I went to Northumbria and now I’m a successful international novelist

As soon as you take off your gown after graduation, you’re most likely going into a job that’s far from glam and anything but exciting.

Most of us are faced with the prospects of unpaid internships financed by the bank of Mum and Dad.

But Journalism grad Laura Salters, 23, struck lucky and is now an international novelist with her first book out.

Berwick born Laura’s debut novel “Runaway” is about to hit the shelves and take the US by storm later this year. Not bad for her first job out of uni.

Novelist Laura

Still wet behind the ears from finishing her degree, Laura can’t believe her luck of landing the best grad job ever.

“If someone had told me when I graduated in 2013 I’d have a book out so quickly, I’d never have believed them. I think there’s a lot to be said for chasing your dreams as early as you can. If there’s something you want to do, do it now.”

Laura’s work was quickly snapped up by one of the biggest publishing companies in the world, Harper Collins. She may have accidentally told her agent to shut up before the big news finally sunk in.

“My agent just had to repeat herself over an over before I could get over it. When you’re trying to get published, all you hear is how difficult it is to break into the industry, so to have made it on my first try is just incredible.”

“Runaway” follows Kayla who escapes the country following the death of her brother, and is described as a “suspenseful romance”.

Laura’s work has already received five star reviews, allowing her to launch competitions for the e-version of her story.

She went on to tell us her love for story telling stemmed from her Creative Writing module at Northumbria, though she’s always classed herself as a bookworm.

“I learned that it’s not impossible to make it in publishing. I learned that if you work hard and be nice, you’ll go far. It’s all in your ambition and passion. Don’t let things like lack of industry contacts stand in your way. If you want to do it, do it.”

So, what would Laura say to anyone trying to make it big fresh out of uni?

“Work hard and be nice. Have ideas and share them. Make your own contacts. Start early. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. Allow your competition to motivate you, not intimidate you. Be yourself, but be professional first. Always be early. Always say yes, no matter what you’re asked to do.

“Just say yes. Never give up. The harder you work, the luckier you are.”

With support from family, friends and old uni pals, Laura has even bigger and better plans for her already sparkling future.

“I’m currently working on another suspense title, plus a four-book young adult fantasy series. It’d be a dream come true to land another book deal, and I plan on giving it everything I have.”