Pulling the Strands of Stories Together with Debra Williams

A Writing Journey Full of Lessons

My writing journey only began 8 years ago, but there has been much to learn. Number one was to find a good editor, as I did with Australian author Sally Odgers who lives here in Tassie.

We started working together in 2016, five years before I moved here, and have a great working relationship.

Learning About Independent Publishing

I have discovered that traditional publishing can be difficult to achieve, so I have taken the independently published route so far.

However, that doesn’t mean I will stop submitting to traditional publishers. Last year was my first experience of working with a publisher, Morris Publishing Australia, who released my chapter book under Assisted Independent Publishing. It has taught me much in relation to what a publisher requires.

The Two Way Streets of Involvement

I have been part of an online critique group for many years, and enjoy the interaction and feedback, both from the point of view of what I can offer and what others give to me.

Festivals etc. are a great way to become inspired by what others do, and maybe give some input.

Over the years I have been invited to participate in local author events, and it’s always a joy to share and meet with other authors.

The Magic of Showing, Not Telling

I have learned a lot in the last eight years in regard to story structure i.e. “Show, not tell,” and many ways of tightening up my writing style.

I wasn’t certain that I would be able to write for the Young Adult market this year, but after encouragement from my illustrator and an author friend, I went ahead and now the story has been published.

I am actually re-writing parts of my MG Harriet series with the aim of having the books re-released in the future.

Sources of Inspiration

When an idea suddenly appears (often in a dream!) I like to be able to write it down so I don’t forget.

Sometimes I will see an idea for a storyline in the media, say on a news item, and I will jot it down.

Outlining Plot, Characters and Overall Aim

It’s also good to outline and write down my plot, characters and the overall aim of the intended story.

Biggest Challenge Faced

Probably about how hard self-promotion is! It’s a constant reach, and even with paid advertising, sales are not guaranteed.

It’s really difficult to have your self-published works taken on by libraries and schools.

Puppets Bringing Characters to Life

I have been creating puppets to order for over 20 years. I have brought my own book characters to life, and do so for other authors.

I work from their illustrations and sometimes the design is quite a creative challenge!

It inspires me to stretch my skills and do the best job possible for the recipient. On another tangent, reading inspires me a lot.

As a reviewer for an online fortnightly digital children’s writing magazine, I get to read lots of new releases. It keeps me up with trends and inspires my own writing creativity.

Advice for Writers

To never give up, even when feeling like you’ll never get anywhere with it. Persistence is the key. Set yourself a goal and work towards it.

1. Take feedback from others, whether through a critique group or reviews of your work.

2. Take classes and courses. I have taken online courses through the Australian Writer’s Centre, especially Writing Chapter Books for 6-9-year olds.

3. Have a good editor. Learn from them, take their advice, even if it means a 180-degree shift in your thinking. And try to write some each day-even if it is only one paragraph or chapter.

Knowing What’s Important For You

Sales are not key to me, but rather, getting my stories into the hands of those readers who would enjoy them. To a degree, this involves sales-but I also donate my books at times and hope they find the right target audience.

On a different note, there have been times I have put my WIP’s aside for some time to come back and look at them through fresh eyes. It certainly works, especially if I have read something helpful in the meantime or learned something useful from other authors or online study.