The Writing and Publishing Process

For many years I have written on and off. Writing is a large part of my life and I simply couldn’t live without being able to get all my thoughts and ideas down and making sense of them all.

Two years ago, I decided it was time to take my writing to a more serious level. If I was ever going to make it as a professional writer, I had to start sometime.

I had dozens of ideas floating around my head and on hundreds of sticky notes at home, but when it came to choosing what my first book would be about, I had to think carefully.

I had worked in London for several months. I lived in an affluent area and noticed most families had nannies to take care of their children. This is where my first idea came from. I’d write a book about a seemingly innocent nanny, who gradually becomes a nightmare for the family. My mind went into overdrive – I loved the idea. I wrote, re-wrote and re-wrote. It seemed I couldn’t find the right pacing for the story I wanted to tell. After weeks of trying, I finally decided to write it as a short story instead. I managed this easily; I even turned a few of my other ideas into short stories.

Pretty soon, a pattern was emerging. Out of the several stories I had written, a lot had the same theme running through them – Female Revenge. And then came my BIG idea. I had always loved the saying “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned,” having been scorned on more than one occasion myself. I knew exactly what it felt like and just how a scorned woman wants to react.

I decided to write a collection of nine stories, each different, but all having female revenge as the theme. I named my book Hell Hath No Fury and set to work. I had struggled to finish reading a single novel for years due to my hectic lifestyle. I felt a collection of stories, rather than a novel, would work well for my readers, as they would be able to read a whole story in less than an hour.

Due to the style of my book and after talking to a few publishers, I decided if I wanted to get my book out there, self-publishing was the only way. I attended an event at my city centre library where self-publishing authors spoke and told us about their process.

After listening carefully and researching myself, I decided to publish with Lulu. I would also sell my book via Amazon on E-book as well as paperback.

Self-publishing is obviously hard work, as I have to do everything myself. But this way at least I get to control all aspects of the book. It’s designed my way, and I’m very happy with how it’s turned out considering this is my first time.

I managed to find a wonderful graphic designer through friends who designed a jaw dropping book cover. I hired students from the local university who are studying journalism, PR and media to help me promote my book and get me in touch with important contacts in the business. I sent my stories off several times to proof readers, just to be absolutely sure it was perfect.

I already have several readings booked for the week after the book launch which is great, and I hope to get even more booked up. As you can imagine I want the whole world to know about it!

I’m a few weeks away from the book launch and I’m getting extremely excited, as well as slightly terrified. I have my fingers crossed that all my hard work will pay off. It won’t be easy to get my book in everyone’s hand, but I’m going to give it my best shot!

—

Lynsey A. Richards is a Welsh author and feminist. Read more about her book on her site, and follow her on Twitter, @HellHathNo BOOK and @L_A_RICHARDS. Like her book on Facebook, and get your copy from Amazon on August 3rd when it’s released!

Tags: Hell Hath No Fury, LA Richards, Lynsey A. Richards, Lynsey Richards

Category: Independent Publishing, On Publishing, On Writing, Women Writing Fiction