With the launch of my first self-published novel, THE PATRONS, I knew I wanted to do something pretty special for a kickoff. It began online (more on this component to come); but locally, I wanted to get everyone excited and give them a chance to enjoy the moment in an insider-y way. I know how you writers are, because I’m the same, you think, oh, I don’t want to make a fuss about myself, but you’d be thinking about it all wrong. People want to take part in a book launch party. It isn’t something that happens everyday, though us authors feel like it is because we are so inundated with market and peer research. Friends, readers, and the general public want to share your big day with you . . . and everyone they know (!); I worked this out when I saw the amazing social media sharing of the book and bash; I never would have assumed. Here are some pictures to prove it:
Should You Take a Break From Fiction Writing?
It has been my practice for the last 15 years to write every day—even if I only had a few minutes to spare. I was of the opinion that things get rusty if you don’t. I teach this to my students and I practiced what I preached. But in the lead-up to giving birth to my daughter late last year, I decided I would take a break. It was a conversation with a fellow creative type about some frustration on the business end of my career that steered me toward the trial and I thought, well, it’s a great time to see how I go without writing. Maybe I won’t want to do it anymore. Maybe I’ll be cured and I can move on.
Hybrid Author Success: COVERS
Hybrid Author Success: COVERS
As a traditionally published author, one of the days I most dreaded was the one on which my agent would call and say something to the effect of, “Okay, don’t freak out. Your cover arrived and you might not like it,” or “Your cover arrived and you should think about it before you hate it,” or “This is the worst cover I ever saw but we can’t change it.”
On…Ummm…Articulation
Many of us have a word that often escapes our memories. Funny enough, the word I used to forget the most was “articulate.” People would laugh when I told them that, but it was so difficult to yank that word out of my brain that I wrote it down on the inside flap of a little notebook I used to carry around all the time. When I think back to that now, it seems symbolic of a larger issue.
Check ‘er out!
The advance copies of my new novel, THE PATRONS, have arrived! The very first time I have actually LOVED a cover and was able to stay true to my vision; I had a hunch self-publishing would be for me…Thank you amazing freelance pros!! Especially Yocla Designs and Siobhan Gallagher; looks like the world is finally ours.
What’s New & Coming Soon!
I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my first post-motherhood novel release: The Patrons hits American bookshelves in June and Australian bookshelves in September.
Expert-Guided Workshop with Daniella Brodsky
Expert-Guided Workshop with Daniella Brodsky
WHEN: 6-8pm on 4 consecutive Thursdays July 5, 12, 19, 26
WHERE: Daniella’s Captain Cook Studio, Narrabundah ACT
For writers who’ve completed a creative writing course or workshop in the past, or have had some (yes, limited is fine) experience working independently on a novel draft (adult or young adult), this workshop is the perfect opportunity to get some scheduled butt-in-seat time working on your book, with the invaluable input of a group of budding writers in the same boat—all with six-time published novelist Daniella Brodsky on hand to critique and guide you along with craft tips and personalized feedback. As all the best writing groups do, together we’ll build on the foundations of craft, research, inspiration, pacing, conflict, and characterization, using your own weekly writing submissions to put theory into practice and help your projects along in the most useful way—all with the aim of articulating on paper exactly what’s in our heads.
Launch: Princess of Park Avenue ebook
Dear readers new and old,
I am thrilled to announce the re-launch of one of my favorite backlist titles: PRINCESS OF PARK AVENUE, on sale NOW. For those of you who have become fans later in the game, I am calling this launch series, My ‘Dirty Literary History.’ The name is tongue in cheek and only an attempt to let you know that it’s a
The Year in Reading
Is it me, or has this been a year of fantastic novels? Right off the top of my head I can think of Night Circus, Before I Go to Sleep, A Visit from the Goon Squad, Sarah Thornhill, Room, and The Tiger’s Wife. There were so many wonderful stories, I’m sure I’ve had my best reading year in a long while. I deplore the arbitrary nature of lists, so I won’t get into that here (though if anyone wants to stick my book on one, I’m not going to pull a Jonathan Franzen), but I’ll also say I was pointed to a ton of vintage reads, either by recommendation, happy accident, by way of research (one book leads to another leads to another and so on), or simply scouring used bookstores or op shops.
COVER DESIGN CONTEST!
There’s nothing more exciting than artistic collaboration—free of the constraints of the traditional business models, and as authors get our backlist rights back, we’re free to let creativity run wild. In that spirit, I’m looking for a new cover design for my backlist collection, and I’ve set up this contest to give emerging artists the chance for some experience and publicity. The going rate for these covers is about $150, and that’s what I’m offering as a prize—along with image credits.