I had decided that if I didn’t start writing a novel now, that I never would. I mean I had had ample opportunity in my teens and did not really grab it. I mean my little sister had practically written two by the time she was 16. I mean, it cannot be that hard. That is what I thought anyway. So fast forward 9-10 years and here I am on the cusp of completing my first book. If I think I about it, I think my head might just explode! I mean there are many ways and situations that writers come to writing their first book.
Perhaps it was an inspirational event that prompted them; or maybe they just had the time and thought why not? Perhaps they thought life is too short…there are so many reasons, some good some bad, some unfathomable. The reason for mine is simple, I really really really really wanted to. Writing for me has not been the problem. I mean I write all sorts of stuff easily, I usually have several writing projects on the go but writing a book is different. You need to have the self-control as well as the desire to be able to sit in front of a computer screen for hours and just write. That was the issue for me. Just sitting down long enough to start putting some words on a page.
However, this year I said it was either now or never. Never was too long and now was scary so I started. But there was one final twist. As I was thinking about possible titles and issues and storylines, I was given the opportunity to collaborate on some other writing work. Then the idea of doing a co-authored work seemed not only right but like a stroke of genius! Twice the work gets done, there is that extra support when the sometimes inevitable writers block strikes and the possibility of friendship and a book at the end! So having done some work for and with Lionel, I asked him to do this with me and to my surprise he said yes. He is someone with immeasurable writing talent and it has been amazing working together. It has worked out very, very well. There was no real agenda that was followed. I just told him that I would start writing, then I would submit it and then he could add his section(s) and then send it back to me. So within a month, we had written almost two thirds of a novel!! There are still some sections that need to be done and some editing work but the bulk of the work is done and I could not be prouder.
I am not saying that this is the best way to write a novel or the easiest. I mean, if one of the authors gets sick and can’t write, then the story can be set back and it can be diffiult to get into the writing groove. Also if there is a disagreement (literary, personal even financial - and Lionel and I have had a few!!), it can take some time to iron those out and then get back to writing. That is another key to this project: Learning to compromise and learning to be flexible. Many ideas during this time have been discussed, thrown out, incorporated or amended. Do not get offended if there are things that you don’t agree with, work with or through them. They may even help and inspire you. They definitely have for us.
For a first novel, it is bound to be raw and a little amateur in places but for a first time effort, it is great! We have great plans for it and other future projects so please follow us and stay tuned for the unveiling! Positive and negative feedback is welcome…
