
#AmNotWriting
Last July I decided that I was going to write. Really write. Stop tinkering with my half-written novel, finish it and then learn how to make it into a good book.
I did it, I wrote the book, re-wrote the book and it is currently in the hands of five lovely, brave Beta Readers. One of these wonderful people has already read it and loved it so much that she wanted to read it a second time before returning the manuscript! The cover is being designed, the proof-reader is booked and I have a provisional date of October 3rd for the launch of Conditional Love.
In November 2012, I took a break from Conditional Love to participate in NaNoWriMo, an international scheme to encourage writers to write a fifty-thousand-word novel in a month. I only managed thirty-four thousand, but continued writing this spring and have now got a first draft of a second novel Holding Back ready to start editing.
So what am I doing now?
I’m er, not writing.
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I love this picture of my daughter which my oldest daughter edited. It’s not relevant but the theme is editing so indulge me! |
I am editing and formatting Conditional Love and working on a marketing plan, which I hope will support it and help my debut novel to reach plenty of readers. I know that editing is writing and I do quite enjoy it. However, the joy of starting the day with a scene to write from scratch and the sense of accomplishment once I’ve finished it is missing from my life. The buzz I get from watching my word count grow has gone for the moment.
Whilst this is a little frustrating, it also fills me with optimism; this time last year, I had no idea if I could write a book, nor if I would enjoy it. Now I know that I will always have ideas for new novels popping into my brain when I least expect it. I have also found that not only is there so much to learn about the craft of writing, but that there are lots of lovely generous people out there willing to share their experiences to make my learning process so much smoother.
But as much as I am thoroughly enjoying learning about the publishing industry, I can’t wait to get cracking on my third novel.
Roll on NaNoWriMo!
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