Louise Morrish

A talk given to the Hampshire Writers’ Society 9th May 2023

Report by Sarah Noon

Louise has won the Penguin Random House First Novel Award in 2019, as well as our own Barbara Large Memorial Award for an outstanding contribution to our society. She is here tonight to talk us about what life is like once your first novel is published, and the importance of staying connected to the writing community.

The novel that won the Penguin Random House award was Operation Moonlight, which came out last summer. Louise admits that after her novel was published she had “… no inkling as to what would happen.” She urges us to think about this when writing – to “… bear in mind what you might have to do when you have a book out in the world.” She reminds us that whether our book is traditionally published or self-published, “…you’ll have to do some stuff.”

Louise tells us that having her book published has opened up many opportunities for her, one of which is talking to people, as she is with us this evening. She shows us some photographs of groups she has presented to, including the WI, libraries and literary festivals. Some of these were arranged by her agent, others she organised herself. Quite often, Louise explains, once you start meeting other members of the writing community, “…things roll on” and other visits and speaker opportunities present themselves.

She chooses this evening, to focus on a particular opportunity, involving Goldfinch Books.  This is a family-run, independent bookshop, which opened last year in Alton, Louise’s hometown (“If you get a chance, go!”). It is owned by couple Gary and Jude Clark. Gary, Louise tells us, is a published author himself and “…a whizz at self-publishing.” He has published a trilogy of YA novels and at the time of writing is working on his first crime novel. She describes him as a “very knowledgeable man.” Louise describes how she wanted to get involved with the shop as soon as she had heard about it, feeling that “to have an independent bookshop is really good for authors.”  The owners of the bookshop knew that Louise’s book had been published, and they got talking and “…just clicked.” Louise goes on to say that following on from that initial meeting, many other things have occurred. “I would urge you also to make sure you have connections with your local independent shop… they are going to be a very powerful resource for you.”

The first thing Louise did was to help set up a “proper” book club, “…where you talk about books,” (she admits to being in book clubs with friends previously, and do “…anything but talk about books,”). They now have over 100 members, across four groups – soon to be a fifth group as there is a waiting list (there are so many members that they now wear name badges). Members read and discuss the same book and Louise expresses how lovely it is to be with people who are passionate about books.

Goldfinch Books, Louise tells us, is also a community hub. Events include live acoustic music nights, singing nights, poetry open mic nights, children’s art workshops, writing workshops, Dungeons and Dragons club, literary quizzes and a philosophy group.  It is also hired out for private parties and book launches (“It offers a lot more than just books and coffee and tea,”).

The publication of Operation Moonlight has opened up opportunities for her to attend author events. Louise helped to organise one at Goldfinch Books.  Here she sat on a panel of women who began writing “…almost as a second career.” There are many authors lined up for the future, to do talks etc., at the bookshop. Louise tells us “Goldfinch Books are so welcoming.” They like to hear from anyone who has had a book published through either route, regardless of experience.

Gary runs free workshops about self-publishing. “What he doesn’t know about the self-publishing world isn’t really worth knowing.” He shares his knowledge and research with people who are looking to go down the same route.

Louise herself is traditionally published, with Penguin. She claims that …”even that is a mystery to me.” However, she is well placed to advise us on what to expect if we are new to the publishing world.  She informs us that both forms of publishing are catered for at Goldfinch books. She tells us that when she was writing her first book she was desperate for guidance and advice from people who “…were just one step ahead on the journey.”  She gives writer Claire Fuller as an example. She says that now she is one step ahead, she now wants to help those who are one step behind her. With this in mind, she set up a six-week creative writing course at the bookshop. She speaks with positivity about how friendly and supportive the group is. Those on the course are talked through the process from how to write, to getting published. Louise explains that she “…felt like I needed to give back.” She goes on to say that having editors from Penguin go through her work has given her “just enough confidence and credibility” to help others.

If that isn’t enough, Louise has also set up a writing group called ‘The Charms’ which also takes place at the bookshop once a month. Most members of this group are unpublished, but support one another. She reminds us that writing can be an isolating and lonely thing, and making connections is very important (“The more friends you can make on this journey, the better.”).

Louise finishes her talk by giving us contact details – goldfinch-books.com is the website for the bookshop and her own website www.louisemorrish.com . Both of these sites are certainly full of support and inspiration to keep us motivated … wherever we are in our writing journey.