July is here, and here’s the state of play with regards to my writing.
Serial novels:
After spending June not writing, but doing a lot of reflecting, the plan is to get back to writing two concurrent serial-novels, adding a new chapter for each every week.
These will begin tomorrow, Wednesday 2nd and Wednesdays thereafter, when the next chapter of The Book Group arrives.
Sunday 6th July and subsequent Sundays will see the part 4 of The Rainbow Bridge begin.
A month away from writing, partly due to ill-health, and partly to give myself time to think about, clarify and write down my thoughts on the writing whole malarkey, has led me to this Mini Manifesto.
Here it is:
1. I write stories. That is all.
2. All my comments on Notes, my meagre words of hard-won wisdom, my random, rambling thoughts, and regular, pretty pictures of my local beach, while fun, and often a great way to initiate chats with fellow book-lovers, count for nothing if I am not writing stories.
3. All that happens in my everyday life is immaterial to my work as a writer. In fact, IRL, I aim to live as quietly as possible.
4. The creative control I enjoy as an independent writer is of primary importance to me. Through Substack, Amazon KDP and the internet in general, I enjoy complete creative control. I’m free to write and produce whatever pleases me, and from that output people have made short films, others have written PhDs on the transitivity analysis of some such or other of my stories, school classes study my work, I get anything up to 6,000 reads a month, and I earn a micro-wage. This is enough.
5. Previously, I had two books published by the Trad-Pub route, a hefty advance for one of them which is still more than anything I’ve earned with any other book, and in that time I also had three literary agents. I didn’t find any of it satisfying. My current situation, by comparison, is perfect.
6. Independence is the new normal. Save for a vanishingly small group of already successful writers, and despite the trade’s obsession with “the current thing”, the TradPub route to large-scale books sales does not exist. This has nothing to do with merit: Millie-Bobby Brown is a best-selling author; the Kardashians have multiple titles to their name, both fiction and non-fiction. I’m not knocking TradPub for others - by all means, pursue that route if you want to - but maybe buy a lottery ticket too. Both have an equal chance of bringing you financial security and critical favour.
7. While I aim for excellence, I recognise that perfect is the enemy of done. Therefore, my work is not always as shiny as a new pin. But the time I spend metaphorically polishing the head of a pin is time I could better spend writing (with a nod to John Ruskin).
8. Creative-writing courses are social events. If you want to learn how to write, there is only one path: Write.
9. If I am wary of TradPub, I absolutely eschew funding from Government-sponsored ‘arts’ organisations. If you take state-approved funding, you are a vehicle for state-approved opinions. Nothing more. At best, state-funding provides a sinecure for lack-talents.
10. No adverbs. (Elmore Leonard joke).
11. Adaptations. I love having my work adapted. If you wish to adapt one of my stories, you’re more than welcome. The fee is two blueberry muffin and a large coffee, or 2% of gross, whichever is the larger amount. But contact me first, as I reserve the right to change the %. And the type of muffin.
12. Commissions: I’ve done a few and I’m always open to offers. Get in touch.
And that’s pretty much it.
Currently:
You’ll find me at the beach most mornings. Drinking coffee, staring at the sea, looking for insight. Also, I’m fixing up my garden.
I’m still iron-deficient. Had lots of tests done and they’re all clear, which is a relief, but not helpful, so I’ve changed my diet and I’m going to dive back into the world, see what happens.
Serial novels:
The serial-novels below are all available to read on Substack. They are also available in print. If you want to buy the print version, click on the title:
London Rain. Julien Trent is a free-climber, thief, and government operative.
Substack here.
Must Try Harder. Memoirs of a classroom teacher.
Substack here.
Mallory’s Tower. A story of family, and family ties.
Substack here.
Scallywags of London. A mashup Victorian crime caper.
Substack here.
All Ye Bully Rooks. A medieval murder-mystery.
Substack serial here.
Original inspiration for AYBR here (though I didn’t follow the plot of the lyrics).
Sleeper. An adventure/romance set on a snowbound train.
Substack serial here:
These serial-novels are available on Substack but are not yet available in print:
Hurley - the case of the missing Guarneri.
The Rainbow Bridge: part 1. After the world ends, a man begins an epic journey home, meeting murderers, mothers, and gods along the way.
Catalogue:
If you’d like to browse my other novels and short-story collections, click here for a link to my Amazon page.
Looking forward to catching upon The Rainbow Bridge. Did I tell you I just finished .50Cal? Great writing...