It's been a rollercoaster – full of ups and downs and I'm sure there are plenty more to come. But yes, I went from a first book selling just 1,500 copies to a New York Times bestseller.
Thank you so much for inspiring all of us to reach for the stars and never give up on our dreams. To start writing, to be creative in the narrative and simply to just do it and be in the moment.
Well done to you a lot of work has gone into what you do and now it is truly paying off.
"The agents and publishers told me I had some talent, writing thirteen drafts is just one example of the kind of hard work you need to put in, but I hadn’t yet had my luck."
This reminds me of boxing career. Funny how opportunity = luck+preparation shows up in multiple fields.
Thank you so much for being upfront on how hard it can be to get into the field. Your path became a marathon run. You never gave up which is what it takes in this world. You have to keep the momentum going to get to your goal, which you ultimately did. Next you need the faith, trust, gumption to keep on reaching for your next goal. You evidently have what it takes to do it. Good on ya!
Thank Shannon! Yes, writing and faith go hand in hand. You just have to keep believing in your book, even when the odds seem stacked against you. Nobody else will champion your book unless you do, which is something I've learned along the way. And with every new book I sit down to write, I have to summon up that faith and belief again that this book will come together and that people will read it and hopefully enjoy it!
This is an amazing story of your journey, Natasha. You are so honest and raw and I was intrigued till the end and it’s all just your thoughts. Please write a memoir! 🌻
I did expect your journey to be long and challenging, Natasha. This seems to be the story of most successful authors. However, after reading your books, I see how your passion for life has kept you motivated. I find myself drawn into your characters, and the lives "on the edge" that they live!
I am in awe of how you balance a family living in Perth with stories spanning 20th century events and characters. Amazing.
Yes, I think that's the key – you really have to love writing and the things that you're writing about. I think if you're not truly passionate about those two things, then you won't be able to endure all the ups and downs. I just hope I keep getting enough readers to allow me to keep doing the thing I love most!
I love this post, thank you for sharing Natasha. I'm at the being of my writing journey, with a short story published in a anthology book. The desire to write a novel one day is strong, and your work and story inspires me to keep chipping away at it.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! To your point about writing/editing/publishing being a “long, slow process,” I have been learning that too! I’m editing my book IN YOUR DREAMS to submit to literary agents this year; I wrote it in 2006 and have been editing it on and off since! It’s almost ready and I’ve received very helpful and encouraging feedback on it.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful encouragement! I read this reply the day you posted it and apologize for not replying sooner to say thank you for your kindness! It means so much!
Dear Natasha, thank you so much for candidly sharing your story. I'm working on my first book at the moment and whilst I have a small publishing contract I have no clue whether it will work out. I just had some feedback from my editors and now have to rework a lot of what I had submitted. I've basically been pulling my hair out since - feeling like a total fool and imposter for even trying!! But, chin up, I'm obliging and reworking the manuscript with their help, all in the hope it will become a bestseller too. Thank you for inspiring me, and the rest of this audience, with your honesty. Really looking forward to talking with you soon on my vintage podcast. Best, Charlotte xx
Good luck with it Charlotte! If there is one thing I've learned about writing, it's that most of it is rewriting. We rewrite until we think we can't look at our book ever again – and then we rewrite it some more! You're definitely not a fool – just a normal writer. Look forward to talking to you for the podcast soon too.
Your career story is very interesting. Thank you for being so open to discussing the ups and downs and the hard work it took to get to where you are now!
Even though I have been with you from the beginning, it’s a tale I never tire of hearing. So happy you persevered and now we all reap the benefits of your storytelling abilities.
I do read a narrow range of genres but historical fiction is my absolute favourite. I also think it would be one of the most involved if you wish to stay true to source. That is a massive undertaking. I listen to podcasts and many writers tell a similar tale of perseverance and staying true to what you love - just write.
A writer starting out is most definitely in it for the long haul and even once achieved, the pressures morph into something else - expectations.
I am a blogger and that is as far as my writing goes but I do appreciate taking that time to stop and reflect on the written word.
Thank you! I'm so glad it's not boring to hear it again even if you've heard it before. I think if there's one thing you need as a writer, it's the ability to not give up until you've exhausted absolutely all possibilities and you've truly rewritten the book until it is the best it can be.
It seems like a writer’s journey is never easy. I am yet to hear of any writer whose first draft was accepted by the first agent they queried. Thank you for sharing your story. It goes to show how persistence is so essential if you want to purse a writing life.
Congratulations Naomi - I just drew the winners of the books I was giving away with this post and your name was drawn! You've won a signed copy of the paperback of The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre. Can you please email me on info@natashalester.com.au with your postal address and I'll send out your book!
I've heard of a couple of writers whose very first book gets picked up by the very first agent they query and then they get a big advance from a great publisher instantly too. I'm kind of glad my journey happened the way it did because it means I'm used to not just the highs, but the lows too. I know I've survived rejections and poor sales before, so I can survive them again. Whereas if you've never had to face those things, to suddenly have to do so in the middle of your writing career would likely be much more difficult, I think.
It is called What is Left Over After. I'm not sure if you live in Australia or the US or somewhere else, but my Australian publisher is re-releasing the book with a new cover and in a new edition on May 1, so it will be easy to get it hold of it then - if you're in Australia. It is very different to my historicals and is much darker and grittier, so as long as you're up for that, happy reading! And thank you!
Thank you so much for inspiring all of us to reach for the stars and never give up on our dreams. To start writing, to be creative in the narrative and simply to just do it and be in the moment.
Well done to you a lot of work has gone into what you do and now it is truly paying off.
I love this post Natasha - that powerful combination of talent, hard work and luck is really resonating with me! Can't wait for part II :-)
Thank you Natasha, for sharing your journey.
"The agents and publishers told me I had some talent, writing thirteen drafts is just one example of the kind of hard work you need to put in, but I hadn’t yet had my luck."
This reminds me of boxing career. Funny how opportunity = luck+preparation shows up in multiple fields.
It's so true - I think that shows up everywhere. I always say you need talent and hard work and luck to make it anywhere as a writer.
Thank you so much for being upfront on how hard it can be to get into the field. Your path became a marathon run. You never gave up which is what it takes in this world. You have to keep the momentum going to get to your goal, which you ultimately did. Next you need the faith, trust, gumption to keep on reaching for your next goal. You evidently have what it takes to do it. Good on ya!
Thank Shannon! Yes, writing and faith go hand in hand. You just have to keep believing in your book, even when the odds seem stacked against you. Nobody else will champion your book unless you do, which is something I've learned along the way. And with every new book I sit down to write, I have to summon up that faith and belief again that this book will come together and that people will read it and hopefully enjoy it!
This is an amazing story of your journey, Natasha. You are so honest and raw and I was intrigued till the end and it’s all just your thoughts. Please write a memoir! 🌻
You are so lovely! I really don't think my life is interesting enough for a memoir but thank you!
I did expect your journey to be long and challenging, Natasha. This seems to be the story of most successful authors. However, after reading your books, I see how your passion for life has kept you motivated. I find myself drawn into your characters, and the lives "on the edge" that they live!
I am in awe of how you balance a family living in Perth with stories spanning 20th century events and characters. Amazing.
Yes, I think that's the key – you really have to love writing and the things that you're writing about. I think if you're not truly passionate about those two things, then you won't be able to endure all the ups and downs. I just hope I keep getting enough readers to allow me to keep doing the thing I love most!
I love this post, thank you for sharing Natasha. I'm at the being of my writing journey, with a short story published in a anthology book. The desire to write a novel one day is strong, and your work and story inspires me to keep chipping away at it.
Good luck with it, Rachael!
Thank you so much for sharing your journey! To your point about writing/editing/publishing being a “long, slow process,” I have been learning that too! I’m editing my book IN YOUR DREAMS to submit to literary agents this year; I wrote it in 2006 and have been editing it on and off since! It’s almost ready and I’ve received very helpful and encouraging feedback on it.
Congratulations!!
All the best with it! Congrats for sticking with the project for so long - you definitely have the endurability you need!
Thank you so much for this thoughtful encouragement! I read this reply the day you posted it and apologize for not replying sooner to say thank you for your kindness! It means so much!
Dear Natasha, thank you so much for candidly sharing your story. I'm working on my first book at the moment and whilst I have a small publishing contract I have no clue whether it will work out. I just had some feedback from my editors and now have to rework a lot of what I had submitted. I've basically been pulling my hair out since - feeling like a total fool and imposter for even trying!! But, chin up, I'm obliging and reworking the manuscript with their help, all in the hope it will become a bestseller too. Thank you for inspiring me, and the rest of this audience, with your honesty. Really looking forward to talking with you soon on my vintage podcast. Best, Charlotte xx
Good luck with it Charlotte! If there is one thing I've learned about writing, it's that most of it is rewriting. We rewrite until we think we can't look at our book ever again – and then we rewrite it some more! You're definitely not a fool – just a normal writer. Look forward to talking to you for the podcast soon too.
Thank you, Natasha. It will be an honour to have a signed copy of your wonderful book. 🙏😀💕
Really looking forward to this book and to following what I am sure will be a stellar career. Loving your books
Thanks so much!
Your career story is very interesting. Thank you for being so open to discussing the ups and downs and the hard work it took to get to where you are now!
So glad you found it interesting!
Even though I have been with you from the beginning, it’s a tale I never tire of hearing. So happy you persevered and now we all reap the benefits of your storytelling abilities.
I do read a narrow range of genres but historical fiction is my absolute favourite. I also think it would be one of the most involved if you wish to stay true to source. That is a massive undertaking. I listen to podcasts and many writers tell a similar tale of perseverance and staying true to what you love - just write.
A writer starting out is most definitely in it for the long haul and even once achieved, the pressures morph into something else - expectations.
I am a blogger and that is as far as my writing goes but I do appreciate taking that time to stop and reflect on the written word.
Thank you! I'm so glad it's not boring to hear it again even if you've heard it before. I think if there's one thing you need as a writer, it's the ability to not give up until you've exhausted absolutely all possibilities and you've truly rewritten the book until it is the best it can be.
It seems like a writer’s journey is never easy. I am yet to hear of any writer whose first draft was accepted by the first agent they queried. Thank you for sharing your story. It goes to show how persistence is so essential if you want to purse a writing life.
Congratulations Naomi - I just drew the winners of the books I was giving away with this post and your name was drawn! You've won a signed copy of the paperback of The Three Lives of Alix St Pierre. Can you please email me on info@natashalester.com.au with your postal address and I'll send out your book!
I've heard of a couple of writers whose very first book gets picked up by the very first agent they query and then they get a big advance from a great publisher instantly too. I'm kind of glad my journey happened the way it did because it means I'm used to not just the highs, but the lows too. I know I've survived rejections and poor sales before, so I can survive them again. Whereas if you've never had to face those things, to suddenly have to do so in the middle of your writing career would likely be much more difficult, I think.
Yes, that’s true. The struggle certainly builds resilience.
Can you please tell me the title of your first book, I would love to read it
It is called What is Left Over After. I'm not sure if you live in Australia or the US or somewhere else, but my Australian publisher is re-releasing the book with a new cover and in a new edition on May 1, so it will be easy to get it hold of it then - if you're in Australia. It is very different to my historicals and is much darker and grittier, so as long as you're up for that, happy reading! And thank you!
Hi Natasha, I live in Melbourne, I have now got a copy of your book 👏
I hope you enjoy it!