I begin this post by planting my tongue firmly in my cheek. I would love to say that I’ve unlocked the secret, that I’ve discovered the Holy Grail of writing, that I’ve figured it out! In truth, I have discovered a kind of secret sauce for myself. Other writers may benefit from my ‘process’, so if anything … Continue reading
The sequel to You Might Meet Someone picks up Sarah’s story a few months after her Greek adventure. Here’s the preface… “Have a great time!” my best friend, Lindsey, called as she climbed into the driver’s seat of her car. “I hope he shows up,” said her husband, Chris, grinning at me through the passenger window. … Continue reading
Writing a novel may seem like a big task. It is. Start to finish, including chapter re-writes, incorporating feedback from trusted editors and reviewing the whole thing 3 times over, You Might Just Meet Someone took about 2 years. That’s 2 years alternating between intense labouring and equally intense procrastination. You see, I love to write, but I … Continue reading
On the flight to Athens, I was stuck in the middle seat between a husband and wife, one who wanted to sit by the window and the other who wanted the aisle. They spent the entire flight talking across me as though I was some sort of aeronautical soft furnishing. When I politely asked if … Continue reading
This is chapter one of a novel I have written. Feedback is welcome. Chapter One I woke up stiff and achy. I was pretty sure I had the beginnings of jetlag even though I was still in the air. It was that wretched mixture of queasiness and exhaustion. I hate flying long-haul. Let me correct … Continue reading
I am cheating a little in posting this meme, as I was not tagged by the author who I follow via her blog, Charlotte’s Web, and that is part of the meme’s premise. That said, Charlotte Otter – a South African writer who lives with her family in Germany – has often inspired me to … Continue reading
Six weeks ago I enlisted the help of a dear friend and fellow writer, Jen, to hold me to the terms of a contract. I drew the contract up myself – no, I am not suddenly a lawyer – so that I would be accountable for working as a writer. I got this idea from … Continue reading
Today I will be retreating to Whidbey Island for their Writers’ Association “Lockdown” Retreat. I will be locking myself away (voluntarily) with other writers – authors and poets – for two-and-a-half days on my absolute favorite of Puget Sound’s many islands. My aims: • To get some ‘objective’ feedback on my book (the people attending … Continue reading
I want to get back to writing my book. Let me qualify that: I need to get back to writing my book. My book starts as a series of journal entries (both personal and travel) and letters in 1996 and ‘97, long before I know I will write a book. In 2001, I start writing … Continue reading
