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About the author and blogger ...

Anne Goodwin’s drive to understand what makes people tick led to a career in clinical psychology. That same curiosity now powers her fiction.
A prize-winning short-story writer, she has published three novels and a short story collection with small independent press, Inspired Quill. Her debut novel, Sugar and Snails, was shortlisted for the 2016 Polari First Book Prize.
Away from her desk, Anne guides book-loving walkers through the Derbyshire landscape that inspired Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre.
Subscribers to her newsletter can download a free e-book of award-winning short stories.

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Flogging the first, fixing the second and rewriting the third: Am I now a novelist?

23/10/2015

14 Comments

 
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This post marks three months since the publication of my debut novel, Sugar and Snails, and a possible a transition to another stage of my writerly identity. A few weeks before publication I wrote of my ambivalence at claiming the title of author but, once my book was out there, and people were saying nice things about it, I felt less of a fictional fictioneer. Now, as I start to soft-pedal on the selling (for non-British readers, flog is slang for sell), get ready to edit the next one (another contract is signed and Underneath is scheduled for May 2017) and revisit the fast first draft of what I hope will be my third, I’m wondering if author is big enough to encompass the size of my ego. With three novels in mind, am I now a novelist?

The analogy isn’t very original but, like many clichés, it’s one that works: like children at different stages of development, these novels require different kinds of attention, fluctuating amounts even, as they venture into the world. Of necessity, my firstborn has been the priority over the last six months and, while it’s always going to need me, it can stand on its own two feet as I snuggle up with the baby, and the middle one prepares for its turn in the limelight.
Before I reacquaint myself with Closure (and, since it hasn’t yet been registered, I’m free to find it a better name), let’s recap on where I’ve got to with Sugar and Snails. After two delightful launch events, a mammoth five-week blog tour and half a dozen articles in the press, after my transformation from shrinking violet to someone who leaps on any opportunity for self-promotion, there’s still more marketing to be done. But the pitches for additional posts and articles and the emails to bookshops, libraries and groups wanting speakers have reduced from a torrent to a trickle.

As you’ll see from the plethora of links, my website has gone somewhat manic with all this, especially in the last few days, belatedly getting the advance praise page looking respectable, even though we’re well past the “advance” stage. Do check out my brand-new page for those who have read the book, including a survey of people’s experience of the novel, and let me know if you spot any glitches. And it’s almost had my husband tearing his hair out – Why don’t you just write books? quoth he – but I can now show you some videos of the launch, starring Mr Tangental at the book signing, and including a big thank you to my blogging supporters from around the world.

In the next couple of months, I’m looking forward to two scheduled therapy-lit talks, another library signing session and a trip back to my former workplace to talk about the book to the LGBT forum. I’m hoping these will provide enough respite, but not too much distraction, from the intensity of focus on what I’m daring to think of as Novel Number Three. Along with that, I’ll be reading for reviews, blogging and practising the art of the 99-word story (although probably not next week as I’m having a weekend away).

On which point, Charli Mills has been talking mattresses and cemeteries, challenging the Rough Writers and friends to compose a 99-word story featuring a final resting place. Now, while I’m encountering a little reticence among some booksellers (despite the increased discount) regarding print-on-demand, at least I won’t have to deal with this:

I couldn’t ignore his calls forever, but I could have a damn good try. Friends said I should get over it, move on to the next. But until I heard him say those words, the dream lived on in my mind.
I understood his reasons: the spark had gone, every avenue pursued to a dead end. Gathering dust, redundant, we had to make space for the new. I poured myself a brandy and called him. It wouldn’t hurt so much if I took control. Just don’t send my unsold books to landfill, I pleaded. Grant me that, at least.


What projects do you have lined up the next few months?
Thanks for reading. I'd love to know what you think. If you've enjoyed this post, you might like to sign up via the sidebar for regular email updates and/or my quarterly Newsletter.
14 Comments
Norah Colvin link
24/10/2015 03:07:32 am

What an exciting post Anne, writer, author, novelist! Congratulations on the contract for "Underneath". How very exciting! I love the cupcake toppers shown in the photograph on this post. How creatively awesome. You do indeed have many links to follow. I think you are the queen of links. I did the survey and looked at the videos (some in full, some in part. I may come back when I have more time for the rest.) How enjoyable for the party guests to hear the author read her own work. I often mention how much more I enjoy audiobooks when the author reads them. It was great to see people opening their purses and wallets and lining up to have their books signed by you! I don't have any suggestions about how to keep up the momentum with sales (flogging is used in Australia too), though have seen a few Facebook launch parties. Is it too late for one of those? I like the way you have used the analogy of child development with the progress of each of your novels. I also like the changes you have made to your menu here and to your Twitter profile. You have been busy, and it sounds like the busyness is not going to ease for a while. Enjoy the weekend away.
Oh, and your flash is great. No, please don't send those copies to landfill! I'm sure a better use can be found than that! I don't think you're flogging a dead horse just yet! :)

Reply
Annecdotist
27/10/2015 05:55:29 pm

Thanks for your support, as always, Norah, and apologies for the delay in responding. It does feel different having three novels in mind, although I'm still not sure if I'm ready to settle down with the baby.
Yeah, those cake toppers are a must-have for launch parties, and not very expensive either. My guests were a little suspicious at first, not realising they were edible, but then loved them. Rice paper, a bit like a communion host.
I've seen FB virtual launch parties too – I could do one for Sugar and Snails' first birthday if I get my account sorted out. Currently, as you know, it's not very good for connecting.
Thanks for doing the survey, I'd had the idea for a while but hadn't got round to it, I'd have liked to have had more time composing the questions and getting the wording right, but it's okay for a bit of fun. Be interesting to see what feedback I get over the next few months.
The video of the signing is unfortunately quite noisy, but yeah, the queue was amazing, and I got told off (in the nicest possible way) for holding it up by chatting to people as they came along.
However, I hope you caught the end of my introduction where I was thanking my online friends and particularly with you in mind hosting my "friendship" guest post on the day I was having my second launch. I could also do with editing them both a bit but especially to cut off the rambling just before the reading. And, although I made one significant mistake, I don't think I did too badly.

Reply
Irene Waters link
24/10/2015 09:15:34 pm

You are most definitely an author Anne. It sounds like a whirlwind time that you are putting a lot of energy into and it seems to be working or you wouldn't have been signed up again. Marketing is by far the hardest part of writing I think -- from getting a publisher to getting the numbers to read your book.
I haven't as yet read it but I have it on my list and will get to it at the latest next year.
Your page looks good. I went to haven't read it yet and it certainly gives all the links you need to make knowing more about it or buying it easy. I agree with Norah -- you are most definitely the queen of links.
Loved your flash. Books in Australia used to be very expensive (probably still are but I have gone kindle for most new purchases) and around Christmas we would have pop-up shops selling books from the UK at great prices. The book people in the UK found it cheaper to send them to Australia than put them in landfill over there.

Reply
Annecdotist
27/10/2015 05:58:48 pm

Thanks, Irene, yup, it is a bit of a whirlwind. I didn't know about books being expensive in Australia, presumably because of the shipping expenses – but would that apply also to locally published books? I don't think mine is particularly more expensive overseas, due to print on demand facilities. Hope you enjoy it when you get the time.

Reply
geoff laptop link
24/10/2015 10:17:09 pm

well if I'm an author, and I don't see why not, you are for sure and a successful one (that's where we part company!) Glad to hear the publishers want your follow up. It does a long time though doesn't it? 2017? Wow. I'm not sure having my ugly mug doing a Shrek impersonation at the sales table helps but if it does then maybe I'm missing a trick (I've missed a few for sure). Love the flash btw.

Reply
Annecdotist
27/10/2015 06:34:44 pm

Ha, well I thought it was quite nice to show your face on the video, but if you don't like it I could always reset it so that it's resting position is something different.
Actually, I didn't want the second novel coming out too soon, both to give plenty of time for the editing etc but also to think there might be a point where I get a break from promotion! And I like the idea of having an idea where I'll be almost 18 months ahead. I do want to publish as many novels as my shoe size, but I'm pacing myself in the process!

Reply
Charli Mills
25/10/2015 01:24:38 am

At some point we have to take ownership of our authorship. I don't think the writing community will ever come to consensus on what constitutes a "real" author. As you know, I grabbed the laurels early as a way to acknowledge all the non-book writing activities required of a career author. I will not be one to tell another when and how to grab ownership, but I certainly will cheer on those who do. It's a right of passage of sorts to feel the empowerment of the proclamation. You certainly in the eyes of many and any are an author. And I'm impressed at how you've embraced the marketing end of the authorship pen. Well done and keep on, keeping on!

Recently I began collaborating with the library and a local publisher to promote literary arts in my community and work together to bring writers here. I met with the publisher at her home office which is utterly stunning and rich in details. We talked about conferences she's hosted, future collaborations and writers in general. I shared with her how I categorize writers into target markets, which sounds more callous than it is. It's important to understand who would be served by a certain program and why. Just as authors we have to define who would read our books and why. She told me how most of her students at a low-residency MFA program only have one book in them. This has both puzzled and frustrated her. Traditionally, MFA programs have been for career authors. But now, low-residency programs open it up to more people, including those who have a memoir or story to tell without wanting to be an author churning out books in different phases of completion. Funny thing is, a lot of writers like myself who started down the path 20 years ago, fully intending to do the MFA after kids and careers to pay off student loans, now feel that MFAs are not worth the money.

Much has changed, is changing and will change. What is important is that you do what you think is best for your goals as an author. You are doing an outstanding effort by your books, in all their phases.

And you have time for 99 words! Thank you! Oh, too funny! I could clearly see my new publisher friend in this situation after walking through her building full of boxes and boxes of books. A break up could be a disaster beyond a wounded heart.

Reply
Annecdotist
27/10/2015 06:40:29 pm

Thanks, Charli, you are certainly going the right way connecting with this publisher and, whatever you call yourself, you're definitely in the business. And, you're right, that it's a rapidly changing one.
Similarly, I did think I might do a Masters degree in creative writing way back, but I don't think it would necessarily have been right for me, I'd be too eager to please the teachers! Although I did enjoy hearing from Geoff how he was progressing with his. I wonder, though, if some of those people who start off with just one book in mind go on to write more when they learn the ropes. People seem to come to authorship from so many different directions, and we have to plough our own ways through.

Reply
sarah link
25/10/2015 11:48:45 pm

Wow. What a full post. Congrats, first of all. Secondly, I will say I agree with everyone's comments and love Charli's line "At some point we have to take ownership of our authorship." Bravo, Anne. :-)

Reply
Annecdotist
27/10/2015 06:41:45 pm

Yes, indeed, Sarah, it's a fine line from Charli. Thanks for adding yours.

Reply
Gargi link
26/10/2015 06:58:22 am

You are definitely a novelist, Anne! This must be quite an exciting time for you! Best wishes for all three novels!

Reply
Annecdotist
27/10/2015 06:42:45 pm

Thanks, Gargi, exciting and busy, but I couldn't wish it to be any different.

Reply
Sherri Matthews link
28/10/2015 01:08:34 pm

Hi Anne, long time no comment...but I do see you over at Carrot Ranch :-) I'm amazed at all you have done/are doing, and yes, I would definitely say you are an author, and how! I totally missed your blog tour as I took 7 weeks away from blogging to finish my long laboured first draft, and there are so many books I want to read, and I am immersed in the world of memoir at the moment as I write my own, but I like to help where I can so if you would like to guest post over at the summerhouse to help promote Sugar and Snails, I'd be delighted to help in some small way. Many congratulations on your three-month-since-publication anniversary :-)

Reply
Annecdotist
28/10/2015 02:58:37 pm

Thanks, Sherri, and congratulations on completing the first draft of your memoir. I'll gladly take up your kind offer of guesting over the summer house and will have a think about what might suit.

Reply



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