19th Jan - new book project

Day 19 of the secret new book project and so far, so good. I've aimed for 1400 words per day and that's worked out pretty well apart from one day where a wrote myself into a blind alley so scraped an entire section, but hey, that happens! Its a case of SUMO (shut up, move on). This new project doesn't actually feel like work as I've settled at the end of each day to indulge myself after editing. If anything, it has reminded me of years gone by when I used to complete a full-time job and then settle at my desk to write late into the night. The olden days when I was juggling so much each day, but had my heart set on a dream. This new project feels like those times as no one else knows the subject, characters details or the conflict they'll face. The words have spilt onto the page each night which is pure joy for any author. 

Regarding the editing task, I've just eight days remaining if I'm to submit early on 27th January. My deadline is the 1st Feb, but I have an on-line weekend writing retreat booked from Friday, 29th Jan so, I don't want the book submission hanging over my head. The 28th Jan is the release date for my first audiobook 'New Beginnings At Rose Cottage' so, I intend to spend the whole day listening and drawing. Which leaves the 27th Jan as my chosen date to submit my Christmas book. I'll manage it; the current progress is good.

Whilst writing this blog post it dawned on me that you might be writing alongside or plotting your own project. I have no way of knowing who, what, when, where or how far you've come on your writing journey. A couple of things I wished I known early on might help you guys.

Firstly, nothing is ever wasted - don't ever scrap written words, simply create a new document, then 'cut and paste' and save. It is amazing how many descriptions/dialogue paragraphs I have reused in later books which I was happy to scrap from a previous manuscript.

Secondly, start following as many people as you can on social media related to your genre. When you sign a contract it is written into the clauses that you'll need a 'social media presence'. Seriously, it is. You don't have to go all out tweeting and posting everyday but do create accounts, follow those you're interested in on a daily basis and learn from the things you see them do. You'll spot their mistakes too - it's all additional learning for your future self!

Thirdly, take every opportunity to read about other authors, listen to back-dated interviews, attend on-line chats - it is amazing which small nugget of information you'll glean that can make a huge difference to your writing, journey or mindset.

And finally, enjoy the journey. I was on my publishing journey for a hell of a long time and if I hadn't taken pleasure in the  small steps I made, I'd have been pretty damned miserable. I know that's easier said than done, when all you want is to be published, but you can't let your dream cloud the rest of your days.  

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