Saturday 31 December 2022

2022 - Reflections of my Debut Year

Reflections on my debut year…

The year got off to a great start with two YA short stories accepted for publication. One in Northern Gravy, and one in PaperBound magazine. Another YA short story made the Searchlight Short Story Award longlist.

I’ve been able to work on a YA that received Arts Council funding, and have had the chance to work with the amazing Patrice Lawrence and Emma Roberts.

I got a contract for a reading scheme book and wrote it this year.

Another huge event this year was making the shortlist for the Wells Lit Fest Children’s Novel award with a YA novel, and the WriteBlend shortlist for Autumn Moonbeam.

I’ve done BookJiveLive the online open mic event for children’s writers twice this year.

I was a tutor for my first ever workshop on writing chapter books.

Autumn Moonbean being featured in the Irish Examiner top children's books from 2022.

2022 has been a huge year for me, my debut year for my Autumn Moonbeam chapter book series. Having a book published has been something I’ve dreamt of since I was at school, so 2022 has been a dream come true.

 


If I was starting 2022 I would give myself (and other writers) this advice…


Celebrate all the wins – no matter how small. It’s a hard slog and a long journey this writing malarkey, so print out good reviews or a positive comment so you can read it on the harder days. It’s always easier to remember the bad and not the good.

Seeing my book available for pre-order, then in bookshops has been amazing. Sadly, my first book came out as Waterstones had their system change and it's meant even now there's not many branches with copies instore, but it's been amazing to see it in those that have. Big shout out to Wolverhampton Waterstones, my local branch, as they have been so lovely and supportive. 

The most exciting thing about being a debut is probably signing a book for a child for the first time. She came to me clutching a copy she’d already read; I cried happy tears afterwards, and probably will every time I'm asked to sign a book!

 


It’s okay to be scared – Nothing could really have prepared me for how scared and anxious I’d be this year. I think it’s good to realise that it’s normal to go through a mass of emotions, including the bad ones, even when it’s your dreams coming true. It’s stressful and a big change and there’s so much out of your control, so focus on the things you can do and what you enjoy doing.

Despite being absolutely terrified of standing up and talking in front of people, one of the biggest things to celebrate this year has been doing school visits. I especially loved talking to the kids during the Q and A sessions and hearing all their questions, especially the slightly unexpected ones.

 


Write – Don’t forget you wrote a book because you love writing. Sometimes when you’re caught up with the marketing and trying to promote your book you lose sight of why you are there in the first place. So find that happy place again and write something new, and write something you feel excited about.

It has been a really busy year promoting the Autumn Moonbeam books, and I sometimes forget I also wrote a first draft of a new YA, and a reading scheme book, and lots of bits of freewriting and research along the way, and those shiny new ideas that forever try to derail me from what I’m supposed to be writing!

 


Find your tribe – I’ve been so lucky to be part of some amazing writing groups, and I can’t stress how important this has been for me. Being part of the writing community and being connected via social media and in person is such a privilege. I have met so many lovely friends along the way.

If you’re a debut writer, I can guarantee there’s a debut group out there for you to join. I was part of two Debut22 groups, one with just children’s authors, and the other with a mix of authors writing for all age groups. It’s made my debut year so much better to have friends going through the same ups and downs and it’s so much nicer to be able to cheer others on and spot friend’s books in shops.

 


Mental Health – It’s a whirlwind in your debut year, sometimes it’s tumbleweeds and other times it’s hyper speed (isn’t it at every stage as a writer?!). It’s so important to remember that no matter how much you want to, you just can’t do everything, think about what you actually enjoy doing and do that. Take time for you, and rest, it’s physically and mentally exhausting at times and it’s so important to take the time to rest and recharge.

I’ve loved doing school visits, both virtual and in person, and connecting with readers by sending letters and signed postcards to schools and indie bookshops or doing workshops in my local Waterstones. It’s been wonderful and exciting, there’s nothing better than getting a great review or seeing a child reading your book but burn out is real and this year I’ve been anxiety-ridden and burnt out in equal measure. Don’t feel guilty to take time for you and rest. Just read, or do something just for you, being published isn’t going to suddenly vanish if you take some time out.

 


Most importantly – your words are out there in the world, and that might be scary at times but it’s also the most amazing feeling. You’ve achieved something many never do, you’ve finished a book and it’s out there or going out into the world, be proud, and in the words of Autumn Moonbeam… you’re spell-tastic!


Here's to a writerly 2023, and thank you to everyone who has made my 2022 so special! 

If you'd like to buy a copy of Autumn Moonbeam: Dance Magic, or Spooky Sleepover they are available to order from indie bookshops, Waterstones, Amazon, online and on the Hive bookstore website.



Sunday 2 October 2022

Pre-Order Spooky Sleepover

You can pre-order AUTUMN MOONBEAM: SPOOKY SLEEPOVER at most bookshops now, here are a few...


My local indie bookshop, Blue Sheep Books, email: mamaewe@bluesheepbooks.com or through Bookshop.org at: Spooky Sleepover a book by Emma Finlayson-Palmer and Heidi Cannon. (bookshop.org)


The Rocketship Bookshop: Autumn Moonbeam: Spooky Sleepover - The Rocketship Bookshop

The Bookery: Spooky Sleepover - Emma Finlayson-Palmer (thebookery.org.uk)

Toppings & Company: Spooky Sleepover by Emma Finlayson-Palmer (toppingbooks.co.uk)


Supporting indie bookshops through Hive: Spooky Sleepover: Emma Finlayson-Palmer: 9781912979929: hive.co.uk




Saturday 13 August 2022

Write Blend Awards

AUTUMN MOONBEAM: DANCE MAGIC! has made it through to the final of the #WriteBlendAwards over on Twitter, organised by the fabulous bookshop WriteBlend Bookshop

You can vote for Autumn over on Twitter at the following link... #WriteBlendAwards poll

Thanks to WriteBlend for the finalist badge, and the mega-talented illustrator Heidi Cannon for adding Autumn and her best friend, Batty to it!




Autumn Moonbeam: Dance Magic! at Indie Bookshops

AUTUMN MOONBEAM: DANCE MAGIC! is officially out in the world, published by UCLan and illustrated by the mega talented Heidi Cannon.


It is available to order online and instore with signed and personalised bookplates at many indie bookshops, including Kenilworth Books in Kenilworth, Storytellers Inc in St Annes-on-Sea, The Book Nook in Hove, and The Rocketship Bookshop in Salisbury, Next Page Books in Hitchin, The Portobello Bookshop in Edinburgh, Write Blend in Liverpool, and Through The Wardrobe Books in Mirfield.


Bookplates also available at Books and BanterTell Tales BooksFour Bears BooksThe Little Bookshop, and Book Wagon UK.


My local indie bookshop is Blue Sheep Books where you can email: orders@bluesheepbooks.com or call to order your signed/personalised copy.


Check out UCLan's website for an Autumn Moonbeam character quiz and find out which character from Sparkledale you are!


Sunday 24 July 2022

AUTUMN MOONBEAM: DANCE MAGIC! is officially out in the world, published by UCLan and illustrated by the mega talented Heidi Cannon.


It is available to order online and instore with signed and personalised bookplates at many indie bookshops, including Kenilworth Books, Storytellers Inc in St Annes-on-Sea, The Book Nook in Hove, and The Rocketship Bookshop in Salisbury, Next Page Books in Hitchin, The Portobello Bookshop in Edinburgh, and Write Blend in Liverpool.


Bookplates also available at Books and BanterTell Tales BooksFour Bears BooksThe Little Bookshop, and Book Wagon UK.


My local indie bookshop is Blue Sheep Books where you can email: orders@bluesheepbooks.com or call to order your signed/personalised copy.


Check out UCLan's website for an Autumn Moonbeam character quiz and find out which character from Sparkledale you are!




Saturday 16 July 2022

Audiobook of Autumn Moonbeam

Thrilled to announce that AUTUMN MOONBEAM: DANCE MAGIC! is now available in audiobook format from Audible.

"Spell-tastic" narration by Laura Sophie Helbig.

You can find it at the following link...


AUTUMN MOONBEAM: DANCE MAGIC! 



Thursday 14 July 2022

Autumn is here!

AUTUMN MOONBEAM: DANCE MAGIC! is now officially out in the world, published by UCLan.


It is available to order online and instore with signed and personalised bookplates at many indie bookshops, including Kenilworth BooksThe Book Nook in Hove, and The Rocketship Bookshop in Salisbury, and Next Page Books in Hitchin. 


Bookplates also available at Books and BanterTell Tales BooksFour Bears BooksStorytellers IncThe Little Bookshop, The Portobello Bookshop, and Book Wagon UK.


My local indie bookshop is Blue Sheep Books where you can email: orders@bluesheepbooks.com or call to order your signed/personalised copy.




Wednesday 6 July 2022

AUTUMN MOONBEAM: DANCE MAGIC! Out tomorrow!

Only one day to go until AUTUMN MOONBEAM: DANCE MAGIC! is officially published by UCLan and will be cartwheeling into bookshops across the country on the 7th July.


It is available to order online and instore with signed and personalised bookplates at many indie bookshops, including Kenilworth BooksThe Book Nook in Hove, and The Rocketship Bookshop in Salisbury, and Next Page Books in Hitchin. 


Bookplates also available at Books and BanterTell Tales BooksFour Bears BooksStorytellers IncThe Little Bookshop and Book Wagon UK.


My local indie bookshop is Blue Sheep Books where you can email: orders@bluesheepbooks.com or call to order your signed/personalised copy.



Tuesday 5 July 2022

Virtual Book Launch - Tues 5th July 6.30pm

Join us for my virtual launch

6.30pm Tuesday 5th July

Hosted by the fabulous Tamsin Rosewell


Register for the event at: Autumn Moonbeam Online Launch – Crowdcast


You can pre-order a copy with signed bookplate from Kenilworth Books





Thursday 30 June 2022

One week until Autumn Moonbeam: Dance Magic!

After what seemed like something that was way off in the future is now nearly here. Only one week to go until AUTUMN MOONBEAM: DANCE MAGIC! is officially published by UCLan and will be cartwheeling into bookshops across the country on the 7th July.


It is available to pre-order online and instore with signed and personalised bookplates at many indie bookshops, including Kenilworth BooksThe Book Nook in Hove, and The Rocketship Bookshop in Salisbury, and Next Page Books in Hitchin. Bookplates also available at Books and Banter, Tell Tales Books, Four Bears Books, and Storytellers Inc.


My local indie bookshop is Blue Sheep Books where you can email: orders@bluesheepbooks.com or call to order your signed/personalised copy.




Thursday 31 March 2022

#WriteMentor 2022

 #WriteMentor 2022

 

Really excited to be mentoring again this summer with the #WriteMentor programme. This will be my fifth year, and every year has brought in an amazing batch of submissions that make it really hard for me to choose just one!


Here’s a little bit about me and what sort of submissions I’d like to see this year…


I am represented by Veronique Baxter at David Higham Associates. My writing is featured in many different magazines, anthologies and online, such as with Northern Gravy, and PaperBound magazine, and my chapter book for 5-8 year olds, Autumn Moonbeam: Dance Magic, will be released in July this year from UCLan publishing, followed by book two in October.


I live in the West Midlands with my family of husband, children, cats and chickens. My background is in Fine Art, and working with children in variety of jobs. I’m also an editor and mentor of children's fiction, and one half of Word Witches with Carolyn Ward. I am creator and host of a writerly chat on Twitter called #ukteenchat.


I have written for every age group and genre over the years but now I focus on writing flash fiction, and short stories, younger fiction/chapter books, and Teen and YA. I’ve written contemporary novels, Horror, Fantasy, Humour and Thriller, with a strong focus on friendship and family relationships, usually, though not exclusively, with strong female main characters who are neurodivergent, working class and LGBTQ+.


I’m keen to mentor a writer of either a chapter book or Middle Grade story. The genres I’d like to see are quite a broad range: Contemporary, Humour, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Horror especially Folk Horror, or Fantasy. It could be laugh out loud or making my hair stand on end and everything in between, I’m happy to see all sorts of stories.


Some of my favourite books are: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman (anything he’s written really!); the Amelia Fang series by Laura Ellen Anderson; Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison; Instructions for a Second-Hand Heart by Tamsyn Murray; Splinters of Sunshine by Patrice Lawrence; Ready, Player, One by Ernest Cline; Dear Charlie by N.D. Gomes; Noah Can’t Even by Simon James Green; The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy; The Pug Who Wanted to be a Unicorn by Bella Swift; The Goldfish Boy by Lisa Thompson; All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven; Blood Moon by Lucy Cuthew; the Lottie Luna series by Vivian French; Small Spaces by Katherine Arden; A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson, to name but a few ðŸ˜Š


My main reason for being part of this #WriteMentor programme is that I love being with other writers and the fantastic kidlit writing community. I’ve been very fortunate over the years to have had support via mentoring and from amazing writing groups and individuals and want to share that passion for words and the support and encouragement, with lots of positivity (think Joy from Inside Out) and gifs along the way! I’d love to work with someone who is keen to learn and share their writing with me and have fun along the way.  


There will be Q&As ahead of the application window to ask me questions, but do feel free to send me a message on Twitter if you have anything you’d like to ask and can't make the chats below. 

Monday 4th for Chapter Books (age 5-8 approximately) 7-8pm BST/UK Time

Tuesday 5th for Middle Grade (age 9-12) 7-8pm BST/UK Time


So do apply to me if you feel we would be a good fit.😊


For further updates please follow me on Twitter @FinlaysonPalmer and on the WriteMentor website: https://write-mentor.com/mentoring-programme/2022-writementor-summer-mentoring-programme/


KEY DATES

Mentor applications: 10th January – 14th February 2022

Agent registration: open until Thursday 1st September

Mentor chats on Twitter: 4-6th April 2022

Mentee application window open: 7th-8th April 2022

Mentor-Mentee announcement: 28th April 2022

Mentoring programme period: 1st May-31st August 2022

Agent Showcase: Friday 2nd-9th September 2022


https://linktr.ee/EmmaFinlaysonPalmer

Wednesday 23 February 2022

Cover Reveal!

Really excited to now be able to share the cover of my debut chapter book, Autumn Moonbeam: Dance Magic!

Designed by Becky Chilcott

Illustrated by Heidi Cannon

It will be published by UCLan Publishing on 7th July 2022 🎉🎉🎉



Autumn Moonbeam loves gymnastics and dance so when Sparkledale Dance Academy have try-outs for their competitive dance team, Black Cats, she thinks it’s the most broom-tastic opportunity ever! Just one problem, Autumn is nervous and worries she won’t make it onto the team. 

And then she discovers that her nasty neighbour Severina Bloodworth is trying out too. But with her best friend Batty by her side can Autumn overcome her shyness, lack of confidence and magical mishaps to be chosen to join Sparkledale Dance Academy?

Enchanting, fun and full of heart, this is a story about growing into yourself, following your dreams and making new friends along the way. With added stunts and magic, of course!

Autumn Moonbeam: Dance Magic! is available to pre-order from Waterstones now...


https://www.waterstones.com/book/dance-magic/emma-finlayson-palmer/heidi-cannon/9781912979769

Sunday 6 February 2022

Words & Pictures

Really excited that the first of my articles on Chapter Books for Words & Pictures is now available to read online:


Chapter Book KnowHow - Words & Pictures