So what is chicklit?

If you believe the criticism, chicklit is light and unimportant, stories about shoes, shopping, champagne and sex. In other words, all fluff.

Clearly, that’s not true. In the main, these books have great emotional depth. They are about relationships, not just romantic relationships, but about women and how they relate to friends, parents, siblings, children…about the relationships, crises and circumstances that challenge us every day.

Perhaps chicklit is a lazy term used to lump everything written by and for women together. For me personally, I write about themes that interest me and hope that my readers find them interesting too.

Generally, the themes of well-written chicklit or modern women’s fiction, revolve around issues real people face every day. For example, I primarily write about women in their 30’s triumphing over adversity. My books deal with real life issues like infidelity, divorce, teenage sexuality, flagging careers and aging parents honestly, but with humour and there’s always a hopeful ending…the ending won’t be perfect because real life never is, but it’s generally hopeful.

I like to think that my characters have learned something along the way and are better placed to face the future.

Other Australian authors exploring these themes include Dianne Blacklock, Liane Moriarty, Anita Heiss, and of course Lisa Walker. We may be covering similar ground albeit with our own particular brand or style.

However, we seem to cop a beating from the critics. These novels, like novels written by men such as Nick Hornby and Nick Earls deal with similar issues…yet do we call their books ladlit or dicklit? Occasionally, I will if I’m trying to make a point, but generally, their books are just called fiction. Nick Earls gets a lot of print reviews, media coverage…mostly positive…would he get as much attention if his name was Nicola?

Maybe publishers don’t pigeonhole male writers because there’s perceived to be less of it written…or it’s classified as action or adventure …or just fiction, but never men’s fiction or romance.

Maybe it’s all about marketing, but there doesn’t seem to be an existing stigma against a book written by a male about a guy trying to deal with a messy breakup, career struggles etc where there is one against a book written by a woman dealing with similar issues.

And I’m not sure why…

How is chicklit evolving?

I believe women’s fiction and chicklit as a genre is constantly evolving. These books are now regularly dealing with meatier, weightier issues because as writers we like to push boundaries.  For example in Claudia’s Big Break, there’s a lesbian theme but my publisher was quick to play it down…I could keep the story line re two women falling in love, however, they were only allowed a couple of kisses. Perhaps the publisher believed my audience wouldn’t take to lesbian love scenes…

In my latest book, Stella Makes Good, the central plot revolves around the repercussions of a girls night out when they stumble upon a sex party and discover one of their best friend’s husband there.

However the back cover blurb for that book makes no mention of the sex party for fear of turning readers off…But as the entire narrative springs from what happens there, it is somewhat odd! The girls hit the sex party on page 16 so readers are going to find out pretty quickly.

However, I do believe that readers are demanding more from these stories: more depth, more intrigue, and more humanity. Writers are embracing and enjoying the challenge of dealing with challenging subjects within the confines of a good story, with realistic, likeable characters.

In the last couple of years we’ve seen the emergence of ‘Romantic Suspense’ headed up by authors such as Bronwyn Parry and Helene young.

We’ve also seen an explosion in a new genre: Rural- lit, farm –lit or chook-lit. These are predominantly stories about women in the outback and on farms, triumphing over adversity…Rachel Treasure, Fleur McDonald, Fiona Palmer, Nicole Alexander, Karly Lane and the list goes on…these books are selling incredibly well not just in Australia but in countries like Germany.

Where to from here?

Trends will come and go. But regardless of the label  – chicklit, henlit, farm lit – women’s contemporary fiction or plain old fiction – people will always love a good story that addresses deep, universal themes – love, loss, family, and the meaning of life. For me, writing chicklit is about keeping a balance between what I want to write, what readers want to read and what publishers believe will sell a novel.

I don’t think I’ll run out of tales because everywhere you turn, conversations are taking place. Inside every cafe and pub, bus or train, in the school yard and in the papers, relationships are falling apart, hearts are being broken while new romances are just beginning…and there’s an opportunity for a story…just waiting to be explored, written and read, especially if you’re good at eavesdropping.

I hope that when people read my books they can relate to at least a couple of the characters and that the experience brightens their afternoon.  That’s the best I can hope for!

So, no. I don’t believe chicklit is an inferior form of fiction, nor is it dumb or unimportant. The majority of it is well-written, relevant and engaging, with storylines and characters that stay with me long after I have finished the last page.

Lindy Dupree and The Gloucester Bookshop are delighted to invite readers and writers to a weekend of stimulating and inspirational workshops, discussions & conversations.

Workshops include a Fiction Essentials masterclass, Getting Published and The Art of the Poem.

There will also be panels on Writing for Children, Speculative Fiction, Travel Writing and the all important pitching session with publishers.

You can read all about the exciting programme here:

http://www.gloucesterwritersfestival.com/

I am thrilled to be on a panel with Lisa Walker – http://www.lisawalker.com.au/

Author of Liar Bird (Harper Collins)

Our topic:     Chicklit does not mean dumblit

It most certainly does not – Chicklit is a genre that is attracting millions of female (and male) readers around the world to buy its books and Lisa and I  will be chatting about why we believe this is so.

If you’re in the area, we’d love you to come along and join in the discussion.

In the meantime, any thoughts?

Last Thursday, Romantic Suspense author, Helene Young, (Shattered Sky, Wings of Fear) and I caught up at Taree Library for a chat with over 50 locals.

I was fascinated by Helene’s journey as a reader to becoming a writer and falling in love with flying and becoming a pilot along the way.

Amongst other things, we chatted about our early difficulties associated with submitting manuscripts to publishers and the process of bringing an idea to fruition.

And the hands in case you weren't paying attention!

It was great to be part of an event that was celebrating women and their achievements. The Manning Valley Bookstore provided a lovely display of our books. Great Lakes Winery made sure the laughter and talking kept right on flowing to the end of the evening.

Helene, Shelleyrae and me!

The evening was organized by fabulous on-line reviewer Shelleyrae of the Book’d Out blog and Danielle Old from Taree Library.

It was a great night. The crowd was charming, enthusiastic and asked pertinent questions! I’d be up for a visit to Taree again!

Once again, thanks to everyone who came along. It was definitely worth the trip!

** Helene Young, when not writing suspense romance, is a pilot and lives in Cairns. Her third book, Burning Lies, the final Border Watch book, will be released on 2nd July 2012.

When: Tuesday 6
Where: Balmain Library, Balmain
Time: 6.30pm
Bookings: Ph: 9367 9211

http://www.leichhardt.nsw.gov.au/SPContent.aspx?PageID=34&ItemID=960&count=1

When: Thursday 8
Where: Taree Library, Taree
Time: 6pm
Bookings: Ph: 6592 5390

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-Heidke-author/205706689488363?ref=ts

When: Friday 16
Where: Nowra Library, 10 Berry Street, Nowra
Time: 2pm
Bookings: Ph: 4429 3710

http://calendars.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/libraryevents/tabid/554/vw/3/itemid/304/d/20120316/default.aspx

When: Wednesday 21
Where: Leichhardt Library, Norton Street, Leichhardt
Time: 6.30pm
Bookings: Ph: 9367 9266

http://www.leichhardt.nsw.gov.au/SPContent.aspx?PageID=34&ItemID=961&count=1

http://www.canadabay.nsw.gov.au/your_local_library/for_adults_and_seniors/2011_-_author_talks_-_page.html#Lisa_H

When: Tuesday February 14
Where: Stanton Library, 234 Miller Street, North Sydney
Time: 1pm
Bookings: Ph: 9936 8400
http://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/www/html/7523-whats-on–stanton.asp?intLocationID=7523

When: Wednesday February 15
Where: Lindfield Library, 265 Pacific Hwy, Lindfield
Time: 10.30am
Bookings: Ph: 9424 0428
http://www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/www/html/4917-stella-makes-good-with-lisa-heidke.asp?intSiteID=1

When: Wednesday 15
Where: Lane Cove Library, Library Walk, Lane Cove
Time: 6pm
Bookings: Ph: 9911 3634
 http://ecouncil.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/newtrim/documents/956234054/TRIM_TE_REC_698306.PDF

Friends often tell me it’s all about ‘the cover and the blurb’ when buying a book.

Probably within seconds of a glancing at a cover, they’ll decide whether they’ll pick up the book and read the back cover blurb or keep on walking until they see a book that’s shouting ‘read me’ the loudest and they’re compelled to pick it up. Most people do that. I used to, too. Probably still do. But…there’s always a but.

As an author, you have very little control over your book’s cover – okay, zero control – unless you’re Bryce Courtney, Nora Roberts or God. But when you’re starting out, you assume, at least, I assumed I’d have some input.

When covers were being considered for Lucy Springer Gets Even, my first book, I was excited. I’d worked long and hard on this manuscript and was finally going to realise my dream – publication. Naturally, Lucy would have a kick-ass cover, sell a trillion copies and I’d feel very pleased with myself.

I got a call from Allen & Unwin. ‘We’re in love with Lucy’s cover and we’re emailing it to you now. Prepare to be stunned.’

Euphoria. And then I got the email.

Oh, I was stunned all right. Gobsmacked. I hated it and cried buckets. Were they trying to sabotage the book before it had even hit the market?

A good cover tells you what the book is about without giving away the whole story.

I didn’t have a problem with the pink background but who the hell was the woman in the ill-fitting purple velour jacket?

This wasn’t my Lucy, the one I’d spent the better part of two and a half years living with. Hello! My Lucy was feisty, fun and pretty (not that she was aware of it, though). And my Lucy was a red head. I didn’t want people having preconceived ideas about her, especially about the Lucy on this proposed cover. But by using a photo, that’s exactly what we were doing – encouraging potential readers to form ideas about my heroine in the blink of an eye.

In my mind, the cover for Lucy Springer was going to be a boppy illustration, along the lines of Sophie Kinsella’s Twenties Girl.

But this one? I knew people would glance at the cover and make a snap decision. ‘I love her’, ‘I hate her’ ‘what the hell’s the story with her gruesome jacket and why is she looking so smug?’ etc and potential customers would be lost in seconds.

After I stopped hyperventilating and my sobs reduced to the odd sniffle, I rang my publisher and politely indicated that I had ‘serious doubts’. But Lucy’s cover was a done deal. I was just the author and had to suck it up.

When Lucy appeared in bookshops, I’ll admit you couldn’t miss her – the pink’s rather eye-catching but I can’t help but think more copies would have sold had the novel had a more aspirational cover.

Which brings me to What Kate did Next, my second novel. I was anxious when A & U told me they’d found the perfect designer and she’d created ‘the perfect cover for Kate.’ I was a little sceptical especially when they told me it was another photo. But when I saw the cover, I danced a very happy jig. I agreed with the decision one hundred percent. Others might hate Kate’s cover, but I was thrilled.

When A & U told me they’d be using the same designer, Ellie Exarchos for Claudia’s Big Break, I couldn’t have been happier. I think the cover captures the mood of the story perfectly. It’s light and fun and screams Santorini!

For my latest release, Stella Makes Good, I was thrilled to know that Ellie would again be designing the cover because I knew what to expect…something gorgeous, aspirational and above all something that would make readers want to pick the book up.

When I saw the cover it was love at first sight! I’m ecstatic (and just a little relieved). It’s divine.

Had I not had the experience I had with Lucy’s cover, I might not have had these feelings for Kate, Claudia and Stella. I would have assumed that publishers get it right every time. It’s their job, right?

I’m lucky. My publishers have hit on a designer who makes my books sing…I’ve been branded and I couldn’t be happier!

These days, I look at book covers in a whole new light. For the record, covers I’m loving at the moment include Dianne Blacklock’s The Secret Ingredient, Liane Moriarty’s The Hypnotist’s Love Story and Christine Stinson’s It Takes a Village. Interestingly, all photos.

Next time when you’re in a bookshop (and please go – they’re rapidly becoming an endangered species) pick up a cover that doesn’t necessarily appeal to you. You might be pleasantly surprised.

This post first appeared in http://bookdout.wordpress.com/2012/01/12/review-stella-makes-good-by-lisa-heidke/.

Why did I sign up for NaNo the first time around?

Because I like deadlines…I like being poked and prodded into writing. I am a bit of a procrastinator and sometimes will find any excuse NOT to write (except going to the dentist…obviously). So to have an organised competition like NaNoWriMo spurring me into action is great motivation. I don’t like to lose so I always give it my best shot. First time around in 2008, I think I wrote about 30,000 and all through the month, I kept thinking…‘this is a bit hard’. Even though I didn’t win, I kept at it.

In 2009, I obviously had my act together and some momentum because although the thought of writing 50,000 was daunting, I kept at it. I was determined – and I achieved it. In fact, I wrote much of the first draft of my new book Stella Makes Good during that period. (I had to get a plug in there, somehow.)

In 2010, the wheels fell off…I only managed about 25,000 words.

Why do I keep doing it?

Because it’s a great motivational tool. The online vibe is great…there’s a real sense of purpose and community and I get spurred along by others…plus as I’ve mentioned, I like to win.

What does my month look like?

I have no idea…it’s a day by day adventure. However, writing is my full time job so I have the luxury (!) of writing from home in my pyjamas. I still have to feed my children and do the normal family things, but basically during school hours I am free to write. I am zipping up to Armidale mid-month to speak at a writing symposium and will have to factor that in…Just like I know I won’t be able to write on weekends.

Do I write more at the beginning, the end or the middle?

I would say I write more at the beginning because I am bursting with enthusiasm. By November 12, I’ll be flat, cranky and berating myself…happily then I’ll venture to Armidale where others will berate me!

What are the main challenges I face at NaNoWriMo?

Coming up with a decent story arc would be very high on the list, followed by keeping interested, involved and connected with the process. And acknowledging that this is a very worthwhile process…it’s really important to let your stream of consciousness flow (even if I do sound like a wanker!)

My advice to others going on the NaNoWriMo journey?

1. It’s okay to be totally bewildered and have no idea. That’s me, most of the time.
2. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t make the 1666 daily word count. Some days the words will flow, other times, it’s a drought fest!
3. Keep going! Believe in yourself and blurt those words out.
4. Tell everyone you are writing a book. Pressure? Absolutely. But you’re serious about this novel writing business. Yes?
5. Don’t edit…you don’t have time. Keep churning the words out. You’ll have plenty of time to edit in December when you’re trying to avoid Christmas shopping and family gatherings.
6. You WILL get frustrated. And cranky…and hate everyone. Or is that just me? No! You’ll want to run away from your real life to focus on NaNo. Here’s a tip. Unless you’re…well let’s face it…not you…you won’t be able to. Deal with it. Write when you can, even if it’s at 2am. Not that I recommend that. The words I’ve written at 2 am? Not even I can decipher them.
7. Don’t give up! If writing is your passion, stick with it. Even if you only write 20,000 in November, it’s 20,000 more than you had at the start of the month.
8. Compare yourself to others…but don’t compare yourself. It’s a bit like breasts…the woman beside you might have bigger breasts but yours may be rounder, perkier…hmm, what I mean is…comparing yourself to the writer next door is a good motivational tool when aiming to write 1666 words every day but at the end of the month, if you’ve only written 30,000…they might be the most perfectly formed 30,000 ever!

DON’T BEAT YOURSELF UP BUT GIVE IT YOUR BEST SHOT!

‘Excuse me?’

What’s with that? If you already know that Johnny (imaginary main character) dies in the end, aren’t you less likely to read the entire book …or any of it?

She shrugged. ‘It’s what I do. I need to know.

Outrageous!
So, I’ll get to my point: Before starting a new book, do you read the back page first? And if so, why?

Is the suspense killing you?

Or perhaps you don’t like surprises?

I really want to know, because while I have been called a control freak (on many occasions, come to think of it), when reading, I’m happy to go with the flow and hopefully be surprised and entertained along the way.

Thoughts?

Now, then, about the writing…as people who read my blogs know, I’m a pantser…I start with a character, write the first line and take it from there, often getting stuck at 20, 40, 60,000 words and then somehow having to weasel my way through the mess to construct a coherent story.
Then there are plotters, who meticulously plan story arcs, character traits…they know exactly how their story will unfold…
And then there are writing Gods like John Irving (Last Night in Twisted River, The World According to Garp) who write the last sentence first and work their way back from there.
Irving says, ‘It always works like that for me. I begin with a last sentence and that sentence never gets changed. First sentences change all the time. Sometimes first chapters become fifth chapters, but last sentences have never changed – not a word, not a comma. They stay fixed.’
An interesting sidenote, Irving wrote the first sentence of Last Night in Twisted River, seven months after writing the last sentence.
He says ‘That’s fast for me. I often don’t get to the first sentence in under a year.’
Wacko! (As in Irving has an unusual and original writing process, not that he’s a madman.)
Am fascinated by the idea but just can’t figure out how to go about it.
And then, he died.

The End.

I guess I could work with that…
Who died? Why did he die? What happened before he died?
But I’m too impatient*. Too impatient to write backwards, too impatient to plot…I need to throw myself into the deep end and see where the writing takes me.

*But not so impatient as to read the last page of a new book, first!