How I got a Literary Agent.

Posted on October 18, 2021 by Catherine Balavage

In January this year one of the most amazing things happened to me: I got a literary agent. Having an agent was always something beyond my wildest dreams, more than that, my agent is the amazing Susan Yearwood. Champagne popping time indeed.

I spent the months in the run up to Christmas researching agents and sending off submissions. I went through The Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook with precision, choosing ten agents to send my book off to. I researched every agent heavily and Susan called to me. There are a few interviews I found in which Susan and her ethos resonated with me. I knew she was The One. In fact, before her email asking to schedule a call with her, I had a dream she was my agent and we were being interviewed at a literary festival together.

In the end I sent my first novel off to a lot of agents and publishers. I got a lot of good feedback and a few full manuscript requests. I also got a wonderful rejection from Harper Collins, who read the entire thing and sent me four paragraphs of feedback. They even asked me to send them anything else I wrote. In the end Susan passed on my first novel, but she liked my writing enough to ask if I had anything else I could send her. Thankfully I did. I always write a first draft of a book and then get started on another one while I let the other one sit. Then I go back to it with fresh eyes, alternating my drafts. I did not think the other book was ready and had spent hundreds sending it off to a professional editing agency for feedback. By the time the feedback came back Susan had been my agent for three months! It may have been a waste of money, but I have no complaints.

Susan loved the book and took my on as a client after our phone call. I was a true pinch me moment. For anyone who wants an agent and does not have one yet I would say the following things:

Write a good book. Send off the first three chapters, along with a synopsis that really grabs.
Collate all of the writing you have done and any awards you have won. Write a paragraph about yourself that sells all you have to offer. Covering letters are important.
Get a copy of The Write”s and Artists’ Yearbook and research what agents work in your genre.
Start submitting.
Keep submitting.
Take rejection in your stride.
Listen to all feedback.
Redo your submission to suit various agents.
Start writing your new book.

Good luck!

Dulwich Literary Festival 2017 programme announced

Posted on November 7, 2017 by Frostie

Ali Smith, Alan Hollinghurst, Sam Leith, Henry Blofeld, Mihaela Noroc and many others to appear on the main weekend, 10-12 November. Additional events to take place throughout November, including a spooky All Saints Day special with Andrew Michael Hurley, a pop-up at West Norwood Feast and an evening in conversation with Robert Peston.

Dulwich Literary Festival returns this November with a striking line-up of speakers, including celebrated writer Alan Hollinghurst, Man Booker shortlisted Ali Smith, ITV Political Editor Robert Peston, renowned sports journalist Henry Blofeld, The Spectator’s Literary Editor Sam Leith and photographer and social media sensationMihaela Noroc. Presented by award-winning independent bookshop Dulwich Books, events will be hosted at various local venues including Dulwich College, Dulwich Picture Gallery and the bookshop itself. The 2017 programme includes something for everyone, with talks for children, walks for adults, ‘how-to’ workshops and thought-provoking discussions covering everything from sport and literature, to faith and global affairs.

Commenting on the festival programme, Susie Nicklin, owner of Dulwich Books said: “We are delighted once again to bring together some of today’s most celebrated authors, leading thinkers and local writers in Dulwich, to celebrate the best that words have to offer. In times of uncertainty we need to join together in celebrating the things that matter in our communities, whether feasting, worship, education or culture, and books and writers are the perfect way to link them. From Man Booker Prize-winning writers to a creative writing competition for all the young writers of Southwark, there are opportunities for all to participate and engage.”

Stand out events taking place across the main weekend include a unique evening with Ali Smith, who will celebrate the work of author and illustrator Tove Jansson at Dulwich Picture Gallery, a free exhibition of photos by Mihaela Noroc, who became a social media sensation with her images of women taken around the world, and a talk with Alan Hollinghurst, who will discuss his much anticipated new novel, The Sparsholt Affair, with the BBC’s Razia Iqbal.

Inspiring debate at the festival will be Political Editor Robert Peston, who will draw insights from his career in journalism to address the problems of our time and how we might put them right. Catherine Nixey will discuss the controversial findings of her new book The Darkening Age, which suggests early Christianity might be more violent, ruthless and intolerant than first thought. And, as new protest movements rock the political mainstream, Alexei Sayle, Courttia Newland and Francesca Rhydderch willlook back at dissidents who made history, discussing their contributions to a new anthology of stories re-imagining key moments of British protest.

As well as engaging ideas and debate, the festival will offer a number of sessions and workshops for visitors to celebrate pleasurable pastimes and new skills. Veteran broadcaster Henry Blofeld will discuss a career in cricket with Nicholas Lezard, former National Trust chairman Simon Jenkins will lead a session on Britain’s best railway stations, Peter Fiennes will offer a guided tour of the remnants of the Great North Wood, and Anjula Devi will hold a tasting and book signing at the festival’s West Norwood Feast pop-up to explore the secrets of Indian cuisine.

Helping people to write clearly, correctly and persuasively, The Spectator’s Literary Editor Sam Leith will offer top tips from his latest book Write to the Point, award-winning illustration agency Scriberia will hold an interactive drawing session to encourage people to use images to think and communicate more effectively, and designerSusan Wightman will discuss the art and science of typography.

The festival will also cater for families, with two exciting children’s events and a short story competition for schools across Southwark. Picture book author and illustratorKate Pankhurst, a descendant of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, will lead an interactive session on fantastic women who changed the world, including fun role-play and craft activities. Local mums Lucy Reynolds and Jenna Herman will also run a free story-time session at the festival’s West Norwood Feast pop-up, reading from their book Parrots Don’t Live in the City. Expect plenty of squawking.

Tickets will go on sale on the festival’s website from this weekend. For tickets and more information, visit: http://dulwichliteraryfestival.co.uk/

From Both Ends of the Stethoscope by Dr Kathleen Thompson Book Launch

Posted on February 26, 2016 by Margaret Graham

Frost was exceptionally pleased to be invited to the launch of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope by Dr Kathleen Thompson. Yes, we had champagne, and yes, the eats were fantastic, and most of us wore masks, but it it was the occasion. It was such fun, and the ideal way to launch a book – a book which after all, could be life changing.

Frost’s Margaret Graham, duly masked meeting those waiting to buy a copy of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope

If you haven’t yet readthis guide which Dr Thompson wrote to help those with breast cancer, you should do so. She explains the ins and outs of treatment, the questions to ask, and includes wise words on helping to prevent a recurrence. All this alongside her own journey to recovery from the disease.

Dr Kathleen Thompson signing copies of her books.

Frost is proud to include a further excerpt from this truly fascinating book.

Chapter 1

Let’s face it, cancer is what happens to other people. Poor souls, with the sword of Damocles swinging on a fraying thread over their heads, these are people who are inevitably going to die, and soon. Of course we feel sorry for them — we’ll send them a card, a basket of fruit, some flowers, but we certainly don’t have plans to join their exclusive club.

Well guess what? All of us have cancer cells in our bodies on a fairly regular basis, and more than one in three of us in the western world will experience some form of cancer during our lives. So I’m afraid there’s a fairly high chance of ‘us’ becoming ‘them’. Maybe you’re reading this because you’ve already joined the ‘club’.

The good news is, our bodies are very capable of fighting cancer. Indeed, most of the time cancer cells are destroyed as soon as they develop, much in the way that our immune system hunts down and destroys bacteria or viruses. Other times, the cancer sneaks through our defences, but even if it does, it can still be overcome. I say ‘can’ because despite all efforts, some people do succumb. To keep things in perspective though, many cancer sufferers live to a very respectable old age, and eventually fill up completely different columns in the ‘cause of death’ statistics.

Cancer is on the increase, and there are many theories as to why. So, what steps can we take to reduce our chance of getting cancer, or to help fight an existing cancer? I have some ideas for you inside this book.

But first, who am I? What qualifications do I have that would permit me to offer you advice in what could be an extremely traumatic time? I’m a medical doctor. I’m on the wrong side of fifty and divorced. I have two fabulous children, a loving extended family and some good friends. I’d always worked hard, but I was starting to ease off, take up more hobbies and enjoy myself — when my life changed.

Like you, I never thought I would get cancer.

As a doctor, I would sympathise with cancer patients and offer them encouragement from within my armour-plated white-coat. They were the patients, I was the doctor. Simple.

Even when my developing cancer crept into my consciousness, I ignored it, and my own advice.

Maybe it would just go away.

But it didn’t, and I had to face the realisation that my life might be cut very short. Then, on top of that, I had to negotiate my way through complicated highly-specialised medical treatments and, on occasions, challenge medical decisions. I found this extremely hard, even as a doctor, because I was also a vulnerable patient, and I was depending on other doctors for my survival.

Cancer taught me a great deal. Primarily it taught me that diagnosis is not a death sentence. People can and do survive cancer, most of the time. However, being forced to face the possibility of my imminent demise, I gradually learned not to fear death either. I also learned to appreciate every day of this wonderful thing called life.

I have a lot to share with you, so welcome to Cancer Club —whether you have cancer yourself or you know someone who has.
From Both Ends Of The Stethoscope by Dr Kathleen Thompson

Available from: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Both-Ends-Stethoscope

CORPORATE KINDNESS: Jane Cable shares the second in a series of blogs about organising a charity litfest

Posted on August 25, 2015 by Jane Cable

Author and Frost contributor Jane Cable shares the second in a series of blogs about organising a charity litfest in aid of Words for the Wounded. Last month the all-important dates and speakers were organised (17-18^th October, Elizabeth Buchan and Margaret Graham) but what about venues… and sponsors… and publicity…

Christopher Joyce, chief Chindi and my co-conspirator in this crazy venture, has gone into overdrive with his contact book. Not a native of Chichester by any means, in the relatively short time he’s lived in the area I think he must have met – and charmed – everyone. And as a result he has three venues for three events sorted.

The one that I was supposed to organise fell flat on its face. Chichester Library, normally our best venue for anything and biggest supporter all around, was unable to host the planned bookish treasure hunt because it’s in aid of charity. West Sussex County Council policy. So we’ve quietly let that one drop.

In the meantime Chris has persuaded Woodies Brasserie in the city centre to close its restaurant to the paying public on a Saturday lunchtime, no less, and put on a special buffet at a cost which allows a generous £7 donation out of each £25 ticket sold. Luckily I have been able to contribute something as their wine merchants, Mason & Mason, are good friends of mine and they are donating a glass of something deliciously organic for every guest.

Chris has also been twisting arms at his local, The Park Tavern, and they’ve given us the run of the place on Saturday evening to shake buckets and sell raffle tickets. And the raffle prizes… so far our top catches are a £60 voucher for a tasting from Hampshire Wine School, a £150 voucher from author Claire Dyer for her Fresh Eyes manuscript review service and a hair cut from Benjamin James Hair Vision. Recovery on Sunday morning is being hosted by Carluccios who again are giving us a fixed price package for our bookswap breakfast which allows a £5 donation from each £15 ticket.

Last but not least Chris has twisted arms at Chichester Design to put together a wonderful leaflet. I’ve been able to get a decent price for the printing but we still need a sponsor so if anyone has a spare £90…? Please…?

But at the end of the day it isn’t entirely down to Chris’s charm and advanced persuasion techniques that businesses have been so generous – it’s a great deal to do with the charity. People simply want to help those who’ve suffered through putting their lives on the line in the name of duty. I had a sharp reminder of some of the issues recently when, as part of my research for the novel I’m currently writing, I met an ex-serviceman who’d served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. I wanted to know what combat was really like from someone who’d been there. I wish I hadn’t had to ask. We don’t know what those brave men and women have gone through; we can’t even begin to imagine it. All we can hope to do is help.

Learn more about…
Words for the Wounded: www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk
Chindi Authors: www.chindi-authors.co.uk
Woodies Brasserie: www.woodiesbrasserie.com
The Park Tavern: www.parktavernchichester.co.uk
Carluccios Chichester: www.carluccios.com/restaurants/chichester
Chichester Design: www.chichesterdesign.co.uk
Christopher Joyce: www.creaturesofchichester.com
Jane Cable: www.janecable.com

KIDWELL-E FESTIVAL UNVEILS FAMILY-FRIENDLY AUTHOR LINE-UP

Posted on July 6, 2012 by Catherine Balavage

~ Tickets now on sale for the UK’s first literary festival to unashamedly celebrate the ebook, new writing talent and popular fiction ~
~ Confirmed guest at the two-day event (July 28/9) in Wales include authors Dougie Brimson, Polly Courtney, Martin Edwards, Tim Heald, Nicholas Allan and Mary Hooper ~

Bestselling authors including “Yob Laureate” Dougie Brimson, crime writer Martin Edwards and the controversial Polly Courtney will be appearing at the UK’s first ebook literary festival next month.

Taking place in the “picture postcard” coastal village of Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, West Wales, on the last weekend of July, the inaugural Kidwell-e Festival promises a packed line-up of guest authors, readings, workshops and family-friendly entertainment suitable for all ages.

Unashamedly popularist in its focus and willing to give exposure to fresh writing talent as well as established authors, the festival will celebrate the “digital publishing revolution” and cover all popular genres such as crime, romance, historical adventure and comedy.

For the kids, there will also be a Children’s Festival with the BBC’s Nicholas Allan, Pippa Goodhart, Mary Hooper and many more taking part.

Among the authors taking part are Dougie Brimson — dubbed the “Yob Laureate” for his bestselling books on football hooliganism and lad culture such as The Crew and Top Dog. Brimson has also moved into comedy, with his most recent book, 2011’s The Art of Fart, becoming his first ebook exclusive.

Polly Courtney, meanwhile, is famous for breaking free from publisher HarperCollins in protest at the “fluffy” chick-lit titles and cover designs assigned to her novels, such as It’s a Man’s World.

At Kidwell-e, she will be discussing how to “go it alone” in the publishing world, while award-winning crime writer Martin Edwards (The Hanging Wood, The Coffin Trail) will be laying down the law on how to write compelling crime fiction.

They will be joined at the festival by the likes of royal biographer Tim Heald (Princess Margaret — a Life Unravelled), award-winning publisher Hazel Cushion (founder of Accent Press), Guardian journalist Wendy Berliner, acclaimed naval historical fiction writer David Davies (The Journals of Matthew Quinton), Amazon best-selling novelist Andrew Kirby, and rising comedy writer Alex Thomas (War & Piste).

For younger readers there is a host of popular children’s authors scheduled for the Kidwell-e Children’s Festival, including acclaimed author/illustrator Nicholas Allan (The Queen’s Knickers, Hilltop Hospital), Adèle Geras (Dido, the Tutu Tilly series), Pippa Goodhart (You Choose — winner of Mumsnet’s Book of the Year for 3-4 Year Olds Award 2011), Carnegie Medal nominee Mary Hooper (At The House of the Magician, At The Sign Of The Sugared Plum) and Anne Rooney (Vampire Dawn series).

If that’s not enough, there will also be fire breathers, magicians, writing and circus skills workshops, stilt walking, Medieval minstrels and face painting to keep the kids busy. Entry to the festival is free for children under 14.

Festival founder and best-selling Welsh author Julian Ruck (The Ragged Cliffs Trilogy) said: “The Kidwell-e Festival is the first event of its kind within the UK to officially recognise, and celebrate, the ebook — the most innovative, exciting and empowering medium to hit the publishing world since Caxton and Gutenberg.

“The festival’s motto is “INclusive, Not EXclusive” and we have a wealth of fascinating talks and readings on all aspects of popular writing taking place in the stunning countryside of the Gower Peninsula, as well as family-friendly entertainment.”

He added: “Kidwell-e is about promoting literature and literacy to all in the digital age, giving new writing talent a chance, and most of all, having lots of fun.”

The Kidwell-e Festival takes place on Saturday, July 28, and Sunday, July 29. Tickets are priced £15 for one day or £25 for two days when booked in advance. Entrance on the day is £18. Children under 14 go free. For more information visit www.kidwellyefestival.com.

Christopher Hitchens Dies: The Best Of The Hitch Remembered.

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Catherine Balavage

The Hitch Remembered.

The literary world was far worse off after Christopher Hitchens died today at the age of 62. Hitch died of complications due to oesophagus cancer. A disease that he refereed to as “Something so predictable and banal that it bores even me.”

Salman Rushdie and Nick Cohen lead the tributes on Facebook and Twitter. Frost has collected some of our favourite articles on Hitch, starting with his brother in a moving piece Peter says what he thinks of when “I think of my brother is ‘courage’. By this I don’t mean the lack of fear which some people have, which enables them to do very dangerous or frightening things because they have no idea what it is to be afraid. I mean a courage which overcomes real fear, while actually experiencing it”.

Christopher Hitchens’ brother, Peter, who is a Daily Mail columnist wrote about his brother: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-2075133/Christopher-Hitchens-dead-In-Memoriam-courageous-sibling-Peter-Hitchens.html

Vanity Fair, the magazine he wrote for: http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/christopher-hitchens

http://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/2001/08/pinochet-milosevic-henry-kissinger-christopher-hitchens/

A good article he wrote.

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/fighting_words/2011/01/how_to_make_a_decent_cup_of_tea.html

The BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-16212418

On Climate change: http://theidiottracker.blogspot.com/2011/12/christopher-hitchens-on-climate-change.html?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=Luca

http://www.sabotagetimes.com/people/rip-christopher-hitchens-the-world-is-stupider-without-you/

http://www.tatler.com/news/articles/december-2011/in-memory-of-christopher-hitchens

Francis Wheen, Hitchens friend of 30 years; has written a good article and states that Hitchens was not an alcoholic.

Please add your comments and links below in remembrance of a great man.