Portobello Book Blog

                    

I’m delighted to be joined by author Laura Kemp. I read and very much enjoyed The Late Blossoming of Frankie Green last year – you can read my review here. Her latest book Whatever Happened to Vicky Hope’s Back-Up Man?, was published by Aria on 1st January – buying links are at the bottom of this post. Laura is sharing eight things she thinks you need to know about being an author. Read on to find out more!

Eight Things You Need To Know About Being An Author…

1. You Have To Grow Rhino Skin – Not only for the initial search for an agent but in the quest for a deal and when your book is published. Knock backs are horrible – rejection is never nice. We all go through it in life. In terms of books, it can feel a personal affront because it has come from inside of you. But it’s part of the journey and it can be a very powerful force, if you turn it on its head. Getting back up makes you stronger. Working out why it happened is learning. And it makes you even more determined to carry on. 
2. You Have To Love Criticism – I mean it. Definitely constructive criticism, because that, from your agent, editor or friend, is how you will improve and develop. Even criticism in the form of bad reviews: if people have bought your book then they are entitled to their opinion. They might not understand what you were trying to do – doesn’t that mean something.
3. Most Of Us Aren’t Rolling In It – Unless you’re JK, you’re not going to be coining it in. But that’s okay. Because what other job is there in the world that lets you make up things for a bit of a living?
4. Envy Is Pointless – If you’re jealous about a bestseller or a book getting snapped up for a film, then you’re missing the point. Your agent is bound to represent someone wildly successful. Your publisher too. That means you’re getting the benefit of their experience. My agent Lizzy Kremer represents the phenomenal Paula Hawkins, who wrote Girl On The Train, so when I get Lizzy’s input, I treasure it all the more. 
5. It’s Lonely – One perception of authors is that we waft around in Barbara Cartland pink looking for inspiration. The reality is that we sit at a desk wearing fingerless gloves whilst swearing at the screen. 
6. It’s Looong – Edit after edit after edit means getting up at 4am to start and finishing at midnight is normal on deadline. Yes it does sound like a first world problem – and we’re blessed to be able to do it – but that doesn’t help when you’ve got the caffeine shakes and dinner is biscuits.
7. It’s A Bit Minging – If you go into an office every day, you have a shower so that your armpits do not cause any offence. When it’s only you and the dog and your imaginary friends in your head, you sometimes forget there are things called deodorant and make-up and clean clothes. Apologies if you come across us like this. We promise we’ll wash tomorrow.
8. But It’s Bloody Brilliant – When we hear from a reader, speak to other authors, brainstorm with our agents, meet our publishers, see our books in the shops, find out we’re in the Amazon top 100, get a good review on Goodreads and make people feel things, then it’s absolutely the most amazing thing ever. Who’d want to do anything else? (Unless 1-7 put you off.)

About Laura Kemp

Laura lives in Penarth, Cardiff with her supportive husband, gorgeous son, playful dog and ancient cat. Writing is compulsive to Laura. With 15 years journalistic experience and several successful books to her name, writing is her escape and her love.

Follow Laura

Website: http://www.laura-kemp.com/

Facebook: @LauraKempBooks

Twitter: @laurajanekemp

Instagram: @laurajanekemp

Whatever Happened to Vicky Hope’s Back Up Man?

A tender, funny and haunting coming-of-age novel which asks if the past can ever be part of your future.

Twenty-one and insecure, Vicky Hope comes up with a plan on the eve of travelling the world with her high flying friend, Kat Lloyd: if she isn’t married by the time she’s thirty, she’ll marry her geeky best mate Mikey Murphy.

Fast-forward eight-and-a-bit years, Vicky, now Vee wakes up on her thirtieth birthday in Brighton, expecting a proposal of marriage from her arty boyfriend Jez. Instead he tells her their relationship is over and she has no choice but to return to her parents’ home.

Devastated and alone in her childhood bedroom, she decides she has nothing to lose and tracks down her two old mates. With shock, she discovers Mikey, now Murphy, is a successful app designer driven by his tragic upbringing. Kat, or Kate, never made it – but she hides a devastating secret, which threatens the happiness of all three.

Links to buy

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2hJG6Xh

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2gHRtkS

iBooks: http://apple.co/2gHVea5

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2htD0I8

 

Laura’s previous book, THE LATE BLOSSOMING OF FRANKIE GREEN is available now:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2dLKV4N

Kobo: http://bit.ly/2eeITX0

iBooks: http://apple.co/29oe8jt

Google Play: http://bit.ly/2bi0r5o