The Realities of Writing

This newsletter is inspired by the author Patrick Holloway.

A Mighty SpeakEasy Night

SpeakEasy last Friday night was even better than I could have imagined. Fifty people were in the audience. Around twenty people read in the open mic, including the talented members of Waterford Writers. Author Patrick Holloway lit up the room with his prose and his passion. And Stella Hennessy created a dreamy, mellow mood with her music.

Photo Description: Author Patrick Holloway stands on a stage next to a keyboard. He wears a red top and jeans bleached by the light. He holds his book in one hand and the other hand is outstretched.

In the question and answer session, Patrick Holloway said that being published by a small press was delightful, but he was frank in saying that he saw it as a stepping stone to his next publication goal, to be published by a big, mainstream publisher. We wish him well; he has the passion, drive and talent to reach that goal.

Being Philosophical About Marketing

Whatever publication route you choose as an author, the responsibility for marketing falls largely on you, and that's overwhelming. I was planning to write last week about a social media influencer who has built huge fame for himself on the back of a catchphrase. I was thinking that if that's the sort of thing people go for, I may as well go home for myself.

That social media influencer has recently been torn down because of a video he made. I'm not writing this out of schadenfreude. I'm just seeing it as a reminder that when it comes to marketing your writing, the best thing you can do is be true to your values and your work. And I can heed the wise words of Patrick Holloway, who said at SpeakEasy: "Our real business is writing. The rest is just noise."

Match In the Dark - Pay Guidelines for Writers

Patrick Holloway may be an artist, but he has a firm grasp on the business end of writing. He recommended a website called Match In the Dark, which gives guidelines for rates you can charge for various services that writers offer, including workshops, judging of competitions, mentoring and taking part in panel discussions.

The initiative is author-led, driven by authors and writing professionals like Mia Gallagher, Brendan McEvilly and Oisin McGann.

And finally…

… I've delightful news. The Gathering of Writers will be happening in the Japanese Gardens again in June, as part of the Sean Dunne Writers' Weekend. Watch this space for further details. I'm trying to demonstrate marketing skills by piquing your interest and keeping you dangling.