I’m delighted to be joined today by Disha Bose whose incredible debut novel Dirty Laundry kept me up reading into the small hours recently!
Here Disha talks about overcoming her fear of rejection, and the importance of finding an agent who deeply believes in you…
Did you always want to be a writer? If so, do you think your upbringing played a role?
Yes, my earliest memory of ‘wanting to be a particular thing when I grew up’ was a writer. I’m sure my upbringing played a role. I was an only child and my father being in the military meant that we moved around a lot.
I had to make new friends every few years at every new location, and it always seemed easier to just spend time by myself reading my books. I was fortunate enough that my parents encouraged this and surrounded me with books.
Did you experience much rejection before getting your debut novel Dirty Laundry published in 2023? If so, was there anything in particular that helped you to stay motivated?
I didn’t face much rejection before Dirty Laundry, and that was only because I hadn’t pursued publication with any seriousness before this. Every time I came anywhere close to completing a novel, I gave up and changed course.
I don’t think I believed enough in myself and a fear of rejection kept me at bay. I went through several periods of intense motivation and then hit slumps – this happened all the way through my late teens and my twenties. I have so many abandoned novels!
I suppose taking long breaks and returning to my desk with a fresh idea kept me motivated, until it finally clicked. It’s easy to tell someone to never give up, but it’s very difficult to actually stick to it.
You completed a Masters in Creative Writing in UCD where you were mentored by writers such as Anne Enright. Did this experience help you on your journey to publication?
It most certainly did. It wasn’t until I pushed myself to enrol in the Masters that I took myself seriously as a writer. Receiving feedback and guidance from my peers and mentors at UCD was the motivation I needed and I began to see potential in myself.
The course also helped me navigate the ins and outs of the publishing world, which is such a tough industry to crack.
You’re now represented by the legendary Irish literary agent Marianne Gunn O’Connor. How has Marianne helped you with your writing career?
She has been crucial to my writing career. With her years of experience in the field, her guidance has been invaluable. She plucked me out of the ‘slushpile’ and I don’t think I’d be where I am today without her.
Dirty Laundry was published by Viking (part of Penguin) in Ireland and the UK, and by Ballantine in the US. Could you tell us how these deals came about?
The deals were finalised very quickly, and it was a dream experience for me. After all those years of having no confidence in myself as a writer, the deals were offered within ten days of Marianne reading my manuscript.
My top advice to writers is to find yourself an agent who deeply believes in you, someone who can champion your work and understands the industry.
Marianne knew exactly which editors would be interested in my manuscript, and placing it in those right hands was what worked.
How did you feel when you realised you were going to be a published author? Can you remember if you did anything in particular to celebrate?
There were tears. I was in shock. It’s been three years since I got that phone call, and there are still days when I’m in disbelief. We had a two-year old at the time, so as far as I can remember, we spent a quiet night at home to celebrate (after our daughter was finally asleep).
What kind of discipline does it take to fit writing into your daily life? Do you have any rituals that help to inspire your writing?
I wouldn’t call myself a disciplined writer. I wish I could be because that would increase my productivity.
I procrastinate far more than I should, and I go through several months of not writing. However, I think this process works for me.
During the times that I don’t write, I read a lot, I pick up new hobbies, spend time outdoors, and I use this time to compose characters and settings in my mind.
Then I spend months writing, and during these periods I shut myself from the world. I neglect household duties, rarely go out unless absolutely necessary, and hibernate with my writing.
Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring authors trying to crack the world of publishing, but who might be getting disheartened?
Firstly, I completely empathise. I’ve spent years in the trenches and I know the frustration and feeling of helplessness.
I think it’s important to find a way to stay motivated, a process that works for you. It could mean taking breaks but to always return to the work. It is also crucial to read.
Read a lot and widely, as many styles and genres you can, to learn and be inspired by.
Dirty Laundry is published by Penguin
