Lesbians Who Write

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Is it possible the duo are becoming morning peeps?

TB announces some changes to I Heart Lesfic to help lighten her workload. She’s on the second draft of her London novella, and she’s also making progress on season three of Girl Love Happens. TB makes an ice cream announcement that may result with a lot of hate mail.

Clare had peeps over for a BBQ. TB didn’t know they (BBQs and people) still existed. In big news, Clare’s lockdown novella is with the editor and will be released in mid-July. She’s giving it away free to her newsletter subscribers, so sign up, folks! In even bigger news, Clare has made great progress on her London 7 romance and has figured out story aspects of London 8 and 9. Wowzers!

They move on to pen name chat, and TB starts off by saying “what does TB stand for?” is one of the most popular questions she gets. So, why did TB pick TB? She’s insanely private and about one step away from being a recluse.

Clare Lydon is Clare’s actual name! She always wanted to see her name on a book cover, but if she could go back in time, she’d probably go the pen name route.

They list reasons to choose a pen name and what you should consider when making your selection. Clare cautions authors to put a lot of thought into their pen name (don’t be a TB), since it’ll be part of your author brand.

Do you have a pen name? Why or why not?

Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com.

Next week, the pair will discuss how 2020 has changed their daily routines.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Links:

One Golden Summer Giveaway: iheartlesfic.com/one-golden-summer-giveaway/

I Heart Lesfic Changes: iheartlesfic.com/ihl-announcements/

Clare Lydon Newsletter Sign-Up: www.clarelydon.co.uk/books/free-stuff/

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The two recorded this episode on day three of the One Golden Summer launch, and in a role reversal, Clare has been the nervous Nelly, while TB remained calm. Clare celebrated the release with champagne and oysters, and TB ordered Chinese. It hasn’t been all celebration this week. TB is powering through the first draft of her London novella, and her health is still improving. She is questioning her mental health because of a TV viewing quirk she’s recently developed. On a side note, TB loves Clare’s Scottish accent. Clare has finished her lockdown novella and signed two translation contracts for Before You Say I Do. Exciting times! She’s also been plotting her London 7 book.

Speaking of plotting (a word TB hates), that’s the topic for this week. Clare details her process, starting with the thinking stage of a book—deciding on character details, location, and timespan—and outlining, ending with putting it into Scrivener, where all her writing magic happens. While Clare plots the entire book, expecting some things will change, TB only plots 25 percent at a time, giving her pantsing tendencies more freedom. They disagree about whether or not a first-time writer should study the craft before writing their first book, but they do agree that plotting has changed their productivity and output.

How do you plot? Let them know!

Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com. Next week, the pair will be back to discuss how the year is going so far.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Links:

LWW 66 on POV: lesbianswhowrite.com/lww-66-the-point-of-view-decision/

One Golden Summer: lesbianromancesbytbm.com/books/one-golden-summer/

Before You Say I Do: www.clarelydon.co.uk/books/before-you-say-i-do/

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It’s launch week for One Golden Summer! Whoop whoop! TB is still on the mend, and this week, as well as launching the book, she’s been out walking and also working on a new novella set in London. She’s 10k in and loving it, which is all sorts of weird. Meanwhile, Clare has ventured out on public transportation for the first time since lockdown, she’s finished her lockdown novella, and she’s been cleansing her mailing list. It’s about as fun as it sounds.

This week, we’re discussing our co-write: the ups and downs of working together, how it went, and what you should consider if you’re thinking of writing with someone else. TB realized Clare doesn’t know grammar rules, so she doesn’t follow them. This project had some big hurdles in the journey to publication, but it’s finished now, and they’re both kinda proud.

Have you thought about co-writing with someone? Let us know!

Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email us at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com. Next week, the pair will be back to talk about plotting.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Links:

One Golden Summer: www.clarelydon.co.uk/books/one-golden-summer/

The Cover Collection: www.thecovercollection.com

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Happy Pride month! Even though TB had forgotten. This week, the intrepid pair are getting themselves geared up for the launch of their co-write, which is due to land on June 16^th. Whoop & then whoop again! TB’s also been writing new words, the first time in two months. Meanwhile, Clare has been running, doing DIY dentistry (not advised), failing at sourdough, and plotting the story for the seventh book in her London Romance series. A week in the life of a romance writer!

Onto the question at hand: what have they learned from writing that they’ve taken into their real lives? For TB, writing lesbian fiction has made her more out in her real life, plus it’s given her the confidence to ignore the negativity and believe in herself. She’s also learned how to manage conflict via her characters. Big stuff! Similarly, after six years in the business, Clare has realized she can tackle any problem and find a solution. She’s also realized she’s driven and a finisher, two things she would never have claimed in her younger years. Go writing!

Let us know what you’ve learned from writing or your job that has helped you grow. Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email us at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com. Stop back next week for more chipper writing chat.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Link to subscribe to Clare’s newsletter: www.clarelydon.co.uk/books/free-stuff/

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TB’s health is on the mend, but she’s still easing back into working. She’s been juggling the end of two projects this week—Clare and TB’s cowrite, One Golden Summer, and another she has coming out later this year with Miranda MacLeod. Add a couple of audiobooks and she’s got plenty to keep her busy! Clare got a haircut from her wife, and they’re still married. Win! As well as the cowrite, she’s also been working on the audio for Before You Say I Do, as well as reading The Price of Salt. Finally. Turns out this is a classic she loves. Thumbs up all round.

Onto the big questions of the week: What’s your favourite point of view to write, and do you prefer single-perspective or alternating viewpoints? Both TB and Clare agree that first-person single viewpoint is their natural sweet spot, and it’s great for really getting inside the head of a character. TB’s Lizzie series is a case in point. Meanwhile, Clare has written 4 of her 15 novels in first person. She’s happy to write third-person alternating viewpoints, though, since it lends itself perfectly to a two-lead romance. However, TB says it does bring its own pronoun nightmare, which is specific to same-sex romances. Whose hand is where in those sex scenes?

Let them know what you like to write and read—first-person or third, single or alternating perspective?

Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Links:

Joanna Penn website tutorial: www.thecreativepenn.com/authorwebsite/

Tammi Le Breque book: www.amazon.com/Newsletter-Ninja-Become-Author-Mailing-ebook/dp/B07C6J8HP9/

The Price of Salt is referenced in Clare’s Book Recommendations: www.clarelydon.co.uk/clares-book-recommendations/

Summer Loving Collection: iheartlesfic.com/summer-loving/

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TB is back and feeling better, which is fabulous news! She’s been slowly sneaking back to work after taking a week off, interspersed with watching a lot of TV. Clare’s week has involved editing their upcoming co-write, as well as writing her lockdown novella, and podcasting like a demon. She did not bring out the horns, though.

This week’s chat focuses on celebrating birthdays and small wins – stopping to appreciate life, which is exactly what TB is done after getting so sick. Her birthday kicked off with a coffee cake muffin, so she was winning from the start! The pair discuss birthdays of characters in their books, and realise they don’t feature them. Look out for a rash of fictional birthdays. They both agree birthdays need cake & cards, in real life or otherwise.

Small wins TB has been celebrating include walking in nature, and staying alive. Meanwhile, Clare has passed the milestone of selling 100,000 books in her career, so she popped some bubbly in her back garden. Cheers!

Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email us at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com.

Next week, the pair will be back talking about point of view – so long as TB keeps well.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Link for Summer Loving Collection: iheartlesfic.com/summer-loving/

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Clare tackles this show solo as TB is still unwell, so taking a break. Get well soon, TB! In the meantime, Clare does the intro, talking about her new chair (fingers crossed for this one!), the rebrand of the All I Want series, and possible translation options for Before You Say I Do. Exciting times! She’s also still working on her lockdown short story, which is now a novella. By next week, it might be a novel, who knows?

Then it’s a re-run of episode 15 where the pair talk about lesbian sex scenes. The duo shares tips for how to write them, including key things writers should think about and what to avoid, with particular emphasis on two words. TB and Clare disagree about including gratuitous scenes, and they confess to spending a lot of time thinking about body parts and sexual terms, all for the craft of course. The big takeaway is to remember these scenes are about characters and emotions. Also, that it’s really embarrassing talking about sex scenes.

Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email us at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com. We hope to resume normal service as soon as TB is well. In the meantime, enjoy this throwback episode.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Resources:

Check out the All I Want Series Rebrand: www.clarelydon.co.uk/books/

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TB is under the weather once more, but she’s cheering herself up by organising a mega lesfic sale. Either that, or she’s tearing her hair out with it. One of the two! Clare has had a far more chipper week. She won a family pop quiz, baked a loaf of sourdough and released boxsets of her London Romance series. Win! She’s also done some writing. Which is good, considering she’s a writer. Plus, she discovered in another life, she’d be married to Daniel Radcliffe. Perhaps.

When it comes to story length, our dynamic duo are at odds (same as it ever was!). They both love reading & writing novels, but Clare normally taps out of her books around 70k words, whereas TB’s books regularly march towards 80-100k. Both agree that writing in the shorter format is hard, especially when it’s not something they’re used to. Clare vows to crack short stories, and realises perhaps she should read some first. Light bulb moment! What’s true for both of them is that reading and writing tastes change with time, and variety is the spice of life.

What’s your favourite story length to read and write? Let us know! Or just ask us a question for next week’s episode about anything. Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email us at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com.

Stop back next week for another insightful chat as we answer your questions.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Resources:

London Romance Series Boxsets Now Available: www.clarelydon.co.uk/2020/05/london-romance-boxsets-now-available/

Joanna Penn podcast: www.thecreativepenn.com/2020/05/04/writing-and-selling-short-fiction-with-matty-dalrymple/

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TB has no idea what a 99 is. Clare says it’s a deliciously synthetic vanilla ice cream cone with a chocolate flake stuck in it. TB’s not buying it.

The duo had a hellish week getting the next draft of their cowrite to the editor on time. They knew it wouldn’t be fun, and it wasn’t. TB tossed her stress ball at the wall, mumbling like a madwoman, and Clare convinced herself everything was rubbish. Shockingly, they got it to the editor with hours to spare.

In lockdown news, Clare is ticking off more middle-class bingo items, including zoom cocktail parties and attempting a sourdough starter that she’s named Sara the Sourdough. Is it wise to name something you plan to eat?

Now for the question of the week: How do you decide what to write next? TB is starting a new writing project on Monday, which is only three days away, and she still hasn’t decided what it will be. The next Girl Love Happens or a light-hearted novella? In a similar situation, Clare is deciding between finishing her Christmas book she started earlier this year or the 7^th book in her London series. Clare also wants to write a short story but has only blocked off 3 days. Will she write it?

Factors they consider when deciding their next project include: Is the timing right for a series or standalone? Making enough money to pay bills and buy 99s. Mental health. Editing deadlines. Are they simply being tempted by a shiny new object?

While both are leaning toward a certain project, they’re not ready to make any pronouncements about what’s next.

How do you decide what to write next? Head over to www.lesbianswhowrite.com, and leave a comment on the episode. Or you can email them at: lesbianswhowrite@gmail.com.

Stop back next week for an entertaining conversation about what story length they like to read and write.

Happy listening!

Clare and TB

Link for IHL Mega Sale Invite for Lesfic Authors: iheartlesfic.com/invite-to-join-mega-sale-in-may/