Find out how my novel-writing is going. Or not…
Editing my novel… very slowly … but today I finally sorted out a chapter which has always been problematic in terms of just about everything. One part of me said just scrap it. It’ll never work. It’s far-fetched, melodramatic and unlikely. But another part, the stubborn side wouldn’t give in. So I kept going. Writing … More Progress
At the weekend I get a train from King’s Cross to visit my daughter in Leeds. It’s over two hours, so lots of time to write. Comfy seats, an efficient service and I’m ready for my cup of tea so try to use the ‘at seat’ service to magically summon the buffet car attendant to … More I’m on the train!
It’s Mental Health Awareness Week and I thought I’d share how I cope/struggle with my own mental health and how it feeds into my writing. I was a child who worried; I’m an adult who gets anxious and depressed. Talking to a friend the other day (also a writer) she said it’s those qualities of … More Mental health & writing
Well, this week has been fun… one straight out rejection, but one who asked to see the whole novel. For a few days I was in a state of bliss (she’s going to say yes, that’s it… publication, huge advance, broadsheet reviews, shortlisted for big prizes…) which alternated with the purgatory of each new email … More Hunting for a new agent
a range of synopses for all appetites from mid-morning snack to three course dinner… … More Hunting for an agent…
Asking for help is something I’m not good at… … More An end…or an opportunity?
Recently I wrote an introduction to a fascinating panel discussion on immigration in the UK held by the Royal Society of Literature under their umbrella Only Connect… Today’s Only Connect is from RSL Member Ali Thurm, who has chosen the recording of our event The Good Immigrant with Vahni Capildeo, Eva Hoffman and Nikesh Shukla discussing what it means to be an immigrant … More Only Connect
Still plodding on … with so many disruptions it’s hard to concentrate. Now printed off what claims to be chapter 16 but has so much going on and so many reveals that there’s enough material for a least three chapters! I’m off to cat sit for friends in Shropshire. A blissfully quiet market town where … More Another journey, another chapter
Chapter 15 almost had me beaten. During August I had a couple of weeks away but printed off the chapter and carried it around with me as if being away from my desk would inspire me. It didn’t. Too much going on, too much melodrama and everybody ‘looking’ at everyone else as if it was … More A new chapter?
I’ve already tweeted about an adventure we had on holiday last week when, trying to cross a field back to our cottage we were cut off by a gang of curious bullocks. (Apologies that these are not the actual animals but at the time photos weren’t the top of our priorities.) I know they’re more … More Cows and Corona
Ali Thurm 