Novel InsightsBehind the scenes of a fiction writer
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After a slow year working on novel three in the series, South, I am looking forward to the Vancouver Writers Festival. Lucky that travels and time are in synch. Motivation galore.
It's in the great new virtual-live event format option. So check out the program for some options if you can't make in in person. There's a youth stream, Indigenous, skill set development and intriguing interviews, just to name a few. I'll be sharing later.
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What is NaNoWriMoNational Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) began 20 years ago and challenged writers to create 50,000 words in the 30 days of November. Twenty years later it has matured into a global movement. What it offers, that normal writing on your own may not, is massive motivation to write daily and a virtual group to work with you. I'm going to write a novel one dayOr, I really envy you. Or, how did you find the time? Or, I'm going to write one when I retire. Or, I have it in my head, I just need to write it all down. I hear these comments at book events, when someone buys North Under the Waves and when chatting to people about North. It's a common response. It's all about motivation. How do you write a novel?If you're at all active, think about your running, swimming, fitness class, skiing, biking, painting , crocheting. What makes these activities work is just getting down to it and doing it. Picking up skills along the way. And, keeping at it. Strong writers often set goals: like writing 1000 words a day. The benefit of this is removing the option to bend to excuses. Then it's like having runners' high, the thrill of the process keeps you committed to get to the finish line. And, when you get there, you have a prize, to keep to yourself, share with family and friends, or put out there for all to see. Your only competitor is youJust remember, you are doing this for you. Whether you get a publisher or self publish, sell a hundred copies or a hundred thousand, lose money or make a fortune, this is something you can do for self-satisfaction. Just so you can say, 'I did it'. The side benefits are connecting with other writers, joining a writers group, and learning. You won't knowhow great it is until you try.
My first virtual author event with a Minnedosa book club was more than I expected, in a great way. I was excited to connect with readers of North Under the Waves, as my book launches hadn't allowed people time to read. I was nervous about the technology, which is standard. I was curious to learn some tips on virtual author events. All proved to be so helpful. Connecting One of the biggest challenges I've had as an author is how to connect and keep connecting with readers. Their feedback is invaluable. Ideas can lead to new content. And, it's a great time to ask questions of them to get helpful insights. This virtual event was worth every second. We had lots of laughs. They were honest, which is what I wanted. And, their ideas on the mystery woman have set my mind swirling as I am writing the final chapters of the sequel East. Technology Talks Back I have done many webinars and virtual meetings, and each time there seems to be one or two little tech troubles. In this case, they could see me, but to me they were blurry and it was hard to hear them. My research into such events turned up one author who prefers using a phone call. I like to see people, but next time I might use both. The great think about seeing everyone is the synergy you would miss with just a call. Tips for your virtual author event Like any event, a little planning goes a long way. 1. Test the connection the day before, so you can fix any glitches. 2. Ensure both the host and you have questions prepared. 3. Start when everyone is ready. The book club may want to bring the author in at the beginning or the end, or for the whole meet-up. Be flexible. And, know when to sign off. 4. Authors: have a treat ready. I sent bookmarks ahead of time. Offer a deal on your next book. 5. Share your online links. They may not know where you are on social media or which bookstores carry your book. Best of all, enjoy. I really did. Kate Book your virtual or in-person author event by emailing kateharrisonwhiteside@gmail.com. After a successful Canadian print launch for North Under the Waves, and great support post-launch (thanks so much), we now enter the digital markets. I so empathize with people who love to hold a print book in their hands. But digital editions satisfy readers who want to order online at their convenience, read electronically while at home, on holidays, or travelling, and collect books on their tech. I love both. Print or e-book versions are now available through these links: Canada: www.amazon.ca/dp/1999160207 UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1999160207 Australia: www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07V4M5971/ US: www.amazon.com/dp/1999160207. Also available on some European sites, such as: France: www.amazon.fr/dp/B07V4M5971/ Germany: www.amazon.de/dp/B07V4M5971/ Netherlands: www.amazon.nl/dp/B07V4M5971/ Here’s what North Under the Waves readers are saying: “Hurry up with the sequel!” “Couldn’t put it down...” “…wonderful characters …in love with them all.” “A real page turner…” Reviews and feedback always welcome. I am happy to do virtual or face-to-face (if nearby) book club author events. Contact me at kateharrisonwhiteside@gmail.com. Now, back to editing the sequel East. Happy summer reading, Kate Writing a novel is a team sport. Author's may lock themselves away in attics or coffee shops for the creative spurts. But, it takes the team behind them to make it all happen. Sorry if that ruins your Stephen King Misery view of novel writing. Let me introduce you to members of my team. The team trainersBehind every author are other inspiring writers. For me it started with my women's writing group in Cumbria, England early in this millennium. We were motivated by author Zosia Wand. Lately, it's the #WriteItDown group under Anie Hepher's and local author Shelby Cain's great direction at Fernie Heritage Library. If you aren't in a writers' group, drop into the library for some advice on setting up or joining one. They are worth their weight in gold. The team matesIt has been to my great surprise and deepest appreciation to suddenly be welcomed into the world of published authors. They are inspiring, motivating, dedicated, helpful, supportive and generous. Fran Kimmel is one author who has 'had my back' since we first connected. I hope I can live up to their standards when I get asked for help from an aspiring writer. The finish-line friends So you've spent years writing a novel. Now what? Well, there's the copy editor, proofreader, cover artist, production team, and, if you're lucky enough, an agent and publisher. There is the social media and technical support team to help you with marketing online. And, there is your book launch event crew. When you get to this stage, your team is in the finals! Oh, and of course, there are family members, friends, colleagues, fitness program partners, pets, just about anyone who will listen. And, authors are indebted to them all.
May 1, 2019
For Immediate Release Kate Harrison Whiteside, who grew up in Minnedosa and lived in Winnipeg for over 15 years, is back from BC to launch her debut novel, North Under the Waves, at McNally Robinson Booksellers, May 15 and at Minnedosa Regional Library, May 16. “The novel took about six years to write, but it only took me one visit to McNally Robinson and their innovative Espresso Book Machine service to commit to printing through them,” says Kate. North Under the Wavesfollows the desperate search of a young school-girl, Samantha, and her war-bride, code-breaker grandmother, Maggie, as they seek answers about the disappearance of Sam’s parents. Their plane from Vancouver to Dublin never arrives, leaving Sam an orphan and Maggie devastated. Although they share the heartbreak of loss, they seem unable to share feelings and their findings. Sam uses Nancy Drew tactics, eavesdropping and keeping diaries. Maggie uses her wartime contacts and skills to solve the mystery. Time moves on and Sam eventually gets some answers in Dublin, but not the ones she was expecting. Sam starts a new life in England and hopes the past is behind her. But is it? East,the sequel, is in draft mode. Having studied journalism and worked in government communication, Kate soon began freelance writing and editing, specializing in plain language. She moved to England in the late 90s to be with her new family. While working on a weekly newspaper as their web editor, she got the opportunity to join a rural women’s writing program supported by the BBC. “I got to trade my factual writing for fiction, which I found really inspiring,” says Kate. “It opened the doors to having short stories commissioned for the UK magazine My Weekly. Then it progressed into this novel and the sequel,” Kate said. “When we moved from England’s lake district to BC’s Kootenay region, I connected with other authors who have been so supportive.” “I’ve learned a new definition for the word ‘final’,” Kate says. “I guess signing off the final draft is like coming to the end of a holiday. You always knew it was going to happen, but that doesn’t make it any easier.” North Under the Waveslaunches are at Winnipeg’s McNally Robinson, Grant Avenue store, Wednesday, May 15, 7.30 pm and Minnedosa Regional Library, Thursday, May 16, 2.00 pm. Copies are available in McNally Robinson Grant Ave store or through their online ordering service at www.mcnallyrobinson.com/kateharrisonwhiteside. Book news and blogs are on www.kateharrisonwhiteside.com. kate@keyadvice.net 1-250-521-0454 -end-
Ever wondered how an author picks a book title? Well, I do now. It wasn't easy.
I started my novel with the concept of a series based on the degrees of separation theory. It was motivating, one, two, three degrees. It was the perfect thread for my character’s story. But, it wouldn’t work. Here’s why. When I searched online for the title I had chosen, guess what came up? A video game series and a book by the same title published fairly recently. Back to the drawing board. You have to pick memorable words, paint a picture, tell all but reveal nothing. My favourites to date (not mine) are ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ series. Simple, striking, curious. Kindlepreneur gets out their magnifying glass on this topic. After three or four rounds, I finally settled on one. I’ll stick with it. I’m the kind of person who isn’t great at map reading or setting up a GPS, but I always have a map handy. I'm also most likely to turn off or stop a bit short of my destination. Eventually I get to where I’m going. This reflects how my novel journey went.
I started out with a loose plan for a group of short stories. Then I stumbled across the UK Guardian's Write a Novel in a Month (NANOWRIMO) planning documents. I downloaded them and used them as my roadmap, until the book seemed to take on its own direction. It was great that I had a print plan to keep me on track, moving forward, not straying too far from the path. But, that base also allowed me to take a lot of side trips not planned for. New locations, changes in plot, another character. That's novel writing in a nutshell. A plan to diverge from. |
AuthorKate Harrison Whiteside is a freelance writer and editor who has morphed into a fiction author. Archives
October 2022
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