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In this episode, TB & Clare finish dispensing their top tips for writers.
First, they catch up with what’s going on in their lives. Clare discusses her upcoming trip to Jamaica and TB shares a Lesbians Who Write surprise with Clare, getting them one-step closer to world domination. Huzzah!
During the comment section, Clare and TB accept a challenge by a listener, and TB admits she’ll blush a lot discussing lesbian sex on the podcast.
TB also slips in another mention about her mint chocolate chip ice cream addiction. It’s possible she has a serious problem.
Then they launch into the final five tips for authors. They dive into the necessity of honing observational skills, which both of them admit they’re rubbish at, but they are trying to improve. Clearly, this is an example of do as they say, not do as they do. Also, they give advice about the importance of hiring a professional editor—an absolute must in their humble opinion. Next up is a misconception that all writers are like Ernest Hemingway, which means they drink a lot and write little. This romantic image is so wrong! TB and Clare discuss one thing that can be a difficult concept to live by: the need to be patient. To succeed in this career, it’s important to keep plugging away. Finally, they delve into one of the biggest aspects that holds back so many: fear of failure and fear of success. TB reveals she has a very niche fear. Clare says she’ll always be there for TB when this fear rears its ugly head. It’s a beautiful Lesbians Who Write moment.
Stop back next week for a discussion about word counts: should writers keep track? If you’d like to leave a comment on the episode, head on over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com. They’d love to hear from you!
Clare and TB always share a wealth of knowledge that is helpful to new authors. Their self-deprecating humor makes them very down to earth and approachable. They will share their failures and fears, as well as their successes and joys. What a great podcast for new authors and readers who just want to get to know them a little better.
Keep up the great work, ladies! I love listening to you both!
Hi Kathy! Thanks so much for the kind words and support. Together, Clare and I have 10 years of publishing experience and we make it a point to share as much as we can, even the embarrassing bits. Everyone makes mistakes. We also have much to celebrate. Being an author is a rollercoaster, and starting this podcast has been a fantastic way to learn how far we’ve come and how much we still want to accomplish. Thanks again for listening and for your enthusiasm. TB
I love your books, TB, especially The Miracle Girl and your wonderful Lizzie. I don’t know how you could ever get crazier than the Petries! I love being one of your ARC readers. I’ve just started reading Clare through her connection with you. Her British humor totally cracks me up, even when I’m not sure of the meaning! Your podcast continues to encourage so many others and the friendly banter is so real. Now I’m going to read Clare’s cake book. Yum! Keep up the great work!
The Petries keep me on my toes, that’s for sure. And, Clare’s sense of humor is amazing. I’ve had the pleasure of going to the pub with her on many occasions and she always has me laughing, even if I arrived in a bad mood. She’s one of my all-time favorite authors, and it’s an honor to call her a true friend. Your comment reminded me that her cake book is on my Kindle waiting for me.
Illuminating and insightful as usual, well done!
Btw, that (not) drinking thing applies to other creative stuff, too. Way back innthe day, I went to an art school. Someone discovered that a slight buzz (from drinking or a joint) did wonders for unnecessary self-criticism and helped inspiration! That was all right.. but it turned out to be very difficult to keep it under control and not to indulge too much. After a couple of experiments with the drink & art combo, I and many others returned to making art while sober.
Hi Miira! Not having to deal with self-criticism would be helpful, but as you point out, keeping things under control becomes a slippery slope when it involves drinking or whatever to reach that level of not caring. If I remember correctly, Stephen King, who had a drink and drug problem, doesn’t remember writing at least one of his novels. He was still able to create, but his wife ended up giving him an ultimatum. (This is all from memory, so don’t quote me on this.) In my humble opinion, it’s better to battle self-criticism in healthier ways to avoid destroying your career and those around you. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. I’m always fascinated to hear how other creative types deal with self-doubt and creative outlet. TB
Aww you two are amazing!!! I kinda feel a little famous now 🙂 *blushing and fangirling*
So it’s pronounced (LES – BE – REVIEWED) but to be inclusive, it was derived from brainstorming with a couple of awesome authors who gave me (LES -BI to include Bisexual) – so you can pronounce it whichever way you like as both are technically right. Hope that helps explain it
I am gonna wade in here on the Mint Choc Chip Ice Cream debate, since it seems to be an ongoing theme. IT’S THE BEST ICE CREAM!!! Clare we’ll have to convert you!
Congrats on another awesome episode and thanks for the advice and giggles, as always 🙂
Looking forward to more!
Hi Carol! Thanks so much for clarifying, and again, my apologies for not asking sooner. And, yes! Another vote for Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream. We may have to start taking a poll on this. Good luck on converting Clare. She can be a bit stubborn.
Thanks so much for listening and for your kind words. TB
Just finished listening to #11 and I’m with Clare, I don’t/can’t finish reading non-fiction books. There was great information in this episode. Keep writing, control what I can, and don’t, again, stop writing. Your words about fear of failure and fear of success were encouraging because I choke on my writing because of my fear of judgment. Your points of editing; get an editor; are spot on.
Hi Donna! I have a stack of non-fiction books next to my bed. Sometimes I breeze through them. Other times it takes me ages to get to the end, but I usually stick with them to the bitter end. Many have called me stubborn. I don’t know why.
And I get what you’re saying about fear of judgment. It’s a difficult hurdle and one that pops into my head quite a bit. The best thing is to push it aside, easier said than done, and do your best to find the readers who’ll appreciate the book. Those are the readers who will give you the love and support you need to keep going.
Please let us know how you get on and thanks so much for listening! TB
Thanks for the mention, girls! I’m looking forward to listening to that ‘sexy’ podcast 🙂
Hi Gaby! It should be an entertaining episode with lots of blushing and giggles. Thanks for the challenge and for listening! TB