About
GET PUBLISHED PODCAST - TULLAN HOLMQVIST
interviewed by Paul Brodie
on BOOK WRITING PROCESS
http://getpublishedpodcast.libsyn.com/website/tullen-holmqvist-book-writing-process
Q&A with Tullan Holmqvist, co-author of thriller The Woman in the Park
Q: What advice would give to a first time author?
A: Take yourself seriously and find the joy in writing and the process. Writing is a journey, like life, and you have to keep at it, just keep doing it. There will be unexpected detours and bumps but if you keep moving, you will get there. Ask yourself why you are writing – why you love it, what you have to share and then just write. Find your own way and finish, completing something is huge! Find some friends along the way – a writing group, classes, seminars – and read. Find the joy!
Q: What is the hardest part of getting published?
A: Once the book is written, now how will I get it published? Passion and persistence is needed. Staying with it and learning as you go. Start reaching out and a road usually presents itself, there are so many ways to do it (find an agent, editor, publisher or self publish.) Have a goal and keep it in mind, go with your instinct and stick with it. There may be some compromises along the way but keep in mind the bigger picture.
Q: Any advice on marketing your book?
A: As the author, you will be the person who knows and has the best interest for your book more than anyone else. When you work hard at spreading your work, people get inspired to help you. Listen and learn for each part along the journey – the creation, editing and marketing. Learn and then find your own way, use your own strengths. It can be a gentle insistence and persistence. Find groups that have the same interests and connect and share organically with readers, through media, social media, book bloggers, blogs, newsletters, and bookstore and library events. Look for cross-disciplinary approaches, tie the book to another field – i.e., our thriller has a psychological component and we have been interviewed by psychology publications. Like a journey in the world, take one step at a time and you find your path.
Q: A favorite quote?
A: For creativity, I am very inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. “Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art. Nature is the source of all true knowledge. She has her own logic, her own laws, she has no effect without cause nor invention without necessity.” Everyone has their unique voice, listen inside or to nature.
Q: A favorite book?
A: Lots of books have inspired me along the way, it’s impossible to choose just one. On the topic of writing and creativity, the book Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert really inspired me to get back to the joy of writing.