Sorry the blog is a bit late in the day ((I saw it on the BBC news. Peachy’s blog is late. It sent the world into more of a panic than when they said coffee production might stop… FYI: I am being sarcastic. Literally no-one noticed)) I also bought some new glasses to help my eye strain as I’ve been on the computer so much. ((You’ve been wearing them on your head all morning haven’t you? I have no words)) Yes, I have.
Autumn is here, lots of leaves falling and there is a chill in the air. I love this time of year. Spring is probably the best month due to the lighter nights and everything waking up and the promise of the year ahead. Autumn means cosy nights, wrapped up for a walk, the only problem with these months is the darker nights. ((I thought this was a blog about writing, not Countryfile!)) Yes, but the seasons directly influences my writing and the time I have to write.
A last minute decision but I signed up to a ‘Make Crime Pay’ writing day run Writer’s Online and a few writing pals I’ve met over the years last month. ((Erm, Peachy, should you be telling people that you’re attending something illegal?)) Since I left Newark a few years ago, I haven’t really taken part in any workshops, which I’ve missed. I ended up with three pages of notes for my thriller series as a direct result of having this focused day. As a writer, you’re always learning and it’s something I need do more of. It taps into a different part of the process and made me think of the whole story line. More on that later.
Okay, update time. Killer’s List has been finished and I sent it to the typesetters before I went to the Isle of Wight ((ON HOLIDAY AGAIN!)) yes, this was an actual holiday and not a woliday. I didn’t even take my laptop with me. I should hopefully have something to share very soon on book one!
I managed to finish rewriting book two before I went away and I’m really pleased with this. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while ((What is wrong with you. Surely you have better things to do with your life??)) you will know I am not a planner. I like to have a vague idea and let the characters work their magic. Like with my fantasy series, Festival of Time, this thriller series requires some planning. I’ve outlined the plot and motive for the main characters for three books. I intend to write more, depending on the success of the series. I want to try and give the readers some resolution for the storylines and characters even though, I believe they could last longer than three books. ((The way you waffle it will end up being an icosology)) Oh, fancy word, Brackets ((that means a multi-volume series of twenty books.)).
Anyway, by planning the series I’ve managed to create what I hope will be some amazing twists. ((Show off. They are probably rubbish)) It has actually helped me to know the characters motivations, goals and deviousness. I cannot wait for you to meet some of the characters in book two, as I’m loving writing them. There is nothing more exciting than when I’m writing and an idea or twist comes along. As a writer, it’s as good as being a reader.
Book two is with my beta readers now and I’m anxiously waiting for feedback. In the meantime I have lots of marketing ideas, including paying for a blog tour, so lots to organise over the coming months if I want to sell some copies. ((Get ready for Peachy nagging you for reviews!))
In the boat world, The Plot is still poorly. It broke when we were on the Hatton Flight and it’s been very difficult to find a replacement alternator. Finally, we have one, so hopefully Chris can fix it and we might have a few weeks out on the cut before we settle back in here for the winter mooring. We are making some ‘big’ plans for next year. ((sounds expensive)) I will share more once we have decided ((Oh joy. The way you two come up with schemes and plans who the heck knows what’s next)) doesn’t that make for an exciting life! It’s also very useful when planning an adventure to have already written a book about it…
Okay, I’ve waffled enough. ((Every, single, month!)) I will send my Kickstarter crew an update soon for Killer’s List. By the next blog, I should be close to signing off Killer’s List ready for publication. I’ve asked the typesetters to create a cover similar to the one I shared for my campaign but with their creative fair added. I’m looking forward to seeing what they come up with. I was aiming for a February publication date but I’m wondering if I should publish before Christmas if it’s ready? What do you think?
Have a fab weekend and here’s hoping for a very exciting book update next month but keep your eyes peeled on socials for more up to date news!
Peachy ((& me, Brackets))
