Thursday 17 December 2009

Stepping aside

This has been a mixed year for me. Loss of loved ones balanced with three non-fiction contracts (on top of two novels drafted). It has left me exhausted and during the last few weeks I have been reviewing things.

It has become abundantly clear from comments made by agents (I have approached 72 this year), editors, and other writers that whilst there is nothing wrong with my fiction (some have praised it with embarrassing enthusiasm); it is never going to sell. I am neither commercial enough nor interested in trying to adapt to current market trends (too old and too tired). Add that to the non-fiction work I have to complete by the end of next year, I have decided to step aside as a Novel Racer.

I won’t have time for writing fiction for a while and when I get back to it, I’ll be going my own way (watch out for the launch of Monkey Business late next year). It is only right, therefore, that I allow someone else to have my place. I will continue to visit on a regular basis – how could I not, you are such a wonderful bunch, extremely supportive and full of wonderful ideas. It is time someone else had the full benefit of this.

Blessings of the Season to you all.

15 comments:

Jenny Beattie said...

Oh I'm so sad we're losing another racer Graeme. I wish you all the very best with your other projects and hope we'll see you here from time to time.

Marcie Steele said...

Me too Graeme. I'm sad to see you going, but you'll still be around on Facebook?

All the best for the future, whatever it may bring for you. You seem to have a lot to do...x

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

I'm sorry to see you to too and wish you all the best for your new venture.

Rachel Green said...

You'll be missed, Graeme.

Still thinking about the offer you sent me -- I've just been so busy the last few weeks.

CC Devine said...

Soryr to hear that Graeme. Look foward to hearing from you in the future.

HelenMWalters said...

It's sad to lose you, but it sounds like you've got lots of exciting things coming up anyway.

Graeme K Talboys said...

I'll still be around - Facebook and so on, but need time to concentrate on the other stuff and recharge my batteries. I thought it only fair to let someone else have my seat at the table.

Graeme K Talboys said...

Oops. Sorry. No rush Rachel. It's there as an option if you want to go that route.

Cathy said...

Oh no, Grum! But actually I do understand. Just make sure you call back here often.
Cx

Beth said...

Do stay in touch Graham. Good luck.

Lane Mathias said...

I'm very sorry to hear this. You'll be missed. Just promise not to go too far.

Unknown said...

I do understand and I KNOW IT'S RIGHT BUT i HATE TO SEE YOU GO. gOOD LUCK AND DO KEEP VISITING.
LX

Fiona Mackenzie. Writer said...

Gosh, you're going to be missed. Very sad but I can't wait to find out about Monkey Business and congratulations on your huge sucess with non fic writing.

Graeme K Talboys said...

My thanks to all of you. I won't be far away. You'll see me at the window pulling faces now and then. And I'll keep people posted about Monkey Business.

Liane Spicer said...

I'll miss your insights, Graeme.

Walk well.