I always feel a bit hesitant about discussing my writing here. I think it’s to do with not being the kind of writer who trots out two thousand words before breakfast. In fact, if my writing was a lover, I’d have walked out years ago! It’s moody, evasive, constantly threatens my self-esteem, but I hang on because that rare feeling when everything falls into place is utterly sublime and powerfully addictive. I have to work hard at what I do, but it’s not hard work.
Anyway, because people have been interested enough to ask, I thought I’d say a bit about the book I’ve just finished and the one I’ve started.
I tend to soak up impressions of places so the setting for Turning the Tide was born out of all the sleepy, seaside towns I’ve visited whilst sailing. Move Over Darling is influenced by the experience of living on the coast of west Wales. One of the first things that struck me when I moved here was that the population of Ceredigion is roughly the same as the town in the south-east I’d just left. With so few people spread out over such a large area, I started to wonder how couples ever found each other! It’s an exquisitely beautiful part of Wales, attractive to tourists and second-homers, but some of the lowest wages too mean that employment prospects are often brighter elsewhere. A trip to New York suggested the book’s premise:
As Move Over Darling takes its first steps away from me, I’ve started work on Book 3. So far, I’ve got twenty-thousand ‘white-hot’ words. Exactly the opposite of how I ideally like to work by starting with a plan. Now I’ve got to sit and figure out exactly who these people are and how they got here. My latest hero is already on his third change of name, as I clearly didn’t listen to him properly in the first place. Looks as if this is going to be an interesting journey.
Anyway, because people have been interested enough to ask, I thought I’d say a bit about the book I’ve just finished and the one I’ve started.
I tend to soak up impressions of places so the setting for Turning the Tide was born out of all the sleepy, seaside towns I’ve visited whilst sailing. Move Over Darling is influenced by the experience of living on the coast of west Wales. One of the first things that struck me when I moved here was that the population of Ceredigion is roughly the same as the town in the south-east I’d just left. With so few people spread out over such a large area, I started to wonder how couples ever found each other! It’s an exquisitely beautiful part of Wales, attractive to tourists and second-homers, but some of the lowest wages too mean that employment prospects are often brighter elsewhere. A trip to New York suggested the book’s premise:
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| This? |
She’s escaped to the country. He’s escaped from the country. Who’s going to admit that home is where the heart is?
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| Or this? |
From there, I met Coralie Casey and Gethin Lewis. Coralie doesn’t like the hand fate has dealt her so she’s taken charge of her own destiny. Gethin’s an artist living in New York who thinks he’s escaped his home village for good – until I came up with other plans for him. I also had fun with a cast of supporting characters to reflect the book’s theme which is about separation and reunion.
As Move Over Darling takes its first steps away from me, I’ve started work on Book 3. So far, I’ve got twenty-thousand ‘white-hot’ words. Exactly the opposite of how I ideally like to work by starting with a plan. Now I’ve got to sit and figure out exactly who these people are and how they got here. My latest hero is already on his third change of name, as I clearly didn’t listen to him properly in the first place. Looks as if this is going to be an interesting journey.
Comments
And good luck with the third one! I hope the lead decides his name soon!
I guess that all writers have differing approaches to their process and from questions I've asked some authors at Barnes & Noble's readings, know that many authors definitely prefer to keep certain things very secret.
You are very generous to tell readers a bit more.
xo
Keep writing!
J xx
IE
xx
;~(
Good luck with sorting out those 'white-hot' words for number 3.
Jeanne
x
Hello Cake Lady! Good to see you here! It comes out in the Autumn, will tell more as it unfolds.
Ah Milla, you haven't seen me staring at the screen like a frightened rabbit!
Aw, thanks Mags - you've been an utter star supporting TTT.
Norma, Mountainear, thank you both!
Fennie, it's such a trek out here, you'd be too exhausted to bang on the windows. Just use the door bell, will you? Thank you for the kind words!
Chanpreet, thank you so much. I think the details up at Choc Lit 2012 catalogue now.
Hi Jane, the trouble for me is that I have to sit and decide where everyone comes from and what they're up to. Well done you though for being able to just go for it! I'll take a deep breath and try to do as much of the first draft using your approach! I'm not sure my sub-conscious is as well-trained though!
Pondside, you're very kind, but not much to be in awe of here! Thank you, anyway, and -eeek!- I hope you enjoy Turning the Tide.
Thanks, Elizabeth... I wonder if this will be the year when we meet up and compare our similarities!
LBD, thank you - the 'sullen art' bit makes me want to hit the bottle occasionally too, although will try not embrace it like Thomas! I'm afraid for me it is a case of just sitting here and getting on with it until I've finished. No useful Muse on hand for me!
Flowerpot and Irish Eyes, thank you both for your support.
Sheryl, welcome, oh, it does, doesn't it? On the rare occasions when I've thought, 'I can't do this any more' I always go back!
Er, hello Mother's Love... you won't mind if I don't come and look at your video, will you? Be happy yourself too.
Thanks, Kitty!
Thanks for the good luck wishes, Jeanne... I'll need them!