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Children's book series
Hi all,
I'm pretty much new here, and though I've mentioned this briefly in another post, I figured - what the Hell, I'm going to announce it here.
After approximately 13 years of trying to make it as an author, at the beginning of this month I signed a contract for a six book children's horror series with HarperCollins. I'm incredibly excited, despite the fact I now have a tight schedule of writing one book every six months (to final, polished draft stage) up until mid-2011.
All through school I was told my dream of being an author was ridiculous, and that I should concentrate on building a proper career in something sensible. I'm glad I didn't listen. :)
Cheers,
Barry
I'm pretty much new here, and though I've mentioned this briefly in another post, I figured - what the Hell, I'm going to announce it here.
After approximately 13 years of trying to make it as an author, at the beginning of this month I signed a contract for a six book children's horror series with HarperCollins. I'm incredibly excited, despite the fact I now have a tight schedule of writing one book every six months (to final, polished draft stage) up until mid-2011.
All through school I was told my dream of being an author was ridiculous, and that I should concentrate on building a proper career in something sensible. I'm glad I didn't listen. :)
Cheers,
Barry
Comments
I have always wanted to be an author and have always had people laugh at me too. I wrote my first novel last year but it was to prove I could write a full one. So now I am working on a young adult novel and am determined to send it in to publishers with hope that I will be accepted.
How long has it taken for you to succeed?
What age are your books aimed at? And what are they about?
Spill the beans - how did you manage six at once?
May there be many more dreams that come to fruition.
Congratulations on all your successes.
Oh yes that would be good. I had an obssession with Christopher Pike. I spent all my pocket money on his books.
Alana - Good for you. Getting the first one done is one of the biggest hurdles. I wrote one adult novel, then a 7-9 year old novel, then a 9-12 year old novel (which I'm releasing in a series of free installments on my blog). I knew none of them were good enough to be published, although they were all fun to write, and the third one was a hundred times better than the first. By that point, I'd learned enough to write my fourth one, which landed me an agent. It was this one that sold to HarperCollins. I've been writing various things - magazine articles, screenplays, etc - since I was about 17 with some VERY limited success, but I didn't turn to children's books until 2007.
kateyanne - This series is aimed at 9-12 year olds. It's a horror, but I can't say much more than that at the moment. It features what I think is a completely unique type of villain that I don't believe has been done in horror before. Once I'm allowed to say more, I'll share the full info ...
KJ - I was lucky in that I hit on quite a unique concept, which I felt could comfortably fill a six book series. I wrote the first one, then wrote short, single paragraph outlines of the next five, and my agent took it to publishers. Fortunately they liked it enough to go for it.
Josette - As soon as I know the publication date, I'll let you know. My own son can't wait for them to come out either!
dorothyd - I'm lucky in that my family have always been very supportive. I think hearing the negative stuff from school at such a young age really knocked my confidence, though, which is a terrible thing for a teacher to do.
Anyway, thanks again for all the kind comments from everyone. I THINK I've managed to answer all the questions, but if I've missed anyone, please just shout!
Barry
Been taking a nosey around your blog. Love some of the photos you've put up. ;)
I took a Ben 10 on holiday with me recently (first in series) to have a look see. Fun aren't they.
Sound like you're well set with your writing but I wish you well with the new series. Fascinated to know what or who your villian is. Guess I'll have to be patient...
I'm trying to write for kids too, so I love hearing about other people's successes in the field. Well, any writer's success is always good to hear to help keep us inspired in pursuit of our dream.
I'll be keeping an eye out for further news.
Have fun
Tracy
Yes, the Ben 10s are a lot of fun. That said, though, I had about three weeks in which to write books three and four in the series, so it didn't feel quite so fun after the fifth or sixth all nighter! Got there in the end, though.
Lou - I'll do my best to keep you updated here, but will also be putting all the latest news up on my blog. I started the blog while on a train to meet my (then potential) agent, and I'll carry it on all the way through publication and beyond.
The deadlines on the Ben 10 books were unusually tight. The plan was to have two writers, one for each book, but being a fan of the show, I was desperate to do both, so managed to convince the publishers to let me. Unfortunately they were both due in at the same time!
It's good that you're sharing this with us in the current negative climate.
Keep us posted.
The press release below went out today. The beans are well and truly spilled in there :)
HarperCollins Acquire Rights in Debut Horror Series
London, 23 January 2009:
HarperCollins Childrens Books is delighted to announce the acquisition of Invisible Fiends, a debut series by B. Hutchison. The six-book deal for world rights including TV, film and merchandise was concluded by Nick Lake, Commissioning Editor at HarperCollins, and Kathryn Ross at Fraser Ross Associates.
Described as Harry Potter meets Nightmare on Elm Street, Invisible Fiends is a fantastically original, darkly funny and shiver-inducing new horror series about what happens when 12-year-old Kyles imaginary friend from childhood comes back to life with a vengeance! The series is aimed at children of 9+ and the first book, Invisible Fiends: Mr Mumbles, is scheduled for publication in early 2010. HarperCollins will be showcasing early proof copies at this years Bologna Book Fair.
Nick Lake said, As unusual and terrifying as the monsters that people its pages, Invisible Fiends is one of those rare projects that combine a fresh premise, wonderfully accessible writing, and the sort of deft humour that makes the terror-sweats just about bearable. Anyone who likes laughing, or screaming, or preferably both at the same time, will love it."
After 13 years, you must now be feeling it has all been worth it.
Congratulations Barry.
Regards
Dora