I’ve had a headache for 5 days now; tells you something – hopefully that it’s just time for a holiday.
So, I’m off for a week in the sun and I’m going with a happy heart because draft 1 of ‘The Embers of Hope’ is done. It’s been another roller coaster ride. Some days it felt like I was born to do this and others were spent, head in hands wondering if I should just chuck in the towel. Which – I am assured – means I am a writer. You know, a real one.
We shall see.
The writing process was different this time around; I think my first draft is stronger this time in terms of prose and description. It feels more ‘solid’ than my first draft of Whisper did. However, at the moment it doesn’t ‘hang’ together quite right. I read something recently that described the process of reading, or more accurately ‘the feeling’ you get when reading. When it’s ‘right’ you get something called ‘flow’. It just rolls and the words disappear as the story carries you away. I have felt it when reading and at times have felt that when reading back my own work (which is odd in itself) but true. So, that is the aim.
Constant flow.
Also, with this one I have created multiple plots; 3 story lines that come together at the end. I wrote them independently and then stitched them together into a novel. It’s left me with lots to do to get the story to ‘flow’ but I am confident it will work. The document (86,000 words) is now with my Editor Stephen Parolini. He’s one in a million and has given me a number of buck-ups JUST when I need them. A level of trust was built during the first book so I I have shared with him earlier this time in the hope he can get more involved. Trust is so important because writing comes from the heart, it is personal and in the early stages quite raw. I’m very excited this time round. Nervous, yes of course but also excited.
When I return from my holidays (headache free) I will be hitting the editing process and working through Steve’s feedback. The aim is to launch the book in November. I can’t wait for people to read it! The reviews are stacking up nicely on Amazon UK, US and Goodreads for Whisper, which will really help when the sequel arrives.
Nick
