My Writing Journey

We all start somewhere, and for me, before I could even write by the age of 5, I was an avid reader, and knew I wanted to write books.

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Fair to say it’s taken me a while to get to ‘books’ but the amount of poetry and jottings and diary entries I used to do are all over the house in fat folders. They make me laugh and chuckle and cringe. Things I put down were like I was talking someone and it helped on my journey to being a better writer.

Over recent years, with social media taking up our time, and quick bursts of words, the quality of writing isn’t the same.

This year I have been lucky to get a beautiful note book, chunky and A4, so every day, preferably morning, all my thoughts go down on the page; just like the old days. It’s a great feeling, having these empty pages to write and write until the bothersome things are dealt with, then I am open to getting on with the manuscript at hand.

Here’s a brilliant competition, free and closes today so if you can write under 600 words on the theme by midnight, good luck.

The Writers College contest is for original 600 words writing advice pieces on the theme.

‘The best writing tip I ever received.’

I’m having a go at this, just to get back in the swing of competition entries.

Closing day is today, better get on with it.

Rules are on the website.

www.writerscollegeblog.com

Good luck if you have a go, and I already have mine, but what is the best tip you ever received that helped you with your writing.

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NEWSLETTER Blogging/is it still worthwhile?

For me, it was where I began my online writing life. Posting about my day, whether it was making jam, knitting, walking, or funny things that happened at work, it gave me a space to share things with other writers, family and friends.

Back then, does anyone remember the badges we used to give each other, like ‘Friendly Blogger’ and other cute names, making us feel happy? Then there were the themed posts, like Giggle Blog, Glam Gran’s blog. Among other subjects like pictures of nature, the dog, or family, Grandaughter, and holidays.

Now I was going to start a newsletter, but decided this blog is like a newsletter. We can overcomplicate things sometimes can’t we?

For me, it’s the writing I love best and I’m rocking and rolling with my latest WIP – well – I’m in 1914, so it’s more of a lean time, bit like now really! Surprising how you can save pennies that add up to pounds. I was brought up in the 60’s, and spent time with grandparents’ who had lived through 2 world wars, so that helps with writing in the early part of the C20th.

Also, doing research, I now know why my grandad used to love a certain place, sitting in his chair looking at the landscape, reminiscing – he would have trained there before going out to war, and probably visited travelling fairgrounds with his family when he was a boy.

The heading here is tonight’s subject in #writingchat an hour from 8 – 9pm with Carol, Patsy and Maria. It’s a great help to writers, and if you want to join in, just look for #writingchat and hop on with your point of view, or reply to anyone who has posted theirs.

I am well into the writing, so having a missing night tonight. Wishing you well, and happy writing.

If you want to be on my list of followers here, this is where my writing news will be.

For now, I am working on chapter 7 of 20/25 – It’s changed since I began, but this is more my story than the other one.

More news on how it’s going soon. For anyone doing nano, keep writing and don’t read back or edit, just write.

See you next time.

Suzy xx

Nice surprise

SUE’S WRITING BOARD

Heard today that a letter of mine will be published in Writing Magazine – it was following an experiment to see if fillers are still used.

Also a rejection from a publisher, who didn’t want a novel, but asked to see more work – I’ll take that as a compliment and keep writing and subbing.

Here’s book 1 of the village in Norfolk – now working on the third one, and it’s going quite well so far.

Getting sorted with blog and website.

It’s been a while since I came to my blog and website, so thought a hot weekend would be a good idea to clarify where these two places are. Yes, it’s so easy to hop onto Facebook and twitter, but the blog and website are more like having my own personal space ~ a bit like having your magazine to keep ideas and latest writing projects organised.

Working on my brand ~ a collection of published work over the last 7 years.

Not being the most organised of folk, it’s easy to let these things slip. But now, I have more time to dedicate to my writing, and here is a snapshot of things so far. Almost forgotten how to use WordPress, and to think it was my only way of communicating a few years ago.

I am chiefly a writer of romantic fiction, but the first book on kindle and the one that’s sold most, worldwide is this one, over on the right. Two English hero’s who should have lived longer, to do more good work. It’s sad, but they made an impression in their short lives and researching them both was both interesting, and something I’m glad to have done.

The next best -selling work of fiction is the one here below. Redington. That is a long story, that was determined to get published and has sold all around the world, and I am currently working on a third in the collection. Murder in the Village is Redington 2. Or Country Matters 2, in pocket novels.

Edith Cavell & Rupert Brooke

Sue’s Writing Board

Excited to say I’ve finished the Barbados story, and have a beautiful cover to show you. Also, there will be an excerpt of chapter 1 here later today.

So, this is the blog, and now off to see how the website is doing. Happy weekend, have fun.

Kindle version and paperback will be available

Getting on with the writing

Today I added to the story – or novel as it’s aiming to be. After finishing chapter 5 (yay) the word count is just over 11,000. Now for a writer, this is nothing, but for me who’s got a bit stuck lately, this is monumental. This is me getting back into it, and I have a few more characters now as well. 

Are you writing and got stuck? How’s it going, and what helps you get back in the story? I knit when not writing, and making a throw over blanket for Sophie.

Remember, we have to love the characters and their journey ourselves because if we don’t how can we expect anyone else to care about them?

The bizzie lizzies are to remind you that spring isn’t far away.

Now off to read through the first 5 chapters and add some action and spice to keep it going through chapter 6.

Every time I pass another 10,000 words I’ll blog about it and soon there might be a story for you to enjoy. The two pound coin is to remind us of the industrial revolution and the beginning of the twentieth century an era during which my story is set. 

The writing fairy says, “It’s okay to have some thinking time, then when you get back to it, the words will flow and you’ll have a masterpiece on your hands.

Books for charity

Have you ever given work away for free? Some people do, some don’t, but if you are in favour of a charity and want to support them with gifting a story to an anthology, then for me that’s alright. Speaking of which, here’s a book full of short stories that can be read during coffee or tea breaks.

One of my stories is in there also some other well known writers, like that Travelling writer, Patsy Collins, also Bea Charles, Fran Tracey,

 

You can buy the book here…

Any money raised from this book sold goes to the RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield and District Branch. The RSPCA do such a great job and need all the help they can get so I’m proud to sponsor the animals in some small way. Well done to Sharon and Keith for putting this collection together. It’s on my kindle and will be reading it tonight.

I also have two articles put together in the same book. The Angel and the Poet. All money raised from this book over the weekend will go to the Royal British Legion for the centenary of the end of WW1.

Rupert Brooke, Rugby poet and scholar and Edith Cavell, nurse and patriot are two of our English hero’s who gave everything for their country. It’s a booklet I’m really proud of as it took ages to research and gives a real insight to the lives of two unique people.

Hope you have a peaceful weekend and how fortunate are we that so many gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom? My grandad fought in WW1 and was burned and gassed in the trenches. Luckily for our family he returned home and formed a thriving plant and shrub nursery, also building a bungalow for himself and another one next door where I spent my early childhood. We have so much to feel grateful for, and it’s him and my grandma I’ll be thinking of during the coming days.

Until next time, byzie bye.

 

Hello from blogland

It’s been a while since I blogged, and it’s time I popped in to say hello to everyone.

In response to Hazel Williams who wants to know if the cat café series in People’s Friend will be published in book form, I’m not sure, but hope so as I enjoy the stories as well. If anyone knows the answer to that, Suzanne, or Pat, could you pop in and let Hazel know. Otherwise, Hazel, you could drop a line to the People’s Friend magazine, and they’ll tell you.

I’m having a relaxing day today, and working on the latest novel set in WW1 – finished chapter 4 and on to number 5 now, up to 8,000 words so far and will finish on 10,000 words for today.

As you would imagine, Edith and Rupert will have a mention in there seeing as I’ve studied them both in detail for articles that appeared in The Great War magazine.

The Angel and The Poet for sale here..

 

My collection of stories set in Norfolk are here on Amazon.

During the daytime I’m usually creating mugs and tee shirts for personalised gifts. This week I’ve got some pink ones to do for a work conference. Not forgetting the Wolves key rings for the team from the Midlands who are roaring their way up the Premier league.

Have a great week, and hope someone knows the answer to Hazel’s question.

 

RNA Conference in Leeds

Me with Carol and Linda after lunch

Had a great time on Saturday in Leeds meeting up with other romantic writers. Glad to meet Jan again as well. Such fun to find my Robinson Crusoe pocket novel in the goody bags, and on the table in the reception area. Now I’ve got lots of plans to get on with the writing, and an article to write on one of the talks I went in to. Such lovely weather we’re having, makes you want to keep drinking something cool.

Great to meet up with my pocket novel editor, Maggie Swinburne and join the lecture on writing pocket novels. Really interesting, and learned a lot. All of the talks were excellent, and lots of people must have worked hard to put it all together.

I had the bag, as well as the tee shirt, well they say it’s all about promotion, nothing like having your book on your front.

Did I mention I have a pocket novel out? Yes I did, alright then, off to write the next one. Have a great week and thanks Jan Jones and the RNA for a great event at the weekend. Thanks, John for taking the photos of us.

Her Own Robinson Crusoe

This is what I’m off to read in the garden under the umbrella of course. It’s still hot here in Warwickshire, but before long I’ll be taking the plane journey with Serena off to the Caribbean. Better get a cool drink to go with it. It’s in the shops today.

Sophie had good news today as well, she got her first swimming certificate. Well done, little swimmer and  hope it’s the first of many.

She looks as proud as Grandma with her books doesn’t she? Well done, Sophie.

 

 

 

Setting the scene

Following on from a recent holiday, I’m now starting on a story set somewhere warm. Let’s face it, we’re in the middle of a heat-wave so you don’t need to go far really, but I want a lovely blue ocean, and sandy beaches where music plays on into the evening.

There will be plenty of music in the story, like the lovely Caro Emerald song below.

Can you tell this blog post is to get me back on track with the writing? Had such a lovely relaxing day, it was like being on holiday all over again. Have a great week, whatever you may be doing. And don’t forget to look out for this in the shops on Thursday. I might have mentioned it already, but you know how we have to shout about these things.