Strictly’s Sam under the spotlight
February 9, 2010
That’s Sam Tonge from the addictive Strictly Writing blog, not some perma-tanned snake-hipped bloke in a sequinned unitard.
Sam jokily expressed a wish to be interviewed last week and I was delighted to oblige. She writes chick lit and doesn’t have a publishing contract yet (though it can’t be long.) So I thought she was the ideal person to give a perspective on the publishing process from a ‘pre’ point of view. After all, this was me a few years ago – and I know a lot of visitors to the blog will empathise with her journey.
So, Sam if those thumbscrews are comfortable, here’s the first question:
Why and when did you start writing?
I started writing seriously five years ago, when my youngest started school. During my twenties I made a half-hearted attempt at a novel, based on my time working at EuroDisney – I think I completed three chapters. As I child I recall writing stories and doing the illustrations myself. I was a prolific reader but it never really hit me that I wanted to be a writer until my late thirties.
Why do you want to be published ?
Where to start! Fundamentally, I suppose, it’s for two reasons. Firstly, I crave the validation of someone in the industry saying I am good enough to be read by other people and by putting the necessary funds behind my book to prove it. Secondly, heaven for me would be to have an audience. At the moment my only avid reader is myself (and on occasion, my daughter, which is lovely). My husband reads from time-to-time, his interest having initially been sparked by my request that he check out my sex scenes!
Do you think there will be a downside to being published?
Um… yes! I am lucky enough to enjoy the company and advice of many online published friends, which also means I have learnt much about the pitfalls of being published. Meeting deadlines, for example, or becoming obsessed with one’s ranking on Amazon; compromising one’s prose for editors; trying not to weep at harsh reviews; praying for a renewed contract despite the recession; keeping a lid on envy regarding other writers’ awards, talent and well-paid deals. For my type of writing, chick lit, there is also the added downside of snobbism against the genre. None of this however, puts me off and despite everything, I don’t think any of my online friends would have rather remained unpublished.
What made you start SW and what benefits do you feel it has it brought you as a writer?
I decided to really push myself, writing-wise, at the beginning of 2009 and as a novelist thought that my short-piece writing skills were poor. And I have to say that a year of blogging has really focused my attention and for the first time this January I completed a short story and entered it for a competition! I also liked the idea of creating a forum where I could meet like-minded writers keen to discuss the craft with a good dose of humour. Lastly, I wanted a web presence, something I feel is important for all unpublished writers who are submitting work. Yet I didn’t want to blog on my own as I knew I would end up writing about what the cat ate for breakfast.
Any favourite blog posts or debates on SW?
I keep coming back to this question but can’t answer! We publish such a variety of posts – fun takes on the writing process, serious advice about submitting; tips on how to cope with rejection, insights from guest bloggers on the publishing business; reading habits, ways to plot or choose characters’ names… I could go on. I do like our Quickfire Questions interviews though – especially when we ask writers what their favourite desktop snack is. I am always suspicious of anyone who doesn’t answer “chocolate.”
Your favourite romantic novels?
In recent years I have read more chick lit than straight romance – although the best chick lit for me does have some sort of love story running through. But forbidden love is a favourite theme, a la Thorn Birds, and the best example of this I have read recently is the Twilight Series.
Valentine’s day is coming up – who would be your date from hell?
Cheesy answer, I’m afraid, but anyone other than my husband. He has never doubted my talent (even though I regularly do) and from one year to the next has insisted that I don’t give up on my dream – despite my mood swings at rejection and more poignantly, my widening writer’s arse!
Thanks Sam, for being such a good sport!
Posted by Phillipa @ 5:32 am | Leave a Comment
Sam Says:
Thanks so much for this, Phillipa. I’m revelling in the moment, just in case it’s the one and only interview i ever do!
Must say, i like the idea of that sequinned unitard…
Gillian McDade Says:
A really enjoyable interview – straight from the heart! I’m sure many unpublished writers will identify with this journey. Hooray for proudly wearing your chick-lit badge too.
Rosy Thornton Says:
Really enjoyed that interview, Sam. Hope it won’t be too long before you are being interviewed all over the pace – about your published debut novel!
Strictly is such a great site – as you say, it’s the variety of posts that makes it so informative and enjoyable.
Roderic Vincent Says:
Great interview, Sam. As you know, I am the alpha hero at Strictly Writing (see Rosy Thornton’s guest blog for details) and should be the official dream valentine for all who post there. Apart from that, great interview.
Phillipa Says:
Are you a ruthless Mediterranean billionaire by any chance, Roderic?
Sam Says:
LOL, Rod and Phillipa!
Rosy Thornton Says:
And will you, Rod, take no for an answer?
Caroline Says:
Aah, great interview, thanks Phillipa and Sam!
Definitely won;t be the last time, Sam…
Sam Says:
Hope not, Caroline:)
susie Says:
Lovely interview, Sam! May it be the first of many.
Susiex
Nik Perring Says:
What a terrific idea!
Great interview. I’m sure there’ll be more to come, Sam.
Nik
Sam Says:
Thanks, Nik and Susie!
Phillipa Says:
Thanks to you Sam – my blog stats have shot up with visits from writers I haven’t met. You’re a very popular lady.