In my previous blogs I have tried to outline how long it is taking me to write my latest novel. I’d got up to the second read through of the first draft and that had taken me 140 hours. Synopsis and character profiles – 10 hours Plot outline – 30 hours Write first draft – … More Time to write. (How long does it take to write a novel Pt.3)
As well as trying to amuse and educate you with my etiquette blogs, I do have other writing priorities such as writing novels. My ‘proper job’ if you like. Novel number three should be out in early July and I’ve been slaving away on number four recently. Today marked one of the major milestones in … More First draft, how to set a word count target and stick to it.
Some years ago I wrote about the editing process for Leg It and how I expected to edit Idle Threats. Now that I have finished my third novel, Counterbalance, it is probably time to revisit the process and see if anything has changed. As always, this is how I chose to do it. It isn’t … More Did I make the cut? My guide to editing.
There are as many writing routines as there are writers. Some lock themselves away from the world until their book is done, slowly going mad, then come out blinking into the sunlight with 200,000 words of rambling nonsense. Others will balance children, pets, spouses and a day job whilst jotting down a few hundred words … More Word counts, naps and blood transfusions. (How to get your book written.)
Like most writers I suffer from lack of motivation or dare I say it, writer’s block. I enjoy writing and I have loads of ideas so why do I find it so hard to sit down and write that bestseller? … More How I write Part 2 (Motivation)
Alan Parkinson 