I’m a newbie novelist. I’ve been writing my first book for about nine months and I’ve joined a writers group, but it still feels like this is a weird thing to be doing. I wouldn’t mention it at polite dinner parties, where people would be patronising or appalled. Winchester Writers’ Festival changed all that.
It was liberating to be surrounded by hundreds of people who are also writing books, to be in a place where writing a book is completely normal, to be in an environment the people you chat to assume that you will get published eventually. I didn’t have to apologetic or downplay it or pretend it is just some hobby. I could talk openly about it being something I am doing seriously so that I can get published. I could out loud that I am driven to write, and no-one looked at me like I was some kind of scary alien who might at any moment start over-sharing about awful things like emotions. I loved it.
On Friday I went to What is a literary agent and how do I get one? This was hosted by Sarah Williams, who is herself a literary agent. Phew. It was fascinating, illuminating and practical - a great introduction to the business. The session demystified the whole process, and made it clear that agents want one thing: great books that will sell. Sarah gave clear guidance on how to approach agents and what they will do for you if they take you on. It’s undoubtedly tough – she gets 100 submissions a week and maybe takes on two authors a year. But it was also inspirational: her approach is not personal at all - she reads all those submissions and if she thinks she can sell your book she will meet with you. It is a simple, meritocratic process. I’m still starting out and convinced I’m writing a bestseller, so I find this exciting. I should be sure to remember this naïve optimism – I may be needing it a few years down the line!
For many delegates, it is the agent meetings that are the highlight of the weekend. I met three agents and one publisher. All of them had read the submission, cover letter and synopsis I sent through in advance. One hated it. I mean, HATED it. Okay, so it evoked strong reactions! Onwards. One was just a bot meh. Okay, she didn’t care for it, but she didn’t hate it! Two really liked it and want to see the manuscript when it is finished. Huzzah! This was an incredible fillip for a writer at my stage. I have spent nine months trying to work out my writing style, in the process trying many different approaches, and here were two industry professionals who understood what I was trying to do and want to see more. I’m a long-way from signed up, but two people at least want to see where I end up. That has spurred me on to keep going. I was so thrilled I celebrated with fish and chips and expensive wine. Ah, living the dream!
On Saturday I went to a session on social media with Kate Burke. Upshot is it’s great of you have a million followers on twitter but doesn’t matter if you don’t. All that matters is the book. And social media is a double-edged sword – you can lose an audience as easily as entertain one. Something my sweary gaping gob would do well to remember!
Avoiding the Slush Pile with Simon Hall was a whistle-stop tour – everything from plot to character to opening page to editing to voice – all done in an hour. Simon was insightful and entertaining and at one point sprayed us with Right Guard (go Lynx Africa Simon, go Lynx Africa!). It was a terrific session that reminded us of all the things we should be doing, and reminded us that at its heart storytelling is at its best when its simple. We very often make it more complicated than is necessary. Simon helped us to see the wood and not just the trees.
The festival was well-organised (except the coffee – who puts the milk and sugar before the coffee? We spent the entire two days having to double back on ourselves and fight against the tide just to get a drink!). The coffee aside, it was all excellent. The people at the festival were lovely as well (unless you happen to be a Daily Mail journalist I suspect). This was undoubtedly a gathering of the metropolitan liberal elite – from an attitude perspective if not a financial one. In our current political climate it was wonderful to be surrounded by like-minded souls. We may be an endangered species, but it was good to be reminded that none of us is alone.