Just thought I’d post a pre-Christmas/ Winter Solstice greeting, in case you were missing me, and as I’ll be away from computers over the festive weekend (not just because I’ll be in Wales, but intentionally as well).
Writing-wise, I’m in that most frustrating, but good, of places, while I’m editing two works at the same time (depending on how the mood takes me), my thoughts are turning to what comes next, and rather than being inspired by the three (already 10,000 words plus written) stories I have on my virtual desk, my brain is thinking “here’s a new one you could start. And another…”
Interesting process stage with Hope is a Six Letter Word. While I’ve had the best reader feedback so far on this one, draft eleven (currently being edited) is currently undergoing major surgery, and I’m being brave and cutting out all those parts I usually put in, which I love but which really aren’t necessary. You’ll also know, if you follow me on Twitter, that I’m at the re-checking facts stage, and some unfortunate dating errors (windfarms not being built when they appear in the narrative) mean I’ve had to look again at the overall timeline. This isn’t a bad thing though, and has already led to quite a bit of tightening and foreshadowing of events, ensuring everything is as it should be.
I know it isn’t 100% important to the reader of fiction that every detail is accurate in the real World, but the details are very important to me as an author. I have a strict timeline and like to make sure my stories are internally and internally consistent, and I take great satisfaction in knowing and inserting all the little timeline hint Easter Eggs I include, even though 99.9% of my audience will probably miss them.
I have a two week break from work over Christmas, so looking forward to really advancing some of the writing. That means you can expect an update in January, grumbling that I’ve done bugger all.
Have a great holiday break, whatever you do.
Stay safe,
Kit