It has been a strange block of time since I last blogged. Writing has been a high priority on my weekly lists but has translated itself into all sorts of other projects - bits and pieces needed for Church, reports for work, going to someone else's reading to try to learn how to promote my writing, putting together an article, attending the Association of Christian Writers' Day and working on the equivalent for Norfolk Christian Writers. Fortunately, another member of the group has put together a facebook page for NCW and has taken great strides in advertising the event. But it took a whole designated writing day to look at shortlisted venues. Once that was agreed I was enthused - so for much of the time since my mind has been filled with ideas on how and what to teach.
Then, of course, there has been time spent on spreading the word re Losing Face and planning for the day when I have to start 'selling myself'. Only 64 days to publication! Preparation has included a practice run reading an exerpt from my manuscript to my writing buddy; I thought that went better than expected and looked up at her with relief probably written all over my face. I had thrown myself into the task, even trying to emphasise some bits with movement. There was a pause while I waited for her comments. Then very carefully she suggested that my previous thought of recruiting real teens to read it was an excellent idea. Was I that embarrassing, I wonder? It's a good job I wasn't reading from Dancing in the Dark - there's a lot of leaping about in that novel which certainly wouldn't have suited my great age and may have ended in tears.
So maybe it's okay that I haven't sat and scribbled. I have learnt how not to read my manuscript, have gained the valuable insights of other writers, thought a lot about what we scribblers need to know and how to teach writing. I'm sure it's all moulding me into some sort of shape.
Trouble is, I now look back at my work-in-progress, Dancing in the Dark, and I have literally 'lost the plot'. But maybe when I have remembered who's who in the novel, thought about the characters I am trying to portray and filled in all the little missing links and details, I will find that this varied and interesting past few weeks has added a few different dimensions to my writing.
But before I go, here is the information you may need about the forthcoming Christian writers' day. It is called The Write Idea and will be held on 16th June 2012 in Norwich Central Baptist Church from 10am - 4pm. It is open to all writers and will cover a wide range of genres. Although it only costs £15 per ticket, it will be a really valuable day. For further information please visit Norfolk Christian Writers on facebook, or email us at hobdayangela@yahoo.co.uk or hobdaysarah@hotmail.co.uk.
Happy scribbling,
Angela
Friday, 23 March 2012
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Twirls, whirls and graceful slides
As January quietly slides into February, my writing is picking up again after a foot-dragging time after Christmas. Dancing in the Dark is now pirouetting gracefully towards its final bow. In fact, the last chapter is written - I often write the best bits first. The novel is turning out to be a little longer than orginally envisaged, so I still have two or three chapters to fill in the gap. They are rather like those creams and toffees that everyone leaves in the bottom of the tin of Quality Street - not quite the treat I would like but being fairly satisfying to finish.
After overcoming a little bump in plans for Losing Face (my original marketing lady is going on maternity leave!) all is ready to run smoothly under the expert guidance of my multi-tasking editor. Now is the time for a lull before the rising whirl of activity as we work towards the publication date of 25th May. I am toying with the idea of having a big launch party on 26th, at my home. There is some uncertainty about this because I would like all my friends and family to populate the readings I will be doing in various bookshops, so I don't think I can expect them to attend both. Or perhaps a party will stimulate their interest in seeing me doing a reading and book-signing?
But what next? With Dancing in the Dark reaching the editing stage, I need to be making decisions. I have other novels waiting to be finished - only one of those is for the young adult market and that is extremely complicated. The one with the most written so far needs some research which may be beyond me unless I travel very widely and the final one is only about 10,000 words so far, but is taking me on an interesting journey into crime fiction.
So who knows? Only the great Creator and Author of all Things. There may be a new novel just bursting out of the wings of my imagination to take centre stage.
Happy writing for those who are entrenched in that noble art and enjoy your reading to those who join us in our imaginery dance.
Annie
After overcoming a little bump in plans for Losing Face (my original marketing lady is going on maternity leave!) all is ready to run smoothly under the expert guidance of my multi-tasking editor. Now is the time for a lull before the rising whirl of activity as we work towards the publication date of 25th May. I am toying with the idea of having a big launch party on 26th, at my home. There is some uncertainty about this because I would like all my friends and family to populate the readings I will be doing in various bookshops, so I don't think I can expect them to attend both. Or perhaps a party will stimulate their interest in seeing me doing a reading and book-signing?
But what next? With Dancing in the Dark reaching the editing stage, I need to be making decisions. I have other novels waiting to be finished - only one of those is for the young adult market and that is extremely complicated. The one with the most written so far needs some research which may be beyond me unless I travel very widely and the final one is only about 10,000 words so far, but is taking me on an interesting journey into crime fiction.
So who knows? Only the great Creator and Author of all Things. There may be a new novel just bursting out of the wings of my imagination to take centre stage.
Happy writing for those who are entrenched in that noble art and enjoy your reading to those who join us in our imaginery dance.
Annie
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Tangled Writing
Here we are in 2012 with Christmas receding as a memory, only retrieved by baubles discovered shining under the sofa or when a Christmas pud from a hamper gift is served up thinly disguised as a fruity dessert for an ordinary Sunday. Life begins to pick up its everyday rhythm, with normal tasks to be completed.
I have a weekly list - to be fair it sometimes stretches into two, or even three weeks. It becomes a glorious mess of arrows and loopy lines linking the different areas of my life: writing, church, psychology, home. For example, those thank-you letters which await my attention, are they 'Writing' or 'Home'? And bits and pieces I write for Church - maybe even about counselling others, or a psychological article for a Christian magazine - where do I put those?
But even within those items which definitely belong in 'Writing', there is a woven, tangled web. One example: today I was looking up diseases. It was research for my novel-in-progress, Dancing in the Dark, but the information is helping me to think about other work I am doing - particularly the pending 'Ask Angela' for Caring magazine.
Then there are the two novels that are dominating my life at the moment. Losing Face now has a publication date, 25th May (I am shouting this from the rooftops!) so my task is to move into my role as a published novelist including publicising it. Meanwhile, I am working out the finer details of what happens to the same characters next, as I finish and edit Dancing in the Dark. The two novels are dangerously merging into one in my mind, as I read backwards and forwards between them, seeking consistency. But there is a bonus - out of their converging stories, the characters become even more 'real'. I will just have to be careful to avoid lifting the curtain on Dancing in the Dark, when discussing Losing Face.
So my prayer is that I will have wisdom day-by-day to become more organised to make good use of my time, yet accept, enjoy and discover the benefits from the chaotic, interesting, wonderful confusions of life.
Happy writing,
Annie
I have a weekly list - to be fair it sometimes stretches into two, or even three weeks. It becomes a glorious mess of arrows and loopy lines linking the different areas of my life: writing, church, psychology, home. For example, those thank-you letters which await my attention, are they 'Writing' or 'Home'? And bits and pieces I write for Church - maybe even about counselling others, or a psychological article for a Christian magazine - where do I put those?
But even within those items which definitely belong in 'Writing', there is a woven, tangled web. One example: today I was looking up diseases. It was research for my novel-in-progress, Dancing in the Dark, but the information is helping me to think about other work I am doing - particularly the pending 'Ask Angela' for Caring magazine.
Then there are the two novels that are dominating my life at the moment. Losing Face now has a publication date, 25th May (I am shouting this from the rooftops!) so my task is to move into my role as a published novelist including publicising it. Meanwhile, I am working out the finer details of what happens to the same characters next, as I finish and edit Dancing in the Dark. The two novels are dangerously merging into one in my mind, as I read backwards and forwards between them, seeking consistency. But there is a bonus - out of their converging stories, the characters become even more 'real'. I will just have to be careful to avoid lifting the curtain on Dancing in the Dark, when discussing Losing Face.
So my prayer is that I will have wisdom day-by-day to become more organised to make good use of my time, yet accept, enjoy and discover the benefits from the chaotic, interesting, wonderful confusions of life.
Happy writing,
Annie
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Dancing in the Dark
When I last blogged, I was just over a week into the November writing-a-novel-in-a-month challenge. At that time my draft was called Em the Gem - a dreadful working title that made me cringe everytime I opened up the document. So I spent a little of my precious writing time just scribbling potential titles over sheets and sheets of rough paper, until I came up with Dancing in the Dark. With the new title, I began to expand the theme, emphasising Em's love of dance and the way she saw it as an expression of her own life. Then I was away, writing avidly, with Em's backstory unfolding as she renewed contact with lost relatives and became more aware of her own identity.
Which is all a rather grand way of saying that I became immeasurably immersed in what I was writing and completed the whole 50,000 words. Not all of it will be useable - but isn't that true of any first draft? The story is not quite finished, maybe four more chapters will do it, but I haven't been able to resist beginning a little editing on the work so far. So was it worth the effort? Well, I have learnt that I can write while I keep everything else going (excluding most housework!), I can think and type away in the warmest room while others are watching television, I can be encouraged by a simple graph monitoring my progress and I benefit from linking up with writing buddies. I now feel that writing is an integral part of my life, and not just a hobby. I am eagerly planning to complete Dancing in the Dark next, as it has become my longest work-in-progress (I have three others!).
Meanwhile, there is exciting news about Losing Face. The proofs are all done, the novel has reached its final stage and I have chosen the image for the cover. I have no publication date yet, but when I do have one, I shall be shouting it from the rooftops - and probably remember to write it here, too. Although, all new ventures bring fresh challenges. With the impending publication of this first novel, I am beginning to become a little concerned about doing readings in bookshops. Can I make myself sound like a 15-year old girl? Should I try? Advice please, from any who have walked this road before me!
But, for the time being, my priorities are Christmas and all the preparations; carol singing, playing the cello, preparing for visitors, cooking, giving presents and generally celebrating the birth of Jesus.
After all, the birth of that particular extraordinary baby is the most exciting news of all.
Happy celebrations and may all your writing be beautiful,
Annie
Which is all a rather grand way of saying that I became immeasurably immersed in what I was writing and completed the whole 50,000 words. Not all of it will be useable - but isn't that true of any first draft? The story is not quite finished, maybe four more chapters will do it, but I haven't been able to resist beginning a little editing on the work so far. So was it worth the effort? Well, I have learnt that I can write while I keep everything else going (excluding most housework!), I can think and type away in the warmest room while others are watching television, I can be encouraged by a simple graph monitoring my progress and I benefit from linking up with writing buddies. I now feel that writing is an integral part of my life, and not just a hobby. I am eagerly planning to complete Dancing in the Dark next, as it has become my longest work-in-progress (I have three others!).
Meanwhile, there is exciting news about Losing Face. The proofs are all done, the novel has reached its final stage and I have chosen the image for the cover. I have no publication date yet, but when I do have one, I shall be shouting it from the rooftops - and probably remember to write it here, too. Although, all new ventures bring fresh challenges. With the impending publication of this first novel, I am beginning to become a little concerned about doing readings in bookshops. Can I make myself sound like a 15-year old girl? Should I try? Advice please, from any who have walked this road before me!
But, for the time being, my priorities are Christmas and all the preparations; carol singing, playing the cello, preparing for visitors, cooking, giving presents and generally celebrating the birth of Jesus.
After all, the birth of that particular extraordinary baby is the most exciting news of all.
Happy celebrations and may all your writing be beautiful,
Annie
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
The waiting game
For those of my readers waiting to hear about the publication of Losing Face, here is the news. After a very fast start by Roundfire Books (an imprint of o-books), it looks as if everything has slowed down. So I am waiting for something to happen. It was suggested that I post a gentle prod on the publisher's forum - but alas, their website has recently changed and I cannot fathom out how to do it! Meanwhile, I have had trouble writing anything much else, probably because Losing Face's stagnation is forming a mental barrier to moving forward.
So I was rather stuck in the doldrums. But then along came November - National Novel Writing Month. Along with some other members of Norfolk Christian Writers, who I know, and thousands of others who I have never met, I have taken up the challenge to write a novel in a month. 50,000 of a first draft, that is. This is a very daunting task, but I have been much encouraged by, not one but, two writing buddies. So far I am only about 1500 words behind target (not counting today) but considering it takes about two hours a day, which I do not really have, I am quite pleased with the progress so far.
The new novel is a prequel, or sequel or even equel to Losing Face. In fact, is is probably all three. It is Em's story, whereas Losing Face is the story of her friend Cassie. It was probably the wrong story to pick as it needs a lot of checking up as I go along to match in with LF, which takes valuable writing time. But, heyho, I always do things the difficult way! I'm not sure quite what is Em's story - but it seems to be unfolding as she tells it.
But however the story develops, taking part in the challenge has worked for me. I am now forcing myself to write and surprising myself at the number of words I can achieve in snatched moments of time I did not think I had. I am enjoying the support of my two buddies as well. It no longer feels as if I am writing totally on my own.
So, based on less than a week of fast and furious imaginings and key-bashing, my recommendations for all stuck novelists are to team up with other writers who will encourage and inspire. Set yourself a target, and make it public. Remember to have some quiet time each day, to pray maybe or otherwise prepare yourself for writing. Then just immerse yourself in this strange other world of your own creation.
Oh, one more recommendation: forget the housework!
Annie
So I was rather stuck in the doldrums. But then along came November - National Novel Writing Month. Along with some other members of Norfolk Christian Writers, who I know, and thousands of others who I have never met, I have taken up the challenge to write a novel in a month. 50,000 of a first draft, that is. This is a very daunting task, but I have been much encouraged by, not one but, two writing buddies. So far I am only about 1500 words behind target (not counting today) but considering it takes about two hours a day, which I do not really have, I am quite pleased with the progress so far.
The new novel is a prequel, or sequel or even equel to Losing Face. In fact, is is probably all three. It is Em's story, whereas Losing Face is the story of her friend Cassie. It was probably the wrong story to pick as it needs a lot of checking up as I go along to match in with LF, which takes valuable writing time. But, heyho, I always do things the difficult way! I'm not sure quite what is Em's story - but it seems to be unfolding as she tells it.
But however the story develops, taking part in the challenge has worked for me. I am now forcing myself to write and surprising myself at the number of words I can achieve in snatched moments of time I did not think I had. I am enjoying the support of my two buddies as well. It no longer feels as if I am writing totally on my own.
So, based on less than a week of fast and furious imaginings and key-bashing, my recommendations for all stuck novelists are to team up with other writers who will encourage and inspire. Set yourself a target, and make it public. Remember to have some quiet time each day, to pray maybe or otherwise prepare yourself for writing. Then just immerse yourself in this strange other world of your own creation.
Oh, one more recommendation: forget the housework!
Annie
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
Just in time
Losing Face came back from the designer at first proof stage. It was all very exciting, until I realised that I had made two major errors that affected about 45 pages. I had used email addresses for my emailing characters that were now taken by real people! I'm glad I noticed in time, although the designer probably isn't and I may have to pay for alterations at such a late stage. It took many days to find vacant email addresses that would suit the characters - they are still not perfect matches, but are now reserved in their names. You'll need to wait for the book's publication to know what they are!
Meanwhile, my present novel-in-progress has ground to a halt. I feel I have been forcing it for quite a time now, so may revert to one I started on when working for my MA or even begin a sequel to Losing Face that keeps popping into my mind. My next blog will be full of enthusiasm for whichever novel is in favour.
All thoughts of running a retreat (as mentioned in an earlier blog) are on hold - the room is full with a temporary lodger and his many books. He's not a writer but an avid reader who enjoys collecting books as resource material. Come to think of it, he is a writer - of sermons! Pastors are excellent lodgers - helpful, cheerful, busy and providing prayer and spiritual guidance at the drop of a hat.
Spiritual guidance . . . now there's a thought. I'm just popping off for a quick pray re the next novel!
Annie
Meanwhile, my present novel-in-progress has ground to a halt. I feel I have been forcing it for quite a time now, so may revert to one I started on when working for my MA or even begin a sequel to Losing Face that keeps popping into my mind. My next blog will be full of enthusiasm for whichever novel is in favour.
All thoughts of running a retreat (as mentioned in an earlier blog) are on hold - the room is full with a temporary lodger and his many books. He's not a writer but an avid reader who enjoys collecting books as resource material. Come to think of it, he is a writer - of sermons! Pastors are excellent lodgers - helpful, cheerful, busy and providing prayer and spiritual guidance at the drop of a hat.
Spiritual guidance . . . now there's a thought. I'm just popping off for a quick pray re the next novel!
Annie
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Losing Face is on its way!
This has been a month of holidays, people coming to stay and times organising various events, but in between it all I have been signing the contract with o-books, uploading my final version of Losing Face and then reading the copy edited version that came back very quickly for me to look at. I was impressed. After some really helpful emails with the copy editor, I fiddled around with it a bit (it was rather difficult to leave it alone!) and it has now gone to the design stage!
Although I have had non-fiction published before, this is my first novel and it is rather complicated with emails from two very different girls trying to work through their trauma by writing down what has happened to them. My advice? Don't ever write a book like this - I have had two timelines running throughout and so many themes and back stories that I kept getting a little lost myself.
Having said that, if you are a writer, write what inspires you!
So far, o-books have been brilliant. They are not nearly as impersonal as their website suggests and they will 'listen' (via email) if you do not think their offer is what you would like. I am now very pleased to only be paying for some extra advertising services I want, despite this being my first novel and therefore a risk to them.
So watch this space for a publication date. My next challenge will be to sound like a teenager when doing readings! I never thought about that when I wrote in the characters' voices . . .
Annie
Although I have had non-fiction published before, this is my first novel and it is rather complicated with emails from two very different girls trying to work through their trauma by writing down what has happened to them. My advice? Don't ever write a book like this - I have had two timelines running throughout and so many themes and back stories that I kept getting a little lost myself.
Having said that, if you are a writer, write what inspires you!
So far, o-books have been brilliant. They are not nearly as impersonal as their website suggests and they will 'listen' (via email) if you do not think their offer is what you would like. I am now very pleased to only be paying for some extra advertising services I want, despite this being my first novel and therefore a risk to them.
So watch this space for a publication date. My next challenge will be to sound like a teenager when doing readings! I never thought about that when I wrote in the characters' voices . . .
Annie
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