Author Life - Meredith Vivian

 Meredith Vivian, the author of 'Running Hard', released his book in October 2019. We wanted to catch up with the new author and see how life had been treating him since he was published.

1. Did you always dream of becoming an author?

I’ve had many dreams…of becoming a tramp, long distance lorry driver, professional tennis player, international peace envoy, national treasure and, yes, a successful author. Now that my first novel is in the bag, you can find my 18-wheeler and Dunlop Maxply (circa 1980) on eBay. I thought that I had a book in me – many of us do. However, it wasn’t until I was faced with a transformative life experience that I found the creative impulse to produce Running Hard. I was going through a tough time and needed to release some of the anger building in me. Putting that energy into the lives of my characters helped me through my trauma; they copped it on my behalf! As my life started to pick up, so too did those of my, by now, group of faithful friends: Frank, Anthony, Katy, Victoria and Gary.

2. What was your first job?

I’m proud to say that for a while I was part of the nation’s 77th ‘Emergency Service’ – I had a paper round. After that, I was a part-time gardener in a church yard; I tried law, publishing, charity roles, the Civil Service and now I’m a freelance hypnotherapist, coach and professional public speaker. The life of a tramp still appeals, but only in the summer months.

3. How did you go about writing your book? Was that your intention or did you start writing for fun?

I was getting ready for the final of the 100 metres at the London Olympics. It was a breath-taking event in which the difference between first place and last was the time it took me to say my name. I wondered, as I prepared for Usain Bolt to win, what must be the mind-set of those lining up for the final? Thus the opening pages of Running Hard were created, describing the feelings of Frank and his family seconds before a big race. As soon as those people were in my head, others started appearing and then…600+ pages later we had a story. Turning that raw material into something approaching reasonable writing took several more years. It was only once I’d created the places, events, the people and their emotional responses did I think that maybe I could write a book rather than dream that one day I could.

4. What was your life like before you became an author?

Very similar! Just like reaching a certain age, there is almost no difference between the before and after, other than having a new label. However, I think that slowly I might get used to being able to say that I am an author; although, to my ears, it does sound a touch pretentious.

5. Did you face any struggles before becoming an author? If so, how did you overcome them?

Loss is tough. I have lost loved ones, my youth, my sight, a stable home and – the big one – my hair! Each loss has knocked me and then, in time, strengthened me. I am certain that being surrounded by loving family and friends has been the key to my bouncing back. Running Hard gave me a fantastic vehicle for catharsis and release; the characters have all struggled to come to terms with difficult ‘stuff’ and the book is cathartic for them too.

6. Now that you are a published author, how has your life changed, if at all?

Many of the people who have read Running Hard want to know what will happen next. They tell me that the characters occupied their minds and lives, not just as they read the book, but for some time after too. I realise that although my characters are fictional they play a real part in my life and those that have come to know them. So, how has my life changed? I now have a group of people for whom I must take responsibility – the future of Frank, Anthony, Katy, Victoria and Gary is in my hands.

7. Can you please describe a typical day in your life now?

I’m really lucky: I do not have a typical day. I run my own business as a hypnotherapist and life coach; I deliver presentation skills training courses; I run quizzes for care homes; I am a non-executive director of a major health service organisation; I (whisper this) am an author. Most days I generally get a good walk in the Shropshire Hills, meet and talk to delightful friends and neighbours, have a scrap and make up with my ginger cat, and have damn good discussions and laughs with my wife. Aren’t I lucky?

8. What is your most memorable moment of your life as an author?

8808727. are quite a few milestones. When Pegasus said they enjoyed reading my manuscript and were prepared to take a risk and publish my book – that was a special moment. The cover designs arriving made me realise that it was actually going to happen! Seeing a real life ISBN attached to Running Hard made me think that the word ‘author’ might not be fanciful after all? I loved sending out invitations to attend my book launch. Receiving a royalties statement is further evidence that ‘author’ mean something other than just a label, especially when the numbers on those statements continue to increase! However, if you pushed me, hearing people say, when I press Running Hard into their hands, ‘Wow, is this it? It looks amazing.’ is always memorable.

9. In a few words, how would you review your experience with Pegasus Publishers?

Everyone that I’ve dealt with has been friendly, helpful and prepared to do what I’ve asked. I’ve been a real stickler for getting things right; Pegasus has supported me in that ambition. I imagine that every time I sent back further amendments, not to mention the large-scale deletions and additions, the Production team groaned out loud, but never to me. When I’ve made suggestions to Editorial and Publicity they’ve been treated seriously and wherever possible taken on board. Pegasus is a ‘can do’ publisher. I’ve observed that larger and more commercially-driven publishers are not so focused around the quality of the book nor the interests of the author; I’m glad that Running Hard had Pegasus on its side.

10. Why did you choose Pegasus Publishers?

I could not get any interest from an agent. I understand the rationale: why take a risk if the odds seem stacked against securing a financial return. Pegasus welcomed unsolicited manuscripts and has a track record of publishing good quality books. I tried other publishers and received offers from them, but the professional approach of Pegasus and its people won me over.