One of my favourite Stephen King quotes is, "To write is human, to edit is divine."
Editing is where the magic happens. I spent August revisiting my four JuNoWriMo stories and giving them a good tidy up. I filled in plot holes, fixed spelling mistakes and cut unnecessary words. I use the word 'just' constantly!
The four stories are in much better shape now. I have started submitting them to the Birmingham Writers' Group for their helpful and brutal feedback. In any case, Breadcrumbs 2 is looking very possible in 2017.
I have also been reading, continuing my two-book rule: one traditionally published and one self-published.
I read epic fantasy Blackwing by Ed McDonald, which was an incredible read. It is set in a world where evil wizards and "good" wizards live on either side of a warped no-man's land called the Misery. The main character is a captain in the Blackwing mercenary group, who patrols the Misery and roots out traitors seduced by evil. He is like Vimes in the Discworld novels, only this is a more messed-up Vimes who never settled down and kept drinking.
I also read Star Crossed, the debut novel by self-published author Natalie Morris. It tells the story of two friends, wannabe actress Emily and wannabe scientist Tyler, whose relationship is tested when Tyler accidentally achieves Emily's dream of stardom. Star Crossed was an excellent, character-led novel. It is perfect for young adult readers and addresses themes such as friendship, jealousy and fame.
What else have I been up to?
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Editing is where the magic happens. I spent August revisiting my four JuNoWriMo stories and giving them a good tidy up. I filled in plot holes, fixed spelling mistakes and cut unnecessary words. I use the word 'just' constantly!
The four stories are in much better shape now. I have started submitting them to the Birmingham Writers' Group for their helpful and brutal feedback. In any case, Breadcrumbs 2 is looking very possible in 2017.
I have also been reading, continuing my two-book rule: one traditionally published and one self-published.
I read epic fantasy Blackwing by Ed McDonald, which was an incredible read. It is set in a world where evil wizards and "good" wizards live on either side of a warped no-man's land called the Misery. The main character is a captain in the Blackwing mercenary group, who patrols the Misery and roots out traitors seduced by evil. He is like Vimes in the Discworld novels, only this is a more messed-up Vimes who never settled down and kept drinking.
I also read Star Crossed, the debut novel by self-published author Natalie Morris. It tells the story of two friends, wannabe actress Emily and wannabe scientist Tyler, whose relationship is tested when Tyler accidentally achieves Emily's dream of stardom. Star Crossed was an excellent, character-led novel. It is perfect for young adult readers and addresses themes such as friendship, jealousy and fame.
What else have I been up to?
- I entered a play-writing competition called Enter. Stage. Write. My script was adapted from my short story Orion.
- I also entered a unique writing competition set by the Chair of my writers' group. His Nan passed away and he found an unfinished short story whilst sorting through her things. We have been challenged to finish the story.
- I delivered my best man speech at my friend's wedding. It was my third and finest wedding speech. I even delivered a paragraph in French, so I could talk to the Bride about the Groom without him understanding!
If you would like Simon to review your book then check out his Review Policy for more information. Sign up to Simon's newsletter to hear more about his reading and writing projects.