I hope the autism assessment was useful, even if it had a huge impact on you. I sympathise - I had my ADHD assessment in December and felt exhausted afterwards. I sat down and cried.
As for books, I've written quite a few. Two non-fiction 19th century true crimes - "Poison Panic", about arsenic poisoning cases in Essex in the 1840s (I'm in an episode of "Murder, Mystery, and My Family" talking about one of the cases while strutting about Clavering in a tailcoat), and "Fatal Evidence", the first book-length biography of Alfred Swaine Taylor, seen by many as the father of forensic science (quite proud of that one - the FBI have a copy in their library in Quantico!).
Then - handbrake turn - I started co-writing fiction with a friend. We write WW2 sagas under the joint pen-name Ellie Curzon. They're great fun to write, with strong women fighting the odds, although I find myself in tears sometimes because war is so bloody sad. But if it makes me cry to write them, then I hope readers are moved by them too.
Oh, and Easter - I'm visiting family in Essex! (No one's been poisoned... Yet!)
We will see about the autism assessment. My offspring feels it would be helpful and I support them in that. We are a family of neurodivergents; some have diagnoses, some in the process, some deciding it won't add to our lives in any meaningful way: we know what we are and don't need the receipts!
Wow on the books, Helen; I love that you have one of your books in the FBI library!
I haven't heard of M, M and My Family, sounds fun. We share an Essex connection, then?
That and some strong women in historical fiction (mine still awaiting green light). Exciting.
Getting assessed is.... Interesting. I'm not really sure what to do with my diagnosis, especially as people who've known me for years look completely unsurprised by it when I tell them! In some ways, though, it's just good to know why I'm like I am.
Yes, we do have an Essex connection - I grew up just outside Colchester and went to school there. I was very pleased about the book getting into the FBI's library; apparently they have a strong collection on the history of forensics.
You seem to think everyone wants to or can write! Well no. This is a writers platform so maybe you get that impression- but it’s a small percentage of people who are great writers. So keep doing what you do well
Ha, Karen, not at all! I am very grateful that there are plenty of readers and not only writers. But that statistic about 97% of people wanting to write a book came from the BBC programme Bookworm 30 years ago, and it rather stuck with me. Where they got their data from I don’t know: very possibly a skewed sample! But I do meet a lot of people who tell me they’d like to write a book.
Oh, and thank you!
I would live my life purely writing rather than teaching others to write if I could (much as I enjoy the latter, I have done a lot of it) but until purely writing pays the bills I will continue to teach, as I have no other good way to support myself and my family.
Honestly, it’s a relief to hear that Karen! It can’t be everyone’s dream. And I would love it if their statistics were skewed because that would mean there are a lot of unfulfilled people!
I’m glad there are so many people who love to write- it lets me step into another world with fiction or explore another point of view and experience with fact.
I have and I love every part of it. We’re getting ready to self-publish it soon. My book is about motherhood and it’s the most personal and honest thing I’ve ever written.
Hang around Substack too long and you start to feel like it's the 97% of people who have written books. Yes, me too. A speculative drama when I was 19 that will never see the light of day but showed me that I could write something with a beginning, a middle, and an end. A fictionalised memoir about the year I lived in Paris. And currently on iteration 3 of the sci fi epic I can't abandon. So I don't think I'm in a position to join a book-writing cohort but it's a huge bargain. You sure you're not under-charging??
Massively undercharging, Shoni, but on the other hand very keen to actually get it off the ground and therefore (especially given the times) I felt the need to make it affordable.
Finishing that at 19 is impressive - I only finished short stories for years and had several half-finished novels before I finally finished my first at 30.
If you can’t leave it alone, that’s a very good sign :-)
I only saw this post now! The algorithm has been acting a little weird, I actively have to hunt for my favorites now for some reason 🤔 Anywho...
1. I started writing a book (well, a life guide for people with ADHD), and so far the feedback for my first chapter has been very positive, which I'm super happy about ❤️
2. Not yet, but I think I will be self-publishing it to be able to preserve my 'unique' (read: sweary) writing style. I am posting excerpts from it once per month here.
3. It would be a dystopian novel for sure because I love obsessing about the future and society 😂
4. I'm Belgian, which is also a pain in the ass but in other ways!
We have been living it at least since 1984 came out. I think it's just the way things are 🤷♀️ Chocolate, markets and EU are great. We have a beach, but the weather is horrendous. Plus bureaucracy, stupid politics, racism etc.
I will go for it (the 12-month cohort) if enough people register to make it viable! We will see. Otherwise, I shall keep writing my own books and not get involved in other people's :-)
How has self-publishing gone for you? Do you have many sales? I know the biggest challenge for all writers is marketing but it's especially tough for self-publishers unless they have a) money to put behind it b) marketing expertise c) actual pleasure and enjoyment in marketing activities.
67 copies of my first book, released in 2021 through Amazon KDP. Which is about average, it does however seem strange to find a second hand copy for sale in New Zealand, (I'm in the UK.)
I'm not making any plans. I write so many different types of things and I just want to keep it that way. I started writing about Elodie, my 1st wife, as a composer. The memories come slowly. It will take many years to dredge up all the memories. I wrote something here a few days ago, I'll restack and @ you, if it's okay. It's short and sweet.
I read it and left a comment, thanks Carl. Yes, the Oxford summer school should be splendid. Not affordable for many, but about the same price as a week in a decent hotel in that city, but with added on historical college and tuition!
If your books is anything like your powerful posts on Substack, Elise, then it ought to find an audience. This is the time for strong women's voices! Having tried various forms of publishing I still prefer the traditional get an agent who gets you a publisher route but a) I know I it's tough out there and b) it takes a thick skin because you often have to field a lot of rejection before you get a Yes. But self-publishing, in my view, is still the hardest road, unless you're a marketing whizz or have a lot of money behind you. And hybrid publishing needs money too. You're a nurse, so I can't imagine you're rolling in it!
I’m definitely not rolling in it 😂 it’s a book that is related to my job. Nonfiction. I just have no clue, I’m trying to navigate Amazon KDP but it’s not the easiest thing to do.
Hey Ros. Happy Easter. I’ve chosen for better or worse to use singing as my creative outlet. I just don’t want it enough I guess to go through the pain of writing a novel and I’m more than fine with that.
1. No
2. See 1.
3. See comment
4. Ali has American citizenship and uses a 3rd party who charge about $500 for this very reason
4. Yeah, I think they set it up so you *have* to employ an expert or risk your sanity. (Given my financial situation, I risk my sanity every damn year. 5) I guess that's an Easter activity? 🤣
I hope the autism assessment was useful, even if it had a huge impact on you. I sympathise - I had my ADHD assessment in December and felt exhausted afterwards. I sat down and cried.
As for books, I've written quite a few. Two non-fiction 19th century true crimes - "Poison Panic", about arsenic poisoning cases in Essex in the 1840s (I'm in an episode of "Murder, Mystery, and My Family" talking about one of the cases while strutting about Clavering in a tailcoat), and "Fatal Evidence", the first book-length biography of Alfred Swaine Taylor, seen by many as the father of forensic science (quite proud of that one - the FBI have a copy in their library in Quantico!).
Then - handbrake turn - I started co-writing fiction with a friend. We write WW2 sagas under the joint pen-name Ellie Curzon. They're great fun to write, with strong women fighting the odds, although I find myself in tears sometimes because war is so bloody sad. But if it makes me cry to write them, then I hope readers are moved by them too.
Oh, and Easter - I'm visiting family in Essex! (No one's been poisoned... Yet!)
We will see about the autism assessment. My offspring feels it would be helpful and I support them in that. We are a family of neurodivergents; some have diagnoses, some in the process, some deciding it won't add to our lives in any meaningful way: we know what we are and don't need the receipts!
Wow on the books, Helen; I love that you have one of your books in the FBI library!
I haven't heard of M, M and My Family, sounds fun. We share an Essex connection, then?
That and some strong women in historical fiction (mine still awaiting green light). Exciting.
Getting assessed is.... Interesting. I'm not really sure what to do with my diagnosis, especially as people who've known me for years look completely unsurprised by it when I tell them! In some ways, though, it's just good to know why I'm like I am.
Yes, we do have an Essex connection - I grew up just outside Colchester and went to school there. I was very pleased about the book getting into the FBI's library; apparently they have a strong collection on the history of forensics.
Fingers for your novel!
Ah yes, I remember now: Queen Boudicca’s camping ground! Thank you.
Hi Ros,
You seem to think everyone wants to or can write! Well no. This is a writers platform so maybe you get that impression- but it’s a small percentage of people who are great writers. So keep doing what you do well
Ha, Karen, not at all! I am very grateful that there are plenty of readers and not only writers. But that statistic about 97% of people wanting to write a book came from the BBC programme Bookworm 30 years ago, and it rather stuck with me. Where they got their data from I don’t know: very possibly a skewed sample! But I do meet a lot of people who tell me they’d like to write a book.
Oh, and thank you!
I would live my life purely writing rather than teaching others to write if I could (much as I enjoy the latter, I have done a lot of it) but until purely writing pays the bills I will continue to teach, as I have no other good way to support myself and my family.
That’s so interesting I’m truly surprised!
I’m definitely one of the 3% then and it would be my idea of a nightmare if I had to
Honestly, it’s a relief to hear that Karen! It can’t be everyone’s dream. And I would love it if their statistics were skewed because that would mean there are a lot of unfulfilled people!
write a book.
I’m glad there are so many people who love to write- it lets me step into another world with fiction or explore another point of view and experience with fact.
Thanks Ros
I have and I love every part of it. We’re getting ready to self-publish it soon. My book is about motherhood and it’s the most personal and honest thing I’ve ever written.
That's wonderful, Jana. I'm a big fan of personal and honest, as you may have seen!
Hang around Substack too long and you start to feel like it's the 97% of people who have written books. Yes, me too. A speculative drama when I was 19 that will never see the light of day but showed me that I could write something with a beginning, a middle, and an end. A fictionalised memoir about the year I lived in Paris. And currently on iteration 3 of the sci fi epic I can't abandon. So I don't think I'm in a position to join a book-writing cohort but it's a huge bargain. You sure you're not under-charging??
Massively undercharging, Shoni, but on the other hand very keen to actually get it off the ground and therefore (especially given the times) I felt the need to make it affordable.
Finishing that at 19 is impressive - I only finished short stories for years and had several half-finished novels before I finally finished my first at 30.
If you can’t leave it alone, that’s a very good sign :-)
Wow, I got mentioned by THE Ros Barber!! Don't know how the Easter Bunny stuffed THAT treat in my basket, but I'm here for it!!
I only saw this post now! The algorithm has been acting a little weird, I actively have to hunt for my favorites now for some reason 🤔 Anywho...
1. I started writing a book (well, a life guide for people with ADHD), and so far the feedback for my first chapter has been very positive, which I'm super happy about ❤️
2. Not yet, but I think I will be self-publishing it to be able to preserve my 'unique' (read: sweary) writing style. I am posting excerpts from it once per month here.
3. It would be a dystopian novel for sure because I love obsessing about the future and society 😂
4. I'm Belgian, which is also a pain in the ass but in other ways!
5. I went on a beautiful trip with my partner 🥰
1. Hoorah!
2. Ah yes, the swears, they need preserving.
3. But do you not think we are *living* dystopia so for the future, good plan to imagine our way out of it?
4. Good chocolate, cool Christmas markets, the EU, no beaches?
5. Delightful. I truly love a road trip.
We have been living it at least since 1984 came out. I think it's just the way things are 🤷♀️ Chocolate, markets and EU are great. We have a beach, but the weather is horrendous. Plus bureaucracy, stupid politics, racism etc.
I have self-published four of them.🤗 Go for it.🤔
I will go for it (the 12-month cohort) if enough people register to make it viable! We will see. Otherwise, I shall keep writing my own books and not get involved in other people's :-)
How has self-publishing gone for you? Do you have many sales? I know the biggest challenge for all writers is marketing but it's especially tough for self-publishers unless they have a) money to put behind it b) marketing expertise c) actual pleasure and enjoyment in marketing activities.
67 copies of my first book, released in 2021 through Amazon KDP. Which is about average, it does however seem strange to find a second hand copy for sale in New Zealand, (I'm in the UK.)
That's with zero marketing.
I'm not making any plans. I write so many different types of things and I just want to keep it that way. I started writing about Elodie, my 1st wife, as a composer. The memories come slowly. It will take many years to dredge up all the memories. I wrote something here a few days ago, I'll restack and @ you, if it's okay. It's short and sweet.
That Oxford trip sounds great. I can only dream 😔
I read it and left a comment, thanks Carl. Yes, the Oxford summer school should be splendid. Not affordable for many, but about the same price as a week in a decent hotel in that city, but with added on historical college and tuition!
1. Yes, have no idea about how to approach publishing though…so it just sits.
2. Nope not yet.
3. I have no idea. I’ve only written about what I know in my day job.
4. Yeah they suck.
5. Nada
If your books is anything like your powerful posts on Substack, Elise, then it ought to find an audience. This is the time for strong women's voices! Having tried various forms of publishing I still prefer the traditional get an agent who gets you a publisher route but a) I know I it's tough out there and b) it takes a thick skin because you often have to field a lot of rejection before you get a Yes. But self-publishing, in my view, is still the hardest road, unless you're a marketing whizz or have a lot of money behind you. And hybrid publishing needs money too. You're a nurse, so I can't imagine you're rolling in it!
I’m definitely not rolling in it 😂 it’s a book that is related to my job. Nonfiction. I just have no clue, I’m trying to navigate Amazon KDP but it’s not the easiest thing to do.
Hey Ros. Happy Easter. I’ve chosen for better or worse to use singing as my creative outlet. I just don’t want it enough I guess to go through the pain of writing a novel and I’m more than fine with that.
1. No
2. See 1.
3. See comment
4. Ali has American citizenship and uses a 3rd party who charge about $500 for this very reason
5. Ali has guests at her B&B!😀
4. Yeah, I think they set it up so you *have* to employ an expert or risk your sanity. (Given my financial situation, I risk my sanity every damn year. 5) I guess that's an Easter activity? 🤣
Hi .
Me Gail
You who.
Read me.
You too.
Regards
gSr
Me Ros.
You Gail.
What's this?
Word jail.
RcB