New Adult Book Club discussion

Happy Sunday, NABC! This week we have the lovely Jacquelyn Middleton is hanging out for a Q&A! She is the author of London Belongs to Me and London, Can You Wait?.
Please leave your questions for Jacquelyn below! <3

What or who inspired you to become a writer?

What is a Book you’d like to write about next?

Debra wrote: "What or who inspired you to become a writer?"
Hi Debra! Thanks for your question. When I was a kid, I actually wanted to be a cartoonist. I drew all the time and made little comic books, so I guess those first attempts at storytelling got me interested in writing proper stories. My mum was always encouraging whether I was drawing or writing, and I loved seeing her reactions when I created something so more than anyone, she inspired me to take this path.

Whitney wrote: "What is a Book you’d like to write about next?"

Hi Whitney! My next book is another contemporary romance, but instead of London, the action takes place in New York City. My main character is a senior at NYU and she meets a rather interesting guy from England. This book isn't a continuation of London, Can You Wait?, but it does take place in the same world so my new characters may know some of the characters from London, Can You Wait?—I love when characters cross over. :)

Do you have any advice for new/aspiring authors? I've been writing my own novel and I'm not quite sure what to do when I'm finished!

Thanks!

If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?

Sarah wrote: "Do you have any advice for new/aspiring authors? I've been writing my own novel and I'm not quite sure what to do when I'm finished!

Thanks!"

Hi Sarah! Congratulations on writing your novel. I hope you're enjoying the process in all its fun, nerve-wracking glory (or maybe that's just me!? LOL). I would say…keep going, get that baby written. Try not to fret about what comes next and just get it all down and then edit it until you're happy with it. When I was writing my first book, I tried not to think about publishing, agents, all that stuff because it didn't help me get words down on the page. Those thoughts just made me anxious.

Once your novel is written, then you can decide which route to take. You can research agents, find some that are a good fit for your genre and pitch, or you can go the self-publishing path. That's what's so great about being an author today—you have options!

Ultimately, it's a very personal decision, that next step. Some people have dreamt about going the traditional route while others crave the challenge of going rogue and doing it themselves. There are pros and cons to both decisions, so think about it and see what you feel most comfortable with. Querying agents can be a very long process and there will be rejections along the way. And if you are signed by an agent, there is no guarantee your MS will be picked up by a traditional publisher. That said, thousands of books DO get picked up and are currently sitting pretty in your local bookshop!

Self-pub, on the other hand, is a lot of work. Will you have the time to devote to it? You'll be in charge of getting your cover created, formatting, hiring an editor…some people find it very daunting, but it is also incredibly satisfying to know you made your dream come true. If you're a control freak and don't want someone in an office somewhere dictating your covers, title, release date, etc., self-pub might be the direction you want to go in.

I queried my first book and in the end was rejected so I went indie and I'm so happy that I did. I love that the covers are all mine, I chose my release dates…but then I am a control freak!

I think it's also important to point out that regardless of going traditional or indie, you will be responsible for most of your social media and promotion. Publishing houses will do a little but the brunt of it will be left to you. Not a lot of people know that.

Whatever you decide, there is no right or wrong decision—just the right decision for you. Good luck!

Emily wrote: "If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?"

Hi Emily. Thanks for your question. Writing is actually my second career. I went to university for radio and television, and worked in TV broadcasting for ages. If I didn't veer off into writing (I started writing freelance articles while I was still in TV), I would probably still be in TV or in some sort of media or creative field.

What made you choose London as the setting for your series?

Alessandra wrote: "What made you choose London as the setting for your series?"
Hi Alessandra. I adore London like no other place on the planet. When I need a holiday, a fix for my theatre obsession, or time to figure things out, it’s where I go. Some of my dearest friends live there and my husband is from a town just outside the city. I’ve visited London over thirty times and know certain neighborhoods like the back of my hand, so it was the perfect setting for being able to walk in the footsteps of my characters. And yet, all those first-visit memories of spotting red phone boxes, Big Ben, or Tower Bridge from a cab window are still alive in my mind. I still become giddy when I see these things in person, causing much hilarity among my friends. I wanted to instill these emotions, that breathlessness in Alex. It’s a big deal when you finally arrive in a place you’ve loved from afar, but never visited. In my case, I’m a proud London geek who just can’t stay away. My own personal London story is never ending. When one trip ends, I always figure out when I can return.