Managing your writing career by Kate Harrison

We’re all romantic novelists because we believe in the ‘happy-ever-after’: that we will go to the ball and find our Prince Charming.  There’s nothing wrong with dreaming – it’s an essential part of the creative process – but how do we turn that dream into reality without it becoming a nightmare?  Kate appointed herself our temporary Fairy Godmother for the day to teach us how to deal with common dilemmas experienced at every stage of the writing life.

We began by telling our own fairy tale, establishing the stage our writing career is at now, recognising the talents we already have and the attributes we need in order to fulfil our dreams (go to the ball).  Not everyone’s dream is the same – some want to be a bestselling Mills & Boon author; others to have their novels adapted for television or to teach creative writing abroad – and so the action required may not be identical but surprisingly there is a fairy tale analogy for every aspect of a writer’s career.

Kate took us through case studies for each one - in the form of letters to a Fairy Godmother Problems Page – and suggested practical solutions for the different problems encountered, for example, by a pre-published author struggling to find time to write owing to the demands of home (Cinderella); or an established novelist forced to consider changing genre because her books are no longer selling (Puss in Boots).  In every case, Kate pointed to the need to set objectives, which were SMART (Specific; Measurable; Attainable; Realistic and Timely). 

We all accept writing our perfect hero won’t make Mr Right materialise in real life and we shouldn’t expect our publisher to be our Prince Charming either.  There are many aspects of publishing which mirror a romantic relationship: we need to be available and make ourselves attractive in order to be chosen and getting that first contract is very like falling in love.  But it’s essential to remember that publishing is a business and we need to behave like a professional.  Otherwise, once the early euphoria has passed, we may be left feeling like the elder child relegated to insignificance by the arrival of a new-born sibling when our editor signs someone else.

The fairy tale can still come true but it’s up to us to be our own Fairy Godmother – taking the necessary steps to arrive at the ball – rather than relying on rescue by the Prince.  With the advent of the Internet and the networking opportunities provided by organisations like the RNA, there is plenty we can do to advance our own careers.  And whether we are just starting out as professional writers or are already some way down the road we must never forget the Fairy Godmother’s Golden Rule: “Keep Your Receipts”.

Written by Catriona Robb