It’s September!
01st September 2021
Welcome to this month’s website blog.
For me, August was mostly about rewriting an incomplete novel and researching various components to make the story come alive.
Although the rewrite isn’t quite finished yet, I do know the ending and how the characters will get there. I’m approximately three quarters of the way through, maybe a bit more. It’s tough to know that for sure because I keep adding bits to the existing chapters. I even purchased some writing software to help me organise it since adding and subtracting chapters all the way through had created its own issue quite separate from the story.
It’s a complex piece that, with rewriting, should alleviate the story’s complexity to the point that it will be a pleasure to read rather than a test of endurance, which it was originally. It makes me laugh though because stories are intended to be pleasurable, entertaining, or even educating. This story (I think) is really cool, but when it was first written, it was a big bunch of threads tangling up within themselves. I hope that this rewrite has reduced the number of threads, coloured them clearly, and laid them out flat so they provide an easier read.
But it’s taken a lot of time, effort, and research to make it come alive and feel realistic.
We writers often talk about our stories ‘coming alive’ and what we do to make that happen, so when I refer to research, for this story that took the shape of studying international maps, distances between locations, consulting retired professionals within my circle of friends, and understanding how specific character traits can manifest as plot devices too. The genre is clear, but the two sub-genres are less so. But all will become clear in time. (I hope!) 😊
So, as you can see, August really was all-consuming.
Before I go, I want to remind you that The Versatile Writer podcast is back on Monday 6th September with Season 4, Episode 79. The new format of 8 weeks per season looks like it will fit nicely with my routine and schedule. This season will reveal the sequel to Guardian Angel, the cop thriller I published back in 2006 (now out of print and before e-books were ever even a thing!). It’s called The Journey Home and focusses on a major emotional episode Detective Tim Angel goes through. I narrated the original story back in the UK’s first lockdown by way of giving something back to the community, especially when we were all going through so much. After the story ended, listeners wanted the sequel. So, you’ve now got your wish granted 😊 There will be 8 weeks-worth with 4 bonus episodes, so do look out on social media to learn when they’ll be out. Alternatively, subscribe to The Versatile Writer podcast available free via iTunes, Spotify, etc and it’ll land in your podcast feed like magic.
So that’s what’s been happening in my world of writing. What’s going on in yours? You can let me know via the comments area on my website, or through social media.
Until October, stay safe,
Sjb 😊
For me, August was mostly about rewriting an incomplete novel and researching various components to make the story come alive.
Although the rewrite isn’t quite finished yet, I do know the ending and how the characters will get there. I’m approximately three quarters of the way through, maybe a bit more. It’s tough to know that for sure because I keep adding bits to the existing chapters. I even purchased some writing software to help me organise it since adding and subtracting chapters all the way through had created its own issue quite separate from the story.
It’s a complex piece that, with rewriting, should alleviate the story’s complexity to the point that it will be a pleasure to read rather than a test of endurance, which it was originally. It makes me laugh though because stories are intended to be pleasurable, entertaining, or even educating. This story (I think) is really cool, but when it was first written, it was a big bunch of threads tangling up within themselves. I hope that this rewrite has reduced the number of threads, coloured them clearly, and laid them out flat so they provide an easier read.
But it’s taken a lot of time, effort, and research to make it come alive and feel realistic.
We writers often talk about our stories ‘coming alive’ and what we do to make that happen, so when I refer to research, for this story that took the shape of studying international maps, distances between locations, consulting retired professionals within my circle of friends, and understanding how specific character traits can manifest as plot devices too. The genre is clear, but the two sub-genres are less so. But all will become clear in time. (I hope!) 😊
So, as you can see, August really was all-consuming.
Before I go, I want to remind you that The Versatile Writer podcast is back on Monday 6th September with Season 4, Episode 79. The new format of 8 weeks per season looks like it will fit nicely with my routine and schedule. This season will reveal the sequel to Guardian Angel, the cop thriller I published back in 2006 (now out of print and before e-books were ever even a thing!). It’s called The Journey Home and focusses on a major emotional episode Detective Tim Angel goes through. I narrated the original story back in the UK’s first lockdown by way of giving something back to the community, especially when we were all going through so much. After the story ended, listeners wanted the sequel. So, you’ve now got your wish granted 😊 There will be 8 weeks-worth with 4 bonus episodes, so do look out on social media to learn when they’ll be out. Alternatively, subscribe to The Versatile Writer podcast available free via iTunes, Spotify, etc and it’ll land in your podcast feed like magic.
So that’s what’s been happening in my world of writing. What’s going on in yours? You can let me know via the comments area on my website, or through social media.
Until October, stay safe,
Sjb 😊