I spoke to author Dom Haslam about the publication of Just One More Thing, an impressive collection of stories about bearing the brunt of modern life.
What was your goal when you started writing Just One More Thing?
It was a project I was quickly determined to get over the line, to show that I could do it. On top of a demanding job and three children, including one with complex special needs, it was important for me to achieve something creative, that was my own. In a way, I also wanted to set an example to the kids.
How did it feel to hold the first copy in your hands?
The sense of achievement was fantastic. For me, publishing a book is not like my work, where achievement is a collective effort, but something specifically mine. It’s an entirely different form of achievement, and I found that very fulfilling. All the creative decisions ultimately rested with me and I enjoyed the process itself as something that wasn’t about being a dad, employee or husband…an enterprise that gave me purpose, time and space to carve out a different aspect of my identity. I’ve found that can be hard as a father or caregiver, which is a theme that features in my stories.
What was most important to you in our work together?
Writing itself takes a lot of energy and having someone with professional publishing experience and knowledge to guide me through each step in the production and publishing process was invaluable. You offered a clear plan and sense of direction which ensured I reached the finish-line in one piece. Without that clarity and direction, I doubt I would yet have achieved my goal.
Any tips on how you managed to fit writing and publishing into an already very busy life?
A lunch break at work, a quiet moment on a train, my family all otherwise occupied on a Saturday…I would always fill those gaps with some form of working on my writing – even just thinking about a particular story or character. I didn’t have the luxury of dedicating hours at a time to my writing on a regular basis. Instead, I had brute determination!
