One of the problems, some might say advantages, of being an author is that you spend a lot of time on your own. Not only the actual writing time, but plotting and wondering how best to promote your finished work. What better then than to get together with other authors to share the highs and the lows? Earlier this year I caught up in person with Laurence Westwood for the third time – author of the two Philip Ye and the two Magistrate Zhu novels – (see my “In Conversation” blog March 8 2024 https://lornahunting.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=4425&action=edit )
We met up in a traditional pub with a generous Cotswold stone fireplace and welcoming log fire and talked about the trials and tribulations of book fairs, how to keep motivated with our writing and how best to market it. Between us we’ve published ten books so you’d think we know a thing or two and of course we do, but that doesn’t mean we know everything. You can check out Laurence’s website here: https://www.laurencewestwood.com/ If you’re a China fan you’ll love the images and the dragons. This is Laurence’s latest book. His fifth book is pending.
I was asked recently what advice I’d give to someone starting out writing fiction and thinking quickly on my feet I came up with “Start writing – right now, today. You have to get something down on paper even if it’s rubbish.” If I’d had a bit more time to think I’d have added, “And find some author buddies to chew the cud with.” They understand your problems, sometimes have the answers and most of all you’re not travelling the author path alone. Here is my latest book the third Colville saga novel set in 19th century Canada and San Francisco. Book 5 of the Shackleton saga is currently being edited.
From Lorna's Command Centre 