This Novel is Happening chronicles the story behind the writing of my first novel, the process of submitting it, getting rejected, and it finally being accepted for publication. After almost a decade of thinking it will never happen, it’s happening. It’s real. I’m scared and have no clue what I’m doing. What happens next? I’m not sure.
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Want to email the show? Shoot us a message at podcast [at] gloriapanzera dot com.
- Episode 14 | Choosing a cover and the novel is released!
On this week’s episode, Gloria gives an update on the status of the novel, discusses the process of picking a cover, and what to expect when you’re working with a press when it comes to the cover.
- Episode 13 | Edits Are Complete…
On this week’s episode, Gloria talks about the editing and revision of the novel. She discusses her approach and strategies for tackling a big project like revising a novel. Gloria speaks about the pros and cons of procrastination (mostly the cons) and updates the audience on the status of the novel.
- Episode 12 | Novel Edits, Round 1
What does feedback look like from an indie press editor? Find out this week when Gloria discusses her first round of edits. She reacts to the feedback and goes into some depth about the novel. She shares her tips for receiving feedback and how to apply it effectively. She also comes up with a plan for how she is going to address this round of revision.
- Episode 11 | Lost in book marketing
On this week’s episode, Gloria discusses some of her research on marketing a novel. She explores the differences between what marketing might look like with one of the big five publishing houses and an indie press like the one publishing her novel, Unsolicited Press. She also discusses some of her research on developing a brand, what that might look like, and pinpointing her audience. Lastly, she develops a short-term plan for marketing her novel over the next few weeks.
- Episode 10 | Jenny Hubbard Interview
On this week’s episode Gloria interviews the lovely Jenny Hubbard, author of Paper Covers Rock and And We Stay. We learn about Jenny’s process, how she went about getting her novel published, what it’s like to have an agent, and the process and what expectations you might have when working with an editor. She also talks about getting back to the classroom and how it’s changed her writing.
From this episode
And We Stay – Jenny Hubbard
Paper Covers Rock – Jenny Hubbard
http://www.jennyhubbard.com/
- Episode 9 | To MFA or not to MFA
On this week’s episode Gloria discusses the M.F.A. in creative writing. She breaks down her expectations when she started and what she wishes she knew when she was applying. She talks about the different types of programs, what to expect if you decide to pursue and M.F.A., and some of the pitfalls of this degree. She also talks about the academic job market and who might benefit from earning an M.F.A. in creative writing.
From this episode
AWP https://www.awpwriter.org/
MLA (where to find job listings for professor jobs) https://www.mla.org/
Poets and Writers MFA program database https://www.pw.org/mfa
- Episode 8 | What to do while you wait
This week Gloria gives a brief update on where she is with the manuscript. She also discusses what she is doing while she waits for edits from her editor at Unsolicited Press. She talks about establishing a writing routine, morning writing sessions, and squeezing writing into the pockets of her day. She discusses her process for submitting her work and gives some examples of resources. She also discusses the academic job market and keeping busy while she waits to hear back about revision.
- Episode 7 | Revisions, Round 1
This week Gloria talks about her process of revising the novel manuscript. She talks about returning to the universe she made almost ten years ago and the surprising emotional journey of the revision process. She discusses the fear and vulnerability that comes with revising the manuscript and how she realized that she might need to revisit some of her older, completed pieces. She also talks about AWP, the fear and enthusiasm for the editing process, and her excitement for what is to come.
- Episode 6 | Leland Cheuk Interview
This week Gloria interviews Leland Cheuk, editor at 7.13 Books. 7.13 Books is one of the presses Gloria submitted her novel to, but she received a rejection. The conversation helps Gloria learn more about the process and why her novel didn’t quite make the cut with this press that publishes debut book. In the interview, Cheuk discusses his experience as a writer and how it has informed his work as an editor. They discuss the world of publishing and what the process looks like from the side that writers want to know most about–how a book gets published.
- Episode 5 | The Waiting Game
This week Gloria talks about what to expect after you’ve submitted your novel and her process for staying somewhat sane as she waits for responses. She also discusses the pity-party problem and how the universe sometimes throws you a bone.