This is a career moment for me. One that is quite uncanny and surreal. Being a writer is a self-imposed title. But one you always question because until you are paid for being a writer you feel quite the fraud, well maybe it’s just me.

And that is why I find it difficult to give myself this title. That is, until yesterday, which is why it is an uncanny topic to begin the series of Top Careers in Publishing this month. No sooner had I made the intention of starting this series of articles 2 days ago than yesterday I got an email from Penguin Random House UK to invite me as a writer to their offices for an event that myself along with 49 other writers will get the chance to learn about the publishing world just a little better. A very rewarding feeling that validates all the years of writing to finally feel less of a fraud when using the title ‘Writer’. So with that I will be relying my journey within this tiny but fundamental part of the publishing world.

 

Without writers there are no books published, no content for scripts, magazines, films or practically any media outlet. I cannot think of any format that hasn’t any form of writing involved. But writers come in masses, there’s certainly no shortage of us. It’s the only industry that I have worked in where writers are kind and understanding to their competitors i.e. other writers. There is more hostility towards the agents and publishers, their potential employers than their competitors. There is a real camaraderie between writers from what I have experienced and it is one that is understanding. New writers at least are on the same boat. One that we hope will be sailing to its destination and not stranded in the middle of no where.

So the three main questions I ask other ‘Top Careerers’ are:

What do you do? I write middle-grade (MG) sci-fi books. They are based on my Elemons games and follow an adventurous journey through unknown territories for myself let alone my protagonists.

How did you get into it? I love creating a world from scratch and found it natural when it involved something I already do ie. design card games. So it started off as an extension to a game and has become a whole series that I’m manifesting into a tangible book to share with children.

Any tips to share? Write daily and observe quirky things people do. If you keep a book with you wherever you go, jot it all down. If someone glares back catching you snooping at them, remind yourself it’s all for the good of the novel.

Look out for more Top Careers in the Top Careers in Publishing series.