I have been working away on my novel for
approximately three years. It has been a long process, and has included some
periods of procrastination, but I can see the finish line now.
When I wrote the first draft it was hurriedly
scribbled with pen and paper. It has been through several re-writes since then,
including the one I am working on now. I am hoping that will be the last before
editing.
I have learned a lot since I first started the
story. My early attempts at grammar etc were embarrassing and I have been
steadily improving with the help of my Writers’ group, Facebook Writers’ pages
and my English class. I still make mistakes but I am still learning.
It is a Psychological Thriller. I love my characters
including my serial killer antagonist, who I have a crush on!
I sometimes feel under pressure to get the book
finished and out there, as everyone else seem to knock out a book a week. Okay,
probably an exaggeration!
The voices in my head won’t let me rush it though.
They tell me to take my time and make it the best I can. And there are plenty
of great Authors who take years to write a novel, especially a first one.
I am not sure if it is the rise in Indie Authors and
E-Books that makes us feel under so much pressure. All writers want to be
published so that they can feel like a “Real Writer” and justify the long
periods they spend being unsociable.
My book will be finished and I have a good outline
for the sequel. I am excited and nervous about letting anyone else read my work,
as I am the only person to have seen it. I am trying to get it ready to be
edited during the school holidays as I know I will not get much writing done
with a child at home.
Hopefully the book will be ready to publish later in
the year.
