The end is in sight

I have been spending a rather long time writing my book.

Or should I say books...

Some of the ideas that have found their way into my story come from a long time ago. I can envisage periods of my life that have been light bulb moments. University was a place filled with creative potential. I studied physics but really I was learning about people.

I went through a phase where I was writing dozens of separate stories. It got a bit crazy and the plot lines twisted themselves together. In the end I made progress by doing the only sensible thing I could do. I combined the stories together.

Six years ago I started work on the book I now call 'Shadows of Earth'. It is mixture of characters, settings and ideas taken from over twenty years of storytelling. It gives me pleasure to finally see my ideas taken on a shape that can shared with others. The first draft is nearly complete. I can see the end. I will publish when I am ready but I do not thing that will be too far away.

Books are meant to be read. They need to be complete before this can happen obviously. I do not think any author should rush the process. I will not do this. Quality is important. On the other hand the moment comes when the story needs to be handed over to the readers. I am nearing this point with my story.

Please be gentle with it?

Changing times

Easter is a special time of year.

The seasons are changing. Here in the northern hemisphere spring is taking over from winter and the sunshine is pouring through my living room windows. I am loving every minute.

When I am grappling with a challenge that seems insurmountable I think of the natural world. Spring will always come. Winter does not last forever. Creativity always returns. I just need to relax and have faith.

This year has been my most productive ever. I am finally seeing my stories complete. I hope to finish a 'publishable' draft of my novel in the next few months. I am looking forward to sharing some more short stories. I am also researching some ideas of interactive fiction. Gamebooks are returning to the mainstream and I would love to write my own.

It is a pity there are only 24 hours in a day.

It has surprised me just how much work I can get done my being both focused and relaxed. One of the amazing things that have taken place in my life in the last 18 months is my ability to chill out and just let go of problems has significantly improved. My writing has flourished as a result. I know that I will get to live my dream of writing for a living. The ideas bumping around in my head are my guarantee. I have to continue to work hard. I have to keep learning and improving.

That is pretty obvious isn't it?

Have courage to write.

Writing is more than just a nine to five job.

It takes many years to be successful for most writers. This of course depends on what is meant by 'success'. For some people it is a lifestyle change and for other writers the opportunity just to be 'read' or to hold their book in their hand is enough.

I have been on this road for some long now. Even in my childhood there were moments when I knew where I want to be 'when I grew up'. I never did 'grow up' and I have not (yet) achieved my goal of being a professional author. It has taken a lot blood, sweat and tears to get as far as I have and I know there is so much more to do.

But I know what I want to achieve and I am getting there.

I won't bang on about my life story or my various creative projects. At least not in this post. This storytelling lark is hard old business. Us writers have to dig deep. The ideas have to be good enough. At least they have to good enough for ourselves to have the confidence to share them. And there is the rub. Confidence. The old saying that there is a book in everyone may or may not be true. The point is that if we want to be successful writers we need to 'get the book out'. Its takes time and courage.

So I hope to arrive at my destination soon. My day job keeps paying the mortgage. My dreams keep me going. I know I will get there. The vivid images I see when I am thinking about my books and my love of word smithing tell me that. I am sure the same is true for other writers.

There are only really three fundamental things I have to do. Firstly 'start' (done that), Secondly 'keep going' (doing that) and lastly 'finish' (nearly done that). That is all.

So have faith and get those books 'out'.