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26/6/2024 0 Comments Polesworth library - author talk Yesterday, I went back to my roots to the village of Polesworth. I gave an ‘author talk’ in the library I used to visit as a small child, igniting many memories. I had a group of inquisitive readers, so it was a delight to spend a couple of hours chatting and talking about books, reading habits and my publication journey. The range of questions and areas of interest always surprises me at such events - which is why I take a variety of items so I can show planning and plotting, if asked.
Secret scribbler Writing retreats Book group reads Plotting & planning Being a good girl Pride & Prejudice Writing groups Post-it Notes Saturday mornings Euston station Austen & C.S. Lewis Open University Library books Katie Fforde School Careers advisors Copy rights and publishing rights Foundling Dreams Romantic Novelists' Association Nerves Shetland School pupils & antics Aldi, banks & education Writers & Artists yearbook Postal costs Rejections Public Lending Rights
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 I knew they were on the way but still it always seems like a surprise when these guys actually land. My editor has read book 14’s manuscript and has questions regarding specific aspects – that’s the basic task of this editing stage. Be it the order of scenes, the importance, the inclusion, the emotional impact or the heightened conflict – her questions are noted on the manuscript via tracked comments. My task is to work through those questions adding details, removing words, changing the order and ramping up details. I have 17 days to complete this round of edits before I wave goodbye to the manuscript, while the copy edits are performed.
The thing is, I don’t wish to drop the ‘creative baton’ on the new book I’m writing, so I’ve made a deal with myself. I’ll continue to write a set word count each day on the shining new project and work on my structural edits afterwards. Mmmm, it sounds like a plan which I’ve implemented before but I need to avoid tripping myself up working between the two storylines. It’s amazing how elements of one book suddenly wheedle their way into another when juggling projects. The other danger for the next seventeen days is that my other creative activities and interests fall by the wayside in the hope of ‘just another hour’ working on edits. It doesn’t do me any good to side step my daily life so I’m hoping for a balanced approach … I’ll let you know, folks! 13/6/2024 0 Comments One year on ... It’s been a strange week for me, as a year ago I had just had an operation and was physically incapacitated whilst I recovered. It seems strange to think that I wouldn’t put shoes on again until August 28th when I ventured out for a tiny walk along the street. Instead I had to wear those natty hospital socks for the duration to aid my circulation. That small walk would take me five minutes now but back then it took me 20 minutes. I honestly didn’t think I’d make it home – I nearly phoned to be collected! That seems crazy but that’s how my life was one year ago.
I’d never truly re-joined the human race after the Covid lockdowns of 2020/21 as my physical health had deteriorated so couldn’t venture out reclaiming the life I’d had in 2019. To complicate matters, I suffered with blood clots in July 2022, which meant my lungs weren't fit enough for me to endure surgery. Another physical set-back but with the emotional turmoil of a near-miss situation. Which certainly makes you question every thing in life. By December 2022, I’d opted for a period of semi-isolation as I had to avoid catching Covid in the seven weeks prior to my op date. I allowed myself one afternoon each week to leave the house to buy essentials. The problem being my op date was delayed which meant I’d already completed six months in isolation before my recovery began. My social group was reduced to just two people with whom I interacted, as a means of avoiding the lurgy. Thankfully, those two beauties saw me through the entire recovery process too. My two friends couldn’t be with me around the clock, so I spent days sitting in an armchair, surrounded by books, my laptop and a supply of food - which they prepped for me, knowing they were a phone call away. On the evening, they helped me to bed. It was the strangest of times. Sadly, it’s what I had to do and how I had to live to get through that time. Today, I can’t imagine repeating that situation, though I recognise that others in society have little choice. One year on, I’m fit and healthy but the experience has affected me in ways I wouldn’t have predicted. I’ve always had an obsession about time, wasting time and the passing of time which seems to have intensified somewhat since my isolation days. I suppose I’m trying to catch up on my ‘missed time’. My good health and fitness continues to be a priority. I’ve returned to attending more social groups on a weekly basis but my social network hasn’t truly recovered after my op-isolation. I’m still shocked by the changes to traffic volume, noise levels and the new-era after the Covid lockdown. It feels strange to think that I’ve spent since last September adjusting to life, and ten months on can still feel as I do. But the main thing is, I'm alive and kicking!  If you’ve been following my blog for a while you’ll know I belong to numerous writing groups and societies in the surrounding area. I’ve recently increased my memberships as I found that my circle of writing friends had diminished somewhat since ‘lockdown’ and I wished to meet new people, with fresh ideas.
I attend various writing groups each week, and it may surprise others to hear that I rarely read aloud or share my work. I don’t attend to receive praise or a critique of my current project but more to listen and enjoy other writers’ work and provide feedback, if asked. The creative vibe at such meetings is enough for me to be reenergised and creatively renewed - which suits me. On occasions, I’ll hear a snippet of something that will inspire me to turn my hand to writing a poem or a short story which I would never create without their inspiration. I love the chatter of creatives who are brimming with ideas, knowledge and experience. I’ll happily learn from others, take note of historical details mentioned, assist in a quandary they’re experiencing or provide an answer based on my path towards publication. Each group is very different in the manner they are organised, funded and their overall outcomes. Some have annual membership, some have subs payable on attendance, while others are completely free. I suggest that newbies need to attend a couple of sessions ensuring the group fits with their needs. Though in some respects, you can learn from other creative even if it doesn’t fit your initial purpose. I’ve probably learnt more than I realise from poets regarding the craft of editing and revising a single line over a matter of weeks. The same goes for different genres, who you initially thought so different to your own, can teach you a valuable thing or two! I love the variety of people and experiences brought together for an evening. You never know who you’re going to meet, what’ll coincidences will occur and surprisingly, when you find an expert in a field of knowledge that you’re currently researching. I kid you not, it happens in writing groups! Writing groups were the grass roots of my ‘secret scribbler’ days when I had no choice but to indulge in the presence of likeminded people for my own creative satisfaction. I’d like to think I give back to all the groups I attend, some probably more than others, but I’ll continue to attend and support other creatives. 1/6/2024 1 Comment How to write your book!I’ve had the most enjoyable Saturday morning spent with eight aspiring authors listening and avidly making notes as I explained ‘how to write a book’. Each participant does a little writing at the moment or has an idea for a project they would like to write.
I spent three-hours explaining the method that I use to write a book going from a blank page, collecting ideas, settings, themes, creating characters, conflict, dialogue and crafting your writing routine. The eight participants were delighted with the session, and despite wanting to linger at the end to ask more questions, they literally ran off to start writing and apply what they'd learnt - they were so motivated and enthused! It was a joy to witness! If you would care to join me for a similar session, taught on-line via Zoom, please see: Erin's Tutoring page. |
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