Natasha Rai on persevering through setbacks, rewriting drafts, and securing her debut book deal.In this episode of the Book Deal Podcast, hosts Tina Strachan and Madeleine Cleary dive into the story behind the story of debut author, Natasha Rai, and her book 'An Onslaught of Light,' published on 4 March 2025 by Pantera Press. The conversation reveals Natasha's eight-year path to publication, from early long-listings in the Richell Prize and the Kill Your Darlings Unpublished Manuscript Award, to eventual success with Pantera Press. Natasha discusses the inspiration behind her novel, which explores themes of cultural identity, family grief, and queerness. She also shares invaluable insights and tips for emerging writers, stressing the importance of community, resilience, and continual writing. Additionally, Natasha reflects on how her experience as a trauma counsellor influences her writing, and offers a glimpse into her future projects.Our debut in the spotlight this week is Christine Newell, whose travel memoir Five Seasons in Seoul was released on 25 February 2025 with Affirm Press. Madeleine highly recommends it!00:00 Welcome to the Book Deal Podcast00:44 Introducing Natasha Rai and Her Debut Novel04:10 The Inspiration Behind 'An Onslaught of Light'05:14 Exploring Themes of Home and Identity15:44 The Journey to Publication21:38 Christine Newell's Memoir: Five Seasons in Seoul23:05 Acknowledgements and Initial Struggles23:39 The Importance of Taking Breaks24:40 Finding the Right Editor25:26 Publisher Introduction Day27:57 Navigating Feedback and Revisions34:09 The Role of Community38:00 The Journey to Publication40:31 Final Tips and FarewellJoin our Patreon community for less than the cost of a coffee per month and support the pod! Your contribution will go to directly paying our sound producer, Brogan, and to help us bring you the conversations with industry professionals you love. Follow The Book Deal podcast on Instagram The Book Deal podcast (@the_book_deal_podcast) • Instagram photos and videosYou can find out more about Tina, Madeleine and Natasha and follow their journeys here: Tina Strachan (@td_strachan) • Instagram photos and videosTina Strachan children's book authorMadeleine Cleary (@madeleineclearywrites) • Instagram photos and videosMadeleine Cleary | AuthorNatasha Rai (@raiwriting) • Instagram photos and videosNatasha Rai | Author | Mentor If you want to stay in the know, sign up to Madeleine, Tina and Natasha's newsletters for the latest news first. Madeleine: Subscribe here...

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