🗓️ A new Wednesday routine!
You might be thinking, "Why Wednesday?"
I have published every Friday until now. Some weeks views were high; other weeks they not so much. Although I am not yet reaching hundreds or even thousands of readers, as an indie author the gap between 5 views and 50 is great.
Wednesday is the ideal day to post after some reading, investigating other writer blogs, and article research.
Therefore, I am experimenting with something novel. Let's see if a post on a mid‑week post attracts more readers. (Welcome if you are just joining here! 👋)
✍️ Insights Gathered on My Writing Path
I intended to take a step back and discuss writing more generally this week—what I have come to know since I first started drafting stories.
I have frequently stated I started writing during lockdown. Indeed... three children's stories I wrote years ago about a young girl called Emily who learns to roller skate and then joins a roller hockey team were unexpectedly found in a folder recently. I had totally forgot about them!
Perhaps I will dust them off one day and learn what might be made of them.
Rewriting and Bettering
Reviewing my first draught of An Irish Mystery, it was not really good. The story hasn't significantly altered, but I have learnt much on the need of "showing, not telling."
Here's a practical example: the initial first paragraph versus the final published version:
Original Version:
Looking at the faded clock face of the hunter pocket watch, Shane pulled it out and pushed the button that snapped the case open to show the time ten fourteen. He stated, "one minute to go."
Published Version:
Shane clicked open his hunter pocket watch. Ten fourteen. Paddy mumbled now or never, the silver case capturing a fragment of moonlight. He looked at Patrick, his partner, both men shadows against the stone wall.
đź“– My Approach: Reading and Research
I am a "pantser" as you might gather from earlier postings; that is, I write spontaneously, without a thorough strategy.
However, I picture myself in my surroundings to create real surroundings. If my characters are eating in a restaurant, I investigate eateries in the vicinity, examine menus, read reviews (Trustpilot is great for this!), and even peruse images. I want to capture sights, smells, and sounds to render the world believable.
Regarding reading, I mostly turn to my tablet. Although I still love a good paperback, particularly from writers I know and respect, it's simpler to emphasize words and phrases that inspire me.
🎤 Update: My First Author Talk
On Saturday, I spoke for the first time about my books to a wonderful Cambridgeshire support group for stoma sufferers.
Salts Healthcare sponsored the Cambridge event at Scotsdale Garden Centre.
Just in case I froze, I had written a screenplay, but I didn't need it! The talk went naturally, and the Q&A was outstanding—people wanted to learn about the process of publishing a book and what it entails. Later, I also disposed of almost all of my personal investments. It was a great experience, and I would want to provide more lectures in the future.
Add comment
Comments