Well, yes, there haven't been many entries recently, mostly for personal reasons, but also because I've had a bit of a crisis of faith.
I had planned to start on the next episode of the Conscience saga, but a rather unhelpful comment from an agent, about being unable to sell anything connected with WW1 somewhat took the wind out of my sails, and I was forced to drift to a halt. I was completely lost - what to do? I was geared up to research the next book - only lacking the petrol money to take me to the right places. Should I do it anyway? I pondered, and, coupled with the depression that a really bad flu/virus/chest infection brings I rather began to despair.
Somewhere around this time two thoughts occurred: firstly I suddenly had two novel plots, one modern, one historical - neither connected with the toxic WW1. I suggested them to the rejecting agent, and she told me which she thought was more commercial. This idea is gradually taking shape - it is inspired by Judith Murray's suggestion that I read The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry - which I predictably loathed. However, I thought if my "good" novels were not getting far in the market, then I should try and write something unutterably middle-brow. And possibly heart-warming. I have the idea, but am just warming it up a bit, and hoping that a plot is maturing somewhere.
Competitions
In the meantime I have submitted TAG and TRF to two novel writing competitions, the Dundee International and the new Bath Literary Prize. The latter only asked for 5,000 words, but I am obviously hoping they will come back for more and to that end I have been re-editing it - and have reduced it by about 6-7,000 words.... which is delightful. I am astonished that there is so much superfluous bumf - in some cases I have been "showing AND telling" - I hope I'm not writing for the hard of thought. They will organise a long list - I am praying to be on that at least - something to put in submission letters.
Success
What will I do when I actually get an agent, an editor, a publisher.... will I have to start a new blog full of success and vaunting?
The Plan
If I get interest in TAG I will move onto Conscience, but in the meantime I am working on GATD and the plan is to write it in 3 months or so. Mind you, the sight of the great flood yesterday made me think I should revive Islanders
I had planned to start on the next episode of the Conscience saga, but a rather unhelpful comment from an agent, about being unable to sell anything connected with WW1 somewhat took the wind out of my sails, and I was forced to drift to a halt. I was completely lost - what to do? I was geared up to research the next book - only lacking the petrol money to take me to the right places. Should I do it anyway? I pondered, and, coupled with the depression that a really bad flu/virus/chest infection brings I rather began to despair.
Somewhere around this time two thoughts occurred: firstly I suddenly had two novel plots, one modern, one historical - neither connected with the toxic WW1. I suggested them to the rejecting agent, and she told me which she thought was more commercial. This idea is gradually taking shape - it is inspired by Judith Murray's suggestion that I read The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry - which I predictably loathed. However, I thought if my "good" novels were not getting far in the market, then I should try and write something unutterably middle-brow. And possibly heart-warming. I have the idea, but am just warming it up a bit, and hoping that a plot is maturing somewhere.
Competitions
In the meantime I have submitted TAG and TRF to two novel writing competitions, the Dundee International and the new Bath Literary Prize. The latter only asked for 5,000 words, but I am obviously hoping they will come back for more and to that end I have been re-editing it - and have reduced it by about 6-7,000 words.... which is delightful. I am astonished that there is so much superfluous bumf - in some cases I have been "showing AND telling" - I hope I'm not writing for the hard of thought. They will organise a long list - I am praying to be on that at least - something to put in submission letters.
Success
What will I do when I actually get an agent, an editor, a publisher.... will I have to start a new blog full of success and vaunting?
The Plan
If I get interest in TAG I will move onto Conscience, but in the meantime I am working on GATD and the plan is to write it in 3 months or so. Mind you, the sight of the great flood yesterday made me think I should revive Islanders
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