Write a book this year

[GlumyGloomer]

I started back around February I think, and hoping to finish the first draft before the end of the year.
Anyone else fancy a chat/support thread?

I don't know anything, so don't necessarily take my advice, but in your shoes I'd submit it anyway with an explanation of the fact that it's the first of a trilogy. It's a way of getting your writing in front of someone who's in a frame of mind to read submissions from new writers, which is a rare opportunity in itself. And who knows, maybe a trilogy is actually on their secret wishlist? Or if they love your writing style they might say, rewrite the ending and let us look at it again. I don't see you have anything to lose. They definitely won't take you on if they don't know you exist.

Unless someone more knowledgeable thinks that's a terrible idea?

knocked out 1200 words of my next chapter and 800 of smut that just came to me in the spur of the moment

Good job, Cedric! I've managed 300 words of a proposal for a non-fiction book idea that came to me overnight. It feels justifiable but is almost certainly a massive displacement activity.

@MissingInActon

I've just written more of the smut and now my laptop has died and DD is off at her dad's with the shared charger.

Oops!

Thanks MIA, I've decided to go for it. Mostly because I've not written a submission letter in 10 years, so I could probably do with the practice.

Unless someone more knowledgeable thinks that's a terrible idea?

Definitely not claiming to be more knowledgeable but I wrote quite a detailed reply to another thread asking about a similar type of publisher... it's a few replies down (themental was my username).

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/creative_writing/3990090-Darkstroke-books-are-they-a-form-of-self-publishing-or-an-indie-press

I think it all depends on what you want to get out of it. If it's just for the experience of submitting then why not, but I'd seriously consider proceeding with them if they accepted me.

On a little high now I've finished my outline. Going to spend some time fleshing out my characters but I feel really happy with the basic plot.
I've got to help out at school this afternoon so no more writing time today but tomorrow I've got nothing on so I'll be able to devote a few hours to it I hope.

2k words done today of my next chapter. Rough but done. Going to try and finish it this evening. I’ve 2 more chapters to do after this until I hit a turning point. Once I get there I’m going to go back and fix that first section (there’s a few bits I want to change based on feedback from my writing group). I’m hoping to get all of that done by Monday week.

winched that's interesting, thank you. I'm still going to send it, as I'm curious to see what will happen (most likely nothing).

I've written half my synopsis, so small steps here.
Good work today Kat and Baru

Glumy I reckon that’s a big step. A synopsis is tough- more marketing than anything else and I’m full of admiration for anyone whose finished a book and on the synopsis. It still seems so far away for me.

I re-worked my opening chapter today. I can't believe how shit my first attempt is, I was trying to hard I think.
It's flowing better. It's a domestic noir/kitchen sink novel
A middle-aged average woman has her life upended by a manipulator who crash lands into her life. (No affair. That was a bit too obvious and doesn't fit her moral code)
Fast forward five years and their paths cross again. This time, she's ready for him.

I'm not sure I am

@GlumyGloomer

winched that's interesting, thank you. I'm still going to send it, as I'm curious to see what will happen (most likely nothing).

I've written half my synopsis, so small steps here.
Good work today Kat and Baru

Fantastic, Glumy, I feel excited on your behalf. Keep us posted, won't you.

Only 500 words over the last week. The real world of marking, research and meetings got in the way. I WILL get through more next week 🤞🏻🤞🏻

Just read about this today: Capital Crime/Amazon Publishing competition for new crime/mystery/thriller writers. Submit first three chapters, deadline August, which should be achievable for anyone. (I presume it would be ideal to have written the rest of the book too, since the prize is publication!)

How's everyone's writing gone this week? I've stalled tbh, but not for any very good reason. Perhaps the thought of a competition will kick my ass back into gear...

Wow Missinginaction there’s a bit of motivation! I’m still on first draft so I can’t imagine August would be realistic for me personally.

Hearnoevil I love the sound of your premise. Glad it’s flowing better for you too.

Baking we all have weeks like that. Finding time is not always easy. Don’t beat yourself up about it.

I got another 1100 words done today while waiting in the car for my husband to get his second vax. I can’t guarantee the quality but because I’m on first draft I’m just focusing on trying to get the story down at this stage.

What a great idea... I’m almost 30,000 into some historical fiction but it has been shelved while I got to grips with a new job. This thread is inspiring me to try and pick it up again. I was hoping to be finished the first draft by the summer which is unlikely now but I’m going to try and aim for a couple of thousand words a week.

Having said I probably wouldn't pick up my draft again that soon, this thread has motivated me to get going again - I've managed 1353 words this week. Not massive, but after a long time of nothing, it feels great - so thanks everyone 😀

My phone took an unfortunate bath and despitevest efforts with a bag of rice is playing up a bit, which isn't great for writting

Oohhhh MIA...I'm definitely going to have a look at that!

I've not managed any more yet this week but DD has just gone off to work and have the house to myself so am going to try and finish the chapter I was working on and maybe put down a scene I've got in my head for later in the book.

Glad everyone is doing well (Baking any progress is still good going in my book)
MIA oh exciting, good luck! Lasagna too if you go for it.
I've finished my synopsis for my novella, still a few words over though so need to trim and check for typos. I also need to check my submission pages and write a cover letter explaining why a long series of connected novellas set inside a tardis like fantasy horror house is a good idea 😅.
Progress on my this year's book: 0. Oh well, I can probably catch up. There's still lots of year left, right?

Nice going Tticky and Heath. Very excited for you Glumy. I can’t imagine being at that stage!

I haven’t done any more of my book today but 3.7k done this week (but I’m one of those childless mnetters people wonder about ) so I’ve more free time than most of you. I’m aiming to get it up to 5k by the end of tomorrow. More than I’ve done in a week for ages- you lot are keeping my motivation going!

Did a 500 word entry for a competition today too though I’m holding out no hopes

@BaruFisher

Nice going Tticky and Heath. Very excited for you Glumy. I can’t imagine being at that stage!

I haven’t done any more of my book today but 3.7k done this week (but I’m one of those childless mnetters people wonder about ) so I’ve more free time than most of you. I’m aiming to get it up to 5k by the end of tomorrow. More than I’ve done in a week for ages- you lot are keeping my motivation going!

Did a 500 word entry for a competition today too though I’m holding out no hopes

Much as I adore my children, I envy you the free time.

I wrote my first 1000 words on Thursday but did nothing on Friday as I was feeling ropey. I did however finish a book in the same genre which counts as research!

Baru thanks, although I have zero expectations of publishing this one.
Fingers crossed for your competition entry!

Well done for making a good start, Kat. Reserch is totally a legitimate use of time

It's the elderly parents that put a spanner in my works, although I find writing with anyone else around challenging even though DD is 16 and very self sufficient.

My study became a junk room when I stopped wfh so I'm going to clear that out before DD finishes school so I have a little writing nook.

I have been procrastinating badly...my book now has it's own Pinterest page and I've devised a complete menu for the cafe owned by one of my MCs and run it past a chef friend of mine for approval ...