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View Doug's Forum Chat - Archived Chat for Info
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Callant
 16 Aug 2008, 16:26 #42058 Reply To Post
Quote: plumboz, Saturday, 16 Aug 2008 16:12
Quote: YouWriteOn, Saturday, 16 Aug 2008 16:05
Quote: Lorraine, Saturday, 16 Aug 2008 16:03
Hi, do we wait until Doug has answered one question before posting another?


Hi Lorraine, you can ask away, and Doug will do his best to keep up and answer all questions over the hour.

Ted



Ha! A free for all! Excellent. Poor Doug.

Did you find it at all difficult to make the changes suggested that turned The Emperor's Elephants into Caligula? Or maybe the better question would be, what was the most challenging aspect of doing so, and what fell into place with the most ease?

Oh, and what are you wearing right now?

Everybody is anxious to know but nobody wanted to ask.


Naturally I'm wearing my best tux and a tartan bow tie, but I won't tell you what's under my kilt!

It was pretty tought to make the changes, because it was a very linear narrative and mainly done from Rufus's point of view, which was probably a bit limiting. I think the turning point came when I began to insert the pieces from Caligula's point of view. I really got into the guy's head and I thought wow, this is strong stuff, and I could actually feel the book improve as I went along. I also introduced another couple of characters who I really liked. Hope that's helpful Alan

howardthomas
 16 Aug 2008, 16:28 #42059 Reply To Post
Hi Doug... following on from David's question.... most new products on the market have sales targets. Has your publisher been able to make projections or are sales impossible to predict?
leighvtwersky
 16 Aug 2008, 16:29 #42060 Reply To Post
Hi Doug, many congratulations on your well-deserved success.
Some of the questions I had have been answered but I would like to know
a) How strict were your publ;ishers with you meeting deadlines??

and

b) will you get copies of your work in translation?? It must be wonderful to see your book in Polish and Italian etc!!??
Lorraine
 16 Aug 2008, 16:30 #42061 Reply To Post
With the experience that you now have, what advice would you give to an aspiring author about to contact an agent in the hope of securing representation?
Flash 500 Competition for flash fiction up to 500 words and Flash 500 Humour Verse Competition for amusing poems up to 30 lines
Callant
 16 Aug 2008, 16:30 #42062 Reply To Post
Quote: dannyg, Saturday, 16 Aug 2008 16:13
Hi Doug - many congratulations on your success.

I wondered, have there been any parts of the publishing process that you really haven't enjoyed, or at least haven't been as much fun as you hoped? I'm thinking along the lines of proof reading, arguing with editors etc.


Hi Danny, good to hear from you

I can honestly say that I've enjoyed every bit of the publishing process. It's been great to be learning something new again and even the most mundane things, like the proof-reading are enjoyable, because you know they're worth doing and that every time you dip into it you're improving the book. I think that's one of the big things I've learned: never worry about how many times you rewrite or change it, because everything gives it more depth, or tightens it up, and makes it stronger. My editor and I have a great relationship. Simon's brilliant at what he does, and if he makes a suggestion I generally go along with it. If I don't we talk about the reasons for it and come to a joint decision. Fingers crossed it stays that way
demolinero
 16 Aug 2008, 16:31 #42063 Reply To Post
Hi Doug - I posted a question earlier today before the forum opened. Will it pop up at some stage?
Elizabeth Jasper
Find me at at http://www.elizabethjasper.com


timellis
 16 Aug 2008, 16:32 #42065 Reply To Post
Hi Doug

Got the book, but yet to read it. Well done! What do you think was the one thing that got you an agent/published, besides writing a damned good novel?

Tim
Callant
 16 Aug 2008, 16:34 #42067 Reply To Post
Quote: madridhibs, Saturday, 16 Aug 2008 16:15
Hi Doug

Did your experiences in a newspaper office help you write about a power-crazy despot?

Seriously, Caligula is a real psycho. How difficult was he to write considering you're not a power-crazed despot?

(Hibs are winning!)


Lovely to hear from you, Lizzie and if Hibs are winning that's something new this season!

I don't know how I got into Caligula's head, but I think I managed it pretty well. The Caligula inserts are some of my favourite bits of the book. That's what I love about writing. You can be anybody. Do anything. There are none of the constraints of your own life, it's all imagination. Anyway, how do you know I haven't changed into a power-crazed despot, it could be my weekend hobby
plumboz
 16 Aug 2008, 16:35 #42068 Reply To Post
The tux, bow tie and mysterious kilt is an excellent ensemble choice for these informal get-togethers. Classic.

My last serious question: Do you think your credentials as a journalist were at all helpful in getting the serious attention of the publishing world?

And my last not serious question: Have you received any nasty emails from Albert Camus regarding using his title?

Congrats many, many times over. And thanks for sharing your experiences with us.

Best,
Alan
YouWriteOn
 16 Aug 2008, 16:38 #42069 Reply To Post
For any member who posted a question before 4pm, if you are around now feel free to post. Not that we are piling on the pressure on Doug or anything, you see Doug, this is what it's like being a successful author.

Quote: demolinero
Hi Doug - I've thorougly enjoyed reading 'Caligula' (though I think I preferred your original title).

My question is: How much difference is there between the version of the story you posted on YWO and the final version and did your agent/publisher make suggestions for the story you hadn't thought of beforehand?

Thank you.

This post was last edited by YouWriteOn, 16 Aug 2008, 16:39
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