I'm Back!

So, after a couple of weeks off from writing (my pen had some time off, my mind kept creating) this week I got back into it.It's fair to say this wasn't quite as productive a week as I had hoped for; between sorting out a few errands and coming back into the book with some quite difficult chapters to write, I only got about 4000 words done. This isn't the worst week ever, but I've done that in a day before, so I have mixed feelings. The good news, however, is that next week I have nothing to distract me and have chapters that are easier to write.

I've had this issue a couple of times with my previous books. Some chapters are just difficult to write. I do make a small mistake when I'm writing. My first draft is more like most author's second or third, in the sense that I add in a lot of detail in the first draft and edit as I go. A lot of writers say this is a bad habit to get into, but I disagree. Although every so often I hit a stumbling block with it, I'd argue it makes me more productive. Before starting writing for the day I like to read what I wrote the day before; if that's good quality (which it usually is) it really enthuses me to write that day and I end up getting a lot more done, brimming with inspiration. A lot of authors would say I'm wasting time, but I'm going to edit it all anyway, so I don't really see it as a huge problem if I change the time at which I edit it. If I do it earlier on, I could well save time down the line.

In other news, I was supposed to be giving a creative writing workshop at my old college this week. I had my lesson plan all sorted out (we were going to have a discussion about the creation of character) and I was really looking forward to it, but they had to pull out at the last minute. Most of the class had a History revision session that they couldn't miss. Apparently they have these things called 'exams' coming up? Who knew? Anyway, they said they'd like me to come in sometime after their exams are over, so I should be able to give the same talk in June or July. They a great, enthusiastic group and it's always really inspiring to talk to them.

So, I think that's all the news I have. I'll probably be posting some character biographies in the next few days, so keep checking back.

Sam