L. T. writes…

Hello Michelle, if I may call you by your first name.

I am L. T. Stewart and I am a newly published, brand new author… which I attribute largely to your book series Chronicals of Ancient Darkness. It is by far my favourite book series and has stayed with me all these years.

Inspired by your approach to writing, I have written WoodBound. My norse fantasy book series. I would like to take the time to thank you for your writing and your influence over the years. You have captured the hearts and minds of many readers, including myself, with your immersive and emotionally honest writing style.

I would love to correspond with you but will happily receive even a one message response from you. Could you part with some words of advice for a budding author who knows nothing of the process beyond the writing itself (publishing, promoting, etc).

Thank you for taking the time to read this and or your work over the years. I do hope to hear back from you.

Kindest regards,
L. T. Stewart (Liam).

Michelle Replies…

Dear Liam, I’m so glad that you’ve been inspired by the Wolf Brother books – and thanks for the pics of those impressive tattoos!  First and foremost, though, huge congratulations on getting published.  That’s really hard, and the fact that you’ve managed it shows that you have the comwho’s mitment and perseverance not only to write a novel, but to find a publisher.  As for advice… Well, firstly, I hope you have a good agent, willing and able to fight your corner with publishers.  And by that, I mean pressurising them into giving your books decent marketing and publicity.  That’s vital, and it’s never easy to get, because there are lots of other authors clamouring for their books to be heard.  I would also suggest that you don’t leave it all to the agent.  Keep an eye on the process – get involved in cover design, ask questions if you don’t understand what they’re doing (publishers love “marketing speak”,  but it can always be translated into plain language).  And if you think they’re doing something wrong, or that won’t work for your book, or that they’ve forgotten something – point it out!  You can do so politely but firmly.  But do speak up. As the saying goes, the squeaky wheel gets the oil.

Another point: some authors like to discuss their books as they write them – with their agent, publishers, or other authors – but personally, I avoid that like the plague; and unless it really helps you, I would advise you to do the same.  It’s best to keep your stories to yourself while you’re incubating them.  That way, you’re less likely to be swayed by “market considerations” and off-the cuff (and off-the peg) remarks from publishers etc – and more likely to stay true to what sparked you to think of the story in the first place.

Phew. I hope all that isn’t too off-putting.  But again, huge congratulations on getting published – and the best of luck with Woodbound!  Best wishes, Michelle