No title as yet

It’s been a while since I last posted, but I have been writing, playing the odd game of bridge and walked the dog….so not a lot to tell. Because I am a ‘pantser’ writer, which means I write by the seat of my pants, I let the characters in my novel dictate how the story flows, so there tends to be a lot of writing, compared to a writer who is more structured and has a plan. I wish it was different, but when I write and that ‘Magic’ moment happens where you see the words create something magical, then it makes every other useless sentence worthwhile.

I tried having a plan. I had a board with ideas and links and arcs and key points, but I could never stick to it because characters would say to me..’ that doesn’t sound like me,’ or ‘ haven’t you worked out a connection or a backstory between this character and me?’  It’s probably me erratic brain that gets stimulated only when I am writing and sometimes my fingers are writing words ahead of my brain. Weird eh?  It’s interesting how i can write 98,000 words but i have failed to come up with a title that resonates with me. When I have found something I have liked, it’s been taken.

Anyway the story is finished, but that doesn’t mean to say the novel is ready. I am having six weeks away to have a break in the UK and back to my old haunting ground of the Middle East and when I get back, I get to read the manuscript with a fresh pair of eyes. People ask me, is it a good story?  At this stage I think it;s good, but its not finished….as my editor said, a book is never finished until the last word is written. Even then, it seems to go on. I am going to spend time when away thinking of the blurb and setting down the synopsis.  When I get back, there is the polishing to be done…making sure the book is not only good, but shines as brightly and as invitingly as candlelight reflecting off one of my copper coffee pots.

I have been lucky to have been with  MIchael Bennett and Stef Harris at Murder in the Library and then I interviewed both men at the Mapua Literary festival. I just love connecting with other writers, talking writing.  I arrive back in NZ mid December and will be looking forward to a publisher liking my manuscript enough to offer me a deal. That will be my Xmas wish and my New Year’s resolution.