#45 Navigating the Publishing World: Exploring Fiction with Author Daniel Aubrey

In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I chat with author Daniel Aubrey, who shares his journey from childhood writing to becoming a published author. In 2024, Daniel was longlisted on the Saltires Scotland’s National Book Awards and shortlisted for both Bloody Scotland’s debut novel prize and the Old Peculiar Harrogate McDermid Award for ‘Dark Island’.** DARK ISLAND IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE ON KINDLE AS A MONTHLY DEAL **We discuss the challenges of the publishing industry, the appeal of crime fiction, and the importance of travel and reading in the writing process. Daniel reflects on his experiences with ADHD and autism and how these have shaped his writing style and inspiration. In this episode: The subjectivity of the publishing industry and finding the right fit The importance of persistence Travelling as a significant source of inspiration Reading and writing is essential for creativity and individual style Journalling as a technique to process emotions and thoughts How personal interests, like archaeology, can inspire charactersThe conversation highlights the subjective nature of reading, and the diverse paths authors can take in their careers. In this engaging conversation, Daniel shares valuable advice for aspiring authors, emphasising the importance of perseverance and the joy of writing. The discussion also delves into the therapeutic benefits of journalling and reflection, as well as Daniel’s upcoming projects and events, including his second book.Please connect with Daniel on his social media profiles and purchase his crime thriller book – it’s a must-read.Soundbites from Daniel "It's about finding the right people." "You just have to keep going." "I love a mystery." "You need to experience new places." "Nothing stays buried forever" "The first draft has to be for me" "We all love telling stories"Podcast Chapters00:00 Introduction to Daniel Aubrey02:48 The Journey of Becoming an Author06:05 Navigating the Publishing Landscape08:56 Exploring the Genre of Crime Fiction11:51 Inspiration and Writing Process15:09 The Role of Setting in Storytelling17:59 The Impact of Travel on Writing21:11 Reading as a Writer23:57 Conclusion and Future Aspirations33:26 The Influence of Nature on Creativity37:00 Exploring Archaeology and Personal Interests40:11 Writing for Yourself vs. Writing for Others46:22 Advice for Aspiring Authors54:59 The Power of Journaling and Reflection01:00:31 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Projects and Events_ _ _A new episode is released every Saturday at 8 am.Please remember to subscribe, share and leave your thoughts as a review. This generous act helps other listeners find the podcast on their chosen platform and allows me to continue providing valuable insight and resources for you to gain from. Please connect with me on your preferred platform by ⁠visiting my links page Access a free journal planner Join my bi-weekly Writing and Nature Connection newsletter Watch these podcast recordings on YouTube