Author: Lor

Over the course of the last few months, our lives have changed hugely. We have gone from taking the freedom we had for granted and now are appreciating the smaller things in life.

When I first took my children out of school (a week before the government here in the UK closed schools), I wondered how having children at home would impact me and my creativity. I am an editor, I am a ghostwriter. Both of these jobs require creativity – if I can’t be imaginative, think ‘outside of the box’ and visualise what the author is hoping to achieve, then I simply cannot be a good editor or ghostwriter. However, I have found that I have settled into a good routine with my children and, now that I have stopped reading ALL news articles and almost obsessing with the virus, I have found myself able to be working as normal, or maybe even more efficiently than normal as I now no longer have to dash around taking the children to various clubs!

However, I am not the norm at all. There are many authors who I am working with who vary in how creative they are feeling. Some authors are thriving, they now no longer have a ‘day job’ to worry about or no longer have a hefty commute, they are finding they have more time and they are more creative, more inspired than ever to reach their word count goals, to bring their books to life. Other authors are struggling, they may have more time on their hands, but they are struggling to write. They sit at their laptops and no words come, or they may write a few lines then not think it is good enough. There are other authors who don’t physically have the time to write at all; juggling children, their jobs, their mental health… there is no time to fit in writing.

What I would like to reassure all the authors who work with us is that it is OK. It’s OK if you have to cancel an editing slot you had with us because you can’t complete your revisions in time. It’s OK if you can’t look at the feedback I’ve sent because you don’t think you can face another ‘to do’ item being added to your list. It’s OK if you’re unable to put pen to paper as no words are coming. It is also OK if you’re writing more than you’ve ever written before and you are creating manuscript after manuscript that you’d like me to look over.

I have spoken to several authors who are very established – one of which has their name in the New York Times Bestsellers list and another who’s in the Sunday Times Bestsellers list… one of them is feeling more creative than ever, the other has had to take a break from writing as they are just unable to get into the headspace they need to write.

Everyone is different at the best of times and, during a pandemic, an experience we haven’t lived through before, it is clear that we will all react to it in a different way.

What’s important to remember is this; when this is over, or when you’ve settled into a new normal, I will still be here to help guide you through the writing process. Illustrators will still be here to bring your story to life. Readers will still be here excited to read your words and lose themselves in your book. If you have to put your publication dreams back by a few weeks, a few months, a few years, it’s OK. We will all be here to support you along the way.

Likewise, if you are now way ahead of your publishing goals and are likely to be publishing during the pandemic, don’t worry. We are all still here; I’m editing away and have been able to provide more editing slots than previously thanks to not having to taxi the kids around to various events. Illustrators are still working away remotely. Readers are downloading books more than ever before and are appreciating the joy of stories.

We may be in the midst of a pandemic, but we are in it together and we are supporting you.

Don’t push yourself, if you’re struggling to be creative, it will come back to you eventually. Read as much as you can, even if it doesn’t help you to get your creativity back, it will help you when you do. Relax when you can. Look at the small things around you which mean a lot – these can creep into your mind, help you when you do write again. Use the time to look after yourself and don’t pressure yourself to write if you are unable to. It will be OK.

It’s already half way through February and we have realised we haven’t given you an update on the work we’ve been doing this year. I always think it’s a good idea to keep our clients and followers in the loop with the projects we have been working on, so I am taking some time to reflect on the last 6 weeks and let you know about the exciting work we’ve been busy with.

As the new year began, we had the very exciting opportunity to interview best-selling author Rosamund Lupton. We were incredibly lucky that Rosamund allowed us to see her new novel prior to its release – and what a fabulous book it is too! We could hardly wait to interview her to gain some insight into what it was like to write such a tense and current book and also how it feels for her to be publishing a novel again after several years. Rosamund was lovely and brought home the realities of what it takes to write a novel – the research, the writing process, the anxiety around publication day.

In January, we also began work with a new client who has hired us to work on a ghostwriting project for them. I adore ghostwriting and love helping authors to have their inspiration and ideas come to life. When I am choosing who to ghostwrite for, I am very particular, I like to ensure that I only take on a few ghostwriting projects each year. When ghostwriting, I gather as much information as possible from the client, find out what their aims are, their character briefs, their outlook for the story. Some authors provide me with very detailed briefs whilst others are more vague and allow me to embellish their ideas more. When writing, I immerse myself fully in the manuscript and commit a lot of time to it – not just writing but the actual headspace that a book needs to take. Because ghostwriting is very personal and immersive, I only take on 3-4 ghostwriting projects each year so that I can give the work the very best of me. This new ghostwriting job is very interesting, in an area I believe passionately about and with a very important message at its heart.

We have also been delighted to see some of the authors we have worked with towards the end of last year, become all geared up ready for the publication of books that we have edited. Two of these authors, Stacy Bauer and Jodie Issit, have created Kick-Starter campaigns to help fund the publishing of these books. This involves securing funding from readers who invest in their book and in return they receive various offers or special deals and then, once the author has reached their target, they are able to go ahead and publish the book. Stacy Bauer is already storming away with plenty of backers supporting her campaign and Jodie Issit is in the preparation stages, ready to launch the campaign in a few days’ time. It’s very insightful to see this side of the publishing process and reminds us how costly it can be to self-publish a book. Self-publishing is not for the light-hearted, it is for the hardworking, passionate creatives.

Throughout February, we will be working on our ghostwriting project and also working on a manuscript from one of our traditionally published authors who has a contract with Hachette. It will be another busy couple of weeks, but we will keep you updated on our progress and hopefully not leave it as long next time between updates!

I don’t know about you, but more days than not I see posts being shared by authors and bloggers emphasising the importance of leaving a review after reading a book. “How to really make an author happy? Review their book!” or authors offering books for free with the hope of having some reviews left afterwards.

It can be easy to think that this is all for monetary reasons; buy my book and then review it telling everyone else to read it so I can make more sales and be laughing all the way to the bank (which will probably be closed anyway…) but actually, there are many more important reasons why reviews mean so much to authors and readers alike.

Author Nerves 
I have worked with several authors now, some of which are traditionally published, some of which are self-published. Some have topped the New York Times Bestsellers lists, some have only made a handful of sales to close friends and family. They vary in their content, their background and their successes but, every author I have worked with shares one thing in common; they care. They have moments where they doubt themselves, their talent, their story. It doesn’t matter if a top 5 publisher has snapped up their book, it doesn’t matter if their best friend who is their toughest critic says it’s their best yet – they still question “Is it good enough? Will people like it? Will a reader ‘get’ what I was hoping?”

When publication day comes around, authors have told me they feel anxious and nervous. They almost dread the first reviews coming in. They’re filled with self-doubt but it’s too late to make a change now. So, when the reviews pop up on Amazon, Goodreads, Netgalley etc and are shared on social media, and they’re positive, the reader has ‘got’ it! They liked it! They were ‘moved’, ‘immersed’ and ‘lost’, the author lets out a sigh of relief. They are reassured, their sensitive souls eased for a while and they feel inspired and encouraged to continue with the next book.

Community 
Whether you write reviews or you write novels, it can be a lonely place. You can spend a lot of your time in your own company writing away. By reading reviews, you are part of a community – you’re sharing your opinion with people, you’re interacting as you forward details to others, you’re part of something. Friendships can flourish through reaching others with your love of books. With the likes of Instagram hashtags, Facebook book lover groups and Twitter author take-over accounts, there is no better time to feel a part of something. Reading has become fashionable, gone are the days where you’d be smirked at if you said you preferred snuggling up with a brew and a book to partying the weekend away, now you’re accepted, part of something and on-trend! By reviewing, you’re not only helping market that book for the author, but you’re helping yourself become a part of something, to meet others, to enjoy sharing your opinion.

Reaching a wider audience
How do you find out about books? Through tube posters? Reviews in magazines? Whatever is on the shelves in the supermarket or being promoted on Amazon? Sometimes, the very best books I have read, have been because a review has popped up on my timeline and I’ve liked the sound of it and instantly gone to purchase it. I wouldn’t have come across these books otherwise and I know I’m not the only one. There are only a certain amount of books which can be highly promoted and appear on billboards and the sides of busses, by reviewing and sharing your thoughts you’re helping more books be seen, be in front of people who would enjoy them but not necessarily have come across them if it wasn’t for your review. Your review is putting the book ‘out there’ and providing it with a whole host of possibilities that it may not otherwise have had. There are a whole host of amazing books that have been written and deserve to be devoured by others but don’t have a huge publicity team behind them, reviewers can help widen the audience for these books.

Trust 
Sometimes, we may see a book and something may put us off – perhaps the cover isn’t one which would normally appeal or a book in the same genre was one you didn’t enjoy very much or perhaps the publisher’s description isn’t intriguing enough. Sometimes, it is the reviews which really reach out to us, that are believable and realistic and enable us to relate to the reviewer. The review may relate to us – the person who wrote it also has a limited amount of time to read but still made lots of time for this novel (wow it must be good then!) or they didn’t like the previous novel by this author but this one is a million times better… something within the review may capture you, may make you trust the opinion of the reviewer more than that of the publisher or the quotes which are on the cover. Of course, the publisher will tell you this is a ‘gripping, out of this world thriller with a shocking twist’ or ‘the best book you’ll read this year’, but a reviewer? They don’t have to use such language, they don’t have to tell the audience to go and buy it. Instead, they feel more real and it almost makes us trust the words of the reviewer more. If a reviewer has taken the time to review the book and share their thoughts with others, then what they have to say is valuable. Reviewers, therefore, can be a lot more influential than the marketing gurus behind a book. You, the reviewer, has the power to make a big difference.

Encourage others
Ultimately, the main hope from authors is that when people review their books, that it will encourage others to read them. Your review can do just that but it doesn’t only benefit the author; it may help the reader too. There are many different reasons why someone may choose to read the book; escapism, to learn from, to gain comfort from… they may feel depressed and lacking the motivation to pick up a book, they may not even know where to start in terms of which book to read next… your review could be the little nudge they need to pick up that book. It could help give them the escapism, the lesson, the comfort that they need. Yes, an author will be smiling and happy that your review has reached more people and encouraged them to buy their book too, but the reader may be influenced even more by your decision to review.

Writing a review of a book can feel like you’re providing feedback to the author, that it is the author and the publisher who are benefiting from it and it’s all about sales and money and stats… but actually there are humans behind the scenes and these humans – whether it be the anxious author, the demotivated reader, the isolated booklover – can benefit hugely from someone who has taken the time to review a book.

Authors, readers, bloggers, people who don’t normally choose to pick up a book, can all appreciate the review for a variety of reasons.

So, next time you read a book and you’re wondering whether to review it, think about the number of lives your words could touch.

We have been big fans of Rosamund Lupton since we first read her debut novel Sister 10 years ago. Her writing is engaging and you can’t fail but to be moved by her words. We were delighted when Rosamund spoke to us about her new novel Three Hours. We hope that the insights into her writing, the advice she gives and her honesty, helps to inspire the authors we work with to achieve their dreams.

 

Thank you for taking the time to talk with us today. We have loved reading Three Hours and wonder how are feeling now that you have a new book published after having a break from writing? 

It’s a little daunting, I have to be an ‘author’ now in public, rather than a writer typing away or just being me at home. I’m quite shy so I find it hard.

What was your inspiration behind this story? When did the idea first come to you?

I used to spend a lot of time in libraries and my first image was a pile of books barricading a library door. From that I started thinking, who’s outside the library and why? Other interests, such as Macbeth, and the plight of child refugees then became part of the story too.

How much research did you have to do for this book? There is so much detail within the pages about investigation procedures, school safety procedures, immigration etc.

There was a great deal of research, some of which I was already interested in which is why I wrote the book. For instance, child refugees and the rise of hatred in our country. I was lucky that Graham Bartlett, former police commander for Brighten & Hove made sure that it was all true in terms of the police operation.

The fact that this story unfolds over the course of three hours and it almost takes the reader that long to read it, makes it feel like you’re even more immersed in the novel. When you first set out to write this book, was this your intention? 

I wanted the ‘action’ to be set over three hours, partly because it’s about the length of a dress rehearsal of Macbeth, and also because you’re right, I did want the reader to be reading almost in real-time with the characters. I wanted to create a very concentrated experience I had a minute by minute breakdown of where everyone was to make sure it worked.

You have snow within this novel and also in The Quality of Silence, for me it made the story all the more chilling. Do you think the weather is an important part within a story?

Yes, I wanted it almost to be a character. It’s vicious and dangerous. A young boy gets dangerously cold through the book, and the snow hides the paths, so that people get lost. Because of the snow, gunmen could be hiding in the woods. It’s also a visual metaphor for what’s happening in the story – nothing looks the same, all the familiar landmarks are changed.

What have you enjoyed most about writing this book? 

I think it was writing about ‘Macbeth’, I loved revisiting that play and thinking about it in a new way.

We enjoyed reading about Macbeth and seeing it from such a different angle. How did you draw the lines between Macbeth and terrorism?

I was interested in how Macbeth starts out as noble, but because of the witches, his wife and his own ambition he’s turned into a violent murderous man.  I wanted to explore the parallels with someone becoming a terrorist today – how is that person turned evil? Is it a similar process to Macbeth? Who are the witches?

The mother spoke to her son in her head, this was a unique insight into their relationship. I wonder do you have conversations with your sons in your head too?

Although the son in the book is absolutely nothing like my own sons, the tone of those in-her-head conversations are very similar to the real ones I have with my sons. I wanted to show the warmth and closeness a teenage boy can have with his mum.

Do you think you could have written this book when your children were younger? 

Practically, I couldn’t have done because I was doing 14 hour days by the end of the novel and as a mum to little children that wouldn’t have been possible!  Emotionally, I think it would have been harder too. I found it a very painful book to write, especially when young children are in peril. I also write a lot about teenagers, so it was helpful to have teenagers around while I was writing.

There are many amazing reviews coming in from big authors, booksellers, readers. How does it feel to receive such feedback?

I think it’s humbling. I feel so very grateful. I know it takes time to read a book, and to write a review, and I’m always a bit amazed that someone has chosen my book.

 

We work with a variety of authors who are working on their manuscripts. What advice would you give to one of our authors who is preparing a manuscript and dreaming of being published?

Keep going with the dream and don’t get disheartened, it just takes one person to want to publish your book, even if other people have turned it down. Remember that people want to find a wonderful novel to publish, and it could well be yours.

Thank you so much, Rosamund, for spending your time talking with us. We are very grateful. 

Three Hours is published by Penguin and is available to purchase now. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Hours-Rosamund-Lupton/dp/0241374499

It is always a huge privilege to work with authors and to sometimes be the first pair of eyes on their manuscripts. The honour of being able to see their words in the early stages will never grow old.

Whilst I was deciding my favourite reads of 2019, it made me think about the books I have read this year but aren’t actually published until the new year and how excited I am for when they are published and I can discuss with friends their take on them! I am sharing with you the three books that I believe you must add to your ‘wish lists’ right now for when the festivities are over and you’re wondering what the year ahead will bring… amazing, engrossing books with beautifully written scenes and incredible characters will add plenty of colour to 2020.

1. Three Hours. Rosamund Lupton.
   

When this book came through the post from Rosamund Lupton we were very excited! We love Rosamund’s writing and it has been over four years her last publication, so we were very excited to get our hands on this. We were not disappointed, and you won’t be either, this is a compelling, immersive read which will keep you up until the small hours turning the pages.

The story takes place in a school which is under siege. Over the course of three hours, every parents’ worst nightmare unfolds and, as the children and their teachers are under threat, the authorities frantically try to establish who the suspects are and how best to rescue those within the school.

There are lots of themes within this book which build up the tension; comparisons to Macbeth, the threat of terrorism, parenting teenagers, what it takes to be a teacher, being a refuge in Britain… the eerie snow outside adds to the chilling terror… We were totally gripped and we weren’t the only ones! Jane Fallon describes it as being ‘staggeringly good’ and Marian Keynes says it is ‘affecting and moving’. We love it, they love it, you’ll love it too.

Published by Penguin.
Publish date 6th January 2020.

See our full review here: Rosamund Lupton Review 
Pre-order here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Three-Hours-Rosamund-Lupton/dp/0241374499/

 

 

2. Jackie and Maria. Gill Paul.
When Gill Paul first sent us this book 12 months ago, we were honoured to get to read her words first and excited to get turning the pages! We were intrigued – such complex and interesting women for Gill to write about and we couldn’t wait to see how she mastered bringing them to life and knew she would master drawing us into their lives brilliantly. We love Gill Paul books and this one is due to hit the shelves in summer 2020, meaning it will be two years since her last book The Lost Daughter was published. Gill Paul fans who are waiting for this novel will be delighted when they get their hands on this as it’s an incredible read. We loved it, it is a wonderful novel and we can’t wait until this is published so we can hear your reviews!

Gill Paul weaves fact and fiction beautifully within these pages giving us a unique insight into the lives of Jackie Kennedy and Maria Callas. Both formidable women, they’re living very glamourous lives and making headlines, but with their lifestyles comes incredible tragedy and life-changing insecurity. As the pages turn, their lives begin to intertwine and when they both fall in love with the same man – the richest man in the world – we are treated to a compelling love triangle.

The way this story is written really drew me into the main characters, I felt every emotion they did; from the tensions on election night as Jackie Kennedy awaited her husband’s fate, to the shock and horror on the day she witnessed his murder. I felt Maria’s frustration at the unfair headlines and stories told of her and shed a tear when she suffered a heartbreaking loss. The insight into their lives was fascinating and transported me to this era. The descriptions of the places, the glamourous cruises, the intense passion, the amazing atmosphere on stage… really brought this story to life.

Perfectly timed for people to devour on their summer holidays, this is a book that will sweep you away on a wonderfully glamourous and passionate adventure, but be warned, once you’ve finished reading it, the characters stay with you long after you finish the book.

Published by Morrow in summer 2020.

Available to pre-order now: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jackie-Maria-Novel-Kennedy-Callas-ebook/dp/B081NHH3GW

 

3. Secrets of the Lavendar Girls. Kate Thompson.

When the manuscript of Kate Thompson’s next novel arrived, we couldn’t wait to lose ourselves in her writing and be transported to the East End of London. Secrets of the Lavender Girls is a sequel to her previous book Secrets of the Homefront Girls and this story brings the characters we met in the first book to life even more.

The war may still be raging, but the girls who work in the Yardley factory are defiantly getting on with their lives. It isn’t easy, many of the home lives of the girls are difficult and they’re about to get even more complex with the arrival of new neighbours. Queenie and Patsy moving into the neighbourhood makes an impact – Patsy has heads turning but also hides a secret, Queenie – her mother – is bitter and out for revenge. As the story unfolds, we soon learn that it isn’t just Patsy who is desperately hiding a secret but others too… what will happen if these secrets become public knowledge?

There’s something about the way that Kate Thompson creates characters that just makes you care; they are passionate, they have flaws, they are real and this is what draws you in – I needed to know what would happen to them and longed for them to fall on their feet. This story makes you think about the war days in a different way; we’re often told about the facts on the frontline or from a soldiers perspective, Kate gets under the skin of the realities of war for the everyday citizen in a way that history books fail to do.

We loved reading this, the characters are brilliant, the twists intriguing and the dialogue between characters authentic.

Published in summer 2020 by Hodder this is one to add to your wish-lists now!  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secrets-Lavender-Girls-Kate-Thompson-ebook/dp/B07SV4Q6W5

 

So when the festivities of Christmas are over, you have these incredible books to look forward to! You’ll be gripped by Rosamund, taken on a moving, glamorous journey by Gill and fall in love with the wonderful East End girls by Kate. If you’re wondering what books to add to your 2020 reads, these are the top 3 that we know you’ll love!