Explaining myself & advice on tackling pesky trolls | What I'm reading now
Plus: Sunday Times young writer of the year is announced, Hexham Book Festival, How women shape the news event, write for BBC's Eastenders & more
My dear wordsmiths,
I hope I find you well and I just wanted to address something. Many of you have asked me why I chose to write this newsletter about both journalism and about the writing of fiction/journey to getting published. I do agree they are different industries and disciplines and I also agree that some of the challenges they face are unique. But the reality is that this is my world - I do both - and it makes me aware that we share many of the same issues. Also, as the saying goes, every journalist has a book in them though whether they write it or not is another thing. And most authors need journalists to help promote their work. It’s a fine line, frankly, and one it is useful to embrace. We can help each other.
One thing both journalists and authors share is the battle to get people to pay for their work. Readers expect writing to be available for free - it’s not considered work - even if they couldn’t possibly do it themselves. It’s not a thought process that applies to plumbing, estate agents or literally any other profession. This has created a crisis in both industries and while journalism struggles to find a profitable model away from declining newspaper sales, publishing battles the expectations of free and sometimes stolen e-books, or 50p sales. We all needs bums on seats to pay the bills.
‘Don’t feed the trolls: nothing fuels them so much.’
Oscar Wilde
Then there’s trolling. Let’s be honest social media is a vehicle for hate and the more suggestible/vulnerable are frequently weaponised by those who should know better or have a political/monetary agenda, manipulating opinion and legitimising unpleasantness and fakery. It can also be wonderful, of course, and we in the media and publishing need it to share our work with the world - and it’s this reliance on certain social media brands which makes it so hard.
But it’s very hard to not take it personally when the industry you had to work so hard to enter (exams then more exams, law, shorthand, years sweating in a newsroom or years writing a book) is undone by people typing with one finger and making stuff up to suit their own ends to get validation or get followers. It hurts and often those trolling, don’t seem to realise a there are real people at the other side of their unoriginal unpleasantness. The irony is, if you met them in person they would probably be quite nice. The only way - and believe me I’ve learned by my mistakes - is to ignore it. Oscar Wilde’s quote may be old and the internet not even invented during his time but he was right. Every inbox I have contains hundreds off unsent replies - it’s wiser if not easier to take the high road.
‘I’m coming to gobble you up, roared the troll’ From Billy Goats Gruff (popular Norwegian folk story)
It’s equally hard for authors who have sweated blood and tears to get a book written and published, only to get malicious one star reviews or tagged in nasty Tweets. Ignore. Ignore. But make sure to report them -it’s much more effective. The line between valid criticism and disagreement and cyber bullying is a fine one and nobody needs the latter.
What I’m reading this week
Thanks to the folks at Harper North, who kindly sent me a selection including this cracker, I’m reading My name was Eden - a debut novel by Eleanor Barker-White. I’m only a few chapters in (on my way to Newcastle where I am staying tonight - so the novel is pictured with the moody backdrop of the Lake District on my way here) but I already know its going to be dark, twisty and addictive thanks to the very original premise around vanishing twin syndrome, which I’d never even heard of - but I’ve checked now - and it’s a real thing. Already terrifying. Out now.
News, opportunities and events
Sunday Times Charlotte Aitken Young Writer of the Year Award: Debut novelist Tom Crewe has been named winner of the Sunday Times Charlotte Aitken Young Writer of the Year Award for The New Life, a novel described by judge James McConnachie as ‘thrillingly intimate’ and ‘a compassionate and tenderly sensual account of masculine sexuality.’
A daring novel of nineteenth-century forbidden desire, The New Life is a bold and beautiful book set in London, 1894; the Oscar Wilde trial is igniting public outcry, and everything John and Henry have longed for is suddenly under threat. United by a shared vision, the two begin work on a revolutionary book arguing for the legalisation of homosexuality.‘Sometimes a debut novel comes along that feels like an immediate classic - a book that you suddenly can’t imagine not existing. He is a writer of rare promise.’ Chair of judges Johanna Thomas-Corr
Writers' Studio: EastEnders: The Writers’ Studio: EastEnders is an open script call for those who are looking to take the next step in their writing career and join the ranks of the EastEnders writing team. The open call process will shortlist eight writers who’ll each write one paid trial script, of which up to five will proceed to commission.
Christian Lewis author signing event: Taking place on Wednesday March 27 at 12.30pm at Fylde Rugby Club, Lytham, Lancashire. Ex-paratrooper Christian Lewis hit headlines around the world with his amazing journey walking the coast of Britain, raising money for SSAFA the armed forces charity, and his first memoir Finding Hildasay was a Sunday Times Bestseller. During this event he will be interviewed by local author and walker Steve Garrill. In Hildasay to Home Chris finally crosses the finish line back in Swansea with almost half a million pounds raised for SSAFA.
Hexham Book Festival: Hexham Book Festival is back in its traditional Spring slot and taking over the town of Hexham in Northumberland for 10 days. In a year of elections – both here, and across the pond – a cost-of-living crisis, war in Europe and the ramping up of climate change, Hexham Book Festival returns with big discussions, amazing writers, and beautiful poetry. 55 events, including film screenings, writing workshops and book group events, will take place across Hexham, in venues including the Queen’s Hall and Forum Cinema. The Hexham Book Festival Family Day – StoryLand – will take place on Saturday 29 June, and the Schools Festival will run from 1-5 July.
How women shape the news; A women in journalism event: “How women shape the news “ with confirmed speakers Rachel Corp, WiJ chair and CEO of ITN; Beth Rigby, Sky News Political Editor; Debbie Ramsay, Editor of 5 News and Pippa Crerar, political editor of the Guardian. In an election year, and with constantly breaking news stories, it’s a chance to meet the women responsible for bringing the news into people's home and reporting the events shaping our times. Tickets are £10 for the vent at The Nave, 73 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8TY
That’s it. Thanks so much, and don’t forget to get your writer friends to sign up for the newsletter - and if you want to take part in one of the Write Reject Repeat Q&As, just reply to this newsletter! Have a great week, Nicola x