That’s it, I’ve had it with publishing. I’m hanging up my typewriter and going into finance. Thanks for reading my books.

April Fools’!  

However, on a confessional note, I do sometimes feel like throwing my computer out the window and never writing another word. Trying to make a living from this business is a grind. Even for people at the top of the pile, publishing offers a slick slide right down to the bottom again: you’re only as good as your last book’s sales figures. So why do we do it at all? Are all writers masochists of some sort? 

There are a number of reasons, at least for me. Certainly, in the realm of history/ non-fiction, I have some questions. They are ones that take a long time and a lot of digging to answer, a process that I hugely enjoy. Second, there is the pure joy of writing when it flows, however brief that may be. And then there is you, dear reader — and that is a very important reason indeed.

I’m currently on an extended trip through the United States, partly promoting my book and also seeing friends and family. The two literary events I’ve had so far have served as a much-needed reminder of how much books and ideas do matter in the social media age, and also the delight of actually conversing with people who have either read your work or are about to because they are interested and excited in what you have to say. After years of working in long, silent stretches, there is a particular pleasure in accompanying your book out into the world. I enjoy doing podcasts and Zoom events, but nothing is equal to seeing a sea of inquisitive — and ideally friendly — faces looking back at me during a live event.

That being said, it’s also terrifying. 

As much as I like to pretend that I am writing in a vacuum, there is always reader in mind. This person is a vague vision, and never nearly as interesting as the ones I meet at book events. Yes, sometimes people can be awkward, but that is true in life as much as it is in writing and promotion. My two recent events have taken me to very distinct areas of the US, Arizona and Maine, and in both places I was met with enthusiasm, engagement, and eagerness to read my latest book. What more does an author need?

There is a quote I’ve seen on the internet, attributed to the novelist John Green, that ‘books belong to their readers’. Indeed, we authors are only one half the process – the other half is yours. So thanks for all your great questions. Keep asking them! 

And for anyone in the Atlanta area, come see me in person on 18 April at A Cappella books. Click here for details.

++++++++++++++

What I’m … giving away! 

Congratulations – you’ve made it to the end of my newsletter, where I can exclusively offer a free download of the audio version of my book! I have EIGHT to give away. You’ll need to use Google Play to access it, but I will send you a link and download code. So comment below if you want to hear The Great Resistance as read by the excellent Leon Nixon and I will be in touch with the details.