The Truth about Fiction

It's the end of 2023. Lynn and Derek are looking back and looking forward. This time we talk about how well the average book does in its lifetime, the joys of book promotion, what else writers do with their skills, the house that's haunted by a story, sheep, the importance of community, adapting your own work, and divergent views on the latest series of Shetland.

Linen Press: https://www.linen-press.com/shop/

Derek's books: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Derek-Thompson/author/B0034ORY08

Lynn and Derek talk about Lynn's new novel - the water all around us, motivation, the challenges of upping sticks to embrace life on an island, the witchcraft of marketing, and the author persona.

This episode we look at changes in Lightning Source and Kindle that affect authors, and consider the big question: should we expect fairness in the world of writing and publishing? Or, to put it another way, when it comes to writing, did McFly get it wrong? Another conundrum is whether the greatest enemy of creativity is expectation?

Huge thanks to Charles Topham (he appears in an earlier episode) who not only transformed the poor sound quality of the original recording but also encouraged me to put a blanket over my head. (I'm assuming just for recording sessions, but he may have a point.)

PATHFINDER, mentioned in this episode (I say mentioned - I mean 'plugged), is availaable here:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/PATHFINDER-Derek-Thompson-ebook/dp/B0CBZ32YP6

Derek tries to make a meal (well, snack) out of four bullet-points. Contains references to false narratives, imposter syndrome, and the occasional use of the word sh*t. It will make sense when you get there.

Derek chats with Sue Louineau, a literary fiction and magical realism author, about the joys of self publishing, which social media platform works best for her, and why writers cannot afford to hold back when it comes to telling the stories that matter. 

Grab yourself a brew and come and join us.

In this episode Derek talks with Dave Brown aka The Bullshit Detective, who hosts his own 'A Dose of Dave' podcast' and who was instrumental in getting Lynn and Derek started here.

Expect occasional adult language and a chat that takes in: books, brassicas, football, dancing (or not...), music, feedback, an intentional use of the word 'thus', comedy recommendations, an unfortgettable band that Derek can't remember* and whatever else comes to mind. Enjoy.

* It was Edgar Winter Group (Thanks, Charles)

You've written your novel and it's been published - now what? And how do you cope with relative success? 

Lynn and Derek ponder these questions and fess up about the novel that took soooo long to finish, the tension between art and commerce, and what happens when the muse ghosts you.

This time, Lynn steps aside to get on with writing and editing and publishing, so Derek chats with Charles Topham about creativity. We touch upon string theory, crafts, the craft, why Charles stopped reading fiction, and some unusual ideas about where characters might come from. Expect conversation, contradiction, and occasional adult language. Plus a few laughs (hopefully).

Lynn waxes lyrical and Derek waxes cynical, and somehow they meet in the middle. This time they chat about writing during a pandemic and also manage to take in looking for the mojo, snooker, competition and swimming. See if you can count how many times Derek literally says literally. Contains three swearwords.

This time we get under the skin of different approaches to writing, talk about elephants in the room, cooking (sort of...) and novels that just won't get with the programme. We start mid-conversation, courtesy of technology.  

Lynn and Derek talk about using personal experience in writing fiction, including ways to do it well and where the cracks can show if you're making a hash of it. 

Lynn is busy and Derek is avoiding two novels (when I procrastinate I also multitask), so this is a mini episode that combines rambling with variable sound quality. You'll find thoughts about language, fear, focus, curiosity, imagination, and the nature of reality. What's not to like?

Lynn and Derek chat about past rejections, share a curious tale about page counts, and discuss the mathematics of submissions and acceptances as an independent publisher. Join us for laughs, commiseration, and sparkling conversation. Probably.

What happens if your book is very similar to another book, and that other book gets the spotlight? 

What happens when your agent loves your work but can't get you a deal? 

Costa winner Avril Joy talks openly about contentment, validation, and why it's not always about the money. 

This is the first (we hope!) in a series of podcasts, exploring writing and publishing from two seasoned authors. Expect unpopular opinions, truth talking, and some lively discussion.