These are some of the questions I am regularly asked;
1. How long did it take you to write your first book?
When I decided I was seriously going to try and write a book, it took me about twelve months, I had brain surgery in that time also, so I had a couple of days off to rest my brain.
2. What is your writing process like?
My writing process is as random as my mind. As I previously said I started writing to empty my head, so basically each time my head needs an emptying I get the laptop out. But seriously, I find that once I start, I could carry on forever. It’s just finding that time to start. I have hundreds of notes scattered everywhere of what I want to include, so sometimes I just get all my notes together, get them onto one document and then sort through them. I realise this isn’t very professional and maybe I’ll find an actual process that helps me achieve more but at present I’m still at the winging it stage.
3. What advice do you have for writers?
It doesn’t matter if you can’t spell, you don’t have to have swallowed a dictionary, or you think you just haven’t got the time. There will always a reason not to start, but just start it and see where it goes. It maybe that you find it therapeutic and do nothing with your words only get them out. But you will never know until you start.
Also another key point is have a group of people around you who are happy to read your pieces and who you value their opinion. Ask them for constructive feedback. I wrote one piece read it out to my husband, who’s only comment was ‘Nah.’ Great feedback Adam, but he was probably right!
4. Did you always want to write a book?
In short, no. When I was younger I had no idea what I wanted to do. I loved new stationary so I thought I might end up being a teacher.
All I could see was me being a mum with two girls. I left college half way through my A levels and got a job in an office. At the age of 23 I was being made redundant. So I decided to find a job with security. I applied for the police and twenty one years later I’m still there.
Writing was never on my radar until I lost Dusty. It’s only then I started to write.
5. What is your complaints procedure?
If you have a complaint let me know and I’ll write it in my ‘Write it down and throw that shit away’ notebook. Just kidding, please let me know and I will help as best as I can.
If you have any questions that you’d like to ask me about my book, my writing techniques, etc. Please submit your questions on my contact form.