Wendy Clarke has very kindly included me –
linked me, if you will – to the blog chain thingy - and here are the questions
that I have to answer.
What am I currently working on?
I confess to pausing from writing for three whole days over Christmas, but
I’m now writing a summer story. There’s nothing like planning ahead.
How
How does my work differ from others in its genre?
At the moment, I don’t think I write in a specific genre. Well I
certainly don’t for short stories. That’s why I absolutely love
writing for women’s magazine. It’s an opportunity to explore so many
genres – and have such fun doing so. I’ve sold ghost
stories, love stories, twist in the tales, the odd murder mystery– and I even
sold a science fiction story to one magazine. Although,
obviously the magazines have different requirements:- The People’s Friend, for
example, wouldn’t accept a ghost a story.
Novel-wise, genre is my fall down. I’m the first to admit
that I’ve jumbled genres in my novels - and I’m sure it puts agents/publishers
off as they can't successfully market it. In 2014 I hope to put
this right!
Why do I write what I do?
See above J
How does my writing process work?
Sometimes I’m VERY lucky, and a story will come to me almost fully
formed – and oddly, they seem to be the ones that sell quickly. Other
times, a story will need a thousand re-writes – and I often feel like throwing
my pens out of the pram - but I’m lucky to have a wonderfully supportive writer
friend who always picks up my metaphoric pens for me – and I’m also
part of a super critiquing group. I would definitely recommend both.
I tend to set myself goals and deadlines - a chapter a week – a story a
fortnight, that kind of thing.
***
The lovely person who will be the next link in the blog chain thingy is Karen
Clarke who will be posting their answers to these questions on
6th January.
Karen Clarke has had over 200 short stories sold to magazines. Her novel
My Future Husband was published by Random House/Goldmann in Germany and Put a
Spell on You will be published by Constable & Robinson in 2014 as part of a
3 book deal.
***
Finally I would like to wish you all a VERY happy and healthy
2014! (When I will be blogging much more often – obviously)
X
