I don’t need to tell you that the airwaves are full of discussions about the changing face of publishing, the latest technological advances and how they affect writers, the how-to’s and how-not-to’s of everything from writing a pantoum to writing a query letter. I’m to blame as well, with my latest diatribe called “So Tired of Worrying about Waterstones.” But the writer Fiona Robyn is walking the walk with the publication on-line, and for free, of her latest novel, Thaw, and I couldn’t help but be filled with wonder about this decision and what it means to her career. Fiona has been generous and brave enough to talk to me about it:
Sue: Given that you have gone for an “untraditional” or some might say “new age” approach to publishing and publicizing your work, I wonder if you feel that this has hampered your “prestige” as a novelist in any way. In other words, are there some things you had to sacrifice by disseminating your work the way you have?
Fiona: That’s a good question, Sue. Sometimes it does feel like there’s a fine line between appropriate self-marketing and overkill. I think this is especially difficult for writers at the beginning of their careers, and the worse case scenario would be to become better known for one’s marketing skills than for one’s work. For me, though, literary prestige isn’t my priority (although of course I wouldn’t say no!). The most important thing is to find readers who enjoy my novels. I’m hoping to give my books as good a chance of being read as I can. The rest is up to them!
Sue: The technological innovations in the publishing industry is the hot topic now. Some see it as a cause for concern, others as an opportunity for writers. Do you think publishing on demand, ebooks, viral marketing is changing the face of publishing? I’m wondering if you think these innovations will cause book sales to rise or fall? Do you worry about “quality control” and how your work, being marketed the way it is, might be viewed within the established industry? In some ways, I think these are the unspoken doubts in writers’ minds. Fiona: These are all important concerns. I try and deal with these issues by separating ‘the business of writing’ from ‘the business of selling the writing’. I know I will always write, whether or not I have readers or make any money from it. This feels helpful to the writing, and it also puts the rest of it into perspective. I am a writer because I want to write. Yes, I’m sure that e-readers, social media etc. will change the book industry beyond recognition. Yes, it’s true that I don’t know whether giving ‘Thaw’ away will help or hinder my sales or my reputation. All I can do is trust my work to stand on its own merit, and do what I can to get it out there. I’ve always taken a long term view when I’ve thought about my career as a writer, which helps me not to get too tangled up in the immediate details. I frequently fail at this, of course!
Sue: There are many blogs that discuss the “truth” about publishing, how to get published, how to get an agent etc. Some people say they live by them, others say they make sure they never read them. I know that when I read these sometimes they are helpful, but sometimes they are demoralizing and can make me think that there is only one way to go about all this, and that can be frustrating. You have clearly been brave enough to find an alternate route. But do you ever read these blogs, and if you do, do you find them helpful or hindering? Fiona: I’ve always been a contrary kind of person, so if someone tells me there’s only one way to do something then I’m more likely to do something different. I’m not convinced that this has been the most sensible way to approach my writing career, but who knows if I’d have had success any more quickly if I’d done what I was ‘meant’ to do? Having said that, I have used the support of a huge number of people along the way – I’ve learned so much from feedback on my work, and from watching other authors skilfully market their books. Sage Cohen is a particular hero (and now friend). This business is too tough to go it alone. Bloggers, authors and others from the writing business will say some things that are very helpful and some things that are very unhelpful – the trick is to decide which is which. Only we can do that. If something makes us feel demoralized, then it might be interesting to ask what has destabilised us. People can only push at buttons that are already there, and only we can work on our buttons!
And now for a last tidbit of tongue-in-cheek wisdom that Fiona recently discovered and is sharing with us:
The key to a successful writing career is to be born brilliant, with flawless work habits, little need for sleep, and wealthy grandparents who own prestigious magazines and publishing houses. – D. William Moore
And a final, very important note, please know that Thaw is also available to purchase the old fashioned way.
Thank you, Fiona. I know this conversation will continue for a long time to come. But for now, for all of us, no matter what stage we are in our careers, good luck.
I think Fiona is incredibly brave to do this, and I really hope it turns out brilliantly for her.
I agree with Helen! A very brave decision indeed and I wish her all the best.
C x
Thanks Sue and Fiona for talking about a refreshing new way. Now off to buy Fiona´s book.
I enjoyed your chat very much. Thanks, Sue and Fiona.
I’m very excited about writers taking the power back into their hands. Fiona has found an interesting way to do that, not to see how it went.
All writers are brave, we stick our necks out putting ‘it’ in writing, and then have the audacity to publish it… and some of us do it independently without the support of a major publishing house. Thank you Sue and Fiona for sharing this excellent conversation!
Thanks Sue, for this interview with such an inspiring writer. I love Fiona’s approach to writing and to her readers. Her maverick quality. I want to be like her!
I read this yesterday and meant to come back and reply; better late than never.
I think what Fiona’s doing is brilliant but I’m buying Thaw the old fashioned way because I need to hold paper and card in my hands.
Courage is essential, not only in how you publicise your words but also in the writing. Next time I feel wobbly, I shall ask myself what has destabilised me. Thank you.
Thank you to Sue for asking such interesting questions, and for all your comments – I’m especially chuffed about the word ‘maverick’ 😉 We’re all finding our own way, but it definitely helps to have some company on the journey. Here’s to good company.
Thanks all, and thanks Fiona. Clearly, you and I are not alone in trying to find alternate routes. I do love it when people get entreprenerially (if that’s a word) creative. I do agree that everyone who is willing to put their work out there, no matter what it is, is brave, and bravery requires staying power, too. It was great to be able to ask the questions that have been lurking in the back of my mind of someone who is definitely “walking the walk.”