Natalie Kleinman: Joan Hessayon Award Contender 2015

Today we welcome Natalie Kleinman, another of our contenders for the 2015 Joan Hessayon award

Congratulations on graduating the RNA New Writers’ Scheme. Can you tell us when you first decided that you wished to become a romantic novelist?

I didn’t so much make the decision as it was thrust upon me. I began writing short stories, initially targeting the WOMAG market, occasionally sending competition entries in other genres. However, it soon became apparent that my forte lay with romantic fiction with over twenty-five stories published within two years. The satisfaction was enormous but something crept in under my defences. Could I write something longer? A whole book? I joined the (oh so wonderful) New Writers’ Scheme in January 2013, anxiously submitted my manuscript and in November of the same year it was taken up by a publisher.

How many years were you a member of the NWS scheme and did you submit a different book each year? Which year’s book did you graduate with?

I was a member of the NWS for only twelve months. When I hit that button in January 2013 I had no idea what lay ahead. Determinedly I finished, read and re-read my manuscript before printing and posting. Making suggested changes I sent my ‘book’ to the outside world. Voyage of Desire (now Safe Harbour) was taken up and after only one year in the scheme I joined the RNA as a full member.

How did you find your publisher?  

The writing world is a wonderfully sharing community. I learned about Safkhet Publishing via the RNA and was impressed by their upbeat attitude. Applying online it seemed in no time I was signed up.

Promotion is a big part of an author’s working life. How did you promote your novel?

While feeling diffident, I knew I had to dive into the realms of social networking.

Grasping my courage in both hands I contacted other writers and organised a blog tour. I made my presence felt on Facebook, hopefully without irritating too many people. I turned to Twitter. I became part of a five-handed blogging group. Oh, and on publication day I hosted an online launch party…that was fun! I now run a single-handed blog.

What has happened to you as an author since that first sale?

Less than two months after ‘Safe Harbour’ my pocket novel ‘After All These Years’ was published. Next on my agenda was the RNA Conference. Can one be overly grateful to the RNA? I was lucky to have a one2one with Lisa Eveleigh of the Richford Becklow Literary Agency. She offered representation and I have recently submitted my completed manuscript to her. The pocket novel goes to large print this coming September. I’ve started book number four!

How did you celebrate your first book sale?

In true RNA fashion I indulged in a little wine drinking. My husband took me out to dinner (more wine). Online launch party…more wine, though only virtual this time. But in all honesty how does a writer celebrate the sale of a book? I started the next one of course.

About Natalie:

I began writing quite late in life, something I have since discovered isn’t unusual. I have been mother, teacher, Girl Friday and adoring slave to two dogs and a cat (now waiting for me at Rainbow Bridge). I studied general science with the Open University and joined art classes, subsequently abandoned because there are only so many hours in a day. My natural tendency is to throw myself completely into what I am doing, and never more so than with my writing. Together with my personal blog and my participation in the RNA Blog which I co-produce with Elaine Everest (though not this time of course), my writing is of paramount importance. I’ve never worked so hard in my life before and I’m loving it.

Links:

Amazon UK

Blog

Twitter: @natkleinman

Thank you, Natalie, and good luck with your writing career.