Author launches book

Fresh from launching her first novel, Call It Dog at Love Books in Melville, author Marli Roode discussed what it was like being a full-time author.

Roode holds a masters degree in philosophy and does not believe that every aspiring author should study writing academically. For her it is dedication, self-control and constantly staying informed that make a successful author.

Roode said, “You must read a lot so you can fully understand the basics of writing, and you must write a lot so that you learn about your own writing voice and style. Don’t

forget that writing is a craft, the more you do it the better you will

become.”

She talked about the benefits of working for oneself in a creative industry, but also the potential disadvantages that may arise.

“It is amazing to set your own times and do it in your pyjamas, but you can’t just say I will work only when I am inspired. You just have to keep writing. Also, present yourself as a professional at all times because people are depending on you.

“Publishers take a risk when they sign you, so you have to make them confident. Stick to deadlines, even if it is you who set them. Look at similar novels to yours and see which agents and publishers those writers have worked with since they are already open to material like yours,” she said.

Roode advised all aspiring writers to participate in competitions as it presented a great way to get experience and exposure.

“Keep entering as many competitions as you can. I won a writing competition and that’s how I got my agent. Writing as a career is somewhat hard because you don’t have the certainty of a pay check at the end of every month, but if you are able to, your readers will spend 14 or 15 hours with your voice and your creation of the world. That’s very powerful,” she said.