10 things I learned whilst writing a book
- At January 24, 2011
- By Rachael
- In Books and Writing, Village life, Writing
37
you can find this post now over on my author blog – come and say hello!
37 you can find this post now over on my author blog – come and say hello!
Steve Green
Hi Rachael, I followed your link from Scribe’d (I’m Evergreen, and I am also Elle’s dad) I dont really follow blogs except for flash fiction ones, which is what I write, but thought I would visit and have a look at your blog, and wish you the very best of luck with your novel.
Steve Green – most recent blog post – Reality check
Rachael
Hi Steve, thanks for visiting! And thanks for the good luck wishes. I’ll be keeping you all posted.
Merry
Nano definitely does something to the process of getting started. I was fine with your list till I got to beta-readers. Then my heart quailed at the thought of letting anyone read it.
Merry – most recent blog post – Total Lego Mania hits The Puddle
Rachael
I was utterly terrified when I sent the first chapter of my book to my friend Sarah – I really thought I was going to be sick. It does get easier, honestly. I promise.
Merry
Right. Right!!!!!! (Chapter 2, here I come…)
Merry – most recent blog post – Favourite Books- One from each shelf
Rachael
If you ever want to send it my way, I’d love to read it!
mymumdom
What a great list. I think 2011 might be the year I actually start getting words on paper. No 7 appeals to me greatly; the house really need some attention!
Rachael
Unfortunately once I got into the writing the house fell by the wayside slightly – it now looks like a bombsite!
Muddling Along
Am so impressed with you!
And 6lbs!!!
Muddling Along – most recent blog post – Love-hate my birthday
Rachael
I know! Yahoo!
Elana
So so so proud of you!
Rachael
Make the most of it. Thanks to your naughty enabling I’ll be playing on the interwebs forever and not doing any writing! Hahaha!
Liz Fraser
One word: WELL DONE!!!
(Which is two, but I’m a writer which means I don’t have to be able to count properly.)
Also some more words: I really, really, really, really hope you not only get published, but also go on to sell a gazillion copies of your fabtastic novel, and, most importantly, that you ENJOY it all.
Writing is a labour of obsessive love, and you seem to have ploughed so much into your book – you deserve every success.
Now go and get better. Pronto!
Rachael
A labour of obsessive love – yes! And one that I am enjoying enormously after years of twiddling about and not being brave enough to do something about it. Thanks for all your moral support. xxxx
Lott
You have had such fun writing haven’t you? I’ve been so fascinated ‘watching’ you do it and that bit which I read was truly, in my opinion, publication worthy. I really hope you get it published.
This post made me smile lots xx
Rachael
Oh Lottie, that is such a lovely thing to say! Thank you. Fingers crossed. xxx
Rachael – most recent blog post – 10 things I learned whilst writing a book
jfb57
I’m so pleased you have got the writing bug. It clearly suits you! I’m very envious of your ability to set a challenge & go for it! Brill!
jfb57 – most recent blog post – Oh for a bacon roll!
Rachael
Thank you Julia – and that is a lovely thing to read, especially as for years I’ve been hopeless at sticking to things. That marathon taught me a lot more than how to run 26 miles!
Rachael – most recent blog post – 10 things I learned whilst writing a book
A Modern Mother
I like the part about falling in love with your hero and losing weight! Who would have known.
A Modern Mother – most recent blog post – On haggis and Burns Night
Rachael
I know! I had no idea, but other authors tell me it’s really common. Swoon!
Sarah
Well done! Amazing dedication. All the very best with getting your work into print x
Sarah – most recent blog post – Misinformation Monday- Why is the Sky Blue
Rachael
Thank you Sarah – fingers, toes and eyes crossed! x
Rachael
Don’t worry, I know he’s absolutely yours! And thank you, my Chick Lit Consultant and snog demonstrator. Big (well rehearsed) snogs to you! xxx
Patricia Beaudin
Bah 10 or 11, doesn’t matter. Rules are made to be broken!
Patricia Beaudin – most recent blog post – This Sunday meet Fallen
Rachael
Absolutely. In fact I just said the same thing to my husband earlier! Haha.
Sue
It’s the catty and bitchy arguments I enjoy writing the most, and although my hero is rather gorgeous, he’s also a bit young which makes it a *bit* tricky!
Well done you for finishing, and so fast!
Rachael
Thank you Sue! And yes, I have to say I loved writing my villain, Fiona, best. And the snogging bits. Haha.
cathy kozak
#3 is oh so true, in fact I sometimes confuse my own intentions with those of my characters…!
cathy kozak – most recent blog post – Letters Sent from the Edge – Mislaid at the Hermitage
Rachael
Yes, I can identify with that!
Rebecca
6lb! This could be the motivation I need! Time to dust off my half a novel me thinks…
Rachael
Possibly the best diet ever. Well, it was until I got really stuck on the next chapter and put it all back on again. Argh.
Kath Parklover
I love reading about how you have achieved this Rachael, you’re an inspiration! It never ceases to amaze me how generous many writers are with their advice and encouragement. I’ve built up quite a collection of “writing books”, some of which have so far helped to get non fiction work published and a short story sold to a women’s magazine.Writing a whole book is an entirely different matter though. Go you!
Kath Parklover – most recent blog post – Multi-tasking at Whitefield Park
Rachael
Oh, thank you Kath, that’s a really lovely thing to say. I was worrying a bit that I might be going on and on (and on) about it. And eek. An inspiration! How exciting.
Rhona
Wonderful list. I so admire you! You know YOU will be the famous writer with books on the shop shelves when I eventually get around to mine. You are an inspiration and a joy to read and yes, I fell in love with your characters. Thank you so much for becoming my friend.
Rhona – most recent blog post – Natural Wonders
Rachael
Oh, lovely Rhona. The feeling is very much mutual. And what an exciting prospect. Eek! (and go check your email! x)
Kate Johnson
No. 5 is SO true. Except for the 6lb weight loss thing. I’ve always wanted to be one of those people who loses weight when she’s in love, but I just want to eat cake even more.
But I am so madly in love with my current hero that I want to pull him off the page and tie him up somewhere, like maybe my bed. Ahem.
Kate Johnson – most recent blog post – Those three little words
Rachael
Sadly the 6lb went back on when I was struggling with One of Those Chapters. For a very long time.
Am now going to spend the week watching and re-watching Being Human. Mr Next Hero is a gardener, who looks like Mitchell. It’s research, y’know. (swoon)