Members' News: Louise Charles

A NaNoWriMo draft has been fine-tuned into Louise's first self-published novel
‘I decided to self-publish my first novel, The Duke’s Shadow, after the first chapter was long listed in the Flash 500 Novel Opening Competition in November 2013,’ writes subscriber Louise Charles.
‘The novel was inspired by a snippet I read about the 5th Duke of Portland, sometimes referred to as "The Mad Duke". It was purported, but never proven, that he led a double life.
‘I began drafting the novel for NaNoWriMo 2011 and I submitted chapters on a regular basis for feedback from members of my online writing group, Writers Abroad. Revised chapters were also critiqued by a historical writing feedback group and critique circle.
‘I decided to self-publish partly because I’d had experience of producing an annual anthology for the past four years with Writers Abroad. However, although the technical process is the same, I wasn’t quite prepared for the emotional rollercoaster I would endure with my own work. Thank goodness for the support of my family and friends!
‘I had a cover designed as I didn’t feel I had the expertise to produce my own and I paid for a professional edit before setting a date for publication. With self-publishing, you do have more control over the whole process, however, on the downside you don’t have the support and resources that publishing houses often can provide. It can be a very lonely place!
‘Would I do it again? Yes, because I believe the world of publishing is changing. If we are serious about making our work available, writers are going to have to develop new skills. I have five more works in progress which I plan to rewrite for self-publication: three of them are historical, one is a fantasy and one is contemporary humour.’
Website: www.louisecharles.com

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