Meg Vann: ‘The writer’s journey is a long one’

While a book is an accessible, concrete object, the process of creating a book is somewhat more mysterious. To help bring it into the open, MWF is devoting a whole-day event to how books are created. A Book’s Journey brings together publishers, editors, writers and other industry guests to shine the light on the publishing process.

One of these guests, Meg Vann, manages The Australian Writer’s Marketplace for Queensland Writers Centre, and tutors creative writing. Her first book, a light-hearted thriller, is under consideration with an Australian publisher. We asked Meg about her part in a book’s journey.

Meg, you manage the Australian Writer’s Marketplace (Queensland Writers Centre). Where does this organisation (and others like it around Australia) come into a book’s journey? What kind of assistance can it provide?

AWM was originally developed as a resource to help emerging writers find marketplaces to send their work – it started out in the nineties, basically as a Yellow Pages for writers. Now it is both a book and a website, and it also includes information and services for all writers – whether someone is brand new to writing, an established author writing to contract, or anywhere in between, there is something in AWM or AWMonline for you!

There are some quintessential problems that spring up for new writers: lack of inspiration, time, or honest, useful feedback. Are there any new trends, though, in what writers need or seek? Have the internet and digital resources helped writers (or hindered them)?

The online environment is vital for writers to connect with each other, and with audiences. But it can be a real time vampire, too, so you have to set clear limits! AWMonline runs a regular Writing Race on Tuesday nights. It is a one-hour online forum that is freely available to all writers where you can chat with fellow writers (including some very special guests) to provide motivation, accountability and feedback. Some of our regular Racers have gone from beginners through to winning competitions and getting published!

You’ve said that you love your day job, which ‘involves schmoozing at awesome writers’ festivals’ (thanks!) Why are contacts in the publishing industry important for writers polishing their craft or trying to get published?

The wonderful literary agent Sophie Hamley calls publishing ‘an industry of relationships’ and it is so true! Meeting other writers – as well as publishers, editors, agents, booksellers, and all the other industry folks –  is so important when it comes to developing your understanding of professional standards and where your work sits within the broader marketplace. I always encourage people to just be themselves when schmoozing – but to be their best selves: ready to speak briefly and engagingly about their work when asked, and always courteous and curious about everyone you meet.

You’re also a graduate of a writing and publishing course at the University of Queensland, with a novel manuscript of your own. How has your two-sides-of-the fence experience helped you in putting together your manuscript?

Working in the industry has helped me focus more on my writing, and given me many wonderful opportunities to meet other writers. Australia is blessed with a generous and supportive literary culture – I feel enormously fortunate to work in a role where I can ‘give back’ to other writers, as well as talk constantly about books and writing! Being immersed in the industry as well as immersed in my own writing has made me so much more aware of both the craft and the business aspects of this thing that I have loved so much all my life: creative writing.

How would you describe the writer’s journey?

The writer’s journey is a long one. An actor friend advised me once that any career in the arts is like a never-ending bus ride – as long as you stay on the bus, you’ll get somewhere, even if it wasn’t where you originally planned to go!

Catch Meg in A Book’s Journey (tickets for Part 1 and Part 2 still available) on Saturday 27 August.