Monday 16 September 2024

 



Uxbridge Writers' Circle members were fortunate to enjoy a virtual meeting with acclaimed author, Natalie Jenner. 

Natalie kindly agreed to an email interview as a follow-up to that meeting and we're pleased to be able to share her informative and insightful answers.

Natalie has a new book coming out next year. Please check her website out for info on her other books: https://www.nataliejenner.com/

I feel compelled to add that I love The Jane Austen Society, and recommend it!


Here is the interview:

Please give us a brief outline of your journey to publication.

I did not get any traction at all in the industry with my first five books, which were written over a twelve-year period before I turned forty. I approached hundreds of agents and only two ever really engaged with me on my work. My first published book, ironically, was the first I wrote with absolutely no goal of publication: I wasn't even planning to submit it anywhere until my husband urged me to do so. I simply wrote it for fun and distraction while coping with an ongoing health challenge for him. When I did send out the MS, my query email's subject line mentioned that I was a former indie bookshop owner and, of course, Jane Austen's name was in the title: two things which I have since learned are of significant interest to agents and editors. My agent read the first forty or so pages, which was also helpful to me as an author of character-driven fiction since most agents ask for a much shorter submission. My agent then emailed me and asked for a twenty-four exclusive to read the rest - two days later we spoke on the phone, and he said he receives Jane Austen-related queries every week but "I don't think anyone has ever done WWII before." That was the first moment when I knew I had hit upon something and that my life was about to change.

Your writing process does not involve outlines. How do you make your approach so successful?  
                                                                                            
I try to write as if I am reading the book - in other words, every new sentence involves a decision as to whether the reader needs to know it now, or later, or ever. I write in order, word by word, sentence by sentence, brick by brick. For me, the characters lead the plot - I feel as if I am watching them through a camera and simply writing down what they do and say. Not all writers write like this, but many do, and it is the reason why I am never happier than when I write. There is a wonderful BBC documentary on Muriel Spark that pretty much sums up my own approach: BBC Two - The Many Primes of Muriel Spark, How I write, by Muriel Spark

How do you create your characters?   

My characters just pop up on the page, fully formed. I can instantly see and tell everything about them except their facial features, which always remain a little fuzzy to me. But right away I know who they are - what I don't know are their secrets. I write to find these out. 

What contributed to the popularity of The Jane Austen Society? 

There is always great interest in books connected with Jane Austen, as there should be. I am also told that my book's messages of hope, community, and resilience struck a chord with readers upon its release in the first wave of the pandemic during a global lockdown. 

How did you approach your research for your books? 

I actually don't enjoy research, so I only ever do what serves the story. I simply write stories mostly set in the past. Usually I get an idea for a book (Villagers save Jane Austen's house! Female bookshop employees stage a workplace coup!) and sometimes I start typing right away and do the research on an ad hoc basis. Other times I research in-depth to understand a particularly complex time or place in history before I commit my characters and their actions to the page. Again, my research is inextricably linked to the demands of the tale.

Who is your favourite character and why? 

Probably the first character in my first published book, Adam Berwick, the lonely farmer who falls in love with the books of Jane Austen and ends up initiating my fictional Jane Austen society, because his was the first voice I heard as I sat down to type the very first lines. He is the reason, in a way, that I ended up published at all.

How has writing helped you as a person? 

My writing feels very separate from me as a person. For decades it was the smallest part of my identity, and often a totally silent, dreamy, and unexpressed one. I have always loved communicating with others in person or in print, but really, I think the act of reading has had much more of an impact on me as a person.

How do you create a balance between looking after yourself and your family, and all the research, writing, and promotion? 

As a stay-at-home mum of a toddler when I started writing, those early books definitely took a back seat to family life and it absolutely shows in the finished products! When a decade later I sat down to write what became The Jane Austen Society, my daughter was finishing high school and heading off to university and my husband was nearing retirement. So I became a debut author when I ironically had the most free time for myself and still do. I do not think this was, for me, a coincidence in my journey to publication.

Do you have a few marketing tips for writers? 

Do what you love. If you love posting on Instagram, do it often. If you love connecting in person with readers, look for ways to do that because it can definitely yield dividends both in "reader reach" and authorial inspiration. If you like numbers and logistics, invest in the sites that promote books to the extent you can afford to do so and track your movement in sales. Always play to your interests and strengths, because there is no one way to write, get published, or market a book. And have a really effective one-line description of your WIP.

What books do you like to read (in addition to those by Jane Austen!). 

Shakespeare, Jane Austen, the Brontes, George Eliot, Henry James, E.M. Forster, Edith Wharton, Virginia Woolf, Ernst Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Steinbeck, William Faulkner, Katherine Anne Porter, J.D. Salinger, Isak Dinesen, Truman Capote, Harper Lee, Kazuo Ishiguro, Michael Ondaatje, Laurie Colwin, Penelope Fitzgerald, Paul Auster, Ian McEwan, Susan Minot. I crap out in 2000 with fiction. My favourite poets include John Keats, Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, W.B. Yeats, T.S. Eliot, e.e.cummings, Edna St. Vincent Millay, W.H. Auden and Wallace Stevens.

What do you do to relax and unwind? 

I play advanced piano and intermediate cello, I enjoy kayaking, swimming and biking, and I love watching film, live theater and ballet.

What words of wisdom can you share with writers? 

Write the one story that you absolutely have to tell, fictional or otherwise, because that is the one story that you alone can tell—and that will help you stand out in a very crowded and gatekeeping market. My other advice is to really understand why you want to tell that particular story: For yourself? For your family or friends or work colleagues? To get published in any shape or form? In my case, with The Jane Austen Society, I wrote it for myself and was having so much fun that trying to get published never once entered my mind. I think that kept the story organic, authentic, and whole—and it kept it uniquely mine.




Sunday 14 July 2024

Interview with Steve Burrows about 'A Nye of Pheasants'!



Steve Burrows is the author of the Birder Murder Mystery Series. A Nye of Pheasants is his eighth book in the series. 

Steve kindly agreed to be interviewed by me to benefit Uxbridge Writers' Circle members and other writers. 

Steve has used unique and exotic settings for his story and, of course, introduces us to fascinating birds while drawing us into intricate plots and interesting characters. 

I enjoyed this book (and the series) and recommend it!!


Here's the blurb (copied from the back of the book):

'When a Singapore street brawl turns deadly, Danny Maik faces a charge of manslaughter, but when evidence emerges that he may have planned the victim's murder, he is looking at the death penalty. His only hope is reaching out to those he can trust back in the UK.

In Norfolk, Maik's replacement is trying to resurrect his career after a mistake resulted in a catastrophic injury to a fellow officer. DCI Jejeune should be monitoring his new charge's progress closely, but he is distracted by Danny's plight. Others are watching, though, and they are disturbed by what they are seeing.

With the situation heading to a fatal climax, Jejeune must decide whether his duty lies with his old partner or his new. The fate of both men lies in his hands. But can he help either?'

Here's the interview:

1.      Congratulations on the upcoming release of your 8th book in the Birder Murder Mysteries. How difficult was it for you to keep the spark of creativity alive as you wrote additional books in this series? I usually have plots for 1 - 2 books ahead, so this allows me time to develop the storylines slowly and (hopefully) come up with creative settings and scenarios.

2.      Do you plan to write more Birder Murder Mysteries? (We hope so!). I have just submitted the m/s for Book 9 so I am awaiting editorial feedback on that. This is the last book of the current contract, so I am awaiting further developments. Stay tuned!

3.      Is it easier or harder to come up with ideas for a new book? And to write it?! Now that I have done it a few times, I am more comfortable that I will eventually be able to produce a book. Having a continuous, linked backstory as a narrative thread provides a framework for the new story and helps shape the direction.

4.      Setting is an important attribute of your books. Why did you choose Singapore for A Nye of Pheasants? I wanted to juxtapose the two faces of Asia: the uber-technological side represented by Singapore and the bucolic, pastoral side represented by Bhutan.

5.      How have you ensured that the character of DCI Jejeune has continued to entertain readers?
I have tried to make him a multi-faceted character by giving him new dimensions, relationships and, especially, flaws.

6.      How do you approach research for your books? What tips can you share with writers?
Have a really good idea of your storyline first and decide which specific areas you need to research, rather than doing broader research and hoping something will fit your needs.

7.      What advice can you give writers who dream of being traditionally published? Try to get published locally in magazines, newsletters, to build up credibility as a published writer. Focus on one work (your strongest) and finish and polish it. Research your market and submit where you have the best chance of placing that particular work. 

8.      What marketing strategies have worked well for you, and do you have some tips to share? I find personal appearances to be the best way of generating an interest in my books, so whenever I am at an event, I try to make sure everybody knows I’m available to speak.

9.      How do you use social media to promote your books and which is the most powerful platform? I find Facebook best for spreading the word about upcoming events, but X has a greater reach with people I’m not already closely associated with.

10.  What key factors have contributed to your success? Good fortune. But being well versed in a subject that many people have an interest, like birds, has attracted people to the series.

11.  Where is your preferred place for birdwatching and what is your favourite bird? I enjoy local places like Thickson’s Woods in Whitby, where you can become familiar with the habitat and the resident species through repeated visits. I always enjoy seeing Indigo Buntings, which are a spectacular and welcome sign the spring migration is truly underway.

12.  Other comments? Many thanks for your continued interest in, and support of, the series. It really is greatly appreciated. And all the best for continued success with your own writing career(s).

Thank you, Steve, for this interview.

Vicky

Monday 12 February 2024

TED BARRIS IS JOINING US!

 



We are so fortunate that Ted Barris is joining the meeting of the Uxbridge Writers' Circle in March.

Ted is an award-winning journalist, author, and broadcaster. He was a full-time professor of journalism and broadcasting at Toronto's Centennial College for 18 years. Since leaving Centennial, he has devoted his time to work as a writer, broadcaster, and public speaker. 

His books and awards are far too many to mention but Ted's website  https://tedbarris.com/ is rich with information about Ted, including his awards and his books, and includes fascinating articles. 

Ted's series on wartime Canada including his latest published book, Battle of the Atlantic, are packed with human stories and bring to life the incredible sacrifices and contributions Canadians have made during various wars. 

Ted has been appointed as a member of the Order of Canada for 'advancing our understanding of Canadian military history as an acclaimed historical author, journalist and broadcaster.'

Ted will be speaking about his new book, soon to be published, which features the Battle of Britain and how Canadians contributed to this first major military campaign fought entirely by air forces. It occurred during the Second World War. 

Ted will be sharing his writing and research experience with members of the Uxbridge Writers' Circle. 

If you are interested in becoming a member, please email contact@vickyearle.com for information.

There are no membership fees and all writers are welcome. 




Wednesday 27 September 2023

Natalie Jenner is Joining Us!

 



 Exciting news!

On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, the Uxbridge Writers' Circle is pleased to be in virtual conversation with author Natalie Jenner. 

Natalie, a past resident of Uxbridge and a former indie bookstore owner has received much acclaim for her first two novels locally, nationally, and internationally. 

Both The Jane Austen Society and Bloomsbury Girls are international bestsellers. 

Every Time We Say Goodbye will be released in 2024. 

Some of the praise Natalie has received for her books include:

"Just delightful": People Magazine Book of the Week.

"Anyone seeking an antidote to contemporary chaos will find a welcome respite": The Washington Post.

"This one's good for the soul": The Globe and Mail.

"Utterly and wonderfully charming": Indie Next Great Road.


If you are interested in joining us, email contact@vickyearle.com

(Thank you to Lesa for submitting this post). 

Friday 9 June 2023

BOOK LAUNCH AND SIGNING!

 


Readers have been waiting over 18 months for the next book in the Meg Sheppard Mystery Series. Vicky Earle is thrilled that Blue Heron Books will host the launch and signing of Dying for Money on Saturday, June 17 between 1 pm and 3 pm.

“I draw on many years of experience as an owner and breeder of thoroughbred racehorses and my love of animals,” Earle says. “I’m a storyteller. The books are fast-paced and feature an amateur sleuth, Meg Sheppard, and her beloved border collie, Kelly.”

In Dying for Money, a racehorse owner and gambler is found dead. “As Meg investigates,” Earle says, “quirky characters bring danger and pain to her family, including Kelly.”

Meg also struggles to help thirty unwanted racehorses. “I researched this,” Earle says. “I do my best to make my books authentic as well as interesting and entertaining to read.”

When asked if there is an overarching theme throughout her books, Earle responds that racehorse welfare motivates Meg’s investigative work.

Earle and her husband have lived on a ten-acre horse farm in the Uxbridge area for many years.

Earle is a Coordinator of Uxbridge Writers’ Circle, Treasurer of Sisters in Crime, Toronto Chapter, and Member, Board of Directors, WindReach Farm. She is a recipient of a Canada Book Award.

For more information on Vicky Earle, the launch, and the series: https://www.vickyearle.com

 


Saturday 15 April 2023

Book Signing on April 22!

 



Rick Ferguson is a member of the Uxbridge Writers' Circle and will be at blueheronbooks.com

on Saturday, April 22 to sign his exciting book The Ghosts in Maple Lest Gardens. 

Here's the blurb:

The Toronto Maple Leafs have not won a Stanley Cup since 1967- a burden that long-suffering fans have regrettably had to bear. Ron Bailey, the new director of player personnel for the Leafs, is more than frustrated with his beloved team, who last won the prestigious title when he was just three. Unfortunately, Ron worries that the cynical Canadian fans and media who fear it may be another forty years before the Leafs win another one might be right. 

Just as he is about to give up hope, Bailey accidentally uncovers a possible reason for the Leafs' long drought- a curse that has been supposedly placed on the team by the father of Dale McCaine, a former player who, due to tragic circumstances, never had the opportunity to play for a cup. As Bailey's curiosity peaks, he asks for a meeting with the feisty and feeble Doug McCaine- who asks for a second chance for his deceased son to play for the Stanley Cup in Maple Leaf Gardens. Only then will he lift his curse.

In this sports adventure, a young hockey director must orchestrate the game of the century as the spirits of former greats band together to help a player's dreams come true. 


I hope to see you at the book signing!



Monday 20 March 2023

Join Us To Hear Ted Barris!

 



We are delighted that Ted Barris OC is joining us for our next meeting of the Uxbridge Writers' Circle on Tuesday, April 4. And you're invited!

Ted is an award-winning journalist, author, and broadcaster. He was a full-time professor of journalism and broadcasting at Toronto's Centennial College for 18 years. Since leaving Centennial, he has devoted his time to work as a writer, broadcaster, and public speaker. 

Ted was appointed as a member of the Order of Canada for 'advancing our understanding of Canadian military history as an acclaimed historical author, journalist, and broadcaster.'

His books and awards are far too many to mention! Please check out his website for more information https://tedbarris.com/

We are excited that Ted will be talking about his latest book Battle of the Atlantic which is packed with human stories that bring to life some of the incredible sacrifices and contributions Canadians made to World War II. 


If you wish to join us and/or would like more information, please email me at: contact@vickyearle.com. The event is free, but registration is required.