My convoluted writing process
How I write my novels
I often daydream about being able to write full-time; however, I’m not sure I would be very effective. In the past, I’ve had periods of time when I haven’t worked, and I’m a procrastinator and an over-thinker—not a great combination when you’re on deadline. At the moment, I work five days a week in marketing, and I have the mental load that comes with having three school-age boys. But I believe this has helped me get my book written. I’m forced to squeeze in words when I can—during evenings, swim lessons, early mornings, and weekends in front of the TV. Writing for me is rarely a linear path. I often get stuck, go off on tangents, and get frustrated, but eventually, I manage a VERY rough first draft. During this process, I find it helpful to use the Notes app on my phone to jot down random thoughts, which I won’t be sharing here, as reading them makes me sound unhinged. I relish being busy, though I do like to moan about it—who doesn’t? And the idea of catching snippets of time to read novels and write keeps me going when everything else feels too much.
I don’t have an office or a special desk to write at. Instead, I’m usually at the dining room table, at the heart of our house, with kids constantly asking for snacks. When I was at school, I always did my homework in front of Home & Away and Neighbours, so I work best with noise and distraction. Now, I usually have a podcast or music to accompany me.
Editing is harder; it requires more concentration, so I need more quiet time for this part of the process. I took a Curtis Brown course in editing a novel, which helped me frame what needs to be done by creating an exhaustive spreadsheet of chapter summaries and notes. I resist this part of writing with all my might, as I just want to get on with things (I’m hugely impatient), but I loathe admitting that it has helped organise everything in my mind and made the redrafting smoother.
Taking on feedback has been a learning curve. Like most writers, I can be protective of my words and think I’ve nailed it, only to receive pointers on how the novel could be improved. Having received LOTS of input into my book, it has at times felt overwhelming. Knowing when to accept feedback and when to kindly push back has been a challenge. My agent has helped me learn to trust my instincts and avoid reacting impulsively to recommended changes—easier said than done.
Walking has massively helped my writing. When I’m stuck on a particular character arc or plot point, getting outside and away from the screen helps resolve even the trickiest problems. Often, solutions come while driving too. It can feel counterintuitive, but time away from the words can be a real game changer.
Currently, I’m editing book one while finalising book two to go to my agent. It’s also ‘ideas’ time for book three, which is the exciting part where you search for those nuggets to form a loose plot. I’m a ‘pantser’ trying (mostly failing) to be more of a plotter. I am learning to spend more time in this ideas phase and resist the urge to get going, thereby avoiding lengthy edits. For book three, I do have a kernel of an idea that involves going to Italy next year with two lovely friends in aid of research. Any excuse!
Maybe one day I'll have more time to write, but for now, it keeps me out of mischief and makes me more productive. I'd probably just waste the day faffing about anyway. My process might be messy and happen in fits and starts, but everyone has their own way of getting there in the end. Putting the words down, day by day, is what counts—even if many of them end up in the bin.