Write About What You Know

But what if what you know bores you? What if you are just too busy living your life to want to describe it to others?  You may have more fun thinking about something that is new to you –I have heard fiction authors say many times that it’s more interesting to explore something that has not affected you yet – but might – would feel, and to let your imagination go.  Joanna Trollope talked in interviews about the fascination of finding out about how supermarkets worked as preparation for The Rector’s Wife and from hearing her speak, she clearly enjoyed the research she did for The Soldier’s Wife.

For my own part, while I was first published through writing about my role as a publisher, it was distance from the profession that gave me the impetus to start. I began my working life in the book business, and like everyone else tried to get access to The Bookseller as soon as it came out. But it only struck me once I had left my full time job (and embarked on motherhood while doing freelance work) how little the industry reflected on itself – so many books produced each year, so relatively few about publishing. I filled the gap (the pregnancy for my second child providing the deadline) with How to Market Books. 

My other main subject area for writing grew directly out of being a parent. Attending a workshop on parenting teenagers at one of my children’s schools, I met Gill Hines – educator and trainer. It struck me immediately that there were books in the material she was delivering, and we have just completed our third – Later! A Guide to Parenting a Young Adult. The progression of titles matches the development of our four children. Our youngest has just gone off to university and this summer my husband and I managed our first proper holiday without offspring for 26 years (we back-packed across South America).

I can’t however claim that this book is entirely what I know (or rather what I thought I knew when we began the book). Writing helps you refine your thinking. The process of developing ideas, discussing with Gill what we might include and presenting the material in book form has been both formative and very satisfying. Others contributed and commented (including the copy-editor) and we were buoyed up by strong enthusiasm within the publishing firm; younger staff members contributing anecdotes about what they felt when leaving home and the relationships they have with their parents now they are adults. 

As ever, publishing is a shared endeavour, and material gets stronger as others get involved. So while I certainly wouldn’t claim that I now have all the answers, I do have a lot of thinking strategies and practical resources as a direct result.

Later! is published by Piatkus, price £14.99. To order your copy of Later! for the special price of £12.99, telephone 01832 737525 during office hours and quote offer reference PIA 193. Credit/debit cards only. Free postage and packaging (UK only).

A former publisher, Dr Alison Baverstock is now Associate Professor of Publishing at Kingston University where she co-founded their MA Publishing Studies. She and her husband have four children, the youngest of whom just started university.