Welcome, I super appreciate you taking the time to be here listening or reading this, it really does mean a lot.
I’m currently knee deep in writing the new book. It was an idea I started on when I was on my writing retreat earlier this year. I’d treated myself to this to celebrate the completion of my latest book Where the Pieces Land that was released in May. While I was languishing in the South of France at The Mill I wrote 20,000 words. Easily done while I was there enjoying the stunning scenery, inspiring accommodation and surrounded by beautiful new friends. Plus the added bonus of having my meals cooked for me and nothing more to do than write and socialise.
However, when I arrived back home I was unsure if this could be a full book. I didn’t know if my idea held enough weight to become a full 80,000+ word manuscript. I decided to put it to one side and started from scratch again on a slightly different idea. It was great to get back in the Writing Hours with my lovely London Writers Salon friends. Interestingly though as I hit the 20,000 word mark of this one I had the consideration that actually these two stories might, in fact, perfectly merge together.
So, I slotted the two together and have since written another 22,000 words that have managed to fit really well. I have found that the characters are fuller, stronger and the story is much more interesting than either of them would have been standing alone.
Quick maths would show you that at this point I am only 18,000 ish words from my target and I feel that I have so much more for my characters to experience and explore. Just to say that sticking with your ideas, or putting them to one side, all works and is part of the process. Not everything you write will become a book or even appear in any book you publish. But, that’s what this s**t first draft is; it’s a way to get to know your characters and test out what they can handle. To see how they react and how far you can stretch them and in doing so testing your writing capability.
Even if you decide to scrap it all and start again that’s okay. This can sometimes be exactly what you need to do. Remember, those words were still important as they were the foundation for whatever your book finally becomes. They mould those random thoughts that pour onto the page. Also, just to say that if you are finding yourself feeling grumpy, tearful, confused, elated, excited or any or all of these things in your day to day as you’re writing - pause for a second and consider if these are your feelings or those of your characters? This is you connecting with your characters and ultimately what your readers will feel. I know right!
Most importantly, enjoy the process. Yes, it can be difficult at times to find the words or to hit that word count or make the time. But ultimately this is something you have chosen to do because you love writing. So with anything you love you’ll have moments of doubt but it’s worth pushing through or stepping away for a moment to reflect back on how great what you’re doing is.
It would be wonderful to hear what you’re working on. I’d love to cheer you on and to celebrate the progress you’re are making. You can connect with me on here, or on Instagram or Facebook.
Much love, Claire x
P.S. If you would like company as you write I would highly recommend joining Writer’s Hour it’s been a game-changer for thousands of writers across the globe.
P.P.S As an independent author I’ve found joining the Alliance of Independent Authors was super handy too.
Great writing Claire as always! So lucky to write alongside you 🌟