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| Camellias at Claremont Landscape Garden |
I’m a bit late with this post. This is partly due to half
term, plus now I have two blogs to manage and some part-time work relating to neetsmarketing.com. I’ve been temping for the past few weeks, on and off too,
helping an elderly gentleman catalogue and archive some old work documents
before he moves house.
The writing of draft six of Book 2 has slipped too, unfortunately. Since my 7 Ways to Finish Writing the Book post, back in January: I have managed to send a
chunk of my novel, the first part re-drafted with scenes added, to a writing
friend. I missed my end of February deadline for 20K words and now have to
catch up. I’ve given myself until the end of April to get the first 40K words
in order-this will include rewriting some parts and expanding others, by
adding new scenes. I'm currently drafting an afternoon tea scene, set in a country house library in the eighteenth century, with Sèvres cups and saucers like these ones.
Sometimes life does get in the way of writing, but as long
as I can find a way back into the ‘writing zone’, I know I’ll get the novel
finished. The RNA's New Writers’ Scheme deadline of the end of August helps a
great deal too (by the way, I’ve just booked for the RNA Conference in July
again-can’t wait!-here’s my post from last year: Why Go to a Writing Conference?). The key is to sit down at my
computer every day with a spreadsheet open behind Word, and to type in the word
count of my latest draft when I finish.
Spring seems to have sprung in the UK. I hope it stays and
that there are no more de-ice the car mornings until next winter! Best of luck
to other RNA New Writers’ Scheme members who are working towards the August deadline. I recently wrote a post for the RNA blog: Getting to Know the RNA Through Social Media, a real honour.
And now I'm off to write!
An update on my neetsmarketing blog about social media for
writers (Twitter @neetsmarketing):
Latest posts:
There are some fabulous guests appearing on my
neetsmarketing blog soon:
April: Talli Roland with a post on Facebook
May: The New Romantics Press, answering my questions on Marketing
Books Using Social Media
June: Sue Moorcroft with a post on Balancing Writing with
Social Media
How funny that we’re both experiencing the same thing at once, Anita! I think you’ve got much more reason than I have to have had a pause – you’re wearing a lot of different hats at the moment! I really appreciate all the neetsmarketing posts – they’re so useful. Winter’s seemed like a bit of a long haul this year, for some reason. I have a feeling that the arrival of spring will make all the difference. Here’s to getting back into the zone! x
ReplyDeleteClare, I couldn't believe it when I published my post and saw the title of yours at the top of my blog list! (bottom right of this blog). I'm so glad the neetsmarketing posts are useful, the poor neetswriter blog has slipped a little because of them, but hopefully it's back on track now :-) It sounds like you've been exceptionally busy too, from what you say in your post. My writing always seems to pick up in the spring, because it's an inspiring time of year I expect; and also because of the NWS deadline too probably ;-) Cheers to getting back into the writing zone!
DeleteI'm struggling to get my novel even halfway ready to send in Aug... I blame the serial, short stories and the article I've just had accepted (I thought I could do it all but it seems not).
ReplyDeleteBest of luck getting your novel done in time Wendy! You've achieved so much already with the serial, short stories and article-and your blog is fantastic too :-)
DeleteHow sound super busy. I hope you can get back to writing easily. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Chrys! Hope your writing is going well :-)
DeleteYou do sound very busy, Anita, but I'm sure the NWS deadline will keep you working towards your goal (I needed to get my first novel finished at the time!). Hope to see you in July, though I haven't booked yet!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rosemary! Hope to see you at the RNA Conference again this year.
DeleteDon't beat yourself up Anita, you'll soon be back on track.
ReplyDeleteThanks Maria :-) Hope your writing is going well.
DeleteI too find it hard staying in the writing 'zone' when life gets busy, but try to write down little observations which pop into my head, filed away for a time when I can focus on the development of more concrete ideas. Or if I'm working on a novel I find the characters will still wander around in my head from time to time having conversations which is helpful to keep the plot 'alive'! Good luck with your RNA entry
ReplyDeleteThanks Vikki! It's amazing how the characters take on a life of their own sometimes. I do picture them all talking to each other, as if they're in a film. Hope your writing is going well. Will visit your blog to see what you're up to.
DeleteAs usual, an interesting post, Anita. I look forward to seeing you at the Summer Party, if you're there, and the July Conference.
ReplyDeleteLiz xx
Thank you Liz! Yes, I'll be at the RNA Summer Party and the Conference-can't wait! Will have to start thinking about outfits, shoes, and losing some of those winter pounds ;-)
DeleteAnother great post, Anita. I look forward to catching up with you at the Summer Party. Happy writing. x
ReplyDeleteThank you Debs! Look forward to seeing you at the RNA Summer Party :-)x
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