Linda Hampton opened up about writing, publishing and imposter syndrome at a Leonard Cohen-inspired evening for her debut novel at Tea Amantes. Stephen Dunstan went along.
I arrived at Tea Amantes Community Arts as Linda Hampton was putting real and chocolate oranges on the table. I’m not one to pass up a Chocolate Orange, but I was intrigued as to the connection with the debut novel we were gathering to discuss.
The answer lay in Leonard Cohen’s Suzanne, which features in Sailing To The Moon and includes a line about tea and oranges. The tea, in several varieties, was provided by host Anna Paprzycka.
Linda was at pains to ensure the event wasn’t an elaborate spoiler for those present — myself included — who hadn’t already read the book. Proceedings were therefore more about the process of writing the novel than its content.
Looking back, Linda recalled that in her teens she’d planned for her first novel to be published under the pseudonym Kate Weeks. With time, she decided it was important that it was publicly known as her own work.
In an entertaining reflection on imposter syndrome, Linda gave a simulated elevator pitch to imagined publishers. She then explained why self-publishing was the preferred option for her, and why it might work best for other authors in the room too.
Linda took us through the development of what she wanted the novel to say. Much fiction is autobiographical in part, and the reunion of two characters after 40 years reflected developments in Linda’s own life.
The drafting process was discussed, along with the difference between authors who plan ahead and those who fly by the seat of their pants. Practical advice was also given on using social media to effectively promote your work as an author.
Sailing To The Moon includes a book within a book. In the Q&A, Linda was asked whether she planned to write that book too – and it transpires she’s already doing so. Following an absorbing evening in lovely surroundings, I look forward to reading both in due course.
Sailing To The Moon by Linda Hampton is available on Amazon. Tea Amantes Community Arts Tearoom and Gallery is at 53b Albert Road, Blackpool.
