Another day, Another draft

Happy Tuesday Everyone.

For me this really is a happy Tuesday, as I finished the first draft of Fiona and the Whale. I’m not going to lie, it is not a tidy first draft. I have a long way to go before it’s ready for even my beta readers.

There are a lot of writers out there at the minute who are incredible planners. They have every detail of their book – or often series of books – mapped out in front of them before the start, every twist, every plot device. I am not one of those. In fairness to myself, I have gotten better to an extent, trying to plan out at least a rough arc across the main themes. But still, somewhere down the line something always goes awry. A character will behave erratically, or a twist of fate that I hadn’t even thought about will suddenly appear on my page. It can be frustrating. But at the same time, I love it.

Now that I have finished this first draft I know so much more about the characters. I know that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t let them take this journey without me trying to force it. Sure, it means I have to go back a change a fair few things, but that’s alright. I’m okay with that. It’s part of the process and actually I think it’s the part I love the most. 

So with that done, I’m giving myself a couple of weeks away from Fiona to finish Peas 4. 

Hopefully I will get it to you at some point in the summer. Wish me luck, what with moving countries and everything I’m going to need it.

Much love as always,

Hannah