Notes From a Bore



Not that bore again talking about her writing!


Please bear with me. Currently, I am a bore. Many of you know that I’ve been working on a non-fiction book for teens and, basically, I have thought of little else. (Except for Year 5 lesson material and general mum stuff which may or may not be a more stimulating topic for a blog post) However, this is a blog about writing so about writing, I write.


Being a fiction-loving type of writer, I’ve surprised myself with how much I enjoy the non-fiction genre and once I get my head out of the galaxies of research and procrastination (there’s absolutely no time for the latter!) it’s a pleasure to write and this project is turning out to be a valuable learning journey. 

1. I’m glad I didn’t say no.

I’d just completed my first children’s fiction book and was contemplating the routes to publication. I got as far as buying the Children’s Writers’ Year Book when this opportunity literally dropped into my lap. My first reaction was flattery (Oh heaven, the vanity of wretched fools!*) but I quickly bumped down to earth with thoughts of inadequacy, inexperience, and the ten million dollar question: do I really want to do this? It is so different from anything I’ve done before. But I rolled up my sleeves, said yes, and got myself a co-writer.  

2. Working with a co-author is brilliant

Sarah is one of my teacher colleagues and has lots of experience in confidence issues due to her work. Two heads are indeed better than one! We bounce ideas off each other and chat quite a lot but we’ve reached the conclusion we just need to write the blooming thing!
Two heads are better than one


3. Getting started was a teeny bit tricky at first.

Sarah and I were faced with this mammoth task (it does feel mammoth if you haven’t done it before) and despite having a pretty clear synopsis and plan we were having conversations like “Which bit are you going to do?” and “Um, how do you think we should write this part?” Eventually, we threw our hands to heaven and just started to write. It was a good start.

4. Everything always takes a bit longer than you think it’s going to

Actually, if you focus and stop procrastinating, it’s not too bad. It’s ok to play one or two games of Scrabble with the children but five is extravagant. Just get on with it.

5. Don’t stop reading. 

Reading is my relaxation time and my inspiration. I have four books on the go at the moment; The Valley of Lost Secrets by Lesley Parr which was recommended on the ACW Children’s Writers Group which I love and have nearly finished; The Possibility of Difference by Marcus Green for research for another book I’m working on; Sue Russell’s Thorn of Truth which I am meant to be reviewing and it’s brilliant but the print is so tiny, I keep putting it down. I’ve actually just purchased my own copy and will begin again – apologies for the delay, Sue; and finally The Story of Marriage by John Bevere just to remind me that I am married and I need to remember my long-suffering husband once in a while. 

6. A Real Job

Writing is a real job and it’s imperative to treat it like one. No more fitting it in in-between episodes of Grey’s Anatomy.

7. Editors

Having an editor to work with is amazing. She will help you with all sorts of things like understanding the book contract.

Writing - It's a real job.




 *Measure for Measure, Shakespeare

Comments

  1. I was up at a ludicrously hour this morning (Year 10 History trip to Hastings) and when I read this, my bleary eyes crinkled up with laughter. Oh heaven, the vanity of wretched fools. What a line! I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to read of such a golden opportunity falling into your lap after years of waiting. No such thing as overnight success and our fragile writers' egos need boosting. Go you!!

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    1. Thanks Ruth! It's so important to laugh!!!

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  2. Your honesty made me smile and applaud!

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    1. That's what writings all about for me: smiling and honesty!!

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  3. I smiled at how high you are on this! And of course, lovely to be ASKED/INVITED to collaborate on anything! Thank you for mentioning the tiny print in Sue Russell's book - I might resort to Kindle in order to get a better read, as I've never been able to read very small print... Yes, writing is actually a real job...

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    1. It was a free copy sent to me electronically which I could read on my Kindle but couldn't sleep the print size!! It's definitely worth buying!!

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  4. Collaborative writing sounds like a lot of fun and a lot of challenge all at once! It will all come together eventually and sounds as though it's a book of real value. Keep going!

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  5. Oh Nikki, how exciting for you. I also worked on a non fiction book with a friend some time ago and was surprised how much I loved it. Go, You! Also I'm delighted to find that rare thing, a Grey's Anatomy fan! Where are you up to? I'm half way through Series 9 and completely addicted!

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    1. I'm afraid i stopped after series three. Just needed a break! Will go back eventually!!

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  6. Loved, this, Nicki, and of course you deserved it. It sounds like a fabulous project.

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  7. Congratulations! Your enthusiasm is contagious!

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