Writing
Its three years since I wrote Beyond the Past and this week I
have been reading it again to make sure the sequel includes all the twists and
turns and evidence. Writing the sequel has been much tougher than writing the
first one for a number of reasons. Firstly, with your debut novel, while you want
it to be perfect and loved by all, there is no expectation or pressure on
completing it. I made the decision to write it at my own pace. Secondly, because
it is a sequel the pressure is on to ensure that it is more gripping and
interesting than its predecessor. So many sequels have failed to live up to the
first piece. I am determined mine won’t, well I hope it won’t!!
The sequel is Beyond the Lies. This one is not written off
the cuff but is planned. I wanted to make sure there were a few more plot
twists in the storyline and to do that, it had to be planned. Having said that
I only started writing the plan after I had written the first thirteen
chapters! I very much write on instinct
and churn out the story. Once it is completed, I then go back and edit the
pages and storyline. At this point I could cut chapters out and change things
around but for now I just want to write and develop, not just the storyline but
the characters too. I am a novice in my new chosen career and I am
learning every day. In order to learn I read a lot of books, blogs and any
relevant literature. I have to admit though, some of the things I read I take with
a pinch of salt – probably what most of you do with my blog. I try to avoid
writing anything in here that would sound like I am preaching but very often I
read things that are doing just that. I have a real issue with fellow writers
who say you mustn’t do this or you mustn’t do that. How do you know? How do
any of us know what is for the best? If I’d have listened to people telling me
don’t or you’ll never make, I would not be in the position I am in today. I
read recently that you should NEVER let anyone read your work until it is fully
completed. Fair enough but why? I have readers that read my drafts as I am
doing them. I don’t see anything wrong with it. I like the extra pair of eyes
and I like being able to discuss the outcomes of certain scenarios with
someone. Indeed this has helped me to come up with a few surprises in the
second book.
I really believe as human beings none of us are experts.
Some have more knowledge than others and some apply their knowledge better but
we can all continue to learn throughout our lives. I especially believe us oldies
can learn from the younger ones. Just because we have lived it doesn’t mean we
have a better understanding of life. I have learned so much from my children and
being a Mum has definitely made me a more compassionate and understanding person.
In our house, we deal with major issues together. My children, right from being
very young, have been involved in major decisions such as new homes, cars, job
opportunities and changes in my career. All these things didn’t just impact on
my life but on theirs too. I really believe this openness has given them a
better understanding of life’s choices and I am so grateful they backed me 100%
firstly in my degree and then in my pursuit of a new career in writing. Thank goodness they did!!
It was really lovely to receive messages and emails about
the blog last week not just about its content but about its existence. To be
totally honest I wasn’t even going to write a blog because I didn’t think I
would have anything to say or that no one would want to read it. I couldn’t
have been more wrong. I am less than 50 views short of 5,000 viewings which is
totally amazing. However, what is more amazing is the number of people that have
reached out to me to discuss the cyber bullying and sports’ scholarships
particularly other parents’ reactions towards them. It would appear we are not
alone in what we have encountered. I have emailed everyone who took the time to
write to me but I want to publicly thank each and every one of you for your
support. You have no idea how much your words of encouragement mean to us. My son has shown unbelievable resilience.In fact, we laugh about it now as so many positives have come out of such wicked behaviour and both boys will enjoy playing in higher divisions and I can sit back, relax and watch them flourish, stress and drama free.
The boys will be back playing amateur rugby league shortly
and I am so grateful for the help, advice and support I have received from the
RFL and Sheffield Eagles. The true spirit of the sport and our love for it has
not diminished at all.
Events
I am really excited to confirm I have accepted an invitation
to speak at the inaugural Education Trust of Wetherby’s Literary Festival at
the end of June. I am also a little nervous.
I am working hard promoting the book and will have some book
signing events in the not too distant future. However, I would like to support
local bookshops if at all possible. So, if you know of any small independent
bookshops that would like to host a signing for me please do get in touch. I am
slowly working through a list but personal recommendations are gratefully
received.
My website includes news and events as well as the first three chapters of Beyond the Past, FREE. Feel free to pop over to have a look.
My website includes news and events as well as the first three chapters of Beyond the Past, FREE. Feel free to pop over to have a look.
You can purchase the book from Pegasus Publishers ; Amazon UK ; Amazon US OR ORDER FROM YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP.
Exam Update
WE are at the half way mark of the exams and still standing,
JUST. It’s not that bad but then again I am not sitting them! I am so impressed
with my son’s approach to them but I’m not surprised. He has always given
everything he does 100% (can’t think where he gets it from!) and has a plan
that he follows. Planning has been the key and I have thoroughly enjoyed being
here listening to him reeling off facts and details. I think it is important
for young adults to know that you are there for them and that exams are only a
small part of their whole life. Yes it is great to pass them first time but not
the end of the world if you don’t. I wouldn’t recommend it but I graduated
with a first class honours degree at the age of 43. I still maintain I would
not have got the grades and won the McGraw Hill Award for best results at the
age of 19. Life experience taught me so much and I hope I have passed that on
to my very wise young boys.
I would like you all to have a really happy and successful
week. Make the most of what you have and work hard to get what you would like. Sending
lots of love to you all.
No comments:
Post a Comment