Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:51 — 27.2MB) | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | TuneIn | RSS | More
Welcome to episode six of Lesbians Who Write, where Clare & TB riff on many topics, including the major one: what are the biggest challenges and the greatest joys of being a full-time writer?
First up, they chat about their weeks. Clare reveals she spends an inordinate amount of time every day trying and failing to get tickets for theater and football. It’s a sad state of affairs. However, she did manage to get some tickets to see a musical this week, so all was not lost. Plus, she launched her new second-chance romance You’re My Kind and it’s doing kinda well, so hurrah!
TB reveals she’s started work on a new series that she’s writing with Clare and Harper Bliss. Set in the sleepy Cotswolds, the series will feature three books to start, one by each author, and all the characters will live in the same village and know each other. They’re being written now, so expect them to drop in June/July. Exciting!
TB then reveals her greatest joys of the day job. First, being her own boss. Although she does still shout at herself for being stupid sometimes. Second, when her writing touches readers, that makes things all worthwhile. Third, she’s fulfilling her childhood dream of being a writer. All pretty epic joys! Clare echoes those and reveals she never thought she’d be a fiction writer because someone once told her she wouldn’t be much good at it and she believed them. Not anymore!
Challenges include when friends and family ask when you’re going to write “a real book” (ie: without so many lesbians). Also, they discuss the difficulties of navigating the work/life balance and getting enough exercise and veg for a healthy lifestyle. But TB reveals she’s taken a (green) leaf out of Clare’s book and is now walking and eating veg like a ninja. Score!
Plus, Clare reveals she doesn’t own pajamas. TB is outraged.
Another fun podcast – thanks again (listened to it on the way home from work and giggled while walking through city centre.. oh well)!
Oh, I’ve done that when listening to audiobooks. Also, I’ve been known to cry during touching scenes. Strangely, not many people reacted. Thanks so much for listening! TB
I’m still loving the podcast and appreciating all the writing tips! Thanks again for helping to teach us newbies to know what to expect, good and bad.
Chewing on lesbians is not the best idea unless your partner’s into that, of course o_O
P.S. I agree with TB – veggies suck 🙂
It’s our pleasure to show you the good, the bad, and the ugly of writing. However, I should note, it’s still the best job in my humble opinion. And yes, another veggie hater! Have a fab day and thanks for listening. TB
Thanks for your prospective on joys and challenges. When I tell people when asked what I do ( I teach golf professionally), I am still shocked as amazed by the bold and brazen comments directed at me. I too, either change the subject or hand them a business card and tell them to call for an appointment for a lesson because they want advise at that particular moment…for free ! It’s still my passion and no one can take that away.
Oh, I love the business card trick. I may have to borrow that one. So glad you’re doing something you are passionate about. Thanks so much for listening!
You two are a perfect podcast pair. Thanks for an entertaining break in my day! Good thing I was by myself…well, my dog did give me a few looks, but she should be used to my laughing by myself by now! LOL
Aw, thanks! I’m sure your dog wasn’t judging you. They don’t have it in them. Now cats… Thanks so much for listening! TB
I’ve come to love editing too. I hired a writing coach and did multiple edits with her, and on my own, using resources that are available. I learned so much. I would charactertize myself as a perpetual student.
That’s a great attitude to have, because improving as a writer is a lifelong process. I learn something with each project. It’s a wonderful feeling to know I’m giving it my all and never settling. I admire your dedication to the craft. Thanks so much for listening. TB
This was the best episode yet! I felt like I was sitting in a coffee shop hanging out with you both. Now I know why TB’s Lizzie doesn’t drink coffee. And I loved the dip into the football. Thanks to Clare this Yank has fallen hard on the Spurs bandwagon. COYS time to turn it around, losing to Liverpool was painful but not unexpected. I’m a huge fan of both of yours…reading “Your my Kind” now as I’ve devoured all the Women Lost books.
Please feel free to skip any coffee asparagus smoothie recaps next week though. Also glad to here book club podcast is back on the calendar, yeah.
Thanks for a wonderful episode
Carmen
Aw, thanks so much for the lovely comment! Lizzie takes after me in some areas, especially the dislike of coffee. And no worries, I have zero plans to attempt the coffee/asparagus smoothie. Yuck! Thanks so much for listening. TB
Have now caught up with all the pod episodes…bloody hilarious! Clare, you’re a natural and TB love your work. And Clare, you lifted 70kg’s??? That’s like lifting 1.6 of me lol. Well done.
Ladies, looking forward to your next project, sounds like the trilogy is going to be worth buying. Love the Cotswolds so will be looking forward to the 3 stories. BTW loved reading YMK, love Bath; was there about 4 years ago so brought back some pleasant memories.
Aw, thanks so much for kind words. We had such a delightful time in the Cotswolds and it’s fun working on the series together. Thanks so much for listening! TB
Hey, TB & Clare! Great podcast. I’m listening in while I’m working out. Since writing is such a solitary job, with no colleagues to chitchat with, I’m really enjoying the podcast, and I agree 100% about the challenges and joys of being a full-time writer! Looking forward to the next episode.
Aww, thanks so much for the kind words Jae. It is such a solitary job, at least the writing part. But it’s good to reach out to other authors to know you aren’t alone in the rollercoaster of emotions. Thanks a million for listening! TB
That’s exactly why it’s so much fun to listen in. I never got that “other authors are the competition” mindset, so to me it’s always fun to see how other authors are handling the everyday life of being a full-time author.
I’m the same way. I see other authors as colleagues who I can learn from, support, and talk to when things get hard. Because it does get hard.
The fact you both get up in the mornings and sit down to write is amazing. I can come up with many reasons NOT to write; and, it’s depressing. Listening to each podcast is motivation for me to put pen to paper.
Clare, I must convey that when I’m listening to the podcast your voice sounds like Emma Thompson.
Oh, overcoming “reasons” not to write is almost a daily thing. But, I make myself sit down and work. Some days are easier than others, but if I get words on the page, even if it’s less than a 100, I call it a win. I like to say, stories are written one word at a time. Each additional word gets me one step closer to the finish line.
I second your opinion: Clare has such a charming voice.
I really appreciate your comments! TB
I’ve spent the day catching up on the podcasts I’ve missed and have enjoyed adding new things to my writing process. Your podcast, as writers being transparent about your own process, is encouraging and this episode had me laughing at spots. I haven’t attended a writer’s conference in years. This podcast put the idea back in my head to consider attending if for no other reason except to meet fellow writers.
Hiya! I love to hear we had you laughing. This business can be lonely sometimes, so it’s great to chat and laugh with Clare once a week. It helps keep me sane. And, I highly recommend connecting with fellow writers. Making this step significantly helped not only my career, but my overall happiness. Thanks so much for taking part in our podcast journey. TB