Reporter: Suphanida J.
Authors and writing support organisations in the North East overlook print media consumption changes, focusing on creating writing pieces and fostering local writer connections in the community.
The annual report ‘A Year in Publishing’ by The Publisher Associations highlighted that the UK’s consumer publishing sector faced challenges in 2022 due to post-pandemic repercussions and living costs, resulting in reduced domestic sales. However, there was a notable 13% surge in book exports compared to 2021. Genres like fiction, children’s books, and audiobooks saw prosperous trends. The adoption of digital formats gained momentum in higher education due to hybrid teaching models and student preferences, leading to a decline in print sales by 4% (£977 million) and an increase in digital content by 5% (£2.6 billion) from the previous year.
This insight aligns with our conversation with Rachel Pattinson, a winner of the Northern Writers’ Awards 2023 (Hachette Children’s Novel Award) who intends to publish her creation, aspiring to establish herself as a notable children’s book author. She highlighted that the children’s book sector remains relatively unaffected by the shift to digital reading devices, primarily due to the limited usage among young readers. This contrasts with the university level, her workplace, where digital content predominates, illustrating the digital consumption habits of books and journals in higher education.
James Harris, a mentor and workshop facilitator at Writers’ Block North East (WBNE), advised authors against excessive concern over consumption figures and market rivalry. He suggested that such matters are best left to publishing agents who assess profitability, including decisions on what can be sold and potential buy-one-get-one promotions. Instead, Harris emphasised that a writer’s primary duty is crafting original, fresh, and innovative narratives to deliver compelling content that captivates readers.
“For writers, don’t worry too much about this stage because your job is to take your idea and turn it into something that absolutely delights and entertains that makes people want to turn the page. Because if you like it, there will be somebody else out there who likes it as well”, added he.
Dr. Yvonne Reddick, recipient of the 2023 Northern Debut Award for Memoir, is another author who directs her attention away from market considerations and instead concentrates on using her strong writing skills to make complex stories enjoyable and easier to understand. With a background as an environmental humanities scholar, she adeptly communicates complex themes related to the energy sector. With a deep understanding, she skillfully crafts engaging stories in both prose and poetry, making the subject easy for a broader audience to grasp.
She stated that “writing can form part of activist movements and writers may actively support environmental causes. Writing works on people’s consciousness and can create changes in behaviour and opinion. And there are also a few examples of very famous writers achieving shifts in policy”.
Dr Reddick also emphasised that achieving the quality of her work requires a supportive writing community. She relies on both official networks, like the facilitated ‘Writing the Climate’ group by New Writing North, and informal ones, such as friends who assist in reviewing her writing. These collaborations play a vital role in enhancing the excellence of her work.
The North East boasts multiple writer support entities, including New Writing North, The Word, and Writers’ Block North East (WBNE), offering valuable resources and guidance to aspiring authors in the region.
Rachel revealed her involvement in writing collectives such as Swag and WriteMentor, enabling her to actively connect with writers for young people across the UK and engage in collaborative creative endeavors. Award win connects her with New Writing North and Hachette, a prominent children’s publisher, opening connections for future collaboration and networking opportunities in children’s publishing.
“That’s a really good way to make links with other people who also know what it’s like to write books. If you need any advice, support, or a second opinion on something, they are really good for that.”
James added that Writers’ Block North East (WBNE) remains committed to its mission of inspiring writers, providing guidance tailored to their creative aspirations, humanising the idea of the publishing agent by arranging 1:1 meetings with their writers. Additionally, the organisation aims to enhance its visibility in the industry, foster a sense of community among writers, and further its role in facilitating literary connections and collaborations.
Writers persist in their dedication to their craft while valuing the support of their local writing community. In the future, the North East envisions a growing, diverse writing community that nurtures a range of creative expressions, which could lead to many new literary innovations. This collective bond among writers forms the foundation for the creation of unique and varied writings. Regardless of shifting print media consumption trends worldwide – showing fewer people read printed books, the writers’ community remains steadfast, dedicated to its presence, and providing assistance for its members. This ongoing network guarantees writers a lasting platform for collaborative support, ensuring the continuous development of their creative works.
“We have no intention of stopping because it’s enjoyable and inspiring seeing people’s energy, enthusiasm, and ambition not in terms of career progression but ambition that ‘I am gonna sit down and tell this story”, the writing programme mentor delightfully emphasised.
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