What I've Learned as a Debut Author

FIVE LESSONS I’VE LEARNED FROM MY AUTHOR DEBUT

The day I dreamed about finally arrived when my debut novel Paris Kiss was launched earlier this year.

But like most long-held ambitions the reality was entirely different from the daydream that had sustained me through writing a first novel, finding an agent, rewriting, and securing a publisher.

I've loved every minute of it – and this is what I’ve learned from my author debut so far.

•The book launch goes by in a flash. It was like a wedding without the white dress. More than 140 people turned up at Waterstones, Argyle Street, Glasgow, with drinks afterwards at the atmospheric Sloans Bar. It was a wonderful night but was all over too soon.

•Amazon rankings are maddening and baffling. I rue the day another author told me about these and I’ve had to wean myself off compulsively checking the rankings two or three times a day.

•It’s important to do as many author appearances as possible. My first book festival, Glasgow’s Aye Write!, felt like a milestone. I’ve been asked to Edinburgh Reads at the Central Library, to Tidelines, North Ayrshire’s book festival, Glasgow Women’s Library and to book groups and libraries. It’s a great way to meet readers and spread the word.

•Readings become less scary and more fun. I was sick with nerves the first time I read in front of an audience. I’ve since learned to choose lively scenes with dialogue and to keep it short. A bit of context helps place your audience in your imaginary world.

•Get on with book two. It’s a hard to strike a balance between publicising the first novel and moving on to the second, but at some stage it's important to make time for new writing.