Ask the Author: Rosalind Tate
Answered Questions (6)
Rosalind Tate
I was watching "Downton Abbey" on TV and thought: How would a modern girl cope if she found herself in a grand house a century ago? And "Stranded" was born.
The answer to the question, by the way, is 'not very well'...
The answer to the question, by the way, is 'not very well'...
Rosalind Tate
The prospect of disappearing into "The Shorten Chronicles" is enough to inspire me! But I'm also inspired by all the wonderful storytellers in the past and now, not just authors but the screenwriters who give us so many enthralling movies and box sets.
I just have to remember to plan and plot BEFORE getting carried away with the writing!
I just have to remember to plan and plot BEFORE getting carried away with the writing!
Rosalind Tate
Book 4 of "The Shorten Chronicles." "Defiance" will be published next year.
Rosalind Tate
Persist. And unless you're writing a literary novel, or your book will be a one-off for some reason, self-publish. That way, you'll get 70% of your royalties (traditionally published authors, who have to pay their agent and their publisher, receive 14% and, no, that's not a typo). As an indie writer, you also keep your rights to your books and control your marketing, your covers, your brand — everything. AND you stand a better chance of making a living; that said, I've only just published my first book so the jury's out!
Plan a series, rather than different, standalone books. The heavy lifting (the universe, the characters) is done at the beginning, so you can build on that. If you can afford it, pay a good editor to polish your manuscript. Then spend a year learning about self-publishing. There's a lot to learn, but it's worth it: join Jericho Writers, then do Mark Dawson's 101 course and join his Facebook group and, if in doubt, ask questions. The group is supportive and no question is too rookie or too dumb. Trust me, I've asked a few! Only then, take a deep breath and publish!
Plan a series, rather than different, standalone books. The heavy lifting (the universe, the characters) is done at the beginning, so you can build on that. If you can afford it, pay a good editor to polish your manuscript. Then spend a year learning about self-publishing. There's a lot to learn, but it's worth it: join Jericho Writers, then do Mark Dawson's 101 course and join his Facebook group and, if in doubt, ask questions. The group is supportive and no question is too rookie or too dumb. Trust me, I've asked a few! Only then, take a deep breath and publish!
Rosalind Tate
Reading comments and reviews by readers, and realising that they get the book and the characters!
Rosalind Tate
I don't get writer's block! My problem is that I never have enough time to write, juggling the other stuff life throws at you.
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