Guest author - Norb Aikin

Today I'm delighted to chat to poet Norb Aikin, who I first became aware of on social media, as he did the most amazing collection of Beatles-inspired poetry that blew my mind! I can't write poetry for love nor money, so I always admire those who can and he has the most accessible writing style for a non-poet like me!

He's a 3-time published poet and an occasional blogger, and his titles are 100 (now out of print), Mutants, and World By Design. Originally from Buffalo, NY, he now resides in Cortland, so let's meet him.

Hi Norb, thank you so much for being here and let's kick off by asking where your love of poetry comes from? 

 My love of poetry really took off when I was a freshman in high school. I was a fan of many forms of music, including hip-hop and alternative rock, and I always tried to look at the lyrics from a more poetic perspective. What were the songwriters' lyrics trying to tell me? How could I connect with their stories and experiences? I'd jot down my own, original ideas from there, trying to find connection to potential readers by conveying things that were often hard to just come out and say, even if that audience was only me. I was lucky to have a wonderful teacher at that time who really encouraged me, and made time to read and give me feedback, and I've never forgotten that.

I love how good teachers open your mind - we need more like that! Do you write in other mediums too?

I do. Writing for me was often cyclical. I tend to write poems in bunches, and when the well runs dry, that's when I got into blogging. Around this time in 2001 I joined Writing.com, which has always been and still is a great community of all types of creatives. When I had trouble coming up with ideas, or getting feedback, I began blogging. That's where I really found my voice and a devoted audience in the online community. Through that, I was encouraged to get back into writing poetry again. Sort of a full-circle moment, really! And even though it's been a few years since I've blogged, I haven't completely shut the door on it.  

I enjoy blogging, but it does take me away from writing novels, so it's a real juggling act! As I mentioned earlier, I loved your Beatles poems last year – I’m a fan of their music and thought it was a great way to bring new readers to poetry. It did make me wonder though, why did you do it, and I seem to remember something about winning an award – is that right?

That goes back to my time at WDC! A friend there started an activity based on Beatles songs. Every week we'd get a list of ten Beatles songs, and use them as inspiration for either short stories or poems. I don't exactly remember the format, but I chose to write a poem each day for the four weeks it ran. 

I've been a fan of The Beatles too, and am very familiar with the catalogue, so it seemed like a fun way to rediscover their music in a way I wasn't accustomed to. That 28-poem collection was indeed nominated on WDC for the "Best Poetry Collection" Quill Award, as were a couple individual poems in various categories. Unfortunately I didn't win, but to me it was never really about that. It was about the music, and reconnecting with poetry itself. I had a blast writing them and sharing them with friends on both WDC and X, and I'm grateful for all the support I got throughout that month!!

I thought they were superb - and you were robbed 😂 It does make me wonder though, have you ever collaborated with a musician to turn your words into an original song?

To be honest, yes!! 

Oohh, how exciting! Tell me more.

I'm not a musician, can't play a lick of any instrument, and found trying to translate some of my more lyrical works into song form. And I'm not against ever trying it again, but the actual musical language necessary isn't something I'm familiar with. I do think I'd get a kick out of it though, if I could find the right instrumentalists to help me bridge the communication gap. 

Let's hope that happens! Going back to your poems, when you create a collection for publication, do you decide on a theme and write to that, or is it more fluid and you let your inspiration take you wherever it wants to go?

That's a great question! I used to just see where everything was kinda heading, usually before even coming up with a title for the work in progress. And usually maybe a quarter or a third of the way in to a project, I'd assess and say "Well, we've got X, Y, and Z goin' on here..." and if a theme emerged I'd come up with a title or better idea of one. 

But when I first started out very few of my early collections lacked the grouping to funnel them into something more specific. As I got further into the #WritingCommunity on X, and reading what friends were putting out, I noticed a lot of people were really into the idea of themed collections, and my most recent book World By Design from the early stages really took on a life of its own with the idea of how do we look at the world around us, and what do we do with the life we're in. I'm really proud of how that book came together.

I've seen a lot of positive reviews too, so congratulations!

Now, this is a tough question, but I saw you wrote a very personal piece about the passing of your brother. First of all, I'm so sorry for your loss and can’t begin to imagine how devastating that event must have been for you. Did writing the poem help and how did it affect loved ones?

My brother passed away while I was about two-thirds of the way into what became my first book, and for awhile it was hard to process at first. I was in a transitional phase of my life, dealing with mental health and physical challenges, and trying to get back on my feet, so it was quite a shock. 

If I had time during that period, there wasn't much in the tank as far as writing went. Settling his affairs with our mom, traveling back and forth to take care of this or that, and just everything that's involved with losing someone...it's A LOT.

It wasn't until after a few weeks of everything being mostly wrapped up where I could sit down and start my own process as it pertains to grief and writing about it. I don't know if anyone has really caught on to what I was saying in that first poem when I came back to writing; there was a long time between when I wrote it and when the book came out. I may have made it a little more obvious in the books that followed, where I'd get hit with a memory and flesh something out, and once in awhile they might end up on social media. 

I think for me now, it's a way of remembering and celebrating his life, his memory. The response is almost always heart-warming, and adds another layer of strength to how we heal.

Gosh, what an amazing answer, that's so inspirational and I hope it helps others too. Just out of interest, do you self-publish your books?

My first book, 100, was trad-pubbed through a small indie press that was starting up. A person I was following on Twitter had said she was looking for mental health-themed poems, and although 100 wasn't meant to be geared specifically for that, I was beginning to sort out my and explore my own journey of therapy and counseling. By doing that, you can kinda see pieces of that sprinkled into 100. 

 My second book, Mutants, was only meant to be a chapbook that bridged the gap between a full release. It contained some older poems, some newer poems, and a few from the completed collection. I submitted it to my publisher, got a copy back, and there were some issues as far as the formatting along with a couple other things, so she was going to have someone go over it. While that was happening, the indie press went under and closed up shop. I eventually self-published it, but added some interviews and mental health essays to up the page count before putting it out. 

World By Design, then, was straight self-published. I had sat on it awhile and queried a good number of indie presses, until I finally said "May as well do it myself and see what happens." And it's been my most successful release to date. 

I've also gone the self-published route - mainly because I wanted creative control of things like the cover and release timings, plus I just wanted to get it out there! Talking of covers, do you do them yourself? 

I haven't been savvy enough yet as far as making my own covers, so I've always outsourced them. Once I've got a title, I can come up with an idea, and I'd like to think I've articulated it well enough. I've used a different artist for each book, and I'm really pleased with all of them. I don't like to get too much in the way, but I will definitely step in when it comes to fonts and tweaks if necessary.

I do think it's good to use an artist, as they have the expertise and if you find the right person, they bring so much more to the design. I've written a post about my cover, as there was so much more to it than I realised - it was a huge learning curve! (press here)

When you're getting ready to publish, do you test your material out on others first?

I do, but not in the typical way many authors do with ARCs and beta readers. When I've got a small batch of new stuff, I put them up on WDC in a folder specifically for that particular WIP. And if I really like a piece, I might drop it on Facebook or Instagram. I used to love Twitter for that too, but with all the changes lately as X, it's become difficult for me at times to use. But 99.95% of the time, once it's on WDC it's ready for publication unless something goes dramatically sideways. 

I need to check out WDC as it's not somewhere I've looked and it obviously works very well for you. Re publishing, how do you find the technical side of producing your book?

Internal formatting is something I'm still trying to figure out, especially when it comes to e-books. I don't use them, so I don't know how much different formatting for a screen works versus a physical page. 

When I self-publish, I use the ISBN Amazon issues, and when it comes to platforms I start out on WDC, and copy/paste each item from there into a MS Word doc. My work is copyrighted, I maintain all rights, I'll need to remember going forward to include in the copyright page that no AI has been used to in any way whatsoever. 

Good point - it's a hot topic and, like you, AI isn't something I use either. But how do you cope with  any issues you might have with your work, like common writing mistakes?

Good question! Needing to remember to go over the MS Word doc with a fine-tooth comb, and going over the Amazon preview as well. I know that writing it, editing it, formatting it, all of that part, is not enough. I have to push through harder, because you can go over your work 499 times before clicking the publish button, only to get the physical copy back and find out that 500th time you catch a typo within the first couple pages!! So yeah, having that restraint when the doc starts looking like wallpaper is a very hard thing for me. 

I agree, it's amazing how those little devils hide themselves - we get so word blind and there's nothing more frustrating than finding yet another typo! Now to my favourite author love/ hate question - PR. Do you do a lot of marketing?

I'm always marketing!! Or, well, trying to. If I see someone putting together a campaign, I'll look into joining it. I'm open to signings and have two set up already in the fall, and as I get closer to the dates I'll post those on social media. 

Speaking of which, I have author pages on Amazon, Facebook, and Goodreads, as well as my Instagram account, Twitter/X, and Bluesky. Pop in, drop a follow and a couple likes, and check out not only what I'm doing but what my friends are up to as well. 

And congrats on your own new release, Jaye!! I'm excited to add it to my TBR, ummm, I dunno if you can call it a pile, because it's more like an avalanche waiting to happen at this point! Thank you for this tremendous opportunity and fun interview!!

Aww, thanks, Norb, it's been fun for me too! And I know what you mean about the TBR pile - mine's a skyscraper currently but yours is in there! Finally, can you give us your blurb for your latest?

Of course. 

In World By Design, Norb Aikin's third book of poetry, the question of whether we truly create our own world or are living in a world created for us is posed. Existence is a balance of multiple paradoxes yearning to be uncovered; what we do with them is really the only part we get to dictate, and even then it isn't always a matter of choice. Maybe this book itself is an existential crisis clouded in a mystery of words, but you won't know if it's life-changing or not unless you read it. Your results may vary.

What a great teaser - no doubt you're chomping at the bit to read it too! Thanks so much, Norb, and do click on his links above to support this talented poet.

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Meet the Pro - editor Liz Treacher

Today I'm excited, because I'm launching a new segment on my blog! It's where you can meet a range of publishing professionals, and we're starting with a Development Editor, Liz Treacher.

I think most writers know the feeling of staring at a finished first draft, wondering, Is this actually good, or have I completely lost my mind? 

I definitely fell into the latter category - I’m hoping because it was the first time publishing my work!

But I heavily relied on feedback from my trusted beta readers, one of whom was published author Liz Treacher. But when she read my book, she came back with some brilliant suggestions to make my novel better (and this was after I'd paid for a development edit!). What I hadn’t realised was that she’s a superb development editor and offers this service professionally, so let’s meet her.

Hi Liz, thank you so much for chatting with me today. Can you tell us about yourself?

Hi Jaye! Great to see you again! I’m a writer and editor living in the quiet but beautiful Scottish Highlands. It’s the perfect place to live as a writer and editor, because there aren’t a lot of other things to do! So I sit and work in my study with a wonderful view of the mountains and the sea. It’s a great life - and here is the view!

Wow, it is a stunning view, and not far from where I set My F in Life - how can anyone not be inspired by that Highland scenery!

But some people might be wondering what a development editor does, so can you tell us more?

I help writers identify and resolve plot issues in the first draft of a novel. I look at story, plot, character, point of view (POV), setting, worldbuilding and so on. The goal is to hone and polish the story and strengthen characterisation and structure. It’s a real honour and privilege to be entrusted with someone’s first draft and I take my job very seriously, offering an in-depth report and inline comments as well.

 

You offer this through your website (link here) but as you’re a published author too, do you think that gives you a unique point of view?

 

Yes, I think so! As a writer, I know how difficult it can be to make even small changes to a story. I’ve had lots of experience of being given feedback that I realise will mean several hours’ work. I find it especially difficult if I’m attached to a particular scene or character, and suddenly I’m advised that they have to go!

My experience is that it’s usually a good idea to follow advice. No matter how much I fight them initially, I always end up trying my developmental editor’s ideas in the end, and often discover that the book is better for the changes. 

You are right, but it’s heart-breaking to lose pages of hard work!

As an editor, I always reassure writers that nothing written is ever wasted. Both characters and scenes can be moved elsewhere in a novel, and even to future books. I always advise authors to hold onto previous drafts so that it’s easy to revert to original ideas if the new version doesn’t feel right.

That’s great advice and I’ve certainly dug out some old pages to put into my new book 😀

I think that writers have a hunch for a story arc. I have four novels under my belt, so I like to think that I have a sixth-sense for when a plot is flagging. I can sense if a scene starts too early, or too late, or when a character isn’t working as well as it could. It’s always a joy to help authors to bring out the best in their novels.

That’s quite a skillset, but I imagine it must be difficult if you read a manuscript and realise things aren’t working. Knowing how vulnerable authors can feel, particularly newbies like me, how do you give feedback without crushing their enthusiasm for their work?

I know from experience how vulnerable writers can feel when they hand over their manuscript for feedback. I always make any criticism constructive. All manuscripts have huge strengths and I think it’s very important to point out what is already working and celebrate the positives.

I always stress that my opinion is just an opinion and doesn’t need to be followed. I think that hearing someone else’s thoughts on your work can shift things for a writer. Even if you don’t agree with an editor’s advice, their ideas can spark other solutions, and perhaps better ones. 

I must admit, you were really kind to me when you gave me feedback, and it changed the opening chapter of my book, which was pretty major! I was grateful for the help but I imagine not everyone taking it so well. From your perspective, what makes for a good working relationship between a writer and their editor?

 

Jaye, it was an absolute pleasure to read your fantastic novel and I’m glad my feedback helped. 

Aw, shucks! Blushing here, but please carry on 😳

For a good relationship with an author, I think the most important thing is to understand their goals. Any feedback must be based on helping them to achieve these goals.

I always invite interested writers to a Zoom call so I can find out exactly what they want to achieve, and how they would like me to help. My aim is to encourage the author to make their book the best that they can make it. The secret is to remain empathetic to the author’s vision, but still offer creative input. 

 

I think that’s the sign of a great editor - not easy to achieve, but you have such a kind way of giving advice and that's invaluable. 

Changing tactics slightly, you’re excellent with women’s fiction, but unlike pure romance, women's fiction focuses on a web of relationships. How do you help authors balance a romantic subplot without letting it overpower the protagonist's personal journey?

This is a great question. My gut feeling is that subplots can work well but work best when they affect the protagonist in some way.

Thinking about your novel, My F in Life, (and without giving away any spoilers!) the health problems that Jaye’s parents were struggling to negotiate had more meaning for me as a reader because I could see the impact that they were having on Jaye’s life.

I saw the issues they faced, but it was through Jaye’s eyes. Her reaction to going home and seeing them much older, told me as much about Jaye as about her parents.

When this happens in a book, it creates a lovely kind of double layer of meaning for the reader. I really enjoy being able to discover things about the main character by observing them in a subplot!

 

I agree, although now I’m thinking all my blushing might be a hot flush! Okay, is there one cliché or overused trope in fiction that you are currently seeing?

This is a very interesting question! They say there are only about 7 types of stories, and within those story types there are probably only a few possible plots. For example romcoms are usually one of the following: enemies to lovers, the meet-cute, opposites attract, the love triangle or second chance romance. And to be honest I think that’s ok, as long as the romcom that you write is different from other romcoms.

I think most writers are very aware that their plots have been written dozens of times already. The challenge lies in telling the story in such an original way that the trope is hard to spot! Take Pride and Prejudice - I think that Jane Austen uses all the romcom clichés, in fact she probably invented them! And yet people never tire of that particular story (or at least I don’t). It remains fresh and entertaining 200 years after it was written.

  

That’s very true. Just out of interest, do you ever get so sucked into the story that you forget you are supposed to be editing it?

Yes! This can be a problem!  When I feel it happening, I take a break and go out for a walk to allow the plot to simmer in my head. It allows me to disengage from the emotion of a story and think about it more objectively.

Going off on a bit of a tangent, I would like to pass on a tip that a writer friend gave me. She suggested that when you reread your own manuscript, mark in the margin where your mind starts wandering, or what page you were on when you got up to put the kettle on. Because if you lose concentration during a particular chapter or scene, then the chances are that your reader will too. When you’ve finished reading your manuscript, go back and tighten up those thinner bits. Finding potential weak spots is another job that a developmental editor does.

Oh, I love that tip and I’m definitely using that going forward! Talking about your own books now, which of your characters was the biggest nightmare to write, because they refused to cooperate?

My trickiest character was the first one I ever wrote - Bernard Cavalier. Bernard was an outrageous artist from 1920 who never did as he was told. Luckily I had an editor who could handle him better than me! As a writer, we are the parents of our characters, and children always play up for their parents. That’s when an editor comes in! 

I love Bernard, but he is a handful! And can we chat more about your books now. You’ve published a series and some standalones, can you tell us briefly about them?

I would love to! First off are the two books starring Bernard, a wayward artist, and Evie his muse. Evie is the opposite to Bernard - she is a hard-working and responsible postlady, although she also has an impulsive side. Evie and Bernard live in The Wrong Envelope and its sequel, The Wrong Direction.

Their romance has a touch of the humorous, but the two novels also explore the many problems that British women faced when the First World War ended. After losing brothers and sweethearts during the conflict, young women then lost the jobs they had been doing while the men were away. As a postlady, Evie’s job is one of many under threat.

I have also written a dark, psychological thriller called The Unravelling, which explores what happens after Ella Aldridge is stopped on her daily commute by a shadowy ticket inspector.

After her arrest on platform 3, Ella finds herself spiralling into a mysterious world where nothing is as it seems. As she begins to lose her grip on reality, she embarks on an extraordinary journey that touches everyone around her.

I’m going to interrupt you here, as we discussed that book in our interview on my blog, Tweetables (link here) and I have to be honest, it spooked me. A lot! But I loved Ella, a great protagonist. But please, carry on!

Finally, I have written a romcom set on Loch Fleet where I live. It’s called Vegan Recipes for New Age Men and tells the story of Lauren, an uptight proofreader who is hiding a childhood secret, and Nash, a passionate Bohemian chef.

Desperate for a break from her busy life in London, Lauren, arrives at her Highland holiday cottage to find Nash squatting there! It’s a light and hopefully uplifting tale about becoming who you were born to be! 

It's such a feelgood romcom, I loved it!

It’s taken me about ten years to bring these books to life, but it’s been the most enjoyable period of my life. My message to writers reading this is please carry on writing. Never give up! The world needs storytellers more than ever. Your stories are precious and wonderful and we are waiting for them!

That goes for you too, Jaye. Hurry up and finish the sequel to My F in Life. I’m dying to read it!

What a wonderful message, Liz and LOL, me too (on finishing my novel)! 

Thank you so much. It’s been a complete joy chatting to you again, and if you’d like to find out more about Liz, you can visit her website here or her author page on Goodreads here or Amazon here