The Writing Fairy
Doesn’t always sit on my shoulder- sometimes it’s the Blank Screen Demon. What do I do then? I write and write and write- I also colour code these ‘offerings’ with headings to give me a clue as to where they might fit and paste them at the end of my manuscript- And you know what? Sometimes they were meant to be in the book- just not yet.
Why am I thinking about writing when I’m fixated on cake? (makes a change from cows, doesn’t it, ladies?!) Oh, well, must have something to do with the fact that Italian Boss, Proud Miss Prim- coming later this year- is my 25th book for Mills and Boon and I am made up, as the sprogs would say.
I have to thank so many people- the people whose books I enjoyed- so dodgy to mention names, when I am almost certain to miss someone out- but I will mention the fact that I am the luckiest person in the world to have been encouraged to write romance by none other than the most fantastic Penny Jordan. 200 books and counting for Mills and Boon- let alone the best-selling books Penny writes as Annie Groves. Penny, I can never express my admiration for you, or my sheer joy that we’re friends. As Tina Turner would sing, ‘You’re simply the BEST.’
Here’s a precis of the latest note I sent to an aspiring writer- it ain’t easy girls- but if you’ve got something to say- say it and don’t you dare give up. The Ninja Carrot has spoken.
Hi XXXX
Thank you for your comments.
I wish I could give you a magic spell- Heck, I wish I could give myself a magic spell- I don’t know anyone who finds writing easy. It took me 4 years to hit the bullseye- and my first book was all from the heroine’s point of view, which I wouldn’t recommend!
Oh, and I still get the heebie geebies every time I sit down and write Chapter One- but maybe that’s not what you wanted to hear!
Advice? Don’t try and reinvent the wheel. Structure. Read Read Read- not so you can copy, but so you can see how other authors achieve certain things in all sorts of different genres. Try craft books- I’ve got some great books on my shelves- Kate Walker - another Mills and Boon author is a great starting point with her 12 Point Guide to Writing Romance. Plan a road map for your story- write and rewrite the first part until your ‘set-up’ is sound- that is the foundation on which your book is going to stand. And finally- no cast of thousands- focus on the couple- with 50,000 words you don’t have the luxury of sub-plot.
Save your rejection notes and when you’re signed we’ll compare the numbers!
All Best with everything you do including your writing
Hope that helps.
Also feeling pretty emotional as my youngest finished her last law degree examination today- and it’s my Mum’s birthday. Thanks for sitting on my shoulder, Mom Pom.
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