This was such an enjoyable and informative chat, thank you for this. It's so interesting to hear what goes on behind the scenes with publishers and what you're looking for. It was comforting to hear your take, Maria, about being fearless and genre bending (I think that's what you called it) and experimental. It was also refreshing to hear your take on comps and how our stories are unique. This hits close to home since my (attempt at a) novel is experimental and I really have no idea what genre it is and I think some of us get trapped in the writing process wondering who 'our reader' is (I couldn't resist, this is in reference to your note on the topic!). I actually didn't think about this at all when I was writing, which makes me feel better. I just wrote what I wanted to.
Lottie, I'm with you on that favourite song or book question, I also go blank and don't know what to answer, and it's interesting that like writers, publishers also have 100s of ideas going on in your head, and you too have to restrain myself. I feel like that a lot when it comes to writing: how do I focus on one thing, and what should that one thing be?
And that nugget about Borges, one of my favourite writers - I had no idea!
Of course, last and certainly not least, well done running the show, Jayne, your questions were excellent and I loved the back and forth flow and banter - the time flew by listening to you three 😁
Such lovely comments, thank you! It’s great to know you enjoyed it and found it comforting too. I’m sure @Maria Glymph and @Lottie Begg will be happy to read your thoughts as well. Keep writing what you want to write, the genre will just have to bend to your will!
Thank you, Daniel! It’s always cringe to watch myself back (especially with a big flower on my bonce) so I’m glad to know my MCing was acceptable - and that you enjoyed the interview, more importantly!
I love this - thank you Jayne, Maria and Lottie. As writers, we can often feel that the traditional routes into publishing don't include 'people like me', and rather aren't focused on 'the story', rather the bottom line, and it feels very off-putting. Thank you for showing us that there are other ways, and there are publishers who want to champion those voices we might not always hear. Wonderful insights from you all into this world, and a great way to open up conversations about it.
This was such an enjoyable and informative chat, thank you for this. It's so interesting to hear what goes on behind the scenes with publishers and what you're looking for. It was comforting to hear your take, Maria, about being fearless and genre bending (I think that's what you called it) and experimental. It was also refreshing to hear your take on comps and how our stories are unique. This hits close to home since my (attempt at a) novel is experimental and I really have no idea what genre it is and I think some of us get trapped in the writing process wondering who 'our reader' is (I couldn't resist, this is in reference to your note on the topic!). I actually didn't think about this at all when I was writing, which makes me feel better. I just wrote what I wanted to.
Lottie, I'm with you on that favourite song or book question, I also go blank and don't know what to answer, and it's interesting that like writers, publishers also have 100s of ideas going on in your head, and you too have to restrain myself. I feel like that a lot when it comes to writing: how do I focus on one thing, and what should that one thing be?
And that nugget about Borges, one of my favourite writers - I had no idea!
Of course, last and certainly not least, well done running the show, Jayne, your questions were excellent and I loved the back and forth flow and banter - the time flew by listening to you three 😁
Such lovely comments, thank you! It’s great to know you enjoyed it and found it comforting too. I’m sure @Maria Glymph and @Lottie Begg will be happy to read your thoughts as well. Keep writing what you want to write, the genre will just have to bend to your will!
Thank you, Daniel! It’s always cringe to watch myself back (especially with a big flower on my bonce) so I’m glad to know my MCing was acceptable - and that you enjoyed the interview, more importantly!
I love this - thank you Jayne, Maria and Lottie. As writers, we can often feel that the traditional routes into publishing don't include 'people like me', and rather aren't focused on 'the story', rather the bottom line, and it feels very off-putting. Thank you for showing us that there are other ways, and there are publishers who want to champion those voices we might not always hear. Wonderful insights from you all into this world, and a great way to open up conversations about it.
Thank you for the lovely comment, Kay! I'm glad to hear you found the conversation hope-inducing. I did too 😊
Thank you for the great interview. 🤗