CAROLINE SMAILES

CAROLINE SMAILES: Novelist, editor, tutor. Ridiculously good at Battleship. Fond of cake, Christmas and roller-skates with stoppers.

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The Filming of Arthur Braxton

Why I allowed someone called ‘Lukeisnotsexy’ to make a film of my novel.

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Czech cover of #marthalost 

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Q&A with Caroline Smailes!

By sheer (but awesome) twist of fate last week, I got talking to Caroline Smailes on Twitter because of work. Deciding to be a little bit cheeky, I typed out a quick message asking Caroline if she would be so kind as to do a Q+A for my blog. I held my breath as I pressed send, not thinking in a million years that someone who is as busy as Caroline would be able to spare the time at the moment!

As it turns out, Caroline is an amazing woman. Despite the Kickstarter campaign to bring one of her books to the big screen being in full swing - and so, so close to it’s target - Caroline spent some time chatting with me, and answering mine (and your) questions. I have been gushing about just how wonderful Caroline is every since our chat (and upon seeing our stock of The Drowning of Arthur Braxton come into store yesterday, I proceeded to tell anyone who would listen to me how lovely she is), and reading her answers to the questions was delightful.

For those of you that don’t know, Caroline lives in the North West of England, and writes books for young adults. Recently, YouTuber Luke Cutforth announced that he was embarking upon a Kickstarter campaign to adapt her book - The Drowning of Arthur Braxton - into a film. 

Click on the Read More for the Q&A with Caroline!

Keep reading

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I Need Your Help...

Please help make this happen. This means the world to me: http://whoisarthur.com https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/fireflight/the-drowning-of-arthur-braxt...

So, this happened...

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The Drowning of Arthur Braxton - A feature film based on the acclaimed novel by Caroline Smailes - a magical, fascinating and challenging look at bullying and love. - http://kck.st/1VRC9PS

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I can’t wait to play Laurel! Please help us make this happen! Everyone who loved My Mad Fat Diary this will be right up your street!

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Some days are meant to be counted, others are meant to be weighed.

Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love (via wnq-anonymous)

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#elizabethgilbert #inspiration 

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#inspiration #stayweird 

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How can I get an agent to sign me? I keep on trying and they keep saying nice things (well written, not quite right for our list, wish you luck placing your work, just our opinion) or else they don't reply at all. Not even an acknowledgement they have received my MS. It just disappears into the ether. (Yes I know they are busy) it's very vexing indeed! #sigh

If the responses are vague and not offering any specific feedback, it's difficult to pinpoint a reason why, and i imagine frustrating for you. I'd suggest going back to your ms and seeing how you can make it even better (consider asking beta readers/a professional editor who you trust, to look at it and offer honest feedback) - is your novel the best it can possibly be?

Finding the right agent is a difficult task, but ultimately a rewarding one. It took me years to find my agent. I understand how you're feeling. Look to writers who write books in a similar genre, see who their agents might be and look to seeing how you can get to know that agent. With social media, it's now easier to get to know agents, before you submit to them. You're on Twitter, so do follow the #askagent questions and see the advice offered there too.

I guess, in a long-short way, what I'm saying is don't give up and keep looking for ways to improve. Many writers take years to find the right agent for them - try not to be disheartened. Excellent writing will be noticed, eventually.

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Book(s Are My Bag)tober - THRILLED that ‘The Drowning of Arthur Braxton’ is included in Carrie Hope Fletcher’s Booktober.

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