BEACH WALK OR MOUNTAIN HIKE? by Joy Margetts

I am very blessed to live by the sea, and close to the mountains of Snowdonia. I have always loved walking on the beach, especially when the sand is sun-warmed and the sky blue, the sea breeze gentle and the waves quietly lapping. When the tide is out here you can walk for miles it seems, and it is easy walking.

My husband prefers the challenge of the mountains, or he did in his younger days. More than once he tried to convince me that scaling a steep mountain ridge, scrambling across loose scree slopes, and climbing over craggy boulders was worth all the effort when you finally reached the mountain peak with it’s panoramic views. Needless to say his idea of a ‘walk’ and mine differed somewhat. 

These days I can’t actually do either easily, and I miss walking. (Yes, I even miss the hikes!) But I am content, that even with my physical limitations I can still see both beach and mountains from my home. I can sit writing every day with that view, even when I can’t get out there to enjoy them. 

Recently I ‘finished’ my second full length novel. I say finished, but I know it is far from its rewritten, extensively edited, publication ready final state. But I did get to the end of the story, and typed ‘THE END’ with a deep sense of satisfaction, and of relief! Because it had felt like a hike up a mountain to write it. Complete with several months stuck on a plateau with no idea whether to keep climbing upwards or to go back to the start. There have been boulders blocking my path, unforeseen loose scree slopes, and even the odd crevice to negotiate. And I don’t think I’ve got a clear view from the summit yet, but I think I’m almost there.

In contrast, the book I wrote during lockdown last year, The Healing, came swiftly and easily. Like a stroll on the beach or the proverbial ‘walk in the park’. There was the odd rockpool with lurking crab, and one or two half rotten groynes to climb over, but all in all it was a much smoother process. 

Why was there such a difference in the two writing experiences? I’m not really sure. Although I have been reassured that the second book is often like this. Especially when the first has been well received. I do feel the pressure to satisfy both reader, and myself, that the second book will stand up to scrutiny, and that it will sit well beside the first. Maybe too I heard the voice of my editor in my head, as I wrote, and rewrote each chapter, more critically than I did last time. Certainly the house renovations and the arrival of a grandson didn’t help with the motivation! 

So I wanted to encourage you, if you find yourself on that mountain slope, to just keep going. You might have to retrace your steps a bit, or even look at the map and choose a slightly different ascent. But you are not alone. Many of us know what it feels like to be slogging away and getting discouraged as we write. We can also be reassured that there is the One who knows every path before us, and whose map book is constantly available to refer to. Time and time again I have had to learn that the Holy Spirit is the best of mountain guides, if only I will let Him lead. 

And if as you write, you are enjoying the easier walk, the saunter along the beach, you aren’t alone there either. If you look down you will see footprints in the sand alongside you too, I am sure.

Joy Margetts has loved writing for as long as she can remember. A retired nurse, mother of two, and a new grandparent, she also has a lifelong interest in history, and loves the Word of God. She makes her home on the beautiful North Wales coast.

Her debut novel 'The Healing', a work of historic fiction, was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021. Joy has also self published a short novella, 'The Beloved' as both a companion to 'The Healing', and as an easy to read standalone story, which is available on Amazon Kindle. Her second full length novel 'The Pilgrim' is due for publication by Instant Apostle in July 2022

More information on Joy and her writing, and her personal blog, can be found here www.joymargetts.com