Perception versus Reality
December Newsletter
Hello there!
It’s the countdown to the end of the year now, and a time for reflection and planning for the new year (as well as work parties or family gatherings, or the general chaos that comes with buying friends or family presents, and who is going where, etc etc.
For us creatives, it can be a difficult time to focus on our work, but I do implore you to try and slot something in where you can - the therapeutic effects of creativity are so important in this dark phase of the year where mental health is at it’s most vulnerable.
Take care of yourself, because only by doing so can you help and be there for others!
Shout out to new subscribers!
Thanks for following this month and welcome to the rebel alliance:
Fiona, Peter, Helen, Diva, Colin, Matt, Ian, Susan!
I’d love to share my writing journey and tips/experiences with more authors, so please do share this newsletter with your writing/reading friends!
Interview with Estelle Grace Tudor
Estelle Grace Tudor is an award-winning multi-genre author from the original land of myth and legend: Wales, where she lives on the coast with her husband, four children and crazy dog.
Question 1
Can you tell us a little about you and your books?
I am predominantly a fantasy author who pants' her way through life :) The first books I published was a five-book middle grade series entitled 'Through the Fairy Door'. Book one in the series 'Octavia Bloom and the Missing Key' was the first full-length book I had ever written, and the first piece of writing that gave me the confidence to finally pursue the dream that I had long held in my heart. The one that had whispered to me since I was a child when I crammed notebooks full of adventure-filled short stories. Bitten with the bug, I have since written numerous full-length novels and have self-published 2 Upper YA Fantasy Romances, and 3 Adult Paranormal Romances.
Question 2
What are you working on at the moment?
I am currently querying adult novels at the moment, put I am hoping to soon write a spin-off to my middle-grade fantasy series, and to also write the conclusion of my Upper YA trilogy.
Question 3
What does a typical writing week look like?
I only returned to writing once all four of my children were settled in full-time school, so now, for me, I mostly write during the week days. After the school run and the dog has been walked and a few chores completed, I sit at my desk in my little garret (AKA the corner of my bedroom) and turn on music - which helps my creative brain - and write! Usually from 10am - 3pm, with a break or two. For me, I am an 'all-or-nothing' kind of writer. Once I have an idea, I write until the first draft is done. I can usually get 20,000 - 25,000 words down in a week. If I am in the zone, I'll sneak in a few hours on the weekend too!
Question 4
What ONE piece of advice/tip have you found the most useful during your writing career?
Don't follow advice! Just kidding - sort of ;) What I mean by that is this: we as writers are all different, and for me following the 'rules' takes the joy and freedom out of it. So, take all advice with a pinch of salt, and implement what works for you. Don't be despondent if plotting doesn't work out, or you feel you are too 'purple prose-y' - guilty! There is room for it all... write from your heart and it will reach the readers it needs to.
Question 5
What are you currently reading and writing?
Currently reading Emma Bradley's 'The Darkness of Myth' (Loving it!), and currently writing a historical fantasy/magical realism adult novel and enjoying the adventure it is taking me on.
If you have a book out soon and would be to be the featured interview in this newsletter, do fill out this form:
https://forms.gle/ATk1kwxj4fwrsXfe9
Writing News
Obviously my big news over the last month is the release of my 3rd book, Astra FireStar and the Ripples of Time - you can buy your copy (or one as a present) via this link. (Or any other place, including your local bookshop and other online retailers!).
Ghosts of Mars has been selected for a KINDLE monthly deal by Amazon, so it’s £0.99 right now, so a great time to stock up your device for that lovely reading period just after Christmas!
I am still awaiting the result of the BBNYA final, where Ghosts of Mars is one of those on the list in contention, but I’m hoping I might have some news for you by the next newsletter! Wish Eva luck!
I also attended the SCBWI conference in Manchester and had a blast chatting with fellow authors and illustrators, and attending some great workshops!
The Final, Final Word
Perception versus Reality
By Stuart White
We, by nature of what we do, spend a lot of time within our own heads.
There’s a lot of self-talk and self-narrative formation going on, and as a result, it can be easy to form ideas in your head that are very different to the reality.
Let’s talk about my latest book, for example - I had so many lovely messages and a lot of support from people yesterday and over the last few weeks. Some of those mentioned how great the book looks, how exciting the premise is, and even those who have read it have had some kind words to say - all of which I’m grateful for.
And it may appear, from how I’ve posted on social media etc that the publication went really well, and the book is flying off the shelves.
It has not.
It’s been in such stark contrast to the launch of Ghosts of Mars, or even The Nameless back in August, where sales were excellent from day one and continue to be good, even now, many months later.
To give you some numbers - Ghosts of Mars had 54 kindle pre-orders. Astra had 0.
On publication day, GoM sold 29 paperback copies, plus 10 more e-books. Astra sold 2 paperbacks. I’ve yet to have a kindle sale for the new book.
And I don’t post that proudly - win fact I really thought hard about posting it all, because it’s much easier to maintain a veil of vagueness on the specifics, and give a perception that things are going very well. It’s an ego thing, and not in a bad way. It’s in our nature to protect ourselves and that ego that can be influenced by others perceptions of how well we are doing, etc.
Now, I know I’ve not done as much promo etc as I did with GoM, there’s been less of a lead up, it’s my 3rd book this year, so the goodwill buys I got with book 1 from friends and peers who wanted to support me have dissipated, and it’s a tough time of year for people financially and in almost every other way.
But it’s a long game, and I remind myself of that every day.
I will hit 2000 copies of Ghosts of Mars soon (I hope!), and I’m closing in on 1000 for The Nameless. I am sure I will get to 1000 and beyond for Astra, too.
It will involve a lot of work, however. And that seems far less glamorous that the perception of the book instantly selling and being successful.
It may be worth all of us considering how we perceive success as a writer, and how we want to be perceived by our peers, our readers and others within our spheres. And I think for me, it’s important to share that the reality of being an author is VERY HARD and it’s not easy, and very often things are not going as well as the social media perception might suggest.
Ultimately we can’t control either perception or reality, but we can make sure we’re being honest in our discussions with one another about this whole life, and just how tough it is. That, for me, is a real priority.
I hope this helps a little, especially for those struggling with anything who might feel worried about sharing that, and bursting some kind of bubble that’s giving off the wrong perception.
It’s okay if the reality isn’t as glamorous as the perception, and the more honest we are about that, the better it will be for everyone.
If you want to talk about my newsletter and encourage others to sign up, I will always be grateful to you for that. And if you have a newsletter and I don’t follow you, I’d love to, so just reply with the link and I’d be happy to hear from you!
Have a lovely month,
May the Force be with you,
Stuart