MUSICAL DOLL; Bluest of Blue

Blue, blue as the darkest of hues in the sea as you watch her cry

True, true like the saddest of truths in her eyes as she says goodbye

Truest of true, bluest of blue 

xxx

WRITER'S DREAM; Writing Process and Creative Living

My Book Of Spells, which was published on Halloween 2022

As today is World Book Day in the UK, I thought I'd write a little blog post all about writing for a living. At the end of February, I completed my latest psychotherapy book and delivered it to my editor. I have been working nonstop since last summer, on several projects, so it felt wonderful to have the final book finished and in with the publisher. 

As a result of all this hard work, there will be six books, including two psychotherapy titles,  dropping from me this year, starting in May and continuing throughout the year as various titles reach their release date.  It's wonderful and exciting and exactly what I have always wished for - a steady stream of writing work and a publisher who sees the value in my talent and what I can offer. I feel very lucky, but I have also worked hard for it. Plus, I have one of the best editors in the business, acting as a champion of my work, which helps a lot! Having a great, trustworthy editor on your side makes all the difference. 

Publishing has changed considerably since I first began my life as an author back in the 2000s, when I received my first book commission and publishing contract. It used to be that I was commissioned for one book at a time and I was given approximately six months to write it. Then there would a lull, as the publisher considered my new synopses and decided which ones they were going to commission next. It was a slow process. Everything was delivered in hard-copy, by post, so there was a lot of printing out of material. Each book had to be delivered as two full length printed versions, which took a considerable amount of time. That was just the way it was done back then, and still is with some Houses.

These days, all my work is delivered digitally. Even page proofs are sent out digitally too, so there is no need to spend hours bent over a printer! It is a much more efficient way of working. It is less expensive for both author and publisher and far less time consuming, as my book can be in with my editor in a single click. There is no need to venture out, in all weathers, to take a heavy double-manuscript parcel to the Post Office, although I must admit that I miss the nostalgia of this. It was always such a hopeful walk - even before I was published and I was collecting rejection slips. I enjoyed the continuity of those walks, knowing that I was treading in the footsteps of other writers who had gone before me. All the great writers of the past, such as Dickens and the Brontes, had sent out their work by post, so I felt that I was in good company!

Now everything is much faster. I receive several commissions at once, with deadlines spread out across the year. The turnaround time is much quicker too. This is the length of time between the commissioned title going to contract and the delivery date, when the finished book has to be in with the editor. Long gone are the six months per book turn around! Instead, shorter books usually have to be written in four weeks, with longer books having a turnaround of eight to twelve weeks. This is great, because it means I have a diary full of work for the entire year ahead, which is good for stability and peace of mind. It can also be a little bit stressful, for instance when a deadline is approaching, or if I think too far ahead at all the books I still have to write!

Usually the deadlines are spaced out to allow me to have a little break between finishing one book and starting the next. This is essential to keep my voice fresh. At the end of the slew of contracts when all the commissioned books are in (which is where I am at right now), I get a whole month or so off! Again, this is vital so that I can rest, because writing at such a pace really is a brain workout! It's a happy kind of tired though and I wouldn't change it for the world. This is my dream job and I love it. In addition, time to dream and plan new projects is an essential aspect of a writer's life. 

Obviously, working at such a pace consistently, means that I have to be very strict with myself in terms of the time I give to my writing. My daily word count has understandably increased. I used to write 1000 words a day, now I write 2000-5000 words a day. Some days the words flow more easily. When I feel like I'm forcing it, I know I need to take a break, so that I can come back to the project fresh. I do have to be very blinkered in my approach though - the phones are on silent, I avoid all social media until after my word count is done, likewise with house work and socializing. I keep in contact with loved ones via phone and texting, but everyone else has to wait. Everything is put on hold until the words are pinned down on the page. This is especially the case the closer I get to a deadline. I give myself over to my writing completely during this phase of a project - even medical appointments such as dental and doctor check ups get put on the back burner until the book is finished. 

This kind of single-mindedness has served me well over the years. It means that I have a reputation for writing well and authentically, to tight deadlines and to a high standard, which in turn means that the work keeps coming in. I don't, for one second believe however, that you cannot commit to a writing life if you have a full time job, or kids or whatever, because you don't have time. 

I know from personal experience that it is possible to hold down a job and still commit to your writing, because I was doing just that for four years, working twelve hour shifts in a vets practice and spending all my free time writing synopses and so on, plus studying and completing a two year Master of Arts Degree in Creative Writing. So I know that it's possible. Is it easy? No. Is it exhausting? Of course. But is it possible? Absolutely, providing you are committed to your craft.  Anyone who whinges otherwise is simply making excuses, which are a cop out, because if they say they don't have time, then they never have to experience failure. Being a full time author takes dedication. It's not something you can do on a whim and it's not a job for wimps!

My Books on the shelves in Waterstones last month

That said, there are many rewards to this level of dedication. It isn't all hard slog. There are lunch dates in London with lovely editors. There are fabulous messages, emails and letters from readers who have enjoyed your work, or great reviews of your books. And then of course, there is the thrill of seeing your latest book in print for the first time, or on the shelves in book stores. This never gets old! I don't think it is something any author ever takes for granted and it always feels like such a thrill, to see your own books sitting proudly on the shelves in Waterstones. 

Another big thrill is when you finally publish the kind of book you always dreamt of. This was the case for me when The Book of Spells was published on Samhain, October 31st last year. I was in the Highlands at the time, but seeing my work published in such a beautiful hardback edition, with an embossed metallic cover and gilded edges to the pages, was just amazing. This is the kind of book I always wanted to have my name on - the kind of beautiful tome that wouldn't look out of place in Giles's library in Buffy the Vampire Slayer or an episode of the original Charmed! This title is also a witches Book of Shadows, so that was two goals achieved with that one book and I couldn't be happier with it. 

So what does an author do when she has finished her latest project and is waiting for the next lot of contracts to come in? Well, first she breathes a big sigh of relief! I like to give myself at least three days of rest and relaxation, before I get to all those little jobs that have been put on hold, such as gardening, household decorating, organizing, taxes etc. I also make it a tradition to celebrate each new book by going out for a meal or afternoon tea with my mother.

Whenever I wake up the day after I've delivered a new book, it always feels like the first day of the school holidays. I realize that I have nothing pressing to do that day, or for the next few days. I'm free! I stretch and smile, then I get up and start pottering.  I read the work of other writers, loving to throw myself into a novel that takes me far away in my mind. I watch films and music DVDs, catching up with Kylie, Belinda and Britney etc. I also have other creative outlets that I tend to save for this phase in my writing life - tapestry and other needlework projects, art therapy and music. 

As I begin my down time this spring, after a long dark season of writing, I have a new hobby, which I refer to fondly as Flying Fashions by Marie. These are little needlework projects that I like to do for friends. One of my plans for this weekend, is to take a little jaunt to the wool shop and pick up some supplies for new designs. I don't work from patterns, as I prefer to create my own pieces from memory, stitching small garments together using skills my grandmother taught me as a child. 

When I was a little girl, my favourite indoor toys were Fashion Wheel, Fashions By Me and of course Barbie and her Fashion Boutique. Even my colouring books were Barbie's Fashion Collection ones. I loved anything creative, even then, and making  my own fashion designs for my dollies, be they paper dolls or Barbie dolls, made my girly heart sing. I feel like I am tapping into that side of myself again, as I work on these new little designs and needlework projects. It's so much fun. I don't have as much time for it when I am busy writing books, so it will be lovely to visit the haberdashery and shop for new designs.

Other creative outlets include spending time at my piano, which I adore. I finally feel like I deserve this beautiful instrument, which I've owned for years, but couldn't play properly. I am greatly enjoying my lessons and I can hear my own progress which is brilliant. My sight reading of music is coming along too. I'm still quite slow and I have to concentrate hard, but I'm getting there and it feels wonderful to finally be able to make sense out of the dots! My tutor James, is amazing. He gives me set pieces of music each lesson to take away with me and learn, which I then have to play for him at my next lesson. It's the nicest homework I've ever had! He's so patient and encouraging, yet at the same time he doesn't let me get away with anything! I have so much respect for him.

And when I'm not working on needlework projects, stitching away at my tapestry or practicing my piano, I'd like to make time for some art therapy too, as I have so many books full of beautiful images that I want to bring to life with colour. I'm not an artist - I can't draw or paint. I wish I could, but alas, it's just not one of my gifts. But I do like colouring in my art therapy books. It's one of the quickest way to relax and it takes me straight back to my childhood and those old Barbie colouring books! It makes me feel like an artist, even though I'm not. 

So although I'm not writing at the moment as I wait for the new contracts to come in, I'm still living a very creative life and this dreamy level of creativity in turn, often leads to new ideas for books, poems and so on, so it certainly isn't a waste of time. And of course, there are new Flying Fashions to design too, because my inner child demands it and there's more than one runway in life!  

So that's it - a little glimpse into my life right now. I hope that this super-long post has inspired you in some way. Remember that your creative talents are gifts that you are meant to use. It's good for you soul, so get creative and pick up an old project, or start a new one, this weekend.

Blessed be

Marie x