If only it were that simple, by Marion Andrews of Green Pastures Christian Writers

I was told recently that, if you are struggling to find the words you want to say, just writing ‘anything’ for 10 minutes is enough to kick-start you back into gear. So I tried it and although it certainly helped the creative juices flow, it also forced me to face up to a major obstacle in my writing life – one which on several occasions has made me consider giving up: how to transform my rough copy into a professional-looking article.

My skills are not good enough to write directly onto a tablet or similar, so I use a note book and pencil (ideally a propelling one with a rubber). It’s taken me a while to confess this as it doesn’t seem very professional. Then I read that Roald Dahl and Ernest Hemingway both wrote this way and I felt encouraged – not that I’m thinking I’m anything like these wonderful authors, you understand.

Let me describe the scenario.

Writing completed, I take a deep breath, look the computer straight in the eye and attempt to transform my piece into a neat file: named, dated and available to me at the touch of a key. And this is the thing; when I think I’ve finished and it all looks promising, suddenly I can’t find it. It’s disappeared! Last time, I searched for an hour, eventually giving up and easing the pain with a glass of red wine, as I mentally composed a message to the editor of the magazine, explaining why my article was late.

When I tell people about my ‘little problem’ they have lots of suggestions. 

Tom: ‘Why don’t you take a computing course?’ 

Me: ‘I have.’

Dick: ‘The libraries often run a Computer Buddy scheme.’

Me: ‘I know. The lovely girl in the library made everything seem simple but as soon as I got home my writing disappeared again.’

Sarah: ‘Could you ask your grandchildren?’

Me: ‘I do, and they help when they can, but the screams from my study make them run and hide.’ 

Harry: ‘Is there a handbook for your computer?’

Me: ‘I’ve looked. No luck.’

So, the dilemma continues. I usually manage to submit just about in time for publication, but I long for the day when I can press the print button with confidence. I’m grateful I belong to my ACW group who are there to encourage me and hold out their hand, so that together – somehow – we manage to produce something that’s almost readable!

Marion Andrews is the author of Angels of the NHS and a member of Green Pastures Christian Writers, based in Dereham.