Interview: Juliet Greenwood

Today on the RNA blog we are thrilled to have Karen King interviewing author Juliet Greenwood about her writing life and latest novel The White Camellia. Huge thanks to Karen for asking so many interesting questions and to Juliet for allowing us to take a glimpse into her world.

Your new book, The White Camellia, is published today, 15^th September. Can you tell us something about it?

The novel is set around a ladies’ tearoom in Covent Garden in 1909 called ‘The White Camellia’, and a dilapidated old mansion in Cornwall. It’s about a woman who has taken the perfect revenge on the family who destroyed her own – but revenge is never that simple, and now she must find a way of living with herself and the consequences of what she has done. There’s love, mystery and danger, and a Cornish mine promising riches, but with a terrible secret held in its depths…

I see you write historical novels, what is the most interesting fact you’ve discovered during your research?

Definitely the revolutionary role of ladies’ tearooms in the fight not only for the vote, but also for so many of the rights for education, work and independence that we take for granted – and the freedom they gave by providing the first public loos for women! (it really is the little things that count)

How much planning do you do before you start to write?

My stories always contain a mystery, with plenty of twists and turns, and intertwined lives along the way. They are also set against a historical background, so I need to make sure the story doesn’t clash with any historical events.  This means I need to do quite a bit of planning before I start. But I don’t like to be rigid, because so much can change once the characters start to take on a life of their own, and so many new possibilities appear. I also don’t want anyone to guess – so I stay open to any fiendish twists that might appear!

Do you work in long-hand first or write straight onto the computer?

When I first start a book, I start long-hand for the first few pages. It’s my way of finding myself in. It means I don’t go in cold when I start on the computer – there’s nothing like the stare of the blank screen! Once I start, however, I type straight onto my ancient Mac laptop, which I love, and is far too creaky for anything else. I save everything in a paranoid fashion, I’m terrifying of every machine I own crashing. I write straight through the first draft without stopping. Characters appear out of thin air, vanish, and change sex with abandon. It’s getting the bones down and getting to know the characters – there are always several further drafts to go until the story goes to my editor, and the final refining work begins.

How important do you think it is to have an agent?

I think agents are very important. They negotiate with the market, have their fingers on the pulse, and are also the first line of the editing process. When you are starting out, however, there are plenty of magazines and publishers who don’t require an agent, which is a good way of developing yourself as a writer, finding your niche, and giving yourself a chance to become an attractive client. Most writers are in this for the long haul, very few are an instant success. Like wine, the mature ones are the best!

Facebook or Twitter? Which is your preferred promotion tool?

I love Facebook for the friendships and the sense of community, and because I’m always taking plenty of photographs it great to share. At the same time I enjoy the quick-fire conversations of Twitter, which can be great fun, and I find it’s possible to have a much wider reach – very important when you have a small publisher.

How do you relax when not writing?

I live amongst the beautiful mountains of Snowdonia, so I love walking my dog in the hills and on the beaches – and meeting friends for afternoon tea within the shadow of a medieval castle or so, of course! I also have a large garden, with a polytunnel holding a grapevine. I love gardening – and also letting it grow wild and sitting amongst the lavender, deep in a book.

What’s next for author, Juliet Greenwood?

I’m finishing my next book, set in the grimy underworld of Victorian London, and there’s also another brewing, so there’s lots of exciting research planned – but that’s top secret!

Watch this space …

The White Camellia

1909. Cornwall.  Her family ruined, Bea is forced to leave Tressillion House, and self-made businesswoman Sybil moves in. Owning Tressillion is Sybil’s triumph — but now what? As the house casts its spell over her, as she starts to make friends in the village despite herself, will Sybil be able to build a new life here, or will hatred always rule her heart?



Bea finds herself in London, responsible for her mother and sister’s security. Her only hope
is to marry Jonathon, the new heir. Desperate for options, she stumbles into the White Camellia tearoom, a gathering place for the growing suffrage movement. For Bea it’s life-changing, can she pursue her ambition if it will heap further scandal on the family? Will she risk arrest or worse?
When those very dangers send Bea and her White Camellia friends back to Cornwall, the two women must finally confront each other and Tressillion’s long buried secrets.

About Juliet Greenwood

Juliet Greenwood is a UK historical novelist published by Honno Press. Her books are set in Cornwall, London and Wales in Victorian and Edwardian times, reaching #4 in the UK Amazon Kindle store. Juliet lives in a traditional cottage in Snowdonia and has a passion for history, in particular the experiences of women, which are often overlooked or forgotten. She loves gardening and walking, and exploring the upstairs and downstairs of old country houses.

LINKS:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Thanks for taking the time to chat to us here on the RNA blog. It is always fascinating to peek into the lives of fellow writers and here about their work. Good luck with The White Camelia!

About our interviewer Karen King

Karen writes sassy, contemporary romance just right for reading on the beach. She also writes YA and children’s books and is a writing tutor.

When she isn’t writing, Karen likes travelling, watching the ‘soaps’ and reading. Give her a good book and a box of chocolates and she thinks she’s in Heaven.

If you would like to be interviewed for the RNA blog please contact us elaineeverest@aol.com

This post was set up by Virginia Heath

Ask the Industry Expert: Agent, Clare Wallace

Helena Fairfax returns with another interview in her super, ‘Ask the Industry Expert’ series.

It’s a great pleasure to welcome Clare Wallace today – an agent who inspires with her enthusiasm and 

Clare Wallace

love of all things bookish. Thanks for taking the time to visit us, Clare, and for letting us get to know you. We appreciate your giving up valuable time!

Please tell us a little about the Darley Anderson Literary, TV and Film Agency, how long you’ve been with the agency, and how you came to join.

The Darley Anderson Literary, TV and Film Agency is proud to specialise in a broad range of commercial titles, including thrillers, mysteries, crime, accessible literary, sagas, historical and commercial women’s fiction. The agency was founded in 1988 by Darley and has been going from strength to strength ever since.

I started at the Agency in January 2011, initially in the rights department, selling translation rights, and then I started to gradually build my own list of authors alongside managing the rights department. After a while my list grew so I moved over to fulltime agenting in January 2015.

Like many people trying to forge a career in publishing, I’d been working in various internships at agencies and publishers for six months. During that time I applied for a lot of jobs and got a lot of rejections. And I was close to giving up my working-in-publishing dream as my savings were gone and my confidence was definitely dented. But then, just at the right moment, I found out about the opening at Darley Anderson and someone rather lovely I’d been working with recommended me for the role. After two interviews, I was offered the position.

What do enjoy most about your job? And least?

There’s so much I enjoy. Finding a brilliant submission, meeting new people, negotiating, just being amongst books and people who love them every day. I don’t take for granted that I look forward to going to work, and I know that’s a luxury that isn’t shared by many. I suppose, in all honesty, there’s nothing quite like phoning a début author that you’ve been working with and telling them you’ve received an offer. That all their hard work and belief will be rewarded. That an editor and publishing team, who have the expertise and means to champion a novel to the public, see the same potential and talent that you can. And the worst is doing the opposite. Accepting when the manuscript you’ve sent out on submission isn’t going to find the home you were looking for. I also dislike sending rejections. There’s nothing fun or fulfilling about saying no to aspiring authors, but sadly it is a necessary part of the process. And finally, just the lack of time. I always, always, wish for more time to read.

What is it you are looking for when a manuscript lands on your desk? Are there any specific plots or themes you’d like to see?

I’m looking for voice. A strong, individual, immediately engaging, voice. Characters that you want to stay with, that you’ll sacrifice a good night’s sleep for. In terms of plots and themes, I like an unusual concept, a gripping ‘what would you do if’ kind of question or dilemma. One of the hardest things, I think, in terms of placing a début novel with a publisher, is it being different enough to what’s already out there. It needs to stand out amongst its competition. Being well written and competent isn’t enough. So, I’m looking for that punchy pitch as well, although of course it’s the talent of the author that brings the narrative to life.

Where do you find your new authors, and how?

In my inbox. In my submissions folder. And I go to events to meet authors, like the Festival of Writing in York, and I’m involved with events held by Writers’ & Artists’, for example, but mostly through reading the submissions.

What advice would you give someone submitting to you?

Make sure you’ve had a look at our website and our clients, so that you think we really would be a good match for you, and have a good look at the submission guidelines. Tell us why you’ve picked our agency. Have a clear pitch. Hook us in, think of the agent as a reader. If we were browsing in a bookshop and we picked up your book and turned it over, what would the blurb look like?  Identify what genre you’re writing in, and who your readership might be. Really polish those opening chapters, think about where you’ve started your story. Is it relevant to the narrative? Is it full of intrigue? Don’t rush, check and double check your submission is exactly as you want it to be before you press send.

Do you think aspiring romance writers have a better chance of being published if they are planning a series? Are stand-alone novels more likely to be rejected by publishers and agents?

I don’t think so. I think it’s all about the writing, ultimately. The goal is to establish an author and have a clear brand, which can be done with a series or a stand-alone. If you are writing a stand-alone novel though, it’s very helpful to have a second idea, even if it’s only in blurb form, to show that you’re serious about continuing in the genre, and that you’re committed to delivering a brilliant, and suitable, second book.

What benefits do you feel an agent can offer an author?

Ah so many. Editorial support and passion for your writing - because it can be a lonely business. The ability and confidence to negotiate and handle a contract – we can ask the difficult questions and won’t worry about querying a royalty rate or asking for a higher advance – we don’t find it awkward, in fact we like it. Insider knowledge – we might know an editor who has just yesterday told us they’re looking for a manuscript just like yours. And care. It’s your agent who might talk through early ideas with you, who might see the first draft, who you might tell if you’re having trouble meeting a deadline, who you might confide in if you’ve decided that your main character isn’t the person you thought they were. Ultimately, agents offer support in all sorts of ways – they’re part of your team and on your side. It’s a relationship of trust. And it’s not just your primary agent, at the DA agency there’s a rights department who are looking to sell your novel in translation, to the US, in audio, in film and TV, and there’s a finance department who make sure you get your royalties on time and can give you fiscal advice. It’s our job to make sure you get the best deal you can, in as many ways as you can, and that your relationship with your publishers is protected, so that you can concentrate on the writing.

What’s your favourite romance novel of all time?

Such a difficult question. A Little Love Song by Michelle Magorian was my first true ‘romance novel’ love. And you never forget your first true ‘romance novel’ love.

Apart from your own authors, which book have you enjoyed the most in the past twelve months, and why?

From my ‘just-because’ reading pile, I’ve just read The Complete Maus, a Pulitzer prize-winning graphic novel by Art Spiegelman. It’s a Holocaust survivor story, which was recommended to me by a friend, and isn’t something I knew about or would have thought to pick up. Maybe ‘enjoyed’ isn’t the right word, but it’s incredible, and haunting, and brutally honest. I also loved Lianne Moriarty’s dark and funny Big Little Lies.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

‘Just-because’ reading. I love seeing my friends and doing all the endless, effortless chatting. And I’m also pretty happy curled up on the sofa, with my cat, burning my way through a box set (the most recent being The Affair.)

If you could describe your working-day in just three words, what would they be?

Gloriously-bookish, demanding, fun.

Thanks for your thoughtful answers, Clare. It was a pleasure getting to know you!

Link to the Darley Anderson Literary Agency: www.darleyanderson.com

About Helena:

Helena Fairfax writes contemporary romance novels. Her latest work, Palace of Deception,

is a romantic suspense novella featuring a princess, her double, and her fit bodyguard. The sequel, The Scottish Diamond, will be released in March.

Helena interviews authors and writes about books and writing on her blog.  You can also find her on Twitter, @helenafairfax, and a list of her other books on Amazon

Thank you, Clare and Helena for a most enjoyable interview.

The RNA blog is brought to you by,

Elaine Everest & Natalie Kleinman

If you would like to write for the blog please contact us on elaineeverest@aol.com

RNA Conference: Do’s and Don’t’s

For everyone attending this year’s conference we have invited NWS Organiser, Imogen Howson, to give a few pointers on what to expect and how we should conduct ourselves in the pursuit of a publisher or agent.

In the RNA, we’re very fortunate that agents and editors often attend our events.  This year’s conference, being in London, will have more industry professionals than usual—and lots of authors ready to take advantage of their expertise!

But, for an author who doesn’t yet have an agent or editor of their own, it can be intimidating to find yourself next to one at the bar or at the dinner table.  What should you do—ply them with gin and then forcibly thrust your manuscript into their hands, or give them one terrified look and slink away before they can speak to you?

Neither, hopefully!  Read on for a list of do’s and don’t’s for meeting agents and editors.

• Do be friendly.  No one comes to an RNA conference if they’re unwilling to talk to authors.  The atmosphere is usually very relaxed, and everyone will be happy to chat to you, even if they have to stare at your chest (I mean name badge) to work out who you are.

• Don’t worry about feeling shy.  A huge number of writers are shy, or introverted (or both).  It’s absolutely fine to start a conversation by saying, “Can I talk to you?  This is my first conference and I don’t know anyone.”  Or even, “Can I sit with you?  This is my sixth conference and I can’t remember who anyone is!”

• Do talk to anyone you meet, feel free to sit at tables that are already partially occupied, strike up conversations in the lunch queue, and sit next to strangers in the talks and workshops.

• Don’t interrupt an obviously private conversation.  If an editor/agent is head down in conversation with another author, try not to interrupt.  The conversation might be between an author and their own editor/agent, or it might be that author’s one chance to pitch their book to their dream agent.  Find someone else to chat to in the meantime.

• Do come prepared to talk about your book if asked.  Everyone you talk to will probably, at some point, ask what you write or what you’re working on at the moment.  If this person is an agent or editor, and you’ve prepared a few-sentence pitch that describes your book in a short, “hooky” way, you’ll be so pleased with yourself afterwards!  If you have to ramble for ten minutes, forget your heroine’s name, and go away realising you forgot to explain the main conflict, you won’t be so pleased.  A little bit of practice before the conference could pay off beautifully—and even if it doesn’t, it’s good practice for future events!

• Don’t do a hard-sell of your manuscript.  It’s absolutely fine to talk about your book at an appropriate point in the conversation, but plunging straight into your pitch isn’t the best way to begin.  And trying to insist that someone look at your book even if they’re showing no sign of interest, or have already said they don’t represent/publish that type of fiction, isn’t a great idea either.

• Do be aware of the genre, length and type of your book.  If a publisher only publishes short, light-hearted romances, they’re unlikely to be interested in a 100-word-plus gritty crime thriller, even if it does contain a romantic sub-plot.  That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t tell them about it if asked, but do remember that they’re unlikely to ask to look at the manuscript.  And don’t try to persuade them—they know what they can sell, and if your book wouldn’t do well with them, you don’t want to be published with them anyway!

• Don’t try to give agents or editors a copy of your book.  (Especially not a printed copy—nobody wants their luggage to end up heavier than it starts!)  Editors and agents have different submission guidelines, which they need authors to adhere to.  It’s not usually useful to them to be given a copy, whether print or on a flash drive.  If an agent or editor would like to see your book, they’ll probably give you their business card or email address or direct you to the submissions guidelines on their website. 

Finally:

• Do come to the NWS session on Saturday morning.  Imogen Howson, the NWS Organiser, will be there to answer any questions or concerns you have.

About Immi:

Immi combines writing young adult fiction, working as an editor for Samhain Publishing, and running the New Writers Scheme. Her latest book is Unravel, a YA science fiction romance. When she’s not writing, editing or taking NWS parcels to the post office, she drinks coffee, runs, cuddles cats, hamsters and teenagers (her own, not other people’s), and collects Sweet Valley High and Chalet School books. She can be found at www.imogenhowson.com and twitter.com/imogenhowson

Do you have any tips to add to Immi’s? Please add them in our comments section below.

Thank you, Immi. We are sure this will be extremely helpful to those attending.
 

Have a good Conference!
 

Elaine Everest & Natalie Kleinman

RNA Party Etiquette: Approaching publishers and agents

We are delighted to welcome Tracy Hartshorn to the blog. Some of you will know her as author, Sally Quilford. We asked Tracy to explain to members how they should approach publishers and agents at RNA events.

As the RNA Party organiser, I get asked lots of questions from guests about how to approach agents and editors. I’ve put together an FAQ list which I hope will help everyone.

I don’t know how to behave in front of publishers and agents. What do I do?

It might be hard to believe, but publishers and agents are people too, and are more than happy to strike up a conversation at the RNA party. However, instead of starting a discussion with ‘Will you take my book?’ begin by asking them how they are, and/or if they’re enjoying the party. They come to the party to network, and they honestly won’t bite if you strike up a friendly conversation with them.

 

How do I bring up the subject of my book?

Ask them what they’re looking for, and then if you think your book is a good fit, ask them if they’d be interested in hearing about it. Work out a bit of a pitch (just a few lines of what your work is about) before you arrive. Don’t be too pushy if they’re not interested and don’t monopolise them until they change their minds. If their company doesn’t publish Vampire Zombie romances, then you’re not going to persuade them to give yours a try.

Should I bring my manuscript to the party with me?

It’s best not to. Imagine if you were an editor/agent who had gone to a party after work and just ten of the guests wanted to hand you their 200 page manuscripts. That’s four reams of paper you have to carry home on the train with you. It isn’t going to endear agents/editors to an author, and it’s also a good way of losing manuscripts. If an agent or editor is interested in your work, they’ll usually give you their card and tell you their preferred method of submission (usually email or post).

Can you email me a list of who is attending so I can research them before I go?

Whilst it’s generally a good idea to research publishers and agents, it’s my policy not to email lists of guests prior to a party as I would need the permission of those involved in order to do that. Plus, the information is changing all the time, so I couldn’t guarantee it would remain relevant. I do, however, put a printed list of editors and agents in attendance on the reception table on the night to help guests who are looking for anyone in particular (the difference being that the printed list is disposable once the night is over and can’t be forwarded to everyone in a contact list). Besides, it is much better to go back to the gist of my first answer and simply strike up a friendly conversation with editors and/or agents. The RNA parties are an informal networking event, so no one expects you to know everything about them or their publishing house or agency.

The main thing to remember is to have a good time. If you’re relaxed, it’s going to make your experience of meeting editors and agents that much more pleasurable.

Thank you, Tracy. That does make things much clearer.

Elaine & Natalie

IT'S SUMMER PARTY TIME!

Today we are chatting to hard working committee member, Tracy Hartshorn about our annual Summer Party that is an important date on the calendar of The Romantic Novelists’ Association.

Welcome to the blog, Tracy. Sorry for so many questions but we thought our newer members would like to know as much as possible about the Summer Party.

Where is the party to be held this year?

The Summer Party this year will be held at the Royal Overseas League, which is on Park Place, off St James’s Street, London on May 22nd. It’s a lovely venue, with a huge room perfect for networking.

What is your job as part of the team?

My role is to make sure everyone gets their tickets in good time for the event, and I’ll also be on the door on the night, welcoming everyone in. My friend and fellow committee member, Pamela Fudge, will be helping me this year.

Can members bring along family and friends?

Oh absolutely! It costs a little more for non-members (£39) but they are very welcome. And you don’t have to be with a member to attend. If you’ve ever wondered what we do at the RNA, and are considering joining us, you’re welcome to come along and meet us. We’re a nice, friendly lot and we don’t bite!

For anyone contemplating attending for the first time what can they expect?

It’s an informal affair with drinks and nibbles, where everyone, writers, editors, agents and other industry professionals, network and chat with each other.

Are there any speeches or special events during the party?

Generally the Chair will say a few words to welcome everyone, and the Summer Party sees the presentation of the Joan Hessayon Award for New Writers Scheme members who have had their first book published. But generally, the emphasis is on people being able to meet and get to know each other.

What is appropriate attire for the party? Long or short? posh or plain?

Whatever you feel most comfortable in. Some use the party as an excuse to buy a new frock and dress up to the nines. Others wear smart casual. I believe there is a dress code for some parts of the club, but as far as I’m aware this doesn’t apply to the Hall of India and Pakistan.

Is there to be formal seating this year?

Not as far as I’m aware. Generally the room is set out with seats all around, with the centre clear (apart from a few side tables) so that people can stand in groups and chat.

What advice can you give for anyone attending alone and for the first time?

Don’t be nervous. There will always be someone to talk to. If you are attending alone for the first time, let me or Pamela know at the door and we will find someone to take care of you. You’ll find that once you’ve broken the ice with one person, the rest comes easy.

Will there be refreshments? If yes do we need to state vegetarian?

There will be one complimentary glass of wine or a glass of orange juice per person, after which there is a bar at which people can buy their own drinks. There will also be nibbles. There is no need to state vegetarian as we always ensure there are a good selection of vegetarian choices.  I should perhaps emphasise that the nibbles are just that. Bite-size portions. It’s a good idea to either eat before you arrive or go out for a meal afterwards.

How can we obtain tickets?

You can find the Summer Party booking form on the RNA website here: http://www.romanticnovelistsassociation.org/activities  Alternatively I will be attending the RNA meeting in London on 15th March 2014, and bringing plenty of tickets with me, so if you’d like to save on postage, bring along your booking form and your payment and I can give you your ticket on the spot.  I will also bring Summer Party tickets along to the RNA awards ceremony at 1 Whitehall Place on Monday 17th March, so if you’re there you could get your ticket then. (Please note: I would prefer a cheque or a postal order in payment, otherwise it means me travelling home with a lot of cash, which I’d rather avoid if I can).

Thank you, Tracy for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer our questions.

The blogging team will be attending the party so if you have a book to promote or would like to write a craft article for us please track us down have a chat.

Complied by Elaine and brought to you by the blogging team of Elaine Everest, Natalie Kleinman and Liv Thomas.

Please contact us at elaineeverest@aol.com if you wish to be featured on our blog or would like to write a craft article.