My Writerly Journey: Getting from A to B

Two years ago, I gave up classroom teaching, started a ‘day job’, and effectively cut my income in half to write a book. This very book is coming out this TODAY Saturday (21 March 2015), so I am more than a little excited!

As a child, I had wanted to be a writer, but I never thought I’d be a good enough writer until I was ‘old and wise’ (so, in my seven-year-old brain, at least 40). The (secret) plan was to have a career for a while, and then have a go at writing a book.

However, two years ago, my partner helped me realise that it was worth having a go. I decided that the worst thing that could happen was that I’d write something terrible, it wouldn’t get picked up by a publisher, and I’d have wasted a few years of my life. At the time, I was 24 – so I figured that I was young enough for a couple of ‘wasted’ years!

Fortunately, they weren’t wasted. At all. Long story short, I discovered and eventually caved in to indie publishing – and I’m enjoying it so much that I’d be hard pressed to accept a publishing deal if it were offered! I’ve made a lot of positive, empowering and inspiring friends who get as excited about writing, publishing & art as I do.

And, of course, I’ve written a book. In fact, I’ve written two books, painted another (a wordless picture book called What Stars Are Made Of), and am working on my next draft now. I’m also illustrating a book for a friend, and working on a short story.

Moving Forward

But writing’s only half the battle, right? Actually – less than half! I learnt a LOT about the publishing industry in a relatively short amount of time, because I learnt to ask questions, meet people (whether online or in person) and had the fortune of connecting with people who wanted me to succeed as much as I do.

Basically, I have published independently. Stripping the process back to its bare essentials, here’s how publishing works for me:

• Plan & draft the book.

• Get feedback from beta readers and my editor.

• Revise the book. Repeat as necessary.

• Send book to illustrator.

• Send cover art to graphics designer.

• Final edits and proofreading.

• Send book to formatter.

• Send to printer.

• Publish to online retailers for pre-order.

• Marketing, marketing, marketing.

• Launch book.

Marketing, Marketing, Marketing

This seems to be the thing that writers find hardest, but I have to say I’ve enjoyed it! What I’ve done is found ways of promoting my book that are genuine and come naturally; things that don’t feel like marketing. Here are some of them:

• Sharing my progress – this builds the hype slowly, and allows my networks to become a part of the project’s process. We feel more excited about something if we’re a part of it.

• Sharing the love – I learn from people, and I teach other people what I’ve learnt. That in itself is awesome, but if we’ve both got quality books then we’ll cross-promote as well – usually without being asked.

• Guest posts – like this one! Guest posts share the audience of one person with another. Hopefully, some of my readers will become readers of the host blog, and vice versa. At the very least, it gives a boost in views which build ranking with search engines like Google.

• Giveaways – social media is great for this. Even a simple ‘like this post and be in the draw’ opens your post to a new audience. It’s all about publicity!

• A physical launch – because who doesn’t like a party, right? This gives me an event to promote, rather than just a ‘buy my book’, people are getting something in return.

Other than writing

Outside of writing, I love my teaching job and the wonderful children I meet there. Obviously, I enjoy reading, and have gotten into non-fiction a lot more this year. I think it’s been a great benefit in my journey to getting published.

I play the ukulele as well, and I am learning the guitar. I love walking and just sitting in a café thinking. While I do watch a bit of TV (I’m watching the Under the Dome series at the moment), the only thing that really turns my brain off is gaming, and right now I’m in a Rise of Nations phase. World domination ftw!

The Caretaker of Imagination

“Bored with his normal life, John Carroll runs away with his faithful cat in search of adventure. When he meets a real-life pirate, John realizes there is much more to the world than he’d ever thought possible – magic is real, and in desperate need of a hero.

John must convince the (once fearsome) Captain Simon Peabody to join him on a fantastic and perilous quest to find the only person who can save magic from being lost forever: the Caretaker of Imagination.

This wondrous tale harks back to the style of classic children’s literature. Perfect as a read-aloud, it is sure to delight readers of all ages.”

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