One thing I’ve loved most about my writing journey so far is the support you get, not just from your publisher and agent, but from fellow authors, reviewers, and bloggers. I just joined the Sweet Sixteens – a community of authors with debut novels coming out in 2016 – and have been overwhelmed by the kindness and friendship already shown to me.
I am especially amazed by the hard work and generosity of bloggers and reviewers such as YAYeahYeah, Mr Ripley, and Fiona Noble. And I also realised I’m a little jealous of them.
Since finishing my degree a year ago, I’ve all-but-stopped writing critically, and I miss it like hell. I’ve continued to read voraciously, but have gotten so caught up in self promotion I do little other than rate the titles I read on Goodreads. As a debut author, I know how important it is to have people reading, reviewing, rating and talking about your book. I want to support that.
So, from now on I’m going to be reviewing some of the titles I read on this blog as well as continuing to talk about life as a person-who-writes. These reviews will have particular emphasis on middle grade and YA (though of course if a new Jeanette Winterson/ Margaret Atwood/Helen Oyeyemi comes out I will be straight on that). I am also hoping to set up a mini-interview series with a focus on 2016 debut authors (middle grade, YA and beyond). If it picks up speed, I may move onto a dedicated site but for now I’m testing it out!
Will keep you posted, but today I will be uploading my first review (or two!) Please do get in touch on twitter or via my Facebook page if you would be interested in having your book reviewed/have your debut coming out in 2016.
Thanks!