The world of publishing is still rapidly evolving, but at the time, it seemed that good writing wouldn’t necessarily get you an agent. And without feedback, it’s difficult to tell what’s wrong with your query letters.

Lianne Simon – 30 August 2015

The Back Flap

From the heart of an intersex teen, one who must ultimately choose male or female–family or true love–comes the story of a deeply emotional and perilous journey home. This is a young adult novel unlike any other–an authentic portrayal of the issues faced by a child growing up with a sexually ambiguous body.

Jameson can be like other boys after minor surgery and a few years on testosterone Well, at least that’s what his parents always say. But Jamie sees an elfin princess in the mirror, and male hormones would only ruin her pretty face. For him to become the man his parents expect, Jameson must leave behind the hopes and dreams of a little girl. But what is so wrong with Jamie’s dreams that they can’t be her life?

About the book

What is the book about?

Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite is the coming of age story of a teenager who was born with one testis, one ovary, and ambiguous genitals. Although the doctors put male on the child’s birth certificate, it soon became apparent that she considered herself a girl. Circumstances, however, forced her to live as a boy until going off to college. There, a medical student tells her she should have been raised as a girl. Childhood dreams reawaken, and Jamie must decide whether to spend the rest of her life as a boy or a girl.

When did you start writing the book?

In the summer of 2010, my husband and I drove out the scenic route to Tortilla Flat. The next morning, I awoke with the idea for a story and a desire to put it down on paper.

How long did it take you to write it?

Over then next two years, I wrote perhaps five drafts of the novel. Then tore it up and started from scratch after an editor convinced me to rewrite it all in first person.

Where did you get the idea from?

I drew on my own childhood and stories told me by intersex friends.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

Yes. In order to write effectively, I have to at least emotionally become the narrator. I woke up in the middle of the night crying at times, because of the turmoil that generated.

What came easily?

The first scene that I wrote in first person was a birthday party from the main character’s childhood. Once I got into character, it flowed out onto paper in about ten minutes.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Most of Jamie’s insecurities and her timid disposition came from me. Some of the other characters are based on bits and pieces of people I knew.

We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?

Yes, indeed. I like the crisp prose of C.J. Cherryh, the fantasy of Ursula K Le Guin, and the literary art of Virginia Woolf.

Do you have a target reader?

I have fond memories of growing up with books like A Little Princess. Although my audience is probably young, married women, I try to write something that teenage girls can appreciate.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

Generally, I think with my fingers moving on the keyboard. Edit. Delete. Add. Undo. Some days, the words flow. Most days, I sit for hours, accomplishing little. Sometimes, I’ll print the manuscript so I can hold it in my hands when I read it. When the story’s far enough along, I’ll order a paperback copy so I know how the pages flow. And, quite often, I read it aloud—how the words sound is important to me.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

Never. I begin with a premise and the characters. The plot flows out of their decisions. But all of the emotions and desires rattle around in the back of my head until the story forms. I write the parts as I can, but constantly re-write and edit until the shape becomes clear.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I edit and re-edit. Then go back and reread before writing more. So, yes. I edit much more than I write.

Did you hire a professional editor?

Although my small press provided two editors, I worked with several others while writing the manuscript. The most valuable input I received was as a result of a manuscript evaluation by a professional editor. He suggested I rewrite the story in first person and reduce the number of POVs.

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

Sometimes. Some days I need the background noise. Some days silence is better. Usually, I listen to the Newsboys or perhaps something older, like Pink Floyd.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

Yes. I was rather naïve about it, though. I’m a Christian and assumed that I should contact agents who represented books by Christian authors. One agent finally sat me down and explained that no Christian publisher was likely to want a story about an intersex kid, no matter how well (or poorly) written.

After I tired of getting no feedback from agents, I tried submitting directly to some of the smaller presses. I got three offers within a few weeks of each other.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

It was a gradual process. The world of publishing is still rapidly evolving, but at the time, it seemed that good writing wouldn’t necessarily get you an agent. And without feedback, it’s difficult to tell what’s wrong with your query letters. The few agents I met at conferences said they liked my work, but none seemed the right agent for my book.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

MuseItUp Publishing made a one time exception and accepted the cover I’d designed. I’m not even sure they would allow me to come up with the cover for my next novel. Their cover artists do, however, work with authors on the covers. So authors do have some input.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

A little of both. I’m pretty good at finding things on the Internet, so I tracked down quite a few bloggers willing to review indie books. And I sent copies of the books to media outlets and magazines. Probably a waste of time, that. I continue to give away free copies via Goodreads, which is a fairly inexpensive way to advertise.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

Find a couple of good critique partners. Pay for a subscription to AutoCrit.com or Grammarly.com. Join all the critique groups you can. Read for publishers or agents or magazines. Read books in your genre. And build your network.

About You

Where did you grow up?

My parents moved every few years. I’ve lived in seventeen states. Midwest, Southeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southwest, West Coast.

Where do you live now?

Georgia, near Atlanta.

What would you like readers to know about you?

I’m a Christian who writes primarily about intersex.

What are you working on now?

A Proper Young Lady is my work in progress. It follows the relationship between best friends as one carries a baby for the other. The story examines the lines between male and female, man and woman, friend and lover. I’m hoping to finish it by this fall.

End of Interview:

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Get your copy of Confessions of a Teenage Hermaphrodite from Amazon US (paper or ebook), Amazon UK (paper or ebook), Barnes & Noble, or Smashwords.