Back to blog land

Two weeks walking the south west coastal path has left my feet even itchier than when we set out and made it even harder on my return to settle down at my desk and write.

But write I have done - mainly because I've paid my dues to the RNA New Writers' Scheme and want my money's worth! Actually, it's more about wanting to have the benefit of a published writer read my work and give me constructive criticism on it. This is the first year (of 3) that I haven't managed to submit a full ms, only reaching chapter 10 (of a probable 20) before the due date (31st August). In my defence, this was due to last year's submission being given a second read and being submitted by the RNA direct to a publisher. This meant that when the ms was returned to me by the publisher, together with the RNA feedback, I hadn't had sight of my work for six months and hadn't been able to really get going on anything new (other than that all important mental preparation) because I was concerned/hopeful the publishers might actually want my book and with that would come the inevitable revisions, which I thought would be more difficult to do if I was immersed in another book. Yeah, okay, I was stupidly optimistic back then!

Once reality hit home, I decided to stick with the book that had very nearly made it and been validated by the RNA readers, implement the feedback they'd given and try sending it out elsewhere. Hence, the new novel was placed firmly on the back burner once more and I only really got going on it a couple of months ago - which actually means that 10 chapters (46,000 words) is pretty damn good! Well done, me!