Writing a good novel is... challenging.

 

In writing my latest, I confess how much in awe I am at my contemporaries; e.v.e.r,y s.i.n.g.l.e one of them.

Recently, on my website, I explained the benefits of a seaside retreat for promoting a writing mindset, but what I didn’t mention - watching the countless runners on the promenade – (while very much “seated” on a sea-facing bench), is how inspiring I find any runner - of any size – because it takes some gruelling, overcome-the-mind-barriers, next-level dedication.

Were all fighting to overcome the mental/physical barriers in our own, creative ways.

 

It’s not like I’ve never written anything before for pity’s sake... but something about my latest is stretching me in ways I couldn’t possibly imagine before I started out. Honestly, writing The Children at the River’s End was like writing the Hungry Caterpillar in comparison. (No offence, Eric Carle. RIP.) I’ll rise to the challenge, and won’t go down without a fight of course. No retreat, no surrender, and all that jazz. I’ve come too far now, surely… right?

I recently shared with a pal about the obstacles I’ve been facing with this project (cue, non-writing friend’s look of utter confusion), namely: cultivation, chronology, and cross pollination. (Yes, I go deep enough to perform a form of alliteration, and share it all in a beer garden.)

Here goes. I’ll deal with the first (or try to).

Cultivation: It’s the first in a series (that I have big plans for) so how much do you reveal in the first that keeps the reader satisfied, yet hungry for more - and, by the same token - leaves them ‘hanging’… without raising genuine concerns about the overall substance and legitimacy of the story? In other words, how much of the story needs truly tying up by the final scene to maintain congruity?

Aarrrggghhhhh!

Cultivation (2): which seeds need to blossom faster within the story (and be royally displayed in their colourful aplomb) while others are temporarily mentioned, but cast to one side (… effectively, laid dormant) subject to an incidental reference for now, but could become major players in the future?

Aarrrggghhhhh!

Honestly, juggling all this is like been asked to do the limbo, while holding a steel 100kilo barbell in both hands.  Pivot, pivot… pivot.

Right, I’m done for this evening. I’ll get onto Chronology and Cross-Pollination in the near future. The weather here in London is bearable, so I’m going to chill, and not over-think things. Needless to say, as always – when all’s said and done – I love doing all this. 😊