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‘We all start a story with an idea followed by a dream which is either followed by hard work or not’ – interview with author, Joy E. Held

11 December, 2024 by Roz MacLaren Leave a Comment

The Mermaid Riot

I first came across Joy E. Held because we were both published by the very lovely Fire and Ice YA. Joy very kindly agreed to be interviewed for my blog. Read on as we chat about her novel, The Mermaid Riot, and Joy’s brand-new venture, My WriteDay.

Your novel intertwines a historical setting with the fantastical element of mermaids. How did you balance these two genres to create a cohesive world?

One of the things that I like about reading and writing historical fiction is the ready-made setting and timeline that comes with real life history and events. That is true where The Mermaid Riot is concerned because the inspiration for the story comes from an actual situation that happened in Charleston, South Carolina after the U.S. Civil War. It involved a rumor about a mermaid at a time in history when a select culture believed in mermaids as important water spirits. They took the rumor to heart and created a situation that required law enforcements help in clearing up. This is all reported in newspaper reports of the event in local papers in Charleston and elsewhere, which I have researched and seen in digital records of The Library of Congress. I took actual events and fabricated a story of fantasy around the truth of the situation.

Serena and Tobi’s friendship is central to the story. How did you approach writing their dynamic, and were they inspired by real-life relationships?

I wanted a team of young people to be captivated by the premise of the rumor but also
have a sense of rationality about the situation. Serena and Tobi’s friendship is integral to the plot because they each represent a different perspective on whether or not mermaids are real, and they each try to convince the other to see things through their eyes. That is until they see some things with their own eyes that don’t align with their beliefs about mermaids. They have conflicting beliefs but the same goal and have to deal with the interpersonal challenges as well as the social ones that they encounter.

The Ainsley River and the Robinson Phosphate Mine Company play significant roles in the story. Why did you choose South Carolina, and what role does the historical context play in shaping the narrative?

Charleston and South Carolina were chosen for me (even though I renamed the city) as I used the actual events reported in the local newspapers about the mermaid incident. I
challenged the historical timeline of the Reconstruction era in the south as the states
worked for many years to overcome the economic devastation caused by The U. S. Civil
War. In my research, I discovered that phosphate rocks used to produce fertilizer, which
farmers needed to regrow crops, were discovered in Charleston area and helped revitalize the economy. It came with hazards and problems which I will treat more broadly in the next book in the duology.

The mermaid in your story symbolizes mystery and survival. What inspired you to use
mermaids as a focal point for this tale?

Besides the true story behind the rumor about a mermaid being captured, I wrote the
mermaid Mari-Morgan to be young and conflicted much the same way Serena and Tobi
are in their world. Things are changing fast at the time, and their way of life is threatened in some respects on land and underwater. I definitely played on their youthful energies and ideals in the survival sense.

The title, The Mermaid Riot, is intriguing. What’s the significance behind the word ‘riot’ in the context of the book?

    When I first caught the tweet online about this story, it was referenced as “the mermaid
    riot.” The image of rioting mermaids captivated my imagination, but that isn’t what the
    actual event is about at all. I discovered this through my research. Some refer to it as “the mermaid incident” to reflect a gentler approach to the story. However, local legends latched onto the term riot over incident and ran with it. Here are a couple of interesting links (here and here).

    You’re not just a writer but also a yoga teacher and book coach. Do these practices
    influence your writing process or the themes you explore?

    The practices of yoga and book coaching definitely play into everything I do. I’m on a journey like everyone else, and I sometimes stumble and fall like a normal person. My 40+ years of yoga has taught me to be kind to myself and others when I stumble while working to be better at whatever I’m doing. My work as a book coach influences my writing process by reminding me that we all start a story with an idea followed by a dream which is either followed by hard work or not. I’m talking about the consequences of choices. As a book coach, I am constantly asking my clients a lot of questions because I believe that questions are a great source of understanding
    and learning. When a client is tasked with answering questions, they feel more empowered as creators, and I believe that is the kind of learning that sticks and that can be repeated. They aren’t challenges but more like nailing down true inner and outer desires for their writing much the same way their characters must do the same things.

    How do you decide which age group or genre is the right fit for the stories you want to
    tell?

    I’m more like dust in the wind when it comes to this sort of thing. I get ideas, tons of
    ideas, and follow the ones that won’t let me go. However, many times I can identify a
    particular need within a genre or age group coupled with an idea I have and put the two together. For example, the political environment of people listening to and believing only one side of a story concerns me. Without being particularly overt about it, this singular belief concept without the willingness to listen to another perspective plays a big part in the relationship of the characters throughout The Mermaid Riot. As another example, I created My WriteDay subscription and gift boxes for children, teens, and adults because I saw a need to make reading and writing a pleasurable experience for others like it is for me.

    What motivated you to start My WriteDay, and how has it helped you or other writers grow?

    I am a college creative writing instructor for an online MFA program and have been a
    higher education professor for 21 years. I have taught hundreds of freshmen who come to me with negative histories around reading and writing. My WriteDay is part of my work to change that at an early age. I take stories and bring them to life with the contents of a gift box that I hope is inspirational and enjoyable. It’s my favorite passion right now as it is a brand-new venture for me.

    What does a typical writing day look like for you, and how do you balance writing with your other commitments?

    I’m always writing a story in my head and can’t sleep for working out plot lines. It’s
    always been that way. I’m a one-woman business with several outlets for my energy. I
    like it that way. Balancing it all is a matter of making a lot of checklists and enlisting help from family and friends. My mentor from graduate school is my primary editor and is available when I have a question or need another pair of eyes on a manuscript. I have a great husband who believes in all of my works and does his best to support me. My grown children are very loving and accommodating to my sometimes erratic schedule, and they are also very helpful when I can’t get something done from picking up groceries to listening to my plot problems and brainstorming ideas with me. Honestly, my actual writing time is sporadic, but once the story falls into the right slots in my brain, I type until it’s out. I am a serious plotter though. Gave up pantsing except for when a surprising plot twist presents itself during the writing.

    Your career includes roles in education, coaching, and publishing. How has your
    experience in these fields shaped the way you approach storytelling?

    All of my training and experiences remind me never to stop learning and moving. When I am not curious any longer, that will signal that the last story has been written.

    Visit Joy’s website
    SHOP JOY’S BOOKS
    check out my writeday


    Filed Under: Interviews

    2024 in a nutshell

    10 December, 2024 by Roz MacLaren Leave a Comment

    2024 was the year my author dreams came true. My debut novel was traditionally published. I had an author stand at the UK’s biggest YA festival. My book has been read all over the world. I made new author friends. I got more books accepted. As the year draws to a close, I like to reflect on what’s been achieved and where I’d like to go from here.

    One book released

    16 July 2024 saw the release of my debut novel, Venom and Blaze. I wrote this book in Jersey, CI, one of my favourite places in the world, and it’ll always have a very special place in my heart. Real places, both in Jersey and Scotland, influenced the settings and landscapes in the series. You can read more about that here.

    Six novels written

    I wrote six novels this year – some of which I suspect will never see the light of day, but everything I write helps me practice and hone my skills. Even in this last year, I can see my writing has matured and tightened up. The twists are more twisty. The action is more engaging. I constantly strive to get better (and this is a double-edged sword) but I owe it to everyone who picks up my book to make sure the words in your hand are the best that I could make them.

    Three upcoming book releases

    Fable and Legend‘s release is imminent and will be followed in 2025 by City and Shadow, the third in the series. I also have another book accepted by an indie press in Canada and that will be released in 2025 as well.

    Eleven positive reviews for Venom and Blaze

    While that doesn’t sound like much, it means eleven people enjoyed my book and bothered to let other people know about it. I can’t stress enough the importance of leaving a review on Goodreads and Amazon when you’ve enjoyed an indie author’s book – it really helps! So thank you to everyone who took time out of their day to let me know their thoughts. Rest assured, I read every single one and try to reply when I can.

    Unlimited hours of editing and fixing typos

    I have a plan for one of my books, if it ever sees the light of day, to include a section at the back with all the typos I caught and fixed – akin to a bloopers reel, if you will. Honestly, there were some hilarious catches. In fact, as I’m feeling generous, here are a few of them.

    The creatures tuned ferocious.

    Obviously, this was meant to be ‘turned’ but I love the visual image of a bunch of creatures in an orchestra, ferociously tuning their instruments before the big concert.

    “Just how good is a hawk’s earing anyway?”

    It’s very subjective. Depends on the hawk’s overall sense of style and what earring they chose to wear. How good a hawk’s ‘hearing’ may be is another question entirely.

    2,459 (+ three hours Spotify didn’t know about) listening to Taylor Alison Swift

    One of the highlights of 2024 was spending three magical hours at the Eras Tour. I feel so lucky to have got to go – getting a ticket was no mean feat! – and see Taylor perform the songs that defined so many of our formative years. It was an oddly spiritual experience – something I’ve never had at any concert before.

    Thirty-eight books read

    I’ve been privileged to review some amazing ARCs this year – many of them reviewed on my Instagram. I’m going to do a round-up of books I’ve enjoyed this year so watch out for that if you’re looking for any book recommendations.

    Filed Under: General

    Meet the characters in Fable and Legend

    9 December, 2024 by Roz MacLaren Leave a Comment

    Fable and Legend, the second book in my YA fantasy series, The Mirrordom Legends, is out soon – so it seemed like an appropriate time to introduce you to some of the characters you’ll be meeting (some of whom you already know from Venom and Blaze!)

    All the books in my series are set in a world where humanity is divided into Good and Mirrors. As their name suggests, the Good are unable to lie, steal or kill – but their Mirror twin can do all those things and more. To protect the world, the Mirrors are taken from their mothers at birth and kept on Mirror Island, where they can’t hurt anyone. The souls of the twins are so bound up in each other that to kill a Mirror would kill their Good twin – so it would be impossible to simply eliminate the Mirrors without eliminating all the Good too.

    I know a lot of you are waiting to hear what happens to Venom and Blaze after the events of the first book. However, you’ll have to wait until the third book (City and Shadow) to see what happens to Venom and Blaze.

    The setting

    Fable and Legend is set directly after the events of the first book and follows Fable, one of The Five Mirrors who were imprisoned in the dungeons of King Viper’s castle. Now, all of The Five have escaped and are navigating an unfamiliar world they’re entirely unprepared for.

    Most of the action in this book takes place either in taverns, in a farmhouse or in the infamous Glittering City, renowned for its decadence and wealth.

    The characters

    Fable

    Fable, who occasionally goes by Elegance when she wants to be incognito, is trying her best to blend in and pretend to be Good. She’s making it her mission in life to track down her Good twin, Legend. Fable is clever and resourceful, but also innocent and naïve. She struggles to make sense of the world around her, having been imprisoned in a dungeon since she was a baby. Can she trust the people around her? Will finding her family help her find herself?

    Cobalt

    The boy who can read minds. Cobalt doesn’t believe in prophecies (even though there’s one about him) and all he wants to do is make money, live richly and capitalise on his abilities. Shortly after crossing paths with Fable, he realises he can use her in his nightly cons. However, after an enemy from the past shows up and someone tries to kill him, Cobalt realises he needs Fable to protect him while he figures out who wants him dead and why.

    Legend

    Legend is Fable’s twin – and she’s nothing like Fable imagined. The happy-ever-after, fall-into-each-other’s-arms meeting never happened. In fact, if anything, Legend seems unnaturally hostile towards Fable. Just what secrets is Legend hiding? And can Fable ever bridge the chasm that lies between them and truly connect with her twin?

    Ballad

    Ballad is an old friend from Cobalt’s past – who isn’t acting like a friend at all. She wants revenge for something that happened when they were both fifteen – and she’ll stop at nothing to get it.

    There’s also going to be a surprise appearance from another of The Five, who shows up in a most unexpected manner – but I can’t say any more than that!

    Which character do you think you’ll relate to most? Driven, confident Cobalt? Determined, stubborn Fable? Or someone else entirely? Let me know in the comments which character you’re most intrigued to meet.

    Filed Under: Fable and Legend, Mirrordom

    Venom and Blaze: free on Kindle!

    7 December, 2024 by Roz MacLaren Leave a Comment

    Fancy some dark and twisted holiday reading this season? The Kindle version of Venom and Blaze (and loads of other indie books) is currently free.

    The Indie Author Winter Wonderland event runs from 6th December to 9th December, so don’t miss your chance to download Venom and Blaze for free!

    The event showcases various indie books, either free or reduced, so it’s a fantastic chance to stuff your Kindle full of goodies.

    DOWNLOAD THE KINDLE VERSION
    CHECK OUT THE INDIE AUTHOR WINTER WONDERLAND

    Venom and Blaze is the first in my series, The Mirrordom Legends. Now is the perfect time to check it out as the second in the series, Fable and Legend, is due out very soon. Here’s the blurb for Venom and Blaze. (Be sure to check out the trigger warnings before you dive in – it’s not suitable for arachnophobes and it does contain violence and lots of childhood trauma.)

    “During a time when unicorns roamed free and dragons cast shadows across the sun, the wise men and women of the land told stories of a troubled future. The legends whispered of a time when every baby born would be blonde, genial and entirely Good. But straight after it would emerge a baby with black hair, dark eyes – and an entirely different nature. They would be called Mirrors, and nobody would know from whence they came or what to do with them once they arrived.”

    Venom wants a normal life where no one can tell her what to do, especially her father, King Viper.

    Blaze wants to be free, after all, he has been imprisoned in a dungeon since he was a baby.

    Thorn wants to get the girl, which is a shame, because the girl has other things on her mind.

    At least one of them is going to be disappointed.

    Venom and Blaze is also FREE on Smashwords, where you can download the .epub version. Smashwords are running their 2024 end-of-season sale, where multiple titles are discounted or free altogether.

    CHECK IT OUT

    If you do snag a copy of Venom and Blaze, it would mean a lot if you left a review on Amazon or Goodreads! Even if you hated it, I’d still like to know. Constructive feedback is always welcome.

    Filed Under: Mirrordom, Venom and Blaze

    Inspiring Indies at YALC

    22 November, 2024 by Roz MacLaren Leave a Comment

    Nine authors, hundreds of visitors and more than £1200 of book sales later, the new #InspiringIndies zone at the Young Adult Literature Convention (YALC) has been praised as a “resounding success” by all involved.

    Throughout the two days (16-17 November) in Olympia, London, there was a hugely positive vibe around the new #InspiringIndies zone created by leading book marketing and author branding agency LitPR.

    There was something for every reader, with nine authors doing ‘meet and greets’, many of whom got to sell and sign their books for the first time, plenty of giveaways and goodies for readers, hundreds of book sales, two industry arena discussions starring some of the authors demystifying the indie publishing journey, lots of selfies and plenty of laughs.

    Helen Lewis, founder of LitPR and creator of the #InspiringIndies zone at YALC, said: “At LitPR we are on a mission to level the playing field between indie and trad publishing from the perspective of marketing, sales, branding, promotion, and events opportunities by 2030. YALC has always been an inclusive, fun event in publishing, and it made sense that we’d work together to create an inclusive, fun #InspiringIndies zone for their 10th year. However, I had no idea that it would be so well received, not just by authors but by the YALCies! We had people running over saying they were so happy to see us there, that they’d come to see us first because they love indie authors, and there was so much positive feedback. What really stunned me though was the amount of book sales we made for our indies. I had no expectations other than from a brand building perspective, but to see the books flying off the proverbial shelf and then excited readers lining up to get them signed, made me so proud. It shows that there really is a space for indies at mainstream publishing events – and a demand for indies’ creativity, passion and beautiful books.”

    Zoe Finch at YALC said: “YALC’s aim has always been to champion YA Books in all forms and by opening up the programme to include indie authors this means that we can provide our audience even more content and support this growing area of the publishing world. We are proud to have partnered with LitPR on this and are pleased that both the indie authors and attendees who visited the #InspiringIndies zone had an amazing experience.”

    Kiera Nixon, author of The Dream Maker, said: “It was truly a fantastic weekend. A great introduction to direct sales and brand awareness, and much to consider and amend going forward. One of my main reasons for participating was to learn more about who my readership are and will be, and I spoke to lots of young people who are everything I put pen to paper for, so I’m in the right space.”

    Marie Voinson, author of Us Against The Likes, said: “Signing and personalising copies of my book for the very first time was one of my top moments at YALC. Also, talking about my books to complete strangers and hearing them say “Oh, this sounds good!” was such a thrill. It’s so heartwarming to see that people are curious about your work. Some of them even went to buy a copy straightaway! That felt like a dream. Making an author appearance, signing books, where so many of my favourite authors are doing just the same a couple steps away from me… Simply incredible.”

    Roz MacLaren, author of Venom and Blaze, said: “My three favourite moments of #InsiringIndies at YALC were: Finding a community, getting out of my comfort zone, and getting advice and tips from others in the industry. I felt at home and connected with everyone around me. I’m a natural introvert so I expected to be overwhelmed by all the people, but everyone felt like someone I could gel with. I regularly try and challenge myself to do new things; I’d never been on a panel, done public speaking or been an author at a literature convention and doing all three this weekend felt like a huge win and confidence boost.”

    Roxan Burley, author of Bloodstream of Moonlight and Bond of Eternity, said: “Being an indie author at YALC’s Inspiring Indies Zone has been an incredible journey of stepping out of my comfort zone. It’s more than just signing books for the first time—it’s about coming together with other authors to build a community, where we share our struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. The real magic happens when I engaged with readers, sharing my book with them for the first time. It’s a reminder that, as an indie author, we may start alone, but we’re never truly on our own.”

    John Tarrow, author of The Stranger’s Guide To Talliston and The Stranger’s Door To Talliston, said: “One of my highlights of the weekend was connecting with new readers and hearing their stories: how they read, where and why. It’s always wonderful to watch the amazement in a reader’s eye when they discover that the YA adventure novel they are holding is inspired by a real house and gardens – and they can step inside the chapters of the book for real!”

    April Grace, author of The Steel Princess and Songbird Heir, said: “One of my favourite moments at YALC was when a lovely reader wanted to pose with me for a selfie and said she’d put it into a little scrapbook next to my signature! I enjoyed doing the panel talks on both days with all the other lovely indie authors, and making some amazing new author friends.”


    Notes to editors: More press releases, author info, photos from the event etc, are here.

    YALC is back on 15-16 November 2025 in Olympia London. To register your interest in participating in the #InspiringIndies zone please complete this form.

    Helen Lewis, Founder of LitPR (www.literallypr.com) is available for media interviews and comment about the role of indie publishing in the wider book industry, marketing, events, author branding and PR. Each of the authors is available for media interviews and comments about their YALC experience, what it means to be an indie and more.

    The amazing authors at the #InspiringIndies zone:

    L. S. Delorme – Author of the Limerent series including Bright Midnights and The Ghosting Academy.

    Kshamta Purohit – Author of Karma Sagas – The Sangam.

    Roxan Burley – Author of the Equal Rise series: Bond of Eternity and Bloodstream of Moonlight (shortlisted for the Ink Book Prize – YA – 2024).

    John Tarrow – Author of The Stranger’s Guide to Talliston and The Stranger’s Door to Talliston.

    Marie Voinson – Author of Us Against The Likes.

    April Grace – Author of Steel Princess (and upcoming release Songbird Heir).

    Kiera Nixon – Author of The Dream Maker.

    Roz MacLaren – Author of The Mirrordom Legends series, including Venom and Blaze, Fable and Legend (Autumn 2024) and City and Shadow (summer 2025).

    Sara Sultane – Author of To Take A Soul.

    Filed Under: Events

    The 2024 YALC – ten years of the UK’s Young Adult Literature Convention

    21 November, 2024 by Roz MacLaren Leave a Comment

    Everything seemed to conspire to get me to go to this year’s Young Adult Literature Convention (YALC). I already had the trip to London booked for the week before the convention, so it was simply a matter of staying for the weekend. When the chance came up to have a stand at the convention and join other independent authors, I knew I couldn’t turn it down. Here are my highlights from my London trip – and ten years of YALC.

    Novel research

    Two of my sci-fi standalone novels are set in London, so it made sense to use the trip for research purposes. One of my characters sees London for the very first time and these are the places she goes.

    Big Ben looking resplendent

    Getting to YALC

    As this was my first time at YALC, I wasn’t sure what to expect.

    I opted to get to YALC by train. The venue has its own train station, called Kensington (Olympia) and getting there was quite easy. I would recommend downloading the Transport For London (TfL) app and using that to plan your journey – it makes life a lot easier. Also, shout out to the very helpful member of staff at the underground who saw me looking lost opposite a map and asked if I needed help! (I did.)

    Once I got out at Kensington Olympia, I could see the venue immediately. For a big event like YALC and London Comicon, some of the roads were closed and there were helpful members of staff telling me exactly where to go and what to do. (Good job, as I ended up wandering the wrong way.)

    As soon as I was in there, I got my bag checked in airport style security. I took a suitcase with me (containing all the items I needed to set up my stand). I also brought with me an empty water bottle, as I’d read you can get it filled up somewhere but I never located the place to fill it up. In the end, I got an eight pack of Highland Spring water bottles and drank them. I would definitely recommend bringing water with you in the first instance. The venue gets very hot (even for a chilly person like me!) and hydration is key.

    The very first indie author zone at YALC

    Thanks to the efforts of Helen at LiterallyPR, the tenth YALC was the first one to see a dedicated indie author zone. Independent authors from multiple countries came together to share their books and create their stalls. We had authors from the United States, France, Denmark, Scotland and England!

    Having a stand was brilliant as it meant I had a base to leave bags and coats and somewhere to sit if I wanted ten minutes decompression. I would recommend, if you’re an introvert, that you take time to give yourself a breather. The venue is packed and can feel a little overwhelming. So find a quiet place for a snack and perhaps a read before you go back into the (very friendly) fray.

    What I picked up

    It wasn’t all about selling books. I also came back with three fabulous books and an incredible amount of merch from various amazing stalls.

    I’ll do a more detailed blog post on all the merch I picked up later, but I will say setting it out for a photograph took absolutely ages!

    The fun doesn’t stop

    Just a reminder that our YALC debrief is happening tomorrow (Friday 22 November) at 12:00pm and there’s still time to get yourself a ticket. I’m not sure how many of us are going to make it, but we are excited to see you there!

    And, of course, YALC itself will be happening again next year! The dates have already been announced; will you be coming this time?

    Filed Under: Events

    Proofing Fable and Legend

    20 November, 2024 by Roz MacLaren Leave a Comment

    Over a thousand miles. Eight trains. Multiple hotels. Two action-packed days. YALC 2024 is over.

    I’ll be blogging about the experience more, but I wanted to share some more exciting news: Fable and Legend took another step closer to publication day! When I got back, the proof copy was waiting for me.

    What happens next?

    It’s my job to go through the printed book to triple-check everything. This is a very important part of the proofreading and editing process and, at this point, I usually ask my early readers to let me know if they’ve spotted anything too. It’s amazing what can slip through the cracks!

    Promoting Fable and Legend

    Fable and Legend is one of my favourite books in the series. I love the character interplay and growth and the way Fable develops from a quiet, uncertain young girl to a woman who takes control of her own destiny and makes tough decisions.

    The book is dedicated to everyone who ever had to make impossible choices. I hope Fable’s story will resonate with you all.

    Many lovely readers will have picked up Venom and Blaze at YALC, so I’m looking forward to when they’re ready to read Fable and Legend.

    The blurb

    “The beast is out of the cage. And she thirsts for vengeance.”
    In the world of Mirrordom, secrets lurk like shadows. For every child that’s born is entirely Good, unable to kill, steal or lie. But immediately after it appears a Mirror twin, capable of only bad things.
    Fable, a Mirror girl with a twisted past, dares the impossible: to find her Good twin. Along the way, she meets Cobalt, a mind-reader with secrets of his own. As alliances shift and betrayal beckons, can Fable protect Cobalt from someone who wants to kill him? Or will the darkness consume them both?

    I’ll be back very soon with an update of when Fable and Legend is ready to pre-order! In the meantime, back to editing!

    Filed Under: Fable and Legend, Mirrordom

    YALC – Day two!

    19 November, 2024 by Roz MacLaren Leave a Comment

    The Young Adult Literature Convention (YALC) spans two days – so Sunday saw me head back to Olympia again.

    Getting back to YALC

    My day started later this time (no 6am rise was needed as my hotel was just a fifteen-minute walk away from the venue!) I was also a lot more relaxed as I knew the lay of the land and where I was going.

    After a stressful visit to Tesco where my Clubcard app refused to work until I’d updated it and restarted the phone, I made it to Olympia.

    Meeting other vendors

    As I had no stand today and my only commitment was attending the panel at 16:00, I wanted to use my day to meet and chat with the other exhibitors there. I worked my way down both sides of the enormous hall and had so many uplifting chats.

    Perfectly Edged
    Author, Hannah Kingsley, of Kingdom Designs
    Ravenwood Designs
    Hashtag Press
    Neem Tree Press

    Everyone was so friendly and professional. I also got the chance to meet lots of presses, from the compact and niche to some of the Big Five. Everyone freely gave of their time to answer my questions and give me some top tips. I met with quite a few people on various editorial teams to ask their advice and talk all things publishing. I’d definitely recommend doing the same if you’re a writer and want to look towards getting traditionally published.

    Attending workshops

    There were so many workshops I wanted to attend on Sunday. Fortunately, none of them clashed!

    My top tip if you’re planning on attending a YALC workshop is set an alarm on your phone! It’s very easy when you’re there to lose track of time. I didn’t see a clock (there probably was a massive one – I just didn’t notice!) and when you’re in the middle of conversations, you’re not looking at your phone or watch. Several times, time got away from me and I nearly missed a workshop I’d been looking forward to!

    Joining the second panel

    Around five people came to the second panel, as opposed to around twenty-five on the first one. Sunday was definitely the quieter day. This meant the panel was a lot more conversational and intimate, and we were able to get through any and all questions the audience had.

    After the panel, it was very late in the afternoon and everyone was starting to pack up and go home, so I did the same thing.

    It’s hard to believe YALC is over. It felt so immersive, it was a bit strange to emerge outside into the real world. However, we’re keeping the convention vibes going a little longer. And you can too. Here’s how.

    Post-YALC chat

    LiterallyPR, the driving force behind the #InspiringIndies zone, are organising a post-YALC chat. It will be held online and anyone is welcome to register and join. We can’t wait to debrief.

    Join us on Friday 22 November at 12:00pm.

    REIGSTER NOW – IT’S FREE!

    Did you attend YALC this year? What was your favourite memory? If you didn’t make it, do you think you’d like to? Let me know in the comments.

    Filed Under: Events

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