2-in-1 Questions With Debut Authors Part 2

The past 18 months have been extraordinarily prolific for our small publishing niche and sapphic romance has been blessed with a number of absolutely stunning debuts. 20 Questions has taken it upon themselves to ask these authors about their experiences.

Here goes:

If you could have a debut do-over, what would you do the same and what would you change?

Frankie Fyre

Overall, my first launch went better than I imagined! I didn’t have any expectations, only prayed to the Sapphic gods that one person in the world of approximately 8 billion would take a chance on this new author lol. Turns out there was an outpouring of love from readers—people enjoyed my book and that feeling still fuels the inkwell to this day.

I’m so grateful for the support and encouragement of all the authors who helped me push past my fears to the finish line and beyond. Especially Lily Seabrooke for being so kind, generous and for organizing the Holiday Collection. I really wouldn’t have changed anything about my debut experience, but if I could have done a debut do-over, I think I would’ve made the my little book longer only because I truly enjoyed writing Autumn and Callie’s story. And it gives me the excuse to add more spicy scenes.

Kate Castle

Honestly, the biggest lesson I learned is to just stop procrastinating. Stop editing, stop self-censoring, stop researching and JUST WRITE. I used to edit as I went along, or I would pause to research something as I went along, which took me out of that lovely ‘in the story’ feeling I get if I’m just in the moment and writing. Just letting the words flow.

So I have learned not to hover over the words I’m producing and to free-write as much as possible. Since changing this up, my writing process is so much more pleasurable, and the editing process which comes later is so much better if I just allow myself to be IN my story. Everything is improved: voice, place, characterisation, pace, flow. And the best thing? There’s no pressure, because everything can be corrected and honed down into my final drafts later on. Having no pressure is always a healthy space to be in when you’re creating a story you want people to be immersed in. After all, if you’re not immersed in your own world, how can you expect your readers to be?

Ana Reichardt

If I had a debut do-over, I would definitely still write an almost completely different story for 180 pages before I scrapped it and decided to pivot POV, tense, and plot. Having no writing experience before Changing Majors, this gave me at least a bit of practice for the big show.

What I would change…now that’s a question! I felt so bad for my editor when I got my first round back, so for her sake, I would study the style guide a bit more and hopefully save her some editing hours! I’d also go back in time and release it not during a pandemic somehow. I may need some super powers.

Lauren Eve

What would you do the same? I am so happy with the collection in terms of the themes and the way my poems shift in tone because l've had so many people say that they relate to the concept of an inward or emotional journey. I would definitely make the same style choices for the design too although I'm new to cover design, it's pretty simple but very 'me' in terms of aesthetics. I was worried initially that it would feel like people were reading my journal but l'm glad I kept a lot of personal poems in there. I wanted to keep the writing as authentic as possible and luckily a lot of readers have said that honesty is really what comes through overall.

What would you change? I definitely didn't realise just how much of writing isn't actually writing! I loved every step of the self publishing process, except the formatting but I think that's a universal pain. I wouldn't change much really because I have learnt so much but perhaps maybe just getting ahead and prepping a lot of promo posts and things early on- I still forget to add web links now. However I have been lucky to have so many people and writers be incredibly supportive and answer random questions at ridiculous hours so I'm extremely grateful for that. The move from reviewer and beta reader to putting out my own words has been vast but I cannot wait to do it again for volume two and my first novel... when I finish it.

J. E. Leak

In hindsight, I can picture the perfect debut. It would be slick and organized. I’d have a big online launch party with all the online friends and fellow authors I’d befriended in the lead-up to my debut. Reviews would drop in a well-coordinated exposure campaign, and my author career would be off and running.

None of that happened. I was overwhelmed. Imposter Syndrome was strong. My debut was more like an out-of-date signal flare lighting up the night for a brief sputtering moment before falling harmlessly into the endless sea.

What would I do the same? Everything. I wouldn’t change a thing. Every step and misstep taught me something new, and some things you can only learn by doing. I found supportive groups of fellow authors and readers, and every step I took led me here. And here is pretty nice.

Alaina Erdell

I’m going to answer these in reverse order. If I could do something over regarding my debut, I’d become a better student of the craft. There are standards for romance and for fiction, and I’d have liked to have a better grasp of those before publishing my first book.

That said, I wouldn’t change my debut into writing. My publisher, Bold Strokes Books, does so much to help their authors hone their craft. Whether it’s matching authors with developmental and copy editors, or providing learning opportunities, I’ve already become a better author thanks to their care and support. I’m so fortunate to have BSB staff and BSB author friends who have been so kind and helpful as I launched my first book.

Samara Breger

If I could redo my debut, I’d ask for more help. I should have reached out to my fellow writers and sent them copies of my Walk Between Worlds. I should have asked them to promo my work, and promo’d theirs in return. Approaching people I don’t know and asking them to take time out of their lives to read my book is the scariest thing in the world. If I could do it again, I would be braver.

The best choice, though, was having a release event. It was 2021 so we had it online, but that meant friends from all over could be part of it. A writer I really respect, and who happens to be a great friend, interviewed me, and we celebrated my book together. At first, I felt a little silly (even though I love attention) but marking my debut in that way and letting myself be congratulated for my work was entirely worth it.

Stay tuned for more 20 Questions, regular and social editions soon. And thank you for reading!