If I had a pound from every person who
said he or she could write a novel it would add a worthwhile sum to my income.
At a party, a man I met for the first time found out I am a published novelist.
He pursued me relentlessly to find out how to be published. Years ago, he wrote
a textbook and now wants to write fiction. I became more exasperated by his
belief that I could give him the means to write a novel and find a literary
agent or publisher.
“There is only one way to succeed,” I said,
trying to conceal my irritation.
“What?” he asked eagerly, obviously
thinking that I have a magic formula.
I resisted the temptation to say: ‘Get
on with it instead of talking about it’.
“Write,” I told him.
Writing is demanding work. It requires
dedication. Except for Christmas Day, I get up at 6 a.m. With a short break to
eat breakfast I work until 10.a.m. After dealing with mundane tasks, working in
my organic garden, and cooking, etc., I write form 4pm to 8p.m. with a short
break for afternoon tea.
During the hours set aside to
concentrate on my career as a novelist, I divide my time between writing,
research, dealing with business, receiving, and answering e-mails, working with
on-line constructive critique partners, and publicising my books.
Among other activities related to
writing, before covid struck I attended a writers ‘group where I met published
and unpublished writers. Members read extracts from their novels, non-fiction,
poetry etc., and received useful feedback.
If someone chats to me about finding
time to write, my advice is to have a routine, whether it is as little as
fifteen minutes every day carved out from a busy life, or time set aside to
write once a week. The important thing is the routine which separates real
authors from would be ones.
Rosemary Morris’s novels
Medieval novels set in Edward II’s reign.
Yvonne, Lady of Cassio
Grace, Lady of Cassio
Early 18th century novels set
in Queen Anne Stuart’s reign, 1702-1714.
Far Beyond Rubies
Tangled Love
The Captain and The Countess
The Viscount and The Orphan to be
published soon.
Regency novels.
False Pretences.
Loosely Connected series which do not
need to be read in sequence.
Sunday’s Child
Monday’s Child
Tuesday’s Child,
Wednesday’s Child
Thursday’s Child
Friday’s Child
Saturday’s Child
The first three chapters of each novel
may be read on my web site. www.rosemarymorris.co.uk
Links to online bookstores. http://bookswelove.net/authors/morris-rosemary
Good advice. Like you unless I'm ill, I write or am involved in writing activities every day. Write is the best comment to make
ReplyDeleteExcellent advice, Rosemary. There is no shortcut or secret to succeed in writing. And it takes many years to become good at it. It's hard work, but we love the work, that's why we do it. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis is so true! Even serious amateurs are plagued with the 'here's an idea for you' types at parties and other gatherings. Great article.
ReplyDelete