-
Module 2 Q&A – 14th Nov 7pm (UK time)
-
Thank you.
-
What are your thoughts on cross-promoting with pseudonyms? My memoir and blog work is done under a pseudonym (to protect privacy of my family). I have an OK presence with my blogging and my mailing list is under that same name. So far, I have been planning on writing and releasing my novels under my given name, but I am uncertain about how to go about promoting the novels with my pseudonym (because that’s where all my readers are) without making that link obvious. Maybe a very specific question, but if anyone has experience or ideas about this I’d appreciate it.
-
That’s a tricky one. The link would no doubt be obvious so you’d have to think carefully about that. I don’t really have any concrete advice I’m afraid as it’s not something I have experience of.
-
Afraid I struggle to help here. I have used different names in the past and it has always felt like a good idea at the time but I always end up wishing in the end I had just put everything under the same name as I watch the tentacles proliferate
-
-
Have you got any tips for dealing with self-doubt. I am half way through a rough draft. I haven’t pressed delete yet because I keep telling myself it is only a rough draft, but I do get close at times.
-
“The greater the artist, the greater the doubt. Perfect confidence is granted to the less talented as a consolation prize.”
― Robert Hughes
-
But on the other hand…
“Before I start a project, I always ask myself the following question. Why is this book worth a year of my life? There needs to be something about the theme, the technique, or the research that makes the time spent on it worthwhile.”
― David Morrel
Are you doubting because the subject is not quite right?
-
Ah the doubt demons. They never leave us! When they start knocking on your brain just listen to them and what they’ve got to say then thank them for their opinion but you’re going to carry on doing what you’re doing no matter what they say. It’s hard to maintain belief and motivation when writing novels but you just have to remember why you’re doing it – because you love writing! Just keep hold of the love and that’s all you can really do.
-
Thank you.
-
-
-
One more question, convention-related, for either Amanda or Craig.
I have noticed a lot of contemporary writers using commas to combine two independent clauses, or the reverse – using a period at the end of a thought and then following up with a dependent clause as its own sentence. It is jarring to me as someone who is kind of a grammar nerd, but I’m wondering if this is becoming an acceptable convention or if different regions differ on their use.
Examples.
I took a break from the Disney parks today, my feet needed a rest.
I kept wondering what was taking them so long. If they’d been delayed at the terminal.
-
Both sentences seem fine to me. But then again I’ve always been one to play fast and loose with grammar rules!
-
For me this a thing which comes from American journalism particularly headline writing as a means of compact expression. I love it myself. Anything which allows you to say more with less is my friend. I think there is only one rule of grammar – does it aid the communication of meaning. if it does then it is right.
-
Late to the party I’m afraid, but Nicci’s question is interesting. The first example seems fine to me, It’s written the way someone speaks, but the second jars – my grammar teacher would have told me it’s not a proper sentence.
Having said that, it may read better in context – it may be helping to set a faster pace, or change pace.
-
-
OK, has anyone got any final burning questions? As my dinner is calling me!
-
What is your dinner calling you? And what is your dinner?
-
It’s calling me tardy for keeping it waiting! And it’s a Moroccan chickpea stew. Yum.
-
-
-
No thanks to you both – very helpful 🙂
-
OK. I’m going to say goodbye. I’ll check back tomorrow and see if I missed any questions. Havre a great day/evening depending on where you are in the world!
-
Yes – thank you!
-
Okay I’ll wait a couple more minutes in case there are final questions then I’m going to go and put my kids to bed
-
Thanks Craig. I’m off to skewer my doubt demon.
-
Give it hell Steve
-
-
