S03E19 - Novellas and unconventional routes to publication

This week, Iain is joined by Shawn Mihalik, author of The Flute Player, a novella published by Asymmetrical Press. Topics include how to write short fiction, the difference between a novella and a novel, and how Shawn found his publisher via a slightly unusual route. Lots of good chat and interesting stuff. Go find your headphones. Then come back. Listen up.

Show notes

• Shawn Mihalik
• The Flute Player | Asymmetrical
• Brand-Changing Day | Asymmetrical
• The Minimalists
• Neil Gaiman
• David Foster Wallace: Books, Biogs, Audiobooks, Discussions
• Where I’m Calling From: Selected Stories of Raymond Carver
• Shawn S. Mihalik (shawnmihalik) on Twitter

Show notes

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S03E18 - Author envy and what to do with it

Iain is joined by Donna Sørensen to talk about that horrid thing called author envy. You know, where we decide that everyone else has got a better book deal, website and marketing budget than we have. Of course, the grass is always greener and the challenge is in turning that envy into something exciting, positive and far more useful than sitting in your pants and getting upset. Headphones on. Get ready to go green.

Show notes

• I’m Alan Partridge (TV Series 1997–2002) - IMDb
• Author envy, vlogger envy - YouTube
• Granta list celebrates fresh crop of British novelists | The Guardian
• The Lighthouse, Alison Moore | Salt Publishing
• Donna Sørensen on Twitter

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S03E17 - Freelance writing with a full-time job

This week, Iain is joined by Robert Mills to talk about how freelance writers need to think carefully about the way they present themselves online, especially if they also have a full-time job. Topics include ‘about’ pages, Twitter profiles, and that frequently used sentence, ‘All views my own, not my employers.’ Pop your seat belt on. Let’s chat!

Show notes

• Robert Mills | Studio Manager Writer and Speaker
• Bluegg | Creative and Digital Design Agency
• @robertmills

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S03E16 - Do we need women-only writing prizes?

Iain is joined by Donna Sørensen to talk about literary prizes for female authors. It's a conversation that leads to all sorts of related topics, including assumptions, perceptions, and how women are represented in the publishing world. It's fair to say that this is meant as a conversation starter and we'd love to hear your thoughts on any of the subjects and examples we cover on the show. Listen up and get in touch!

Show notes

• Mslexia
• Mslexia Women's Poetry Competition 2013
• The New Canon: The 21 Books from the 21st Century Every Man Should Read
• Fiction: for women, by women - The Independent
• My So-Called 'Post-Feminist' Life in Arts and Letters
• E. A. Markham - Wikipedia

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S03E15 - Writing that second novel

Iain is joined by author Lily Dunn whose fantastic debut novel , Shadowing the Sun, was published in 2008. They chat about the various trials and tribulations that come with writing a second novel, especially when parenthood comes along at the same time. Other topics include the publishing process, working with a mentor, and taking a postgraduate writing course. Headphones at the ready. Off you go.

Show notes

• Lily Dunn's website
• Lily Dunn on Twitter
• Jane Rogers' website
• Gold Dust mentoring

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