It was a pleasure to once again take part in the awesome, annual Virginia Festival of the Book (which is still ongoing, so check out the schedule of events at their site!).
I had a blast (and learned a lot) chatting with Courtney Maum, the author of what I’d call, without any hyperbole, an instant-classic and must-have for any and all writers, BEFORE AND AFTER THE BOOK DEAL (get your copy–and support our friends and partner’s at D.C.’s historic The Potter’s House, here).
As you’ll see from her bio, below, Courtney is the real deal; an accomplished novelist, essayist, and all around ideal literary citizen. She’s also hilarious, super-intelligent, and disarmingly down-to-earth. Can you tell I’m a fan? I’ll let our interview speak for us, but a few quick thoughts on why her book is such a gift to the writing community.
One thing I admire so much about this book is that while it does indeed cover seemingly every conceivable angle; no stone unturned, no question unanswered, it’s a genuinely practical guide even for the writer who does not have a book forthcoming; there is tons of great advice for the writing life (and all that entails).
I appreciate the exhaustive research, and the proliferation of quotes, courtesy of folks from every corner of the industry. The book’s utter thoroughness is remarkable and laudable, but in addition to telling writers WHAT to do, Courtney kindly suggests HOW to do it (the when/why/where/what). In other words, this book is a resource and guide, but also an insider’s account from an expert who knows where the bodies (books?) are buried.
Courtney recently published a piece entitled PASSION CAN BE PLATFORM, and I think that’s the key phrase and takeaway from her wonderful book: she offers a deep dive into the pros/cons for anyone trying to navigate the contemporary literary scene, but also what’s required (time, effort, crocodilian skin) and, like most of her tough-love insight that the wise will receive as advice: there are no short cuts and it’s seldom easy. The writers who have half a chance will understand this is actually an encouraging fact. There is no one path; therein lies the opportunities.
Courtney Maum, author of Before and After the Book Deal: A Writer’s Guide to Finishing, Publishing, Promoting and Surviving Your First Book, is also author of the novels Costalegre, Touch, and I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You. You can sign up for her writing tips newsletter at CourtneyMaum.com.
