A blog from Tonto Books, featuring musings from the publishing world and some occasional special guest appearances.

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

CAROLINE SMAILES INTERVIEW PART DEUX

Thanks for the fantastic response to Part One. I'm planning to make interviews a more regular thing on here, so any suggestions etc are very welcome. Maybe you are part of this here writing industry and would like to put yourself forward, or as a writer you'd benefit from seeing an editor/publisher/agent under the Tonto spotlight.

On with the show...

Stu: Word on the street is that you have an agent – is this an essential?
Caroline: Yes - I have an agent! (and am still a little overexcited about it).
Not all writers need or want an agent. I managed two novels using The Society of Authors to vet my publishing contracts and advise me.

S: How do you know when you need one?
C: For me, I felt that my writing career had travelled as far as it could without the professional advice, guidance and support of a literary agent. Having an agent will allow me to write and not be dragged down by the nitty gritty of the publishing world.

S: What’s BubbleCow all about and why did you start it up?
C: BubbleCow offers editorial support and helps writers to take one step closer to being published. I'd been an editor for a number of publishers, a reader and a mentor. I'd also been in contact with so many writers frustrated with inadequate feedback and guidance. The decision to found and develop BubbleCow grew from an understanding of what modern writers require - fast, efficient and affordable editorial services that can be tailored to meet personal needs.

Read all about it here

S: What are you working on at the moment?
C: Novel 4 and novel 5. One is experimental and making my head hurt, the other is gentle and set inside a lighthouse. I really need to just write one of them!

S: Do you have time for relaxing and drinking tea?
C: I always find time for a cup of tea and a slice of cake. I never relax.

S: What’s the best piece of advice given to you as a writer?
C: Don't give up!

S: What’s your best advice to a writer?
C: Don't give up!

I hope you have found this interview interesting and has given further insight into the world of a writer... tea, cake, whisky and playing on Facebook are just some of the perks. I found it even more annoying that Caroline is writing two novels at the same time. It's just not right, I tells ya!

Big thanks again to Caroline.

2 comments:

Caroline said...

Thanks Stu. You really are rather lovely!

Megan said...

Brilliant interview - lots of thanks