Just finished the first draft of my novel, SIBLINGS. A couple of times I came up against problems but had the good sense to take a few days off and let my subconscious get to work. It's great when my brain works without my involvement! Eventually I saw the light and continued to the end. Now I have editing to do. This is the part I most enjoy. The hard work has been done. I know I have a good story, interesting characters and a good twisting plot.
Now I'm wondering whether to change the title, from SIBLINGS to INHERITANCE, as much of the story hinges on what the siblings have inherited from the relatively recent death of their elderly parents. I'll keep you in touch.
So pleased Spring is on its way. It's cold and snowy here in the Lake District but after months of wet weather, any change is welcome. My new novel, SIBLINGS, is well on its way. I've reached a crossroads in the story, so I'll have to take a few days out to think things through. If the weather stays dry, some long walks will get my mind working. I so often find I return with problems solved.
Main characters are successful artist, Frida, 48; egotistical brother Simon, 53, and his flighty younger wife, Lavinia, 39. They have now become real people to me, but if they don't pull their socks up, everything that goes wrong will serve them right.
It's been a long time coming but SWAP, my novel about a dodgy marriage, is now available to buy from www.feedaread.com. 283 pages, £6.99 plus postage. You can read first pages, synopsis and a review. (more below the pic.)
I found myself in A&E on January 1st. I decided this would be a good time to write a poem. Just shows, if you're a writer you can take advantage of any situation. This attitude to life
often makes me smile. Who else, but a writer, could possibly enjoy a couple of uninterrupted hours in A&E? (in fact I was there just half an hour). Anyway, here it is, the finished work. You may have to press the 'read more' button and scroll down.
A&E
Hospitals in disarray
In A&E you'll spend the day.
Take a snack, a pillow too,
Make sure you're right near the loo.
There's only one, so get there quick,
Before it's used by someone sick.
You're feeling ill, you're mobile's out,
You sit and wait with fear and doubt.
Three more hours yet to go
Before you tell your tale of woe.
Old and young and in between
There's hundreds waiting to be seen.
You need a doctor soon as poss.
The more you wait, the more you're cross.
It's New Year's day, the first of Jan.
You'll not forget how Jan began.
Slumped, asleep against the wall,
You have a kip until they call
Your name out loud, then in you go
To tell the doctor all you know.
Except for one amazing thing,
You've now forgotten everything.
Why you're there and what is wrong
Everything has simply gone!
The sleep has left you feeling bright,
Feeling strong as dynamite.
No more aches. No more pains.
No more headaches. No more sprains.
A&E was worth the time,
And it hasn't cost a single dime.