because in many ways I have no clue as to what most others writers feel like, and I am not entirely sure if I know. I pondered the point, and wondered if it is a feeling one gets with publication? Well if it is, it saw me coming and hid, I really have no idea, I am pretty much doing the same thing I always have, which is put one word after the other, and hope that it will make sense to someone.
I am often referred to as “Author,” but the thing is, I am not really that comfortable with the term, I have always seen other authors as special or sacred, of which I feel neither. I usually when asked, reply that I write for a living, I like that, it can imply many things, and it gets me out of the hole of having to then explain that I actually write books for a living. I think in many ways I am a bit of a closet author, but actually that suits me down to the ground, as it means I have space to simply do what I do, which is write, an act I see as a process whereby I convert vast quantities of Caffeine and Nicotine into legible words on a page. Being asked to describe my life as a writer for the purpose I assume of educating new writers, felt to me like an invasive operation at first, but as I sat back to consider things, I made what is my usual approach to everything that I write, which loosely put, meant I drank lots of coffee, grabbed a pad and made sufficient notes to act as some form of guide.
I felt I should at least ponder the point for a while before giving a commitment, and so after some thought, and lot of scribbling, I have put together the following in hope that it provides a little insight into my view of the world, whilst doing my best to flog a book or two along the way. I should add at this point, I see myself as just some bland and actually quite ordinary bloke whom like most of us, has lead a life filled with ups and downs. Women have never fainted at my feet, and I have never really been in step with the rest of the world, to put my life in a nut shell, I have made the very real choice of avoiding people, whilst watching them from a distance, in the vain hope of learning about humanity. I have published a few books, and I have one or two followers on facebook, so I think it’s safe to say I am nothing that special or out of the ordinary.
Since publishing my first book, which was a very surreal experience, which involved a great many terms I have never heard before, like “Interior” which I assumed was the inside of a house, but was happy to discover it was the term given to the actual writing in the form of pages. I have to admit I also encountered a lot of myths about writers, and I am happy to report that none of them fit me, so if there really is some sort of special person who becomes a writer, I think I managed to dodge that particular bullet.
What I do know about being a writer is that most people think my life is easy, in their minds, I rattle off a few words, back it in a cover, and hey presto I am a millionaire. Oh if only it was that easy, the sad truth is very far away from that fact, most people just laugh when I tell them this, as if I just made a ridiculous joke. I understand that I cannot talk for all writers, but I am sure a great many would agree with me, when I tell you that it is a bloody hard graft, and at times it can be soul destroying. I think it was Ernest Hemingway who once said, he would sit in front of the type writer and bleed.
Not only do I write, I also occasionally work with a few other writers, and for myself that provides the unique opportunity of being able to compare notes on how others approach their work. It is one aspect of my working life I find fascinating, as it does allow my curiosity to kick in, as I peep into another writers world, and make notes on how they work. It is startling at times to see how similar or how completely different we all approach the task of writing. This leads me to form the view that we all approach writing from a different perspective, and being me, I chose the isolationist and often more indifferent approach.
In most cases when I talk of writing, I tend to speak from the point of view of my own working practice, as I am obviously a well versed expert in my own approach. I have found my own little selection of comfy habits that allow me the time and space to isolate myself, and set too with the task in hand. I also find it easier to simply state my own journey from secret writer to author.
Most people appear quite surprised when I first talk openly about my own writing, which is actually quite rare, as the introverted part of me which is the writer, tends to shy away from being around too many people, but in a one on one situation, I tend to express myself better. They are really quite shocked when my opening response to their question is usually, “I wish I had never published anything, I was happy before then.” Odd as it may sound, writing makes me extremely tired and grumpy as I drain my brain at high speed onto the page, and when whatever piece I am working on is done, I collapse and sleep for several hours. Not writing makes me even more grumpy, because the plot is always in my head, I can be shopping when a great idea comes out of nowhere, but I am out in the middle of the street with no desk or computer, and that drives me frantic, as I have to keep a mantra going in my already crowded head to remember all the shopping, and the new addition to the story.
My wife has become a well-seasoned professional who notices as we chat that something completely unrelated to our conversation has suddenly popped into my head, and she sees the sudden change in me, and packs me off with a smile to my desk, knowing the urgency coursing through me as I have to write it down. Honestly at times it’s like a curse, have you any idea of what it is like to be at a party when your head explodes into life? It is really awkward as all you want to do is find a quiet spot to scribble stuff down. Most people find it rude when my eyes glaze over as I slip into my own little world, and I pull an idea apart and reconstruct it in my brain. I have been called aloof, a snob, ignorant and downright rude in the past, but they do not understand that is the level of conviction and dedication all writers have to the things they write about. It’s not our fault; we literally can never switch it off. You want to try living with all the characters I have created, having nervous breakdowns or getting into trouble and chatting away furiously in your head every second of every day. The story never sleeps, and sadly neither do I now I am up against deadlines.
I realise this can appear all bad and somewhat off putting, but it isn’t really, as like all things in life you adjust, and find your comfort zone in which to manage your writing life. I find being a writer also challenges me to be a better person. I think it is easy in ordinary life to make snap judgements about situations, events and people. I would even say that in my long life I have seen society change into something so different than the days of my youth, something maybe I would have missed had I not been reflecting on everything. I don’t think people are as kind or open as they used to be, and in many ways I think recent times has shown how closed off people have become from each other. The wonderful thing about being a writer is that I have begun to understand how every person and every event has a story behind it, and in many ways my view-points on life have changed as a result. I no longer rush to judge what I see at first light, I actually tend to look for a deeper understanding of why things are the way they are, and in your everyday life that can make a massive difference in the way in which I interact with everything.
I also feel that one of the greatest points of being a writer or a reader is that through the books we consume, we learn this art of looking on the ways others live or have lived in the past, and I feel from that we can gain a lot of insight into people and our own lives, which is great fuel for creation. I am now a part of that process, and I often sit back and reflect on life and its many wonderful attributes, some of which become parts of the stories I write.
Now I am not saying being a writer also makes me a better person, I still have the real ability to be an utter ass hat, but I do think that because I try to see the story in most things, it has helped me to be a more informed watcher of the world. I think I understand myself a lot better than I used to, and that has given me a little more inner peace, I think I deal with life better now than maybe I used to.
I came into publishing quite late in life compared to many other authors’, I think maybe I had to grow up a little first. I have always written things down, and created small stories in my head for the kids etc. I was a secret writer for years, and I loved it, I loved the process of creation and the freedom to play around with endless ideas that stretched the limits of my vast imagination. I still do, only now it is considered work, and where as before, well that was my way of having some alone time to keep my creativity well exercised. Don’t get me wrong I still love writing, I am not sure I could go a day without stringing some words together, it is as important to me as breathing, but the problem I find is that as soon as I publish, it all gets far too business like.
Back in those carefree days of a none published writer, all I had to do was write, today because of the way the world of books works, which by the way is so aggressive, not only do I have to write, but I have to do it to a deadline, and then once done, I am involved in so many different process’s that suddenly my writing takes a back seat to everything else, I really do not like or enjoy it.
Most writers struggle to get the word out, and contrary to popular belief, it is only writing royalty that get all the big promotional stuff to support them. Us mere mid to lower list writers, have to get out and about and do it ourselves, so instead of writing with all the time and freedom in the world as I used to, I have web pages to maintain, social media sites to update and keep fascinating, promotions for book sales, and a whole host of other tasks to do every day. It is a lot of work to do before I can even consider sitting quietly alone to put down my latest idea. It can be exhausting and very frustrating, and for myself it is not that much fun, especially considering I hate leaving my desk or the house.
The modern media world is not a place for introverts like myself, I am constantly told if I want book sales I must sell myself and dazzle, but the simple truth is, I don’t want to dazzle, and I am happy to not have photos of me plastered everywhere, I mean have you seen my face, who the hell is going to buy a book when they have seen that? I am sure there are many sparkling and dazzling writers in the world who bang on about the joys of life on twitter all day, posting details of their every movement, and I am thrilled they feel so at ease, but honestly that is not really who I am, I never was before and I am not sorry that I am still a tad dull in that respect. I absolutely hate the idea of sitting in a shop with a four by four foot picture of me on the wall behind me, just thinking about it makes me shudder, and want to hide under the bed.
I hate selling my book, yeah I know everyone tells me my attitude stinks, but honestly think about it. I hand a book to a person and say “here read this its brilliant,” how messed up is that? I wrote the dam thing, and if I am completely honest, I think it’s a bit cheeky and rude to do such a thing. People tell me I am old school and to modernise more, and maybe I am a little, but the way I see it, if someone who is not me hands a book to a person, and says “it’s a great book read it,” well that’s OK because they are recommending it based on their own enjoyment. I think it’s somewhat hypocritical to recommend my own book, I have no problems recommending another writers book, I have read it and enjoyed it, so I am honestly telling the person it’s worth the money, why does no one in the book industry understand this?
It is so hard to sell your own work, it puts me on the spot which is lethal, as I usually feel so ill at ease I shift into humour as a sort of survival mode, and I cannot lie, it has got me into a lot of trouble. I once had a customer ask me “what happens at the end of the book?” I mean come on, am I the only person alive who finds that to be a stupid question, seriously what writer living or dead would give away the final plot? My unappreciated response which I cannot deny amused me, and completely put the customer off was, “the words stop.”
It’s not me is it, that is funny?
In this particular case, obviously not, I suppose me laughing did not really improve the situation, as my wife looked on a little displeased with my efforts. I am honest about it, I don’t want to do it, all I want is to do the one thing I love, I want to be sat at my desk ploughing through the fields of my imagination, using it as the inspiration to make my next story even better than I planned in the first place.
The absolute worst things for me are all the sycophants. If I am absolutely honest when I am out and about and friends meet up with me, seriously people, you don’t have to buy the book or read it in order to know me. I am still me, I have not changed, I still wear my jeans and tee, I don’t shave nearly as often as I should, I am always going to be scruffy even if I was rich, and no I honestly don’t give a rats ass if you have read it or not. Don’t tell me you are going to buy it just to cheer me up, because I know you have absolutely no intention of doing so, honestly do you not think I will know when the weekly report shows nothing sold? I hate it, my life has become a long stream of embarrassed people who feel the need to impress me by committing to a purchase, I honestly only want people to read my books if they are genuinely interested in the kind of stories I write. The same goes for critics, honestly if you hate it toss in the bin, my interest is only in those who find the things I write about thrilling, your over bloated sense of self-importance is right at the bottom of my I don’t give a s..t list.
I tell all new writers I work with to ignore the critics, I cannot tell you how many times I have read something written about mine and other authors books, which was factually inaccurate to the point where I honestly wondered if they had read more than the books description. I have no idea why these people are so important, because if you look them up on google, you usually find more often than not, they have hardly any real writing experience, so why are they fit to judge something that can take years to perfect? Do not waste your time looking at them, look at the screen you write on, there is no such thing as a perfect writer, I find mistakes in every book I read, it is human nature and we all suffer from the same affliction.
It can be a fun experience though when that neighbour who has ignored you for years, and ignored you for reasons you will never truly understand, suddenly spots you and races over to smile and welcome you like you have always been their best friend. My wife and I see them and giggle, they rush over to ask how I am doing, and they always ask the same question, I actually wait for it, and say the very same words in my head as they speak it. “So what is like to be rich and famous now?”
I want to laugh hysterically. What is this myth that all writers are like JK Rowling or Dan Brown? It is a documented fact, look it up, ninety percent of writers do not even earn the minimum wage, most of us have a second income or working partners, hell if I add up my yearly income from writing, I could hardly afford a decent long weekend away in a good quality hotel.
So let me just set the record straight for those who do not understand, we write for no other reason than it is an affliction, seriously it’s like a limp or mumbling to yourself, we have no idea why we write. It’s certainly not for the money, we just do, it is in our DNA or something, I have never been able to explain why my brain has this massive overload of noise and words, it just has, and assembling them in some sort of cohesive pattern on paper gives me a momentary rest and a quietening of the traffic, that’s it, that is why I write.
If I was famous I would still be scruffy, the only real difference would be that more people would stop me and want to talk when I am in a hurry so everything would take me twice as long to do, and I would probably end up in some magazine as an example of how famous people let themselves go with age. Honestly I am not in hurry for that particular bus. Writing gives me great joy and I have absolutely no idea why, all I know is when I sit alone in the quieter moments of my day, and I tap away on the keys, something so magical happens it blows my mind. I get excited and filled with some sort of meditative euphoria. I lose track of everything as I hammer away, and all the pictures in my mind come into some sort of sharp focus, and that’s it, when I am done I collapse and sleep, and it is a deep contented happy sort of sleep that makes me feel wonderful. Honestly it is like a drug, in some cases I would say better than a drug, all I can say is I need it, and I want it, and I am as happy as can be when I am doing it, there really is no other way of explaining it.
Whatever this elusive trance like state I enter for long periods of some days is, I want to live there forever. I have sat for ten hours working and not even been aware of it, for me it is quite normal to work until late into the night, and yes I get tired, but not until that last line, and then it hits me. The following day I read through the previous night’s work, and I can honestly say, there are times I sit back with a satisfied smile and I think, “Where the hell did that come from, did I even write this?” I am sure there is some sort of magical word fairy that nips in whilst I sleep and enhances the stuff I write. It is a very odd sort of experience, and all I can say is that it is all down to the deep level of focus that washes over me when I write, because I can say without a doubt, when I write, I say things a hell of a lot smarter and with deeper meaning than I do in my normal moments of life, something I think my wife would be happy to confirm.
Much to the disappointment of all six of my adoring fans, I don’t write for you, I write for me, this is my story and written as I want it to be written, I am sorry if this crushes anyone, but it’s the truth, no one has a say, not even my wife, I work everything out alone, I write alone, I do the first edit alone, and then and only then does my wife get to see it. I know a couple of people who listen to the points of views of others, and I find it is not for me, I would advise all writers to close out others, and take no heed of their comments and views. I strongly believe you should only involve another party once the writing is done. I have worked with a beta group of readers, but I did it to hear their comments on the finished work, it was a great help as it gave me a deeper insight into the reader and how they view my work, and yes as a result I improved the way I wrote, but I never once allowed another living soul to dictate the story line, that I fear is a road to hell. After it is written, that is when I sit with my wife and work through the manuscript.
We both share the responsibility after that in cleaning it up because I am a lazy writer who makes about a million mistakes. To me, she is the queen of comma’s and speech marks, I miss hundreds, and she finds them and highlights them for me to add later. My only rule of writing is get it down as quickly as possible, then edit the shit out of it, and guess what, even then I still miss stuff? It really is impossible for me to proof read my own work, I think it is some sort of psychological thing, I know what’s coming, so my brain adds the missed words or full stops, and I simply do not notice I skipped them during writing.
At some point once you become a writer, everyone gives you their advice on how to write, which I find ironic, because everyone waited until I was actually published. A little advice before hand would have served a much better purpose, but once done they all came out of the woodwork, it was in my humble opinion a tad too late, the book was already out on the shelves, and there was not a great deal I could do to improve it at that point.
Believe me you will meet that person who will take a great deal of pleasure in pointing out your short comings, they will give you a kind word and then slap you in the face with comments such as, “I have read your book, it was a good read.” This is the compliment so wait for it, “Although… I am not sure I would have written it that way, your style is somewhat different.” I have learned to bite my tongue and smile, whilst imagining ripping off their head and using it for a football, but the sad truth is there will always be one or two ass hats who will try to put you down. It was about this time in my life after publishing, I encountered a term I have grown to despise. “The Craft.”
When people talk about the craft of writing I usually yawn and fall asleep, is it a craft? I have no idea, I simply know that when I read back what I have written, which is usually out loud, if it’s not right, I notice and make changes, if that’s a craft, then wonderful, I have the gift. I usually use a text to speech program on my computer, which reads my own writing back to me for editing purposes. I set it to a dull boring voice and believe me when you have written something wrong, it leaps out of the speakers at you, it’s a good tool that I have really come to love.
At this point, I should mention, I simply love writing. I got your ordinary everyday education in the 1970’s, which Ok I do consider to be of a higher standard than today, much to the disapproval of my teacher friends. I loved English and English Literature; they were my favourite subjects which finally makes sense to me now, as I have spent thirty five years working in horticulture before having a writing career today. I did want to be a journalist, but was told not to even try when I left school, as I was too fast a writer whom scribbled my illegible scrawled notes on stories across paper like a spider had raced through the ink pot. Like now, my mind had a habit of running off without me, which I now realise is my true passion about what I am doing, but back then a story that was filled with missing commas and words was not acceptable. I realise now that scribbling down is OK on a computer as later on it can be edited at leisure, but sadly there were no computers then, and so I took up working in the dirt, something I found involved a lot of research and working with plants, which is still applicable to scruffy writer me in the work I do now, writing about woodlands and trees and the magic within them.
I don’t see myself as complicated; although I am sure a few people I know would give a good counter argument on that. When writing I like to keep things as simple as possible, I like my work to be easy to follow, I like it to be a captivating and a straight forward read for the reader. I try not to concern myself with the views of other writers, in my opinion they have their way and I have mine, and never the twain shall meet. I believe with passion that communication is the greatest asset of humanity, and that writing is the greatest achievement of mankind. It is the simplest of things, and yet it is profound on many levels. I can take what is trapped inside my inner self, and use words on a page to convey that to another human being in a another country who I have never met. I can make them smile, or even make them cry; now tell me there is no such thing as magic? It has to be the greatest thing ever, and I have the joy of doing it on a daily basis, it is not a craft, it is a gift, and I for one am delighted to tell you all that every single one of us has the skills to do to.
I discovered the craft when joining an online forum for new writers, which was one of the tips recommended to me after I had published my first book. This site had lots of people talking shop, and I settled in to take it all in. One girl in particular was very young and offered a small piece to be critiqued, I read it and I enjoyed it. It was a little thin and needed a some padding out, but I felt it was worth working with and would in time be a nice little story, and I told her so, which really delighted her. She did confess she had been terrified of uploading it to the site, but I commended her bravery and told her to keep going. Suddenly, well let’s just say for politeness, this grumpy old badger came online and absolutely assassinated her piece. He tore it to shreds and banged on line after line about “The Craft.” I thought he was cruel and just plain nasty; it was not that bad a story, certainly compared to some of the other flowery drool I had read on the site. Her story was imaginative and inspired, but he just banged on about the standards of the writing craft, and for want of better words, he publicly crucified her.
He was wrong, his behaviour in my mind was just plain horrible and nasty. I messaged him to complain and tell him that he had gone overboard, and that her story had a lot of potential. OK I realise I am not schooled in modern writing, I have just developed my own way over time, people say I have a particular writing style, but to be honest I would not recognise it if it hit me in the face. I just write the only way I know how, and I may not be rich or famous, but I do have some fans who love what I write. I argued my point that writing has changed since Queen Victoria was on the throne, which ok, probably didn’t help us bond, but language is changing all the time, and the younger more modern writers embrace that, and I think it should be considered, we are far too quick these days to hoist the classic literature banner and disregard new work.
I love the classics, but just take a moment to look at how JK Rowling got panned by the critics, so did Dan Brown, and yet both of them have written books selling millions of copies. The way I see it they tapped into something at the time the rest of the book industry hadn’t, and it was that approach which made them the stars of modern literature they have become today. He completely disregarded my points and stuck to his mantra of the “Craft.” A lot of people today are leaving reading, modern technology has crept in with film, TV, and instant video channels, and maybe it is some of these young new writers who will invigorate the book world, I feel they should be encouraged, and as much as classic literature has its part, the literature of tomorrow will be completely different. Sadly my voice fell to the floor unheard as I was dismissed for not supporting the craft. Needless to say I left the site and any ideas of embracing this so called craft went right out of the window for me. Today I stick to what I know, which is very little, but it makes me and the few who read my work happy.
I came to writing alone, and after 43 years of my life usually writing all kinds of odd bits and bobs. I have had one story in my mind for a long time and made a huge pile of notes on it, so much so, I realised it had become a fire hazard, and if my house ever caught fire, I would be burnt to death in minutes. It made complete sense at the time to convert the huge mass of stacked hand written papers into digital documents, and hey guess what; when I had finished, suddenly I had like a whole other space by the wall for yet another bookcase. Being a little bit of an obsessive freak, I realised during the digital conversion of my stack, that it would be easier in the long run if it was all filed in some sort of organised and tidy way, and by the time I had finished, I had a book.
Disappointed aren’t you? Well sadly I did not set off to actually write the story in full, I just got carried away at a time when I needed to escape from reality, and it just so happened that it became my first manuscript. Holds hand up, “Hi I am an accidental author.”
I feel the shame and hang my head riddled with guilt. I wrote a book by accident, it was never some sort of challenge or goal, I knew I could write stuff, I had been doing it for years. The problem was this time I got caught, and sadly that person felt the need to tell everyone. I cannot put into words how reluctantly I handed over what I had written for them to read, seriously for a moment I considered wrestling them down and binding their mouth with tape. Absolutely no one knew, it was my hidden pleasure, and I never meant for anything to ever be read, but my gabby friend just had to tell the world, and then my dad. Have you any idea how hard it is to change the subject every time someone mentions reading to an avid reader like my dad? It was a nightmare, ducking and weaving, until finally he cornered me, and I had to hand the thing over to him so he could read it, I wanted to die on the spot.
That was when all the attention and hype started, all I wanted was to be left in peace, but oh no, they were obsessed. I had a constant stream of conversations on how I should publish. Well they weren’t exactly conversations, they were more one sided, them telling me to publish, and me trying to change the subject. Don’t get me wrong, I love authors, Tolkien, John Wyndham, H G Wells, Arthur Conan Doyle, Philip Pullman, all of them my absolute ideal of great writers, I just felt like I did not belong in their company, and I would rather have remained lost in a room somewhere else with my trusty old desk top PC. That is when it all started, everyone hassled me telling me “you must publish so I can buy it.”
Let me just clear the air at this point, as nice as it is to be told by everyone, “it’s a great book publish it and I will get a copy,” once again I would like to remind you all, that you are all actually very big liars. Is it like some secret trend to harass writers into doing something they don’t want to? I made a list of every person who promised to buy a copy, all two hundred and thirty one of them; I know I am a little weird like that. But in all honesty it does sort of play on your mind, or it did mine at the time, I started thinking wow this is unreal, if all these people want a book, then how many others might buy it? Listen to me now, “Do not do it, it’s a trap.”
By the time the first book came out, on launch week I sold fifty of them, yep just fifty; and hardly any of them to the people on the list, it was a good lesson to learn at that point. It is like a sickness, and I would say to anyone who wants to be a writer and put a book out, a lot of people will say they will buy it, but when you hold a copy in front of them you will get one of two responses, the first being “Oh dear I don’t have enough cash on me at the moment, can you get it online?” The second excuse which is by far the most used, “What I have to pay for it, I thought we were mates?” Everyone wants a copy, but no one wants to shell out money for it, my wife and I work on the assumption that out of every two hundred people who say they will buy a copy, only one will, and to date we are pretty accurate.
I blame the current obsession we have with celebrity culture, when confronted with an author, people go into some bizarre default setting that makes them smile a lot and make unrealistic promises in the hope that you will like them. I have one friend who introduces me as “His friend, the Author,” it used to be “hey guys this is Rob,” But sadly not anymore.
I find it a most peculiar phenomenon, it is almost like these people feel a strong desire to be liked by a famous person, the problem with that which they have not already stumbled on is very simple, ‘Most writers are just ordinary folks and not at all famous’ in truth we are a bit of a disappointment, although I do love the idea of some random women rushing home to boast about meeting me, and being confronted with a lot of confused family faces, who look at her like she is mad and say “Who the F**k is that?” followed by “Never heard of them” It does cheer my day. The truth is with over two million books published a year, there are one hell of a lot of us, we are not rich and we are certainly not famous, which is something I am currently quite happy about.
I sat and worked out, that if I take into account, all the places I have visited to photograph for my work, which I use to help me describe places, and all the books I have bought for my research, all the paper I have purchased for print outs, the heating of my home to write in, the electric used by the computer and lighting, and all the fuel I have burned up traveling around for research, I would easily need to sell well over one million books to even come close to breaking even. If I add to that all the man hours involved in the production of the books I write, and they were then charged at minimum wage rate, at my current selling rate I would need three hundred years to fully recover what I have invested in my writing life.
If you want to write for the money, by all means try, no one, not even the biggest publishers can predict what will and what won’t sell, and yes you may have a best seller inside you, no one will know till you do it. I personally believe that it should never ever be about the money, writing is not a way to stay afloat, it is a joy of hidden magic that lives inside you, and you can choose to release it into the world, or hide it away forever, it is up to you. What I can say is I have had equally as many days of wonder, as I have despair, and I am still doing it. It involves a lot of self-motivation; there have been days where I sat in bed staring at the cat, who was far more motivated than I was, although I hadn’t fed him at that point which explains a lot. I have days of endless frustration deleting a months’ worth of writing because I knew it was simply not good enough, and have started again from scratch. Writing on a bad day can be the equivalent of chewing dry sawdust, as the frustration to get it right builds inside me, I feel sorry for my wife who bless her tolerates my grumpiness as I walk around the house itching to write and unable to type a word.
The good days are glorious. It can come in the form of a wonderfully written piece, or a lovely email, a comment on social media, a sales report, or a good revue from a total stranger. I still get a buzz knowing someone I will never meet is so touched by some of my words; they feel the need to write something nice about my book, it really can lift your day, week or year. There are a few people who get very excited when they know I am about to release a new title, and it is wonderful to see their reaction and the excitement they feel, I really feel happy for them, and take great heart from it. There is no greater thrill than looking at the book case and seeing your own name on a spine and thinking, wow I actually did it, and those days have far more value than mere money.
By far the most joyous moments come when you are completely alone, walking free in your make believe word with people who are as well known to you as your best friends. I sit with the head phones on looking at the screen, with my mind ablaze with the images of my own creation, so lost in thought and focused, nothing can touch me as the magic surrounds me and holds me trance like in this theatre of joy. My mind, my heart and my soul join as one mixing with every experience and emotion I have ever had, and I smile as I tap away with my characters or cry the tears of their pain, no film can come close to the immersive experience of writing.
At this point I will add a very important health warning. You do get lost in space and time, and believe me you will not be aware of anything else, so when as happened with me, my eight year old daughter got up at two in the morning with tummy ache, and I was sat in the almost darkness of my room typing away lost to everything. I did not notice her pale white figure approach, until she touched my arm with her cold white hand. I do not jest when I state it was almost the last line I ever wrote, such was the terror that coursed into my heart filling it with fear and surprise. She scared the living hell out of me, which in turn scared the hell of her, as I leap straight up in the air with a scream of abject terror. So be advised writing can traumatise not only the author, but also their children. This is probably why I don’t write ghost stories, I feel it is taking far too big a risk, in what can already be a slightly risky situation.
I left my known profession to become a full time writer, most people thought I was insane at the time, and maybe I am, but there again I sit at my desk and write down all the day dreams that as a child I was told were bad for me, so I actually get to do it now for a living which is delightful. It was a huge step for me to walk into the unknown, and life took a downward step in comparison to before because of it, but I don’t think I will ever regret it. I am now fifty three years old and actually a lot happier than I have ever been. I will freely admit that I can juggle bills better than a circus clown juggles batons, but any idea of switching career now is unrealistic for me having done this for almost ten years. It has been suggested, but I love doing this too much, and there again, if I really do sit and think about it, what else can I do now at my age?
Writing suits me, I have always been a tad rebellious, and I have spent most of my life searching for some form of liveable peace and freedom, I just wish I had realised sooner that I have always had it. Most self-help books will tell you happiness and peace come from within, well I am living proof, as I look inside on a regular basis to find the materials I need to work with, and yes, after 35 years working in every kind of weather outdoors, I have found my small place of peace and happiness sat before a computer screen, inventing new worlds and new people, and then telling their story as only I know how. Life can be tough for millionaires, but I am not one, so if there are tough days for me too, I ride them out day dreaming until all the happier days come along.
So when I was asked what it is like to be writer, and after a great deal of thought, I feel it is safe to make the following statement compared to those I have observed in other professions. Being a writer is a simple life that suits me, and the truth is:
It doesn’t suck. 🙂
Robin John Morgan is a Husband, Father, and Author of the Heirs to the Kingdom series of fantasy adventure stories published through Violet Circle Publishing.
We asked Author/Publishing Editor, Robin John Morgan, if he would like to contribute a piece to our blog. he has provided an honest and humorous look at some of his experiences for new writers.
When I was asked to do something that looked at my writing, and considering I write on a few blogs as well as work on manuscripts, I decided I would look not at myself and my experience of what I write, but thought I would write something more about what the book world is about from the point of view of a Small Indie Publisher and Author, and aim at those who have often thought about writing, and give a few facts based on my experience of my own work, and working with other writers.
One of the most difficult parts of what I do is talking to unpublished writers, who are looking forward to becoming published Authors.
With a good many years of being published behind me, and also as a publisher myself, I have fallen into every pit fall there is and have a much more grounded understanding of the book buying public, and so yes, I have been taught the hardest way of all through trial and error. So the problem I have when I talk to a writer about the prospect of working with them on a manuscript, is that knowing all the mistakes I have made in the past, it is hard to teach a new writer who is so filled with excitement that actually, their time as an author may be one of the most wonderful, yet hardest things they attempt.
Actually sitting down and writing a book is without doubt one of the greatest experiences of my life. I cannot deny that in those quiet moments where my mind is at its most focused as I bring together a tale, for me personally it is sheer joy, and I get a rush of adrenalin as I pound away playing the story in my head and turning it into the words on the page. When you finally choose that moment to say “I am Done” is such a rush, and it is very exciting and you simply cannot help but feel the buzz, I strongly recommend it to anyone who really does want to write something, be it with publishing in mind or not.
The thing here is, when you have finished and the manuscript if finally ready, the first thing you need to do is find some ground. It is vitally important that you ground yourself before you let anyone read it, and I will give the best advice I can in saying “Grow a thicker skin.”
There will be mistakes, I know you don’t want to hear it, but no matter how many times you have read it, subconsciously and because you have written it, you will have skipped over little mistakes and errors, and it is not because you are a bad writer, it is simply because this is your work and you know it so well, and for that very reason your mind will fill in the gaps and pass mistakes without noticing. It is actually the most normal aspect of writing, but here I will give a warning, everyone who reads it will simply love telling you that you made a mistake. The appropriate response to this as they smile with self-righteousness at you is “Thank you.”
I always say thanks and then say if you find more just note them down so I can add them in the final edit, because even though you think you are done, take my word for it, there will be more editing whether you want it or not. People love to pull you up on your mistakes, it makes them feel superior, because while you are filled with excitement and joy, I can assure you they are feeling a tad jealous that you wrote something, and it is at this point you deploy the thicker skin. Really good friends will absolutely love it, and if you made a mistake, you will find they will be embarrassed to point it out, keep those people close as they are your best tools, and after a little honest coaxing they will be blunt and provide you with some great points, so DO NOT TAKE OFFENCE, listen to them, and you will find that actually they are doing exactly what every good reader will do to your manuscript, so pay attention and learn, it’s all part of the process and again I will add very normal. Take notes and then go back through your manuscript and make all the changes that are needed, and even though you have done it a million times, go through it page by page and see if you can find more. Can I suggest you print the manuscript out and then work through it as follows:
Read the first page of each chapter, and then read the second and so on. Doing this you will not get as caught up in the story and you will find that your retain greater objectivity when spotting mistakes, I have found it to be a really good practice, although I will warn you, it is the longest and most boring job you will ever do.
If you decide to go ahead and publish, there are also things that will help you. Getting a publishing contract is one of the hardest things you will ever do, and actually most people blow it when they reach the stage of actually meeting a prospective publisher. The best advice I can give is be open, be honest, and wear a thick skin. A publisher will have read your manuscript several times, and possibly let others they trust read it, so they already have a good sense of the story, and let’s be honest this is what they do every day, so most importantly listen to them and make notes. Try not to be too ridged, they may offer a few good ideas, and yes they know this is your baby, and they are aware of those millions of feelings sloshing around inside you, but you must not be too demanding, this will be a partnership so treat it as so and take any and all positives you can from the meeting. No one likes to edit out things they love, so listen and also add your input as to why you think certain parts should stay and talk a well-reasoned argument for keeping them. A temper tantrum at this point will ensure your manuscript remains exactly that, so stay open and approachable and talk through each issue that raised.
A brief look at the different formats used by two very different Indie Publishers
So congratulations you got a deal, and your manuscript has taken its first step and enters production. Before I look at the life of a publish author let’s take a small pause and address a few myths of publishing, because you will find a lot of people in the big wide world actually believe this stuff, and at this point in time you may also be one of them. Firstly you may retain the rights to the book, and I strongly recommend you do this, but actually you will not own the rights to the format, and that is the most important point to rise when you first start out, because the format which you may be consulted on will actually belong to the publisher. They are the ones that will set the interior and page design, and that is their design and format, so as you can see this really is a partnership between the two of you. You can end your contract with them, but if you do, well what you are holding in your hand is no longer yours, you will have to change everything and re issue the story in a different formatted way, with a completely new catalogue number, even though your previous publisher will no longer be printing your book.
The second biggest myth in publishing is that if you do not have a big traditional publisher doing your book and you take a more self-published route you are simply using a vanity publisher and are not actually a real writer. Ok let’s kick this myth out into the grass and burn it once and for an all. I have seen too many good writers’ crash and burn because of this stupid myth. Thirty years ago things were different, most large publisher created their own household names, sadly today the bigger publishing houses only want well known writers and celebrity writers. A few years back in an attempt to face off digital publishing, the big companies cut most of their mid list writers leaving the market flooded with out of work writers, as they focused on celebrities to add more money to their coffers. What they actually did in their panic was change the game forever as out of work writers rushed to publish their own work, and that brought in the rise of Self and Indie Publishing Companies. Indie companies are small operations, and yes they do not have the advertising clout of the big boys, but in recent years they have worked very hard and done well to get books out, and in some cases they have been more successful for their authors. It will always pay to check out companies and size them up to see if they are the right fit for you, and I always advise writers to look around and see what they can get for their money, and I would say the same to you if that is a route you want to take. The most important thing to take into account is that there is no time table to publishing, if a company tells you they will have your book out in two weeks, I would be a little suspect of them. Talk to them and ask as many questions as possible, and if you feel they are talking your language, congrats you found yourself someone you can work with.
There is a myth that using a self-publishing company is an act of vanity. My personal point of view is that if you have spent years working on something you would want to share with the world of readers, using a big Traditional Publishing firm is no less vain than using a small indie. There is a little vanity in all writers, we have written it and yes we want to know what others think, and would it not be a wonderful thing to see your name on a book spine?
Ok now on to the more common stuff, firstly you will find that everyone thinks authors are all millionaires, they think the moment you put out a book, you are suddenly rich. Not true, selling books is bloody hard work and it is going to be trickle by trickle, and even though this is most important book in your life because you wrote it, at this point in time no one has ever heard of it. Not only that, they have never heard of the other million books produced that year, so you suddenly find that you are in the centre of a pool filled with rival books, and somehow you have to make yours look better than everyone else’s. Depending on your publisher, you will be expected to promote and sell the book. Advertising in the book industry is massively expensive, and it’s hard to match the bigger publishers who throw thousands of dollars at advertising big name authors and celebrity writers, and you will be competing with them also. The thing here is that actually there is no special formula for a bestselling hit, and even though you are pitted against some big titles you have an even chance of having your book in the right place at the right time, and suddenly you could be an overnight success. It may take a year, it may even happen after ten years, the important thing to remember is that when it comes to sales, take the long view, sometimes small repetitive sales can gross more money over time, so make your game plan about a long term investment and do not expect instant fame, that is the rarest commodity in the book market if it happens at all.
Ok so here is the best bit advice I can give. Every man, woman, dog, and acquaintance you know will expect a free copy of your book. Now it is up to you, but that is the fastest road to bankruptcy, so work out who those special people are. I make a short list, and it is usually parents, wife and those who really helped out, after that everyone else pays, even if it is discounted to them. I honestly believe no one should write a book for the money, and if cash and fame are your incentive, I would say stop and go get acting lessons, because as hard as that is, you may find you will do better.
Big rule here, PEOPLE LIE. Yes sad as it is, if everyone who ever told me they were going to buy my book did, I would be ten times richer, I work on the average that if two hundred people tell me they are going to buy my book, I expect to paid for two, and that really is the case in the real world. People mean well and they probably do intend to when they tell you, but the reality of it is that most of the time they forget. It is also the same when they tell you they have read it and loved it, most people may buy a book and ask you to sign it, and that is good, but if you expect them to read it, I am sorry to say that for a lot of people a book is nothing more than an ornament these days, and it looks on good on their shelf or unit, as it gives them the chance to gloat about knowing the author, so yes, for many a book is a stroke for their ego not yours.
I am a bit twisted and actually love these kinds of people, and yes my evil side appears with my humour, I ask them questions about the story and watch them squirm whilst thanking them for reading it. I know I am bad man, but if you take it with a pinch of salt and do not take offence it can be really funny adding things that are not in the book and watching as they agree and telling you how much they loved it, I guess I am sick person but I see it as sport, and more importantly it stops me being depressed about it. There are a lot of sycophants out there and you will meet them as they ooze all over you and paint you out to be a glorious author, again keep grounded and do not let your ego go wild, being an author is about understanding that there is always a balance to be met.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying the praise, and for some people you have written something that touched them deeply, and you should be very proud of that, for that is one of the best reasons for writing, you bring joy and inspire some people, it is a nice thing for any author to be recognised for their work, so enjoy those moments. Not everyone will like what you write, and some people (Namely Trolls) will take a lot of pleasure out of ripping your work apart, either on forums or in person, trying to defend yourself is pointless because these are the kind of people who fail at reason argument, I take a leaf out of Mark Twain’s life, he once said, “Never argue with an idiot, they will bring you down to their level, and then beat you with experience.” I find it is the most apt approach to trolls, so try to ignore them and move on, because it really does not matter how you try to answer, whatever you put will be torn apart and used against you. It is not fair I know, but honestly take it from me and all other writers, at the end of the day they are not worth the trouble.
Robin john Morgan at a book reading of his own work.
Right the final point that I feel is important. There is a debate that authors should really throw themselves out there in this day of social media, and it is believed that readers want a much more personal relationship with authors these days. Now this is my own view point only, so you need to understand that before reading on. I am a publisher as well as an author, and in my role as a publisher I do look constantly for new and refreshing ways I can make my authors look good in hope of sales, but as an author I know there is a line to be drawn, so I always ask a new author just exactly what their expectation of being an author is, and you should ask yourself the same. One of my authors is not keen on too many personal pictures being out there, and I have respected that by taking the one and only picture that was printed in a newspaper and using that in all our publicity. That was his wish, others I have published have a broader view of what can be used, and so with their permission I only use what they are comfortable with, and I would suggest that you follow a similar principle. I know some people want to know everything about your life, and hey if you are happy to do that, then fine. With my own work, I control everything that is released, I actually write most of the personal stuff to ensure better control, and that keeps things balanced with my family. Just because some big boss somewhere wants to exploit everything you do for sales, does not mean it has to be that way. I have another author who is probably one of the best at selling his own books to others, which is actually something I don’t like to do, I much prefer someone else (Usually my wife) to sell the books. I must admit though this author I mention is really great at it, he has the perfect calm persona and friendliness and I have to smile as he has sold to his dentist and church vicar, as well as a long list of others he has met on his travels, I do agree that if you are going somewhere it always pays to have a few spare copies in the car with a pen.
Book sales are a tough business to be in, so take your chances as you can, and put out exactly what you feel is relevant to you and you only. When the books are selling it can be a wonderful experience, and when they don’t sell keep your chin up, all book sales come in fits and starts, do something to promote and push the sales whenever you can. If things are slow write, keep writing, because even if your first book does not sell that well, remember its always the roll of the dice, so keep writing and eventually put another book out. The golden rule is always write, write, write and remain grounded, but more importantly than ever, enjoy the experience of all of it.
Robin John Morgan, writes for VCP, and has published seven out of an eight book adventure/fantasy series, “Heirs to the Kingdom.”
Nothing makes world book day better than discovering a new fantasy world to live in for a while. As part of World Book Day’s 20th year, we are introducing you into a captivating world of adventure and fantasy.
The Woodland Realm Comes Alive
Heirs to the Kingdom (HTTK) is described by author, Robin John Morgan, was one of those ideas that grew into an obsession. What started as a side project to occupy the author as a mixture of hobby and simply something to help pass the time in his quiet hours as a single parent, raising his daughter alone, grew over a period of twenty years into a filing cabinet stuffed to the brim with notes, sketches and diagrams, of the many ideas he connected to what we now know as his central characters of Robbie and Runestone. In 2006 during a spring clean, he made the decision to sort through all of his material and rather than have a cabinet stuffed with paper, he thought it would make more sense to sort it out and transfer it all on to his computer.
What followed was a year of copying down all his notes of what had become a fantasy existence for his two central characters who lived in the year of 2038 and beyond. Having completed the task of getting everything on the computer in a rough sequence, Robin decided to use his free time to slowly put it all into an order than would create a timeline, and show an alternative way of life in his make believe world, and Heirs to the Kingdom, the fantasy series of books was born.
What began back in 2007 as the writing of one continuous story, should find its completion this year with the final book of the series, after ten years of constant writing back to back books. His series of stories all based around his two characters and their friends and family is based around two central ideas. The first being his love of old tales from the past, which always state the hero will rise up again to return and save the day, and his second idea of what would happen if the world was struck with a catastrophic disaster that wiped out the larger percentage of the population? With nature back in charge and small groups rebuilding their communities the basic premise of the story is set, and into the mix his two teenage lead characters are placed.
HTTK begins on New Year’s Day 2038 in the snow, and as Robbie one of the central characters rises to his daily duties on the farm, he faced with the monotony of his dull life. What he thinks is a boring isolated town in the middle of nowhere is far from the truth, and as the story starts to unfold, we start to learn of sinister figure in the south, Mason Knox, who claims to be a descendant to the line of the one true King Arthur.The country is recovering from the deadly virus that killed most of the population, and the survivors are slowly trying to rebuild from scratch a life based on what surrounds them in the wild natural world that has swept over the destroyed remains of the once era of Modern Man. But it appears our sinister figure in the south has the idea that he alone has the duty to rebuild the world back to his view of things, and so begins the separation of the people and a struggle to fight to protect the lives they have built.
This is a series that develops into a full and fascinating struggle between two ideas of how the world should be, mixed with a blend of fantastic characters. When our lead hero’s companions reveal that they have some odd and mysterious powers, the story starts to twist and turn into an adventure of fantasy, built on the foundation of a very realistic way of living away from modern life as we know it, and what is seen as the Woodland realm really does come to life with some fantastic and very well thought out and insightful writing. This is without doubt a gripping adventure fantasy series that has all of the everyday aspects of life mixed with fantasy in a way that really does draw the reader into Robin’s make believe world. It feels very real and timeless, and has many moments that have you caught within pages unable to put the books down. It is thought provoking and emotional, as well as action packed with a thread of humour throughout its core that draws you deeper and deeper into this wonderfully written tale. 2017 should see the final part of this slice of life fantasy adventure story reach its final conclusion, and so now is the perfect time to get the first book and walk into a superb fantasy adventure and enjoy a year of thrills, tears, and laughter whilst fighting for survival.
These are all good reads with a high word count that makes for an immersive reading experience, they are written in an easy to follow style, which will draw you quickly into the story and captivate your imagination. The books are available now and entitled:
Book One – The Bowman of Loxley
Book Two – The Lost Sword of Carnac
Book Three – The Darkness of Dunnottar
Book Four – Queen of the Violet Isle
Book Five – Crystals of the Mirrored Waters
Book Six – Last Arrow of the Woodland Realm
Book Seven – The Bridge of Sequana.
Book Eight the final book in the series should be out later this year and will be entitled, The Ravens of Berengar.
Its World Book Day, which means it’s time to lift a book and enjoy yourself. Today VCP are featuring some of its best reads, and so why not do something a little different and choose a great and enjoyable play to read?
Heaven Knows.
Plays have become a fashionable read in recent times, none more so than the release of JK Rowling’s The Cursed Child, which has seen great success. When we were first asked if we would consider producing a play formatted book, it was new territory, but something we felt would be a good experience for us.
Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now, by Colin Smith, has seen a lot of local success around the Manchester/Liverpool area of the UK as a stage play, and so with a recognisable title for play goers, we started work with Colin to produce the book version.
To set the scene, this is comedy, which has darker threads woven into the humour. The scenario follows the story of Andy, whom having had three marriages and has been widowed three times, after a long life dies in bed without realising it. He wakes up in a strange place not really understanding what has happened, and at first is not aware he is dead, and his soul has passed into limbo, before being assessed for entrance to heaven.
Heaven knows I’m Miserable Now by Colin Smith ISBN 978-1-910299-16-6
The story line is a chuckle fest from the first page, as he encounters his guide into the afterlife with his trainee reaper, Eva. Much to his surprise, his reaper is an attractive young female dressed in rather sexy night attire, something she feels is more welcoming. Eva is to be honest very absent minded and forgets to instruct Andy in the ways of his reaping, which just leads to yet more comedic confusion as he arrives at the reception to Heaven and enters the selection process.
Whilst editing and formatting this book there was many moments where there were outbreaks of giggles and chuckles, as the humour intensified, and we must confess it made working on this book delightfully entertaining. The selection process for Andy, which is a very entertaining and hilarious process not un-similar to the bureaucratic process of a human resources interview, reveals that his three passed wives are all in Heaven and he will be given the option to meet them, and decided which one to spend eternity with.
Whilst making his decision he is taken to a safe house until he can adjust to his new circumstances of being dead, and reflect on the choice for a partner for eternity. Much to his surprise he finds his house sharing comrades to be none other than Adolf Hitler and Jesus. What follows is a wonderful mix of great one liners and side splitting hilarity, as his new house friends help him to decide who his ideal partner for eternity is. This though provides what turns out to the funniest twist of all, because unbeknown to Andy, in heaven you can choose the life you want to be for eternity, and so all of the three women he had been married to in his living life, are very different in their afterlife.
This is a very tongue in cheek look at life and what follows, and is very funny indeed, but not only does it make you have a really good chuckle and belly laugh, surprisingly it also provides you with the chance to think about your own ideas of an afterlife. We had a few discussions amongst ourselves as we worked on the formatting of the book, and it is surprising how it does make you sit up and think about your own life and also your beliefs, in a somewhat light hearted way.
The one dilemma our author Colin had was that in the early stages of developing this play for the stage, he had two very different endings, and during the process he was torn as to which one he could use. We suggested he add both, and so this copy of the play in print form, has the added extra bonus of two ending from which you can choose your favourite, either way we think you will laugh at both.
Colin Smith Playwright
This really is a very entertaining play and we feel a book you should definitely pick up when you need a break and a space to chuckle. Having worked on the book and followed it through the whole process, we are really hoping a new stage production is put on in our local area soon, so we can actually see it performed on the stage. A wonderful, light and entertaining tale, beautifully written and presented in a play format by Colin Smith.
Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Again by Colin Smith is available now on all online book retailer sites including Amazon.
It’s World Book Day, and it’s a special one as today is the 20th, and so we are featuring some of our best reads to get you all turning the pages. This one is especially for the children.
Crumble’s Adventures by Mike Beale.
When we first considered putting out a children’s book, and we started the process of working with Mike, it was important to us that the book met certain expectations. Firstly it had to be an engaging story that children would enjoy, and we also felt a story that would delight any parent equally as much, when reading it to their child.
We also believe that books should contain positive advice or messages, which would aid the reader in not only understanding the story, but also understanding themselves and the life they live. To answer this we posed the question, would children take a positive message into their own life, having read this story?
Finally we looked at how the story could be enhanced; this question was answered when author Mike Beale presented us with a selection of drawings for the book, done by Illustrator Maureen Fayle.
The ultimate test of the book came when we gave it to our six year old daughter, and asked her to read it and then give us feedback on her own experience of the book.
Crumble’s Adventures, we are pleased to say passed all our criteria with flying colours. The story which evolves around Crumble, is a charming tale of a small dog who at the start of the book is homeless and alone. Wandering the streets and living off scraps, it is very clear how her existence is one of loneliness and sadness. I think every child has a point in their life where they experience this, especially at that early age where they enter a new school and have to leave their parents at the door, so the start of book struck a deep chord with all children. It can be frightening to enter the start of the real world, and here Crumble reflected all those tiny feelings that many children face.
As the story moves forward, Crumble stumbles by accident on another dog named Alex, and at this point Crumble’s fortunes take a turn for the better. Alex takes the homeless Crumble home, where she is welcomed in and given a good meal, and this is the starting point of a strong friendship, and a sense of belonging. From here on in the books takes up a positive stance as the two dogs develop their friendship and go on many adventures. From our point of view, this shows the importance of family and strong friendship, something that is a very valuable asset to all children in the early stages of their development.
Crumble’s Adventures by Mike Beale. Illustrated by Maureen Fayle ISBN 978-1-910299-06-7
What follows is an engaging tale of the dogs, with very positive messages and a few tense moments that do indeed captivate the imaginations of children. The story is adult enough for parents to comprehend the story and its meaning, yet written is such a delightfully easy to understand way that all children can relate every quickly and easily to the two dogs, and the friendship that strengthens between them. Our main test was our daughter and her understanding of this story, and it passed with flying colours as she really loved the story and became very excited as she followed it through the publishing process.
The story is enhanced by the simply wonderful artwork that is woven throughout the book. The hand sketched illustrations provided by Maureen, contain such wonderful detail that the pictures themselves jump from the page, and it brings a real sense of identity to the characters for the children to relate to and follow.
The book has been formatted in a way that moves away from the large pictured and low print types of books that children start reading with, and carries a similar format to that of a novel for older children, but with larger print and slightly wider spacing. This we felt was an ideal way to bridge the gap between books for younger children, and serves as a way into gaining an insight into the formatting of books for older children. Spliced together with the illustrations, it forms a package that gives of a sense of a step up into a more older approach to reading, and we feel is an ideal way to help children adjust to what will come as they progress into older and more print driven books at a later stage.
In conclusion, Crumble’s Adventures by Mike Beale, is a simple to follow, well written story that serves as a very positive reading experience for children aged six and above. The story which is fun and exciting, is ideal for either reading to children by an adult, or as a good start for young readers who want to progress into a more print driven type of story. It is beautifully illustrated, with easy to read formatting and larger print, and we feel is an ideal first serious book for young readers.
What's happening @ VCP 