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Dear Reader A Peak in at my Writing ProcessSometimes I’m at my computer writing – at my desk in the office or on the couch in front of the fire. When open Scrivener and scroll to my next chapter, I know there’ll soon be an addition to my word count – I aim for between 500-750 words per session. Hopefully, if it’s my next memoir, I’m telling my story in a way that is interesting to you (the reader), has a theme you can identify with, and gives you a glimpse into the elements of my life that have made me the person I am today. And if it’s a work of fiction, the plot is coming together and you will be engaged in what I hope will be a page turner.
Sometimes’ instead of writing at my computer, I’m doing the day’s Wordle, or other puzzles like Sudoku. I might be walking along the river bank. I might be at the gym or at the cafe. I’m likely to be in the garden or at Waiwhakaruru in the rock garden there. At these times, I’m still ‘working at the writing’ – no words get added to the count, but the plot gets fleshed out, the characters come to life, and the location becomes more real. I’m always grateful that the subconscious mind is working at the current work in progress (WIP). I realised the other night that it’s not only when I’m awake that my new WIP beckons. In the early hours of the morning, I was woken by one of my characters, Aunty Babs, who works in Mandees, the cafe that is the central location for lots of the action in my new Cosy Mystery. Aunty Babs was happily kneading dough and singing along to one of her favourite Country songs at the top of her voice. I lay there for quite a while, watching the scene and learning more of her personality and what she does when she thinks she’s alone. Nice voice! And I love the smell of her baking! I must get her to share a recipe or two! Any questions about my writing process? I’m happy to answer them. I want to share what you want to know, and not bore you with what I love to talk about. I could go on for hours – same with the next topic! How do you Choose What to Read?Are you like me and have a To Be Read (TBR) list or pile a mile high – or, as in my case, several bookshelves full? I’d love to know: How do you choose your next book? Do you choose a book by its cover? Or its author? Or because it’s next in a series you enjoy? Or on recommendation of a friend or the friendly helper at your local library? Or is it on the list of reading for your book club? What’s your favourite genre? Do you always choose the same? Are you adventurous in your reading?
And do you prefer a physical book or an e-book? I’ve taken to reading my kindle in preference to a book mainly because I can read it in bed. Or on the couch. Or outside on the porch. Or while I wait for my coffee at the local cafe. Or on the bus. Or while we’re driving long distances (I’m the passenger, I promise!) Sometimes though there’s nothing like holding a book in my hands and smelling the pages. I have to admit I also love the book because I can flick back to a place I’ve read before, or forward to see who the author has listed in their Acknowledgements. I love to read authors from my own part of the world. A book event where readers can meet over 70 authors, buy books, and have them signed in person. Multiple genres, from NZ and Australian authors. All ages welcome. Free entry. The official Ages of Pages table supports the Duffy Books in Homes charity. Some authors are already posting on the page about their books that will be available and those that are able to be preordered. I’ve always loved to read, and I still have a few authors and titles in my favourite genres I want to read this year. Here’s some: Crime Cosy mysteries SciFi I haven’t even started my list, truly! I’ll stop here. I realise I could write a thesis length list of the authors I love and want to read more of in just these three genres. I think this is enough to let you know I love reading! What books are on your TBR list?Hit reply and let me know. Do you like these genres? Or others I haven’t mentioned yet? Let’s see if we’ve got any common interests – or if you can spark an interest in your favourite author or genre.
Or you might like to try a new author. For example, my daughter Phoebe Wilby’s first novel Storms was released on the 16th of this month. It’s available on Amazon and a great read – a fictionalised glimpse of our family trip around Australia in a caravan. Great mixture of fun and other stuff you can imagine a family of seven will experience! That’s enough from me. My WIP beckons! Till next time, may you be well and full of joy. My thoughts for Living Life in 2024 and beyond: “Write it on my heart that every day is Ralph Waldo Emerson “Remember that sometimes not getting “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave [person] is not [the one] who does not feel afraid, but [the one] who conquers that fear.” Nelson Mandela Read past Newsletters and, if you enjoy them, please share with your friends and encourage them to subscribe http://www.StephanieHammondAuthor.com Join my Reader’s Group on Facebook. FOLLOW ME Like, post and comment at any of |
Welcome to my writing process
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