Awards and Engagements!

For this week’s Blog Post I thought I’d say a few words about the Joan Hessayon Award of the Romantic Novelists Association. Many of you know about this, but it’s fallen to me, as the “local rep in York” to organise the actual event where the Award is made for the last couple of occasions.

This year’s event is different for a couple of reasons. Foremost it’s the first live RNA event for a year and a half! Because of the dreaded Covid everyone is feeling their way, getting used to meeting real people and actually talking to friends old and new in real life, and not on Zoom!

Our event takes place at the Merchant Taylors Hall, one of York’s three extant guild halls. The Merchant Taylors Guild still very much exists today, as a benevolent charity. They do a lot of great stuff, although it’s a long, long time since any member picked up a needle in earnest. We have a few less attendees than normal this year because of Covid. This does make social distancing easier, of course.

RNA Chair, Alison May, 2019 Winner, Lorna Cook,
and the previous winner, Hannah Begbie.

A candidate is any RNA member who has had their first novel published having come through the Romantic Novelists Association New Writers Scheme. I came through this scheme myself and cannot recommend it enough. As a start-up writer the support and feedback that you do get is amazing. This year there are eleven candidates, and I wish them every success this weekend.

The candidates in the 2019 Award Ceremony.

Nobody goes hungry at the York Tea!!

And THIS years winner is: Caroline Day, 

 And now on to part 2. I’ve Just Got Engaged – and So Should You!

 No, not to anyone you know, but rather Engaged With…. Yes, the word is ENGAGEMENT.

The people who read this blog will – in the main – be writers. You can divide these into three classes.

• 1.       Conventionally published, with one of the “Big 5”
• 2.       Conventionally published with one of the new, Small Publishing Houses,
• 3.       Independently or self-published.

If you are Independently published, you know you must do all the publicity, sales, and marketing on your own.

If you are with a Small Publishing House, you will also have to do all your own publicity, sales, and marketing by yourself!

And, if you are with one of the “Big 5”, you are STILL expected to do a lot of your own publicity, sales, and marketing!

So the word-of-the-day is Engagement. i.e., Engaging with your readers, your followers and the general public. In short, with anyone that you think might buy, borrow from the library, or download your book. 

And how do we find them? Social Media, I’m afraid.

People either love social media (i.e., me) or hate it. However, this is not about your feelings of distaste, its about SELLING YOUR BOOKS!

This post is going to look at just part of 1 facet of it. Facebook and Facebook Groups. Why? Because Facebook is the LARGEST social media platform by far – nearly 3 BILLION users!

And –1.8 billion people use Facebook Groups, and there are tens of millions of groups on Facebook.

https://blog.hootsuite.com/facebook-statistics/

Facebook Groups are your way of expanding your reach. The trick is to be selective, and only join those groups that contain fans or users of your kind of work, be it any of the different writing tropes or genres.

Big group or small group? If a group is getting 60 posts an hour, then your post is likely to be visible for a minute, tops. If it is getting 3 posts a day, then your post will stick around a lot longer. Facebook itself wants more activity directed to Groups.

“But I don’t have anything to say!”

Of course you do. Your news includes:

• 1.       When your cover comes out.
• 2.       When you get a publishing date.
• 3.       When you sign a contract with a publisher
• 4.       When you are signed by an agent.
• 5.       When your book appears in the best seller lists.
• 6.       When your book is referenced in the press.
• 7.       When you get a review.
• 8.       When you work up a new advert for your book.
• 9.       When you are having a launch party
• 10.   When you are having a blog tour
• 11.   When you are appearing in anyone else’s Blog, or on their page.
• 12.   When you are going to a writing event
• 13.   When you have been to one (especially with photos)
• 14.   When you have a new entry on your own blog or page.
• 15.   When you are meeting writing friends socially
• 16.   When you are starting your edits
• 17.   When you are finishing them.
• 18.   When you see your book on a shelf for sale.
• 19.   When your cat does something extra cute.
• 20.   Your dog, ditto!

 Always – with any of the above – include a link to the event / page, etc., and to your book.

On the hedgehog front, they have abandoned us! Hopefully they will be back in the New Year. In the meantime, we are leaving food out, just in case. We now have the fattest magpies and pigeons IN THE WORLD!!

 

THE GREAT SCOTTISH CANVAS

Hello! 

Have you ever suffered a mental itch? An idea or theme you long to use creatively but can't find the right project? Well, the desire to write about the Scottish wildcat bubbled away in my mind for years, but I couldn’t find my way in. Should I incorporate a wildcat into a novel? Write a short story? Or shorter still, create a flash fiction piece? Nothing worked. 

THE GREAT SCOTTISH CANVAS 

Then I heard of The Great Scottish Canvas, a project launched by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) aiming to showcase people’s vision for a greener and fairer Scotland. The search was on for voices from across the country, expressed in both poetry and artwork. 

Now, drawing isn’t my thing, and although I’ve dabbled with poetry, I could never describe myself as a poet. But I really wanted to write about the Scottish wildcat. So, I did what I would advise newbie writers against and bent the rules, just a tiny bit, by writing a piece of prose poetry, otherwise known as flash fiction. And ‘The Fight of the Wyld Cattis’ was born. 

A Scottish wildcat, also known as a Highland Tiger...

WHY THE SCOTTISH WILDCAT? 

Wildcats of all shapes and sizes fascinate me – their beauty, their strength, along with often solitary, survival skills. It’s believed that Scotland’s wildcat, also affectionately known as the Highland Tiger, arrived just after the Ice Age, and thrived in Scotland’s secluded valleys and forests. But now, after centuries of being hunted, they are critically endangered. There are estimated to be between only 50 and 400 pure bred animals still surviving in the wild. With water-proof fur allowing them to swim (unlike domestic cats, whose fur becomes waterlogged), and a fearsome reputation that means, per pound, it is regarded as the most vicious cat on the planet, the Highland Wildcat played a huge part in Scotland’s history, as a symbol of vigour and courage. 

COP26 - to be held in Glasgow in November 2021

WHERE WILL THE GREAT SCOTTISH CANVAS BE SHOWCASED? 

Given how passionately I feel about the need to protect the Scottish wildcat, imagine my delight when I received word that my piece was to be included in an online exhibition, which opens today, Saturday 18th September. But there’s more... ‘The Fight of the Wyld Cattis’ is one of 45 pieces selected to be published in a Great Scottish Canvas Book, which WWF Scotland will bring to COP26 – the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2021. My love for the wildcat means my piece will sit alongside a poem from Alexander McCall Smith, as well as writing from former Makar, Jackie Kay. Additionally, it will be exhibited at the Glasgow Science Centre during the month of October. I couldn’t be more thrilled.

 

The beautiful Scottish wildcat is critically endangered...

WHAT HAVE I LEARNED? 

But what has the project taught me? Firstly, to be patient and trust the muse will come when the time is right. 

Secondly, I usually write creative fiction, but the piece I wanted to write for the Canvas veered into nature writing. Could I pull it off? I had no idea, but I was determined to do my research and give it a try. So, be bold, try new things – whatever your creative discipline. Who knows where it might lead. 

Finally, I learned to follow my heart. In my case it was shining a spotlight on the plight of the Scottish wildcat. I’m thrilled my piece has been selected, but I’m far more delighted that one of Scotland’s most vulnerable animals has found a place in the Canvas. 

So, have you worked on a passion project which stretched you creatively? And what did you learn? 

To read ‘The Fight of the Wyld Cattis’ and see the other inspiring entries, as well as discovering more about The Great Scottish Canvas, just click on the link here... Enter The Great Scottish Canvas Gallery.

Happy reading!

Rae x

How to write a classic

In January I wrote a blog post about books to read before one dies and how the list influenced a Christmas gift from a member of my family. One of the books I requested for Christmas was the classic The Catcher in the Rye, which I have just finished. The plot wasn't what I was expecting, but perhaps that is not surprising as I knew nothing about the book beyond its cult-like status before I read it. However, its simple plot and style did make me ponder on what makes a book a classic and could I write one?

According to the Cambridge and Collins dictionaries, a "classic" is a work which is well known, of high literary standard and has lasting value. During my research the general view is that a classic should touch and connect with people, challenge a reader's view on life, influence subsequent books and its appeal must last for years. Using it as an example or a discussion topic in book clubs and education can help with the demand lasting for years.

Armed with this knowledge, I re-examined The Catcher in the Rye by J.D.Salinger to discover why this book became a classic. The story is told from the viewpoint of a teenager and covers his thoughts and actions over a very short period in his life. The teenager becomes increasing depressed and disillusioned with the world, and although he has a kind heart, the reader can't help feeling he is on the road to delinquency.

This novel was initially a series, but was published as a book in 1951. Now it may surprise some people, but the idea of being a teenager didn't really emerge until mid 20th century. Prior to this children left school at a young age and went straight into work. They dressed like their parents and worked long hours like their parents. Compulsory education, coupled with the advances in technology, opened up teenagers to the wider world and its variety of new influences. Suddenly teenagers had the space to create their own culture, fashion trends and music preferences. So the arrival of The Catcher in the Rye was, in my opinion, probably one of the first novels to be from a teenage perspective, using teenage slang and... most exciting of all, the hero was suffering from all the insecurities and disillusionment that, although rife, was probably not fully acknowledged back then. Although initially written for adults, this book connected with adults and teenagers, challenged readers view of the world and subsequently changed how many books, aimed at teenagers, were written. Add the cult following it has attracted over the years, it is no wonder it became a classic.

Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott, is a coming of age tale of the March sisters. Published in two volumes in 1868 and 1869, it was later released as one volume in 1880 and became one of the most widely read novels in history. The plot had a wide appeal, as it not only connected with readers from all classes, but it resonated with readers who were, or had, navigated the choppy waters from innocent childhood to womanhood. However, the story also challenged the idea that marriage was the main goal, as the main antagonist, Jo, turns down her first marriage proposal and, instead, chooses independence and pursuing her dream of becoming a writer. This was inspirational for many readers at that time and challenged their view on life. Independent heroines, choosing who and when they marry, had been created. No wonder Little Women became a classic.

My third example of a classic is Black Beauty, by Anna Sewell. Published in 1877, it has become the best selling book of all time. The book is told in the first person (or should I say first animal) as a autobiographical memoir from the viewpoint of a working horse. It is emotional, graphic, sad, happy, and takes the reader on a roller-coaster of emotions. More importantly, it highlights the suffering of working animals in a way that had not been done before. Suddenly animals were shown to experience sadness, longing, fear and exhaustion, in a way it was not acknowledged before.  This novel connected with people, as many used horses for work and transport at that time, but it also challenged their treatment and highlighted their suffering and how easily they were discarded. It became the most anti-cruelty novel of all time and was championed by animal welfare activists to further their cause. Subsequent books, told from the animals point of view or at least gave them a voice, such as Charlotte's Webb and Watership Down, followed.

So now we know what makes a classic, all we have to do is write one. Remember, it must connect with a wide audience, challenge their view on life, influence subsequent books and remain popular for years. Hhmmm... I think that's easier said than done!

What novel is your favourite classic? Is there a book you think should be considered a classic? Tell us about it, we would love to hear.

Victoria Cornwall

A WRITER'S WRITER - MY MEMORIES OF JANE

Last weekend I was given the saddest news that Jane Wenham-Jones - novelist, short story writer, journalist, and so very much more - had lost her battle with cancer. I first met Jane in the mid 1990s when we shared a short story agent, Midland Exposure. Through the publisher, Accent Press, we both contributed to the Sexy Shorts Antholgies, raising funds for Cancer Research. There can be few people today who belong to the Romantic Novelists' Association and have attended conferences or prize-givings, or who read Writing Magazine, and newspapers in Jane's neck of the woods, who haven't heard of her, or be lucky enough to know her. So those people will know what I mean when I say she lit up a room. Yes, she was fond of colour in her hair - and the more the merrier - and loved a chunky necklance but it was more than that. Jane was a real 'people' person. Her personality shone through. She was generous with her time, a writing mentor to many. When Jane asked if I could offer any writing tips when she was writing WANNABE A WRITER I sent in a few. She used all of them, and was generous to me in her introduction to them. I don't remember all I said apart from suggesting aspiring writers think to get their teeth seen to (if needed) in readiness for the photo shoots for the author profiles that would appear in their books. (If only I'd taken my own advice!) To promote that book Jane came down to Devon and gave a couple of talks about her writing life, peppering them with anecdotes from her every day life. She was a brilliant speaker - and all without notes. Always funny. But never at anyone else's expense. One tale she told that sticks in my mind is the time she was a landlady and a tenant was behind with the rent. So round she went to see why and when the monies might appear. When she peered through the letterbox there was an almighty stench. A body? She wasn't going in, taking any chances. She called the police who found that the tenant had filled the freezer with pork chops, pulled the plug, and left. Can you imagine? And apologies if you're reading this eating supper. Back in the day, before writing a novel had ever entered my head, Jane and I often had short stories in the same magazine. One of those times was a Special issue of Woman's Weekly. Jane got in touch to say how much she had loved my (longish) short story. 'A lot of people are perfectly good writers, but not everyone has 'got it'. You, Linda, have 'got it'.' I said she was generous. Fan mail of the highest order. I last saw Jane at - of all places - a funeral. She came down to Devon to give the eulogy at the funeral of a mutual writing friend. I knew she was ill then, but she was the same irrepresible Jane, always asking after others, always thinking of others. Always with a smile.

Jane's last book, OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW BETTER, was published just a few weeks ago. I don't know what Jane's beliefs were. I don't know what yours are. I know only what my own non-beliefs are. Yet there's a part of me that hopes beyond hope that she might be up there leading a few angels astray, sharing a bottle of wine. And, perhaps, colouring their hair ... red, green, blue, turquoise ... whatever. Sleep well, lovely Jane. I will miss you.