Camping? Me? No way!

Copyright © 2017 National Novel Writing Month

Gosh I have been a bit lazy about updating the blog lately. Life has just been getting massively in the way. Again! My wonderful plans to fit in more writing around my new part time working hours haven't quite worked out the way I had hoped as the part time hours have only been semi part time taking on an extra days work for a bit of extra money. Hey we all know writing is no way to get rich so I've got to pay the bills somehow!

Anyway, among all the other madness of my life, I've been camping! No not camping out in the forest with no plumbing and creepy crawlies! Where would I plug in my hair straighteners? I've been taking part in Camp Nano. This is an off-shoot of NaNoWriMo which takes place every Novemember. Camp Nano is 30 days of writing in April to help you finish up your Nano project or start another one. Rather than committing to 50,000 words you can commit to a set number of writing hours for the month of April. I thought this would be a fantastic opportunity to polish up draft 2 of the novel. So, I committed to 30 hours of writing this month. How hard can it be? Well, here we are day 15 and I'm already behind with only notching up 9 hours so far this month. 

It all started off so well but then came the Easter break with family things to do. And then there's all the blog and book tour stuff I need to organise..............and yes I am making some terrible excuses! Why am I sat here writing this blog post when I could be working on the novel?.......well apart from being the Queen of procrastination, I'm writing this post in between loads of laundry, cleaning and doing those mummy things we all get caught up in. When I am writing I need to have a good run at it and I simply can't stop and start writing projects during the day. I just need to be left alone for an hour or two to just write! I did manage an hour this morning while all my little cherubs were snoring their heads off. Right at this moment I am trying to write this post with my daughter carrying on a conversation about garden gnomes! As usual I find I am more productive when sitting in the library writing, unshackled from domesticity and mummydom! . I did this a couple of days ago and got more done in 2 hours than I have in a long time.  Sat there among the students all cramming for exams, there I was with my laptop, notebooks and flask of tea!

Copyright © 2017 National Novel Writing Month

Anyway, getting back to Camp Nano............I'm pleased to report that despite already falling behind, the novel has hit 70,000 words exactly this morning. A huge milestone for me. Its starting to change, to evolve into something a little different from the original concept. Camp Nano is making me more disciplined in revising what I have written. Looking at the words on the screen sometimes I often wonder if it was me that actually wrote them. Some have been wonderful and I'm amazed by my talent (she says modestly, trying to convince herself) and some look like one of the PG Tips chimps might have banged them out on the keyboard! I have cringed at just how terrible some of the writing is and often wonder if this writing lark is some form of torture and surely there are better, less painful things I could be doing with my time! Thankfully my cabin mates..............yes I have cabin mates in Camp Nano...........are a great support.

The one thing that the Nano projects brings to the fore is the realisation that I don't do nearly enough writing and that is something I have continually struggled with. Would I be able to write better, faster, or more often if I didn't have any other commitments? Probably. But as we know, life's simply not like that. One good thing though is that I am still attending my writing group at the local library and this is providing some great motivation. In fact, I have entered one of my short stories inspired by a writing prompt at the group, into one of the Writing Magazine competitions. The group is a fantastic way for me to build up my short story collection and I'm thrilled to say that its coming along nicely. I'm going to enter more competitions and maybe even try to sell a few. And, I have 2 exciting events coming up over the Summer which I am taking part in. I can't tell you about them just yet..........I'd have to kill you..........kidding! However, watch this space for more exciting news about them! Keep writing!

Space To Write: My first Writing retreat!

As a fledgling writer and a hassled mother / wife /carer /professional I am always looking for opportunities to get away from it all and concentrate on my writing. Well last weekend I attended my very first writing retreat and I have to say it was an experience that I can thoroughly recommend. I enjoyed it so much that I'm already planning next years trip.

I stayed in the beautiful Downhill Beachhouse. The hostel reserves its rooms during specific periods in January to accommodate writers. With 9 rooms, tons of beds, shared bathrooms, shared kitchen and a lovely communal sitting room with roaring open fire, it was the perfect escape. Check out their website HERE. I'm not entirely sure of the history of the house but its a wonderfully atmospheric place. On Friday afternoon after a tearful farewell from my daughter, I set off on my own little adventure. 2 hours later and guided by the satnav I finally made it to the house. The minute I turned into the gravel driveway my heart just skipped a beat. Wow! I was welcomed by the host and owner of Downhill Beachhouse McCall Gilfillan, who is an amazing visual artist. Her work was displayed throughout the house. Check out her site HERE.

The hostel is overlooking Downhill Beach in Coleraine in Northern Ireland. From my room I could hear the sound of the sea which was inspiring and comforting. It was a gloriously dry weekend and although freezing cold, the beach was just calling out my name and I enjoyed lovely walks after breakfast and in the evenings. Sometimes horses can be seen exercising along the beach. It was my own little stretch of paradise. I even loved the sound of the odd train running underneath my window!

A PHOTO TAKEN ON MY FIRST EVENING

A PLACE TO WRITE

VIEW FROM MY WINDOW

The best thing about going to writing retreat weekends is not only finding the time to write and not feel guilty about it, but also meeting so many wonderfully interesting people who respect your space and your writing journey. From singer / songwriters to poets and novelists, we were a pretty mixed bunch that weekends. While I was sitting at my little bureau at the window and looking out at the ocean, I could hear beautiful singing from our songwriter who was staying in the room across the landing from mine. I felt like I was in some sort of bohemian dream and I wanted to stay there forever! I made some fantastic new friends and look forward to following their careers. Edelle McMahon I will be keeping an eye out for your first album!

I stayed the Friday and Saturday nights and slept like a baby both nights. Something unheard of! Maybe it was the sea air. Maybe it was being able to completely free my mind of all my responsibilities. Or, maybe it was the fact that I was completely immersed in the writing experience.  Whatever it was, I fell in love with my book again and completed my first re-write. Now to move onto draft 2 asap! One of the unexpected things to come out of the weekend away was that I was suddenly coming up with some new ideas for my novel that will definitely be incorporated into draft 2. I found this all very surprising because I pretty much thought I had this story done but its taking on a new dimension and evolving in ways I hadn't imagined. I just hope I can make the deadline the Romantic Novelists Association New Writer's scheme have set for August! Eeek! Plus, I have some ideas for a couple more books. Not sure where they popped from! Double Eeek!

Look how close the beach is!

It's funny but that weekend away was just what I needed to make me feel like a writer. A real writer. To be able to sit with other like minded people and chat about our writing without any sort of judgement and lots of support was wonderful. Getting together in the evenings over a glass or two of wine and putting the world to rights lead to some wonderful storytelling and sharing of experiences, particularly the difficulty of being women writers, trying to juggle family and our passion for writing. The lovely sparkly fairy lights in the windows added to the atmosphere! Food was cooked together in the kitchen and shared around the dining table. If you wanted to stay in your room and do your own thing you could. There was just no pressure at all. My only regret...............that I didn't stay longer. But next year I am definitely staying for 3 nights! The family will just have to cope without me! 

Coming back from an evening walk

 

Thank you so much to our lovely host McCall who made us feel so welcome and shared a bottle of wine and some good craic with us all. And her lovely husband William who made sure we had a lovely fire in the evenings. Roll on next year when I can escape to this special place again! Maybe I'll be working on book 2!

All photographs in this post remain the property of JB Johnston and may not be used without prior permission.

©JB Johnston / Debbie Johnston

And 2017 Came Roaring In!

Happy New Year! Yes I know I'm a few weeks late but with all the other New Year posts flying about I thought I'd just surprise everyone by being different and fashionably late! Which, as my friends and family will attest to, being late for anything is something I just don't do. Actually, I'm anally retentive when it comes to good time keeping. I'm never late for anything! You didn't see that one coming did you?!

Like everyone else I have made some resolutions for 2017 that I probably won't keep. So far the no bread / booze January has almost brought me to my knees! I do my best writing when my brain is lubricated by a nice glass or three of wine. And, who doesn't survive on mountains of toast when sitting up to the wee small hours writing because a story just won't let your brain rest?

So far, 2017 has been ok. I know we are only a few weeks in but I have to say that its been pretty fab for me. My lovely late friend Les Moriarty who I still miss dreadfully, had been nagging me for as long as I can remember to join the Romantic Novelists Association New Writers' Scheme. I did try a couple of times but never managed to make the deadline in time as all the places each year fill up very quickly. Its an amazingly popular scheme which so many writer friends have found invaluable. Each year I was so disappointed but in a way a little relieved that I hadn't secured a place because I didn't and probably still don't think my writing is good enough. But, when Les passed away it suddenly became very important to me that I at least give it another chance. If not for myself, but for Les who found the scheme to be amazingly supportive in his writing journey. So, on the 2nd January, the day applications opened, I got up nice and early and drafted my email and sat watching the clock until 10am when I could press SEND! I never expected to get a place. But, to my absolute delight I did!!! Thank you Les for always pushing me forward with my writing. Your nagging paid off dear friend.

Now, with the delight of gaining a place on the scheme, came the absolute abject terror that I was going to have to share this novel with someone else! Oh dear god! I can't even drink away my fear due to this bloody booze free resolution or eat my body weight in hot buttery toast! Help!!!!!!!!!!

I suppose everyone who signs up for the scheme feels exactly the same way. I still don't feel my writing is nearly good enough to be in the same company of the other wonderful writers who are members of the Romantic Novelists Association. I feel like a bit of a fraud. A pretend writer! An imposter! And now people will find out I can't write! Cue manic panic attack, putting my head between my knees and blowing into a brown paper bag!

I've been assured that all writers feel this fear and that while it never passes but does lessen a bit so that's something I suppose. The only people I have ever shared my work with are members of my writers group and they are all far too polite to tell me something is rubbish. Yes they offer constructive criticism which is so useful but thankfully nobody has advised me to take up another hobby like stamp collecting! Not yet anyway! Despite my anxiety, I am so grateful for the opportunities that the New Writers Scheme will provide me. Guidance with my writing and support which I really need. And, the support and friendship of other writers too. If I let myself, I am also a little bit excited about the whole thing too. That soon passes and I want to go and lie in a darkened room somewhere puffing into my brown paper bag!

To help me feel more like a writer and actually get some work done, I have booked myself into a 2 day writing retreat in a lovely house by the sea. That's 2 wonderful days and nights of writing. All by myself. Well there will be other writers there but imagine the freedom of no family or work responsibilities. Just writing! How amazing. Watch this space and have a brown paper bag ready for my next panic attack!

Saying goodbye

 

One of the most important lessons I have learned when trying to write is that the support from friends is hugely important.  Without them, everything seems pointless. Today, I lost one of those friends. It's probably a little soon to be writing this post with the pain of his loss still so raw but I can think of no other fitting tribute to Les than writing about him. Les Moriarty was one of the first online bookish friends I ever met. After chatting online for some time we eventually met up at The Festival of Romance in 2013. At that event, a group of us became really firm friends and have been meeting up regularly. Unfortunately, I missed the last meet up back in September and never got to spend time with my lovely friend one last time.

Les was one of those people who was generous to a fault. He was always giving his time to offer words of support and encouragement or to tell you the sensible stuff you didn't always want to hear but needed to. Each time I came to London he always met me either at the airport or on the Tube because he knew I had absolutely no sense of direction and could have ended up anywhere! The man had the patience of a saint! Les and his wonderful wife Viv even let me doss on their sofa during a visit to London and their hospitality was second to none. His faithful dog Rosa was always by his side.

Les was an easy person to like. As someone has just reminded me, Les loved music. He had a vast knowledge about bands, singers and songs and would often share his music with his friends. My daughter often received cds through the post from Les as he knew she loved to dance and sing to the latest pop sensation. He knew how much my husband loved The Beatles and sent him some Beatles stuff too. So generous.  He loved to cook and often derailed a diet or two when he posted up pictures of his latest culinary masterpiece. And, always thinking of others, he sent me lots of vegetarian recipes he thought I might like. With a wicked sense of humour, Les loved nothing more than getting together with friends and setting the world to rights over a glass of wine. I remember when we were all in Leighton Buzzard and spent the entire day in coffee shops talking all things bookish. He was such a well read man and there was nothing he didn't know. There are so many wonderful memories I have of Les and most of them involve laughing our heads off. He was a truly fascinating man and knew everyone! And, the whole world knew Les and adored him!

Quite often I have lacked the motivation or confidence to carry on writing. Les was always there to give me a kick up the backside and tell me to get on with it. Thank you for that Les. It's going to be tough without you my dear friend. The world is a little bit darker, colder and sadder without you in it. We are all better people for having known you. Thanks for the memories Les.  RIP. xxx

Stress? What stress? Finding my mojo again!

It suddenly occurred to me today that I haven't written a single post here since July. My wonderful intentions to be a prolific writer while I was off work during the Summer months all went completely to pot whenever I found myself snowed under with other book work and falling asleep at my desk due to some difficult parenting issues and a child who has been unwell. Coping on little or no sleep for days on end really put an end to any creativity I had. My brain had left the building. Things still haven't improved too much on the sleep front and for a while I had to scale back on the book work and my writing. I even stopped writing in my journal! But, thankfully things are on the up again. 

It's amazing how your body learns to cope with weeks and months of exhaustion. I have now reached the point where I can function ok on 2 hours sleep now. So, I have started writing again and taking on more book work. I feel great and realise that in actual fact stopping writing and scaling back on work were the stupidest things I did through it all. Now that I am writing again I feel rejuvenated and happy!  If I had only forced myself to sit down in front of my laptop during those days when I thought my eyeballs were going to fall out, maybe things might have been different. I'm really enjoying taking on more book work again and feel buzzed about it all. What had I been thinking, stopping the 2 things in my life that brought me the most happiness!?

The one constant through it all has been my wonderful writing group. We started off as part of a group facilitated by our local library. However, over the Summer and, despite being promised a new facilitator come September we did find ourselves running the group and keeping it going. To be honest, I quite enjoy it but really do have to rein myself in sometimes as I know it often appears I am Ms Bossy Boots and trying to be the facilitator. We all contribute to the group in our own ways. Me.........I'm an organiser. I have organised for some lovely local writers to come to the group to talk to us. I research stuff and bring print outs and writing prompts that are probably boring the rest of the group to tears. But, they are very gracious and thank me politely. What they probably want to do is beat me round the head with the endless bundles of paper I throw at them. Thankfully they haven't yet! They are a super group of people.

Being part of a writing group has given me a new found confidence. Each time we meet we try to share something with the group that we have written. That means finding my story telling voice and letting the group listen to what I have written. It has got to be one of the most nerve wracking things I have ever done. Up to this point I have never shared my work with anyone. But, all my fellow writers in the group are as equally terrified as I am about sharing work. It is such a supportive group of people and I have made some lovely friends. The depth of talent within the group is amazing and I am often in awe of the skills they all possess.  I only hope to be as good as they are one day.

One thing that I never got to be a part of this year has been NaNoWriMo and I am gutted as I have another idea for a book. Actually, I have two ideas! But, I am trying to be realistic. I am still working through editing the book I completed last year and it would be madness to take on another project with this one only half finished. My big wonderful Summer plans had been to finish the book so that I could take part in NaNoWriMo but of course that didn't happen. So, I am being gentle with myself. I'm managing to get to the library most Saturday mornings to work on the book. And while its not happening at break neck speed, it is happening. I still adore my book. It still makes me cry when I read it. I'm not ready to give up on it just yet! Plus, I have lots of author workshops to attend over the next few months and I am really looking forward to those. I am hoping they will provide me with more knowledge and skill around the writing process. My big goal for 2017 is to sign up to The New Writers Scheme with the Romantic Novelist Association so fingers crossed I manage to get onto the scheme. Then, I have no excuses not to finish the book as I will be on a deadline then!

With regards to the book work and blog tours......well I am now officially a part-timer in the day job! Work offered me a part time post a few minutes from my house and I almost bit their arm off! I've now got more time for my beloved book tours which I just love! All in all, life is good.  So, the lesson learned throughout a stressful Summer is...............don't stop doing what you love because you are stressed as it only makes you more stressed!

I'd be really interested to hear how other writers work through times of stress or when life gets in the way.

Author and Blogger Craic In Dublin!

Everyone knows how much I love to go to book events! So, it was very exciting when Carmel Harrington, myself and fellow book blogger Linda Green decided to organise our own author / blogger event. I had attended a few events in London organised by the lovely Kim Nash from Bookouture. I loved them. However, there don't seem to be too many events in Ireland ( and even less up north in Northern Ireland - something I will have to remedy some day!) Anyway, with some planning, the 3 of us managed to organise a really fun event in Dublin on 9th July. The venue was 37 in Dawson Street which was amazing! Thank you so much to them for allowing us to use such a fantastic space! I hope you enjoy some of the pics in this post. Most have been taken by me and some I have stolen borrowed from the events page and were taken by other attendees.

With the lovely Linda Green!

I traveled down to Dublin that morning. A 2 hour journey that coincided with dropping my son to Dublin airport for a flight to America. Feeling totally distraught and being hit with empty nest syndrome! Yeah I know he's only going for 2 weeks but indulge me! Anyway, back to the event! Arriving at 37 I first met the wonderful Linda Green and her very exhausted hubby who had been working night shift but had accompanied her to Dublin bless him. We'd only chatted online before and had never met. What a truly gorgeous person she is. Armed with buns I loved her even more. I was very nervous because I had not met anyone attending! Still, an opportunity to meet new people is always a good thing!

SOME OF THE BUNS WITH BOOKS!

Linda and I had been a little concerned about falling numbers for the event but as you can see from the photographs we had an absolute ball and a respectable amount of attendees. We even had a 'walk in' from the street, claiming to be an author. Still, it added a bit of craic to the occasion. 

Lots of book chat!

Gorgeous bloggers and me!

And so the partying continued outside later!

We all had a super day chatting about books and the publishing world and putting the literary world to rights. I had a total girl fan / book groupie moment when Liz Nugent walked in. I am currently reading her latest book Lying in Wait and loving it. I just so happened to have it in my bag with me and she kindly signed it for me! I have no shame! 

So many interesting conversations!

Most of the authors / bloggers I have met have all been at events in England. Ireland needs more events! These ladies knew how to have a good time and what a lovely bunch of people! Felt like I'd known them forever! It was wonderful to be with like-minded people with an absolute love of books.  Unfortunately the lovely Carmel Harrington was unable to make it to the event in the end but I look forward to seeing her soon.

During the event we had a BLIND DATE WITH A BOOK! Everyone had to bring a book they had enjoyed and wrap it in brown paper. There had to be written a brief description of genre etc but no title. That was a lot of fun and everyone got a new book to add to their ever increasing TBR piles! Lots of business cards and laughs were exchanged and I even managed to sneak in a glass of prosecco. Thank you so much to everyone who attended. You made it the brilliant day it was. I cannot wait to organise another event soon! 

BLIND DATE WITH A BOOK

A Leap of Faith

In an attempt to learn as much about the craft of writing as I can and connect with other writers, both published and those aspiring to be published, I try to attend as many writing and literary events as I can do. Sometimes finances and time are obstacles that often get in my way although usually its confidence that is the deciding factor. However, when I received information about the Dublin Writers Conference, run by Books Go Social I decided to try and be brave.

The conference runs over 3 days. Unfortunately I was only able to attend day 2. So, off I went on another little one woman adventure. Boarding the 6.45am train on a cold and damp Saturday morning.  I did think that I was probably totally insane. Input from my loving husband confirmed I was but he thought I should definitely go. The train from Belfast to Dublin is just over 2 hours long and I totally adored the fact that I had 2 hours to sit on my backside and read. I loved it! It was also a great opportunity to people watch and I was inspired once or twice with ideas for short stories. Every situation it seems presents the opportunity to use my imagination.

Upon arriving in Dublin I managed to make my own way to the Gresham Hotel where the conference was being run. Finances meant that I wouldn't be spending the night in Dublin so I was determined to get as much out of the day as I could. So, taking a big deep breath I walked into the conference room by myself and found a seat at an empty table. There's nothing as big a test of bravery when you are overwrought with anxiety as walking in to an event alone, not knowing anyone. It wasn't long however before I was joined by a lovely gentleman, Brian. He asked me if I was a published writer. Well, part of my anxiety around this whole writing journey is actually telling people I write. Its around telling people I have written a book, albeit the first draft only. So, I told him I was an aspiring author working my way through the first draft of my book. It felt liberating. After that, I didn't worry about telling everyone I spoke to!

Pretty soon the conference room began to fill up and as the chairs around the table filled, other writers introduced themselves. I'll say this about the literary world...............its a damn friendly place. Of course I already knew that from the blogging world but it was so refreshing to be reminded that authors are a lovely, caring and supportive group of people. I met people from all walks of life at the conference. Such a varied and interesting group of people.

As the conference progressed, I learned so much from marketing, to self publishing to getting the book cover right. Plus, it was great to finally meet Jessica Bell. I follow Jessica on Facebook and she is a very talented lady. Over lunch I chatted to new friends about our writing and some of the difficutlies we had. At first, I was a bit worried about telling people I was a mere blogger. I always worry that authors will think that just because I read a lot of books I consider myself an authority on writing. I don't. I have the utmost respect for anyone that can get a book out into the world and not pass not with fear. I don't consider myself an expert at anything except perhaps almost throwing up with fear! I was also dubious about talking about the book tours I organise as I really didn't want it to be seen as using the opportunity to tout for business. Thankfully it wasn't perceived as that and lots of people asked for my business card. They all seemed genuinely interested.

Alas, the conference day was over all too soon. The day absolutely flew by and I have lots and lots of notes and learning to put into practice. At the end of the conference I had dinner with a couple of lovely authors with such interesting lives. The conversation flowed easily and naturally and I adored hearing about their lives. However, before long it was time to board the train for home. Another two hours of reading and writing lay ahead on my homeward journey but this time I sat on the train full of hope and inspiration about where my writing journey would take me next. It seems I am on more than a physical journey. Next year I am definitely attending all 3 days of the conference. Its a valuable learning experience and a great place to network. There were so many interesting speakers and lots of interaction between the speakers and the audience. I felt at ease and excited to be there and really took on board the advice that was being given. I loved it!

For me, the experience as a whole was very positive, strengthening my resolve to be a bit braver with my writing. Sometimes its easier to put your story down on paper than it is to share it and yourself with the world. However, the bravery is in the leap of faith you take in yourself and a trust in those around you to handle your feelings and your writing with care and respect. So far on my journey I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by good friends and a wonderful husband who encourages and supports me and pushes me to try new experiences. Next weekend I'm off to Dublin again for an author / blogger meet up and a chance to meet the lovely Carmel Harrington again. Its not easy to be brave but it is worth it.

*Find out more about Books Go Social - www.booksgosocial.com