Things I’ve Discovered
The other day I started to think about how far I had come on my writing adventure, and it got me thinking. What things had I uncovered during my journey? Below is a concise list of some of the things that leapt into my mind.
It’s a lot harder than it looks from the outside!
Keeping up a rhythm is difficult.
I will go to any lengths to find a distraction from writing.
Not all word processors have your best intentions in mind.
Don’t forget to send the British Library a copy of your book - really!
Working under the pink glow of a study lamp helps - Just call me Rimmer (British joke)
Make notes - All the time.
I constantly feel like I’m standing on the edge of a deep pit.
There’s a lot of technology out there to help new writers.
Reviews are a real bastard to get, good or bad.
The term ‘rollercoaster ride’ is very apt.
You will never maintain your daily word count.
Writing is one of the most enjoyable and frustrating pastimes you can engage in.
Spelling is really, really difficult. (Personal experience)
Things take a lot longer than planned.
Honest feedback is a rare thing indeed.
Balance in a novel is really difficult to get right.
Composing submissions to agents & publishers is torture.
Self-publishing can be very lonely.
Correct punctuation seems to reside with the reader - It’s all very confusing;
The day of publication is a rush that’s hard to beat.
Layout is an art form. Who would have thought that type could be so beautiful.
Ideas come at the worst possible times.
The final draft is never final.
Tea is a life saver.
The telephone and doorbell are your enemy.
Deadlines are moveable, no matter what your editor says.
Editors are golden.
Social media is a must.
You’ll never quite feel you’ve got a handle on everything.
Forgetting to eat is a thing.
Being creative with a headache is almost impossible.
Who ever invented the spellchecker is a god!
The day you describe yourself to someone as a writer is a big thrill.
I still balk at the cost of an ISBN.
Going back through your writing and removing double spaces is a daily thing.
Organisation is key - But so is dreaming.
Colour effects my mood and aids my writing - Purple!
All chairs eventually become uncomfortable.
The English language is weird.
Oh and one last bullet point to round things off:
Writing has allowed me to ramble about a lot more stuff.