Making comparisons

I am reading one of Steven Erikson's novels at the moment. It is called 'Deadhouse Gates' and it is part of his 'Malazan book of the fallen' series.

Like his other books this one is riveting and very well written. I am learning a lot from it.

One thing I have noticed is the different approach Steven Erikson has to writing scenes to the way I have done it with my books. Erikson progress a single story line forward through multiple scenes before shifting the viewpoint. I tend to chop and change more.

I may amend my style according as I see a quite a bit of merit in his writing.

There is one danger in making close comparisons to authors like Steven Erikson. Established authors have had time and resources to perfect their craft. They made most of their mistakes years ago behind closed doors and have had the benefit of the resources of publishers to edit and produce books of, generally, high quality. There is no point judging our own 'rough drafts' against the finished products of writers at the peak of their powers.

But we can learn valuable lessons.

I think confidence in our own storytelling ability is absolutely essential. It is not a sprint to the finish but a long hard slog to learn the craft of writing a novel. I think that when we study other peoples work we should not fall into the trap of thinking 'I can't do that'. Instead say 'I can learn to do this.'

Everyone on this planet has the potential to be a good storyteller. Writing well is something we all can do. I intend to be the best I can be. So should everyone else.

Mindful Writing

So it is nearly the end of February already?

2014 is flying by. Rather like the previous year did. Oh well.

It has been such a good time for me. The last year has been a bit of a renaissance period. At least as far as my writing and storytelling is concerned.

In the last six months I have quadrupled the rate at which I write. I have also gained valuable insight into how I put stories together and how I can improve this process. I am halfway through my science fiction novel 'Shadows of Earth' and I already can see how the second draft will go. I am excited but one draft at a time please.

By the end of the year I will (possibly) have two complete full length novels drafted. Publication will depend on available resources. I hope to be in print (and on screen) with something by Christmas 2014

So why is it going so well?

My sister gave me an amazing present this year. A book on 'Mindfulness'. I already am a practitioner of meditation but I am been rather inefficient in the way I had approached the activity. By focusing on the 'here and now' and 'letting go' of all the tittle tattle and unnecessary noise I was carrying round in my head I sharpened my attention and unlocked more energy.

I work better as a consequence. My stories are taking shape in an improved manner. I am making progress.

Looking after the needs of the mind is as important as keeping a health body. Writers need to do both. It helps us live better lives and it also assists us to be better at our craft.

And 'Mindfulness' is fun!

A fresh beginning

I don't make that many new years resolutions. I rarely keep them.

This year I have made solid progress with my stories. I have improved in many ways. I also know that there so much more to do.

My writing can get better. The broad brush storytelling approach I use is okay but needs more work. I need to use words more cleverly. I need to continuously push the boundaries of what I can achieve.

I am thinking of re-reading books I haven't looked at for decades. In the increasingly competitive marketplace it is important to be the best that 'you can be'. I fancy having a gander through the work of Laurie Lee or John Updike or maybe study my old favourites Arthur C Clarke and Isaac Asimov? There are so many good examples to follow.

I need to work on life away from the keyboard as well. That is another story.

So to you all, I wish you a happy, productive and above all restful new year. I hope things turn out for the best for you. Here is to 2014. Lets 'make it' a good year for us all.

The future is getting brighter.

I am not just meaning the solstice has passed.

If 2012 was dark year for me then 2013 has been the complete opposite.

I was pretty ill last year but 12 months ago I had a life changing visit to a specialist doctor and I have not looked back. This year has been simply amazing. I have to pinch myself sometimes when I think how good life is at the moment.

I also finished the first part of my science fiction series ('The Keodu Sequence') and redrafted book one in my sword and sorcery based 'Children of the Storm' These are now awaiting editing. I may promote them up to full novels next year. Lets see?

But the thing that really excites me is that 2014 has all the potential to be even better. I have conquered stress. The amazing inner strength I had need to have to survive all those years gives me reason to hope for the future. I can so much now. I want to write more stories and help more people. I will also need to test software (Day job still needed alas!)

So I hope that your year has had plenty of high points. I also wish you a happy Christmas and a wonderful new year. The future is unwritten. So get writing!

Write without self doubt

Why do we doubt ourselves?

As a writer I am plagued by this corrosive and totally unnecessary aspect of my life. I can get trapped in a negative spiral of uncertain outcomes and thoughts. Will I succeed as a writer? Am I good enough?

I am sure I not the only one.

As with many things in life, the secret to unlocking the puzzle is simply to have confidence in ourselves. I know this is true. I spent many years seriously ill solely due to the lack of belief in my own abilities. I recovered when my confidence rose. Don't think yourself into failure.

Writing is a craft. We all can learn to be good and successful authors. The old saying that success is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration is very relevant here. If you have a weakness in an area then simply work on it. A positive attitude will lead to amazing results.

When I close my eyes I often see images of the stories I am writing. The imagery is wonderful. My job is to convey these scenes across to others. I know I have what it takes. I believe most people have what it takes!
The ideas and concepts and pictures that occupy my thoughts demand to be express in my books. I should not worry about their quality.

And neither should you worry about your stories. Get writing!