Pauline Rowson's Blog, page 85
January 27, 2010
Deadly Waters Selected for Independent Bookshop Initiative
I'm delighted that my second marine mystery contemporary crime novel, Deadly Waters, featuring my fictional detective, Inspector Andy Horton, has been selected as one of ten titles to be featured in a special independent bookshop and library promotion in the UK from 10 February to 10 March called Exclusively Independent and supported by the Arts Council.
Deadly Waters will be featured as part of an "Arts Council initiative in conjunction with Legend Press called ‘Exclusively Independent’ aimed at bringing independent bookshops and independent publishers together to feature some of the best books from new and burgeoning talented authors." Books are selected on a monthly basis by an industry panel.
I believe that Independent bookshops and libraries play a valuable role in our communities. I give many talks in libraries and it's always good to meet readers.
Deadly Waters is the second in the Inspector Andy Horton series with number five, Blood on the Sand being published in the UK in February and in the USA in May. Deadly Waters is in paperback, in hardcover, Large Print, e book and available as a talking book.
Deadly Waters [image error] Blood on the Sand
Deadly Waters will be featured as part of an "Arts Council initiative in conjunction with Legend Press called ‘Exclusively Independent’ aimed at bringing independent bookshops and independent publishers together to feature some of the best books from new and burgeoning talented authors." Books are selected on a monthly basis by an industry panel.
I believe that Independent bookshops and libraries play a valuable role in our communities. I give many talks in libraries and it's always good to meet readers.
Deadly Waters is the second in the Inspector Andy Horton series with number five, Blood on the Sand being published in the UK in February and in the USA in May. Deadly Waters is in paperback, in hardcover, Large Print, e book and available as a talking book.
Deadly Waters [image error] Blood on the Sand
January 18, 2010
Writing routines and the life of a writer
Each writer has his or her own routines. Some are larks up before the dawn to scribble away or pound a keyboard. Others are owls writing late into the night. When and how much you write can also depend on your family or work commitments. For many years while I was running my marketing and training company I could only write at weekends and during holidays so I used to write every Saturday afternoon and frequently all day Sunday. Now I have the luxury of being able to write every day.
My writing routine varies, but I do write every day and usually every evening from about 5pm to 7.30pm. I still also write every Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
And when I am not writing what do I do? Well a lot of thinking, often while taking long walks by the sea on Hayling Island or in the countryside of the Isle of Wight. Then, when wrestling with a plot, I might pick up the knitting needles and think and knit. I could be mapping out a character or a plot outline, which I do in pencil. And aside from the writing and thinking there are other things to be done such as keeping up to date with book news and what is happening in the world of publishing; writing my blogs and spending time on my social networks sites, answering e mails. I might also be preparing for a radio interview or talk, or reviewing a press release or attending a book signing/talk. I could be undertaking research for my novels, visiting a location, or talking to people who can help me.
My writing regime often depends on the stage of the novel and deadlines. When writing a first draft I always want to crack on with it as quickly as possible and have been known to write for seven hours non stop over many days to get it on to the computer. It's almost as though I need to get as much down as quickly as possible in case my mind dries up. I will also work non stop on very final revisions when I need to read the novel through in one hit.
At other times I will take a more leisurely approach. Are there days off? Rarely and even then I am usually thinking about the novel or project I'm working on or getting ideas for the next book. No complaints though. It's a pleasure and a privilege to be living, breathing, thinking writing, oh and writing.
My writing routine varies, but I do write every day and usually every evening from about 5pm to 7.30pm. I still also write every Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
And when I am not writing what do I do? Well a lot of thinking, often while taking long walks by the sea on Hayling Island or in the countryside of the Isle of Wight. Then, when wrestling with a plot, I might pick up the knitting needles and think and knit. I could be mapping out a character or a plot outline, which I do in pencil. And aside from the writing and thinking there are other things to be done such as keeping up to date with book news and what is happening in the world of publishing; writing my blogs and spending time on my social networks sites, answering e mails. I might also be preparing for a radio interview or talk, or reviewing a press release or attending a book signing/talk. I could be undertaking research for my novels, visiting a location, or talking to people who can help me.
My writing regime often depends on the stage of the novel and deadlines. When writing a first draft I always want to crack on with it as quickly as possible and have been known to write for seven hours non stop over many days to get it on to the computer. It's almost as though I need to get as much down as quickly as possible in case my mind dries up. I will also work non stop on very final revisions when I need to read the novel through in one hit.
At other times I will take a more leisurely approach. Are there days off? Rarely and even then I am usually thinking about the novel or project I'm working on or getting ideas for the next book. No complaints though. It's a pleasure and a privilege to be living, breathing, thinking writing, oh and writing.
January 4, 2010
Re writing – pain or pleasure?
Rewriting comes in many guises and brings with it both pain and pleasure. For me it all depends on when I am rewriting. If I have to rewrite on the editor's request then it is a pain, because, by then, I am already well into the next novel. If it is during the revision stages of a novel (before it has been sent to my editor) then it is often a pleasure with one BIG exception, and that is when I am struggling with the ending. Here I want to make the novel as exciting as possible and, it being a crime novel, I want to surprise the reader, and myself, which sounds a bit loony but although I often think I know who the villain/killer is, it sometimes turns out to be someone completely different. And that means a rewrite. Once I've cracked the ending though there is a certain pleasure in going back over the novel taking it apart, questioning each word and passage, exploring, and generally testing my prose until I feel it is the best I can possibly do, and even then I always feel I could do better!
I ask myself as I am rewriting if there are sections that I want to skip over, are there enough peaks in the novel and places where the reader can pause to catch his or her breath? Does each chapter finish on a hook compelling the reader to read a little bit more... and more...?
Is there a section that I am fond of but really adds nothing to the pace and body of the novel? If so then it has to go, no matter how painful. I simply dump it into another word file on the computer. Have all the loose ends been neatly tied up? Is the story told in the right voice?
I first wrote In Cold Daylight in the third person singular point of view through the eyes of my reluctant hero, Adam Greene, but when I reached the end of the first draft I knew it wasn't right. So I decided to change it to the first person, but still through Adam's eyes, and that made it a much more gripping novel. It's fun sometimes to play around with different voices, chapters or sections and this is where writing on a computer with the cut and paste facility is such a boom.
There are many courses that aim to teach you how to write, or how to write better, and they have their advantages, but nothing beats actually doing it and then experimenting: taking it apart, exploring different styles of writing, trying out different words and different characters. This gives you an understanding of how you use words on the page. It is painful, but if you enjoy writing (and let's face it why else would you be doing it unless you enjoy it) then it is also a pleasure.
More can be found on my blog http://www.paulinerowson.com and on my official website http://www.rowmark.co.uk
I ask myself as I am rewriting if there are sections that I want to skip over, are there enough peaks in the novel and places where the reader can pause to catch his or her breath? Does each chapter finish on a hook compelling the reader to read a little bit more... and more...?
Is there a section that I am fond of but really adds nothing to the pace and body of the novel? If so then it has to go, no matter how painful. I simply dump it into another word file on the computer. Have all the loose ends been neatly tied up? Is the story told in the right voice?
I first wrote In Cold Daylight in the third person singular point of view through the eyes of my reluctant hero, Adam Greene, but when I reached the end of the first draft I knew it wasn't right. So I decided to change it to the first person, but still through Adam's eyes, and that made it a much more gripping novel. It's fun sometimes to play around with different voices, chapters or sections and this is where writing on a computer with the cut and paste facility is such a boom.
There are many courses that aim to teach you how to write, or how to write better, and they have their advantages, but nothing beats actually doing it and then experimenting: taking it apart, exploring different styles of writing, trying out different words and different characters. This gives you an understanding of how you use words on the page. It is painful, but if you enjoy writing (and let's face it why else would you be doing it unless you enjoy it) then it is also a pleasure.
More can be found on my blog http://www.paulinerowson.com and on my official website http://www.rowmark.co.uk
January 1, 2010
It's shaping up to be a busy 2010
2010 is shaping up to be a busy year with lots of writing activity, talks and book signings to look forward to. I've added details of the first six months of the year as it stands at the moment on my blog at http://www.paulinerowson.com and there is a new Calendar of Events page on my official web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk. If you would like to be kept up to date with my events and book news you can register for my free regular e newsletter on my web site on the mailing list page at http://www.rowmark.co.uk. Most of my events are also posted on here.
2010 will see the publication of the new Inspector Horton Marine Mystery crime novel, Blood on the Sand, the fifth in the series. Dead Man's Wharf, the fourth Inspector Horton crime novel is released in paperback, and In Cold Daylight and In For The Kill will be published in Turkish. If you'd like to read more book news please check out my blog at http://www.paulinerowson.com or my web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk
Wishing you all a peaceful and prosperous 2010.
[image error]
2010 will see the publication of the new Inspector Horton Marine Mystery crime novel, Blood on the Sand, the fifth in the series. Dead Man's Wharf, the fourth Inspector Horton crime novel is released in paperback, and In Cold Daylight and In For The Kill will be published in Turkish. If you'd like to read more book news please check out my blog at http://www.paulinerowson.com or my web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk
Wishing you all a peaceful and prosperous 2010.
[image error]
December 22, 2009
Christmas Greetings
As 2009 draws to a close I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to my success as a crime writer, not least the wonderful people who have bought my crime novels, or borrowed them from the libraries, and those who have been kind enough to tell me how much they have enjoyed reading or listening to them. Thank you so much.
I would certainly like to thank my publisher, Severn House, for their continued support and belief in me, so much so that they are publishing the new DI Andy Horton crime novel, ‘Blood on the Sand’ in February 2010 (UK) and the trade paperback of ‘Dead Man’s Wharf’ in the same month.I believe they are being published in the USA in April 2010.
I have met some interesting and lovely people during the year at my talks and book signings and I'd also like to say a big 'thank you' to all library staff both in the UK and the USA for their continued support. It is much appreciated.
At the risk of this ending up sounding like an Oscar Award acceptance speech I'd better sign off now with my sincere wishes to you for a merry Christmas, a happy holiday and a healthy, peaceful and prosperous 2010.
The Official web site of crime writer Pauline Rowson http://www.rowmark.co.uk
Deadly Waters
I would certainly like to thank my publisher, Severn House, for their continued support and belief in me, so much so that they are publishing the new DI Andy Horton crime novel, ‘Blood on the Sand’ in February 2010 (UK) and the trade paperback of ‘Dead Man’s Wharf’ in the same month.I believe they are being published in the USA in April 2010.
I have met some interesting and lovely people during the year at my talks and book signings and I'd also like to say a big 'thank you' to all library staff both in the UK and the USA for their continued support. It is much appreciated.
At the risk of this ending up sounding like an Oscar Award acceptance speech I'd better sign off now with my sincere wishes to you for a merry Christmas, a happy holiday and a healthy, peaceful and prosperous 2010.
The Official web site of crime writer Pauline Rowson http://www.rowmark.co.uk
Deadly Waters
December 7, 2009
The perfect system for writing a novel
"Once they find a favourite way of getting their words on paper - or screen - novelists normally stick with it, says Philip Hensher," in the Daily Telegraph recently, and that is true because it takes a writer some time to evolve the perfect system that works for him or her. It did with me anyway.
Before I struck on the 'perfect system' I tried all sorts of ways of compiling my research, plots and character outlines, from using note books to wall maps, to A4 folders. None of them worked. The A4 folders looked nice and neat, all properly indexed, but because of my civil service training my mind told me that something in a file, was 'filed away,' actioned, finished with and a novel is a work in progress, or at least it is with me until I am holding the actual printed book in my hand. Notebooks worked for a while but I got tired of flicking through various pages trying to find the precise piece of information I needed, when I needed it. And they weren't much use for containing the research pulled off the Internet, and from other sources. Wall maps were soon a no,no. They looked messy and very rapidly got covered with notes pinned over them. So what next?
I'm not really sure how I evolved my current system of working but gradually it came together so that now all my plot lines and character outlines are executed in pencil on recycled bits of A4 paper. The plot line and each character outline is held together by a treasury tag (or India Tag). The individual characters have their name flagged up at the top of the paper. The research from various sources is then tagged on to that character and/or the plot line, and all this stays on my desk in a three tiered tray system until the novel is finished and sent to my editor, when it moves to a table behind my desk and sits there while it progresses to the printed version and I turn to writing the next novel. Nothing is filed away until the novel in question has been printed.
As to the actual writing tool - then it is straight on to the computer for me, so easy for editing.
Developing the method that works for a writer is much like developing his or her style of writing. It takes time, and trial and error until something clicks and, as the man says, once you find what works for you, you usually stick with it.
Visit the Pauline Rowson official web site for more about this author at http://www.rowmark.co.uk
Before I struck on the 'perfect system' I tried all sorts of ways of compiling my research, plots and character outlines, from using note books to wall maps, to A4 folders. None of them worked. The A4 folders looked nice and neat, all properly indexed, but because of my civil service training my mind told me that something in a file, was 'filed away,' actioned, finished with and a novel is a work in progress, or at least it is with me until I am holding the actual printed book in my hand. Notebooks worked for a while but I got tired of flicking through various pages trying to find the precise piece of information I needed, when I needed it. And they weren't much use for containing the research pulled off the Internet, and from other sources. Wall maps were soon a no,no. They looked messy and very rapidly got covered with notes pinned over them. So what next?
I'm not really sure how I evolved my current system of working but gradually it came together so that now all my plot lines and character outlines are executed in pencil on recycled bits of A4 paper. The plot line and each character outline is held together by a treasury tag (or India Tag). The individual characters have their name flagged up at the top of the paper. The research from various sources is then tagged on to that character and/or the plot line, and all this stays on my desk in a three tiered tray system until the novel is finished and sent to my editor, when it moves to a table behind my desk and sits there while it progresses to the printed version and I turn to writing the next novel. Nothing is filed away until the novel in question has been printed.
As to the actual writing tool - then it is straight on to the computer for me, so easy for editing.
Developing the method that works for a writer is much like developing his or her style of writing. It takes time, and trial and error until something clicks and, as the man says, once you find what works for you, you usually stick with it.
Visit the Pauline Rowson official web site for more about this author at http://www.rowmark.co.uk
December 1, 2009
Turkish Delight for Crime Novels
Two of my crime thriller novels are to be published in Turkish in the New Year.
Turkish Publisher Babiali Kultur Yayinciligi of Istanbul has acquired the rights to In Cold Daylight and In For The Kill
In Cold Daylight and In For The Kill are to be published in February and March 2010. They are stand alone crime novels set on the south coast of England and on the Isle of Wight. They have already been translated into Indonesian and Polish.
I’m thrilled about this. It will be exciting to see them translated into Turkish and I hope they do well in Turkey. You can read more about them on my official web site www.rowmark.co.uk
Turkish Publisher Babiali Kultur Yayinciligi of Istanbul has acquired the rights to In Cold Daylight and In For The Kill
In Cold Daylight and In For The Kill are to be published in February and March 2010. They are stand alone crime novels set on the south coast of England and on the Isle of Wight. They have already been translated into Indonesian and Polish.
I’m thrilled about this. It will be exciting to see them translated into Turkish and I hope they do well in Turkey. You can read more about them on my official web site www.rowmark.co.uk
November 30, 2009
Working out 'who done it?' Grappling with plot outlines
My wrists ache, my shoulders are sore, my brain has been spinning all night and I feel guilty because I didn't e mail or phone any of my friends yesterday. I barely looked at Facebook and Twitter, and my husband got about half a dozen words out of me - which might be a blessing, of course, as far as he's concerned. Why? Because I was grappling with the plot of the next DI Horton marine mystery crime novel, and couldn't for the life of me fathom out who had done it!
That might sound weird, as I'm the author, surely I should know, but this often happens. I had reached the climax of the novel with its sub plots and main plot and had several suspects in the frame, then I started to think, 'No, it's too obvious it's him,' or 'It can't be her because she's got no motive.' I could, of course, invent motives aplenty, but it's got to ring true. Now, after bashing out a sketchy end on my keyboard yesterday evening, considering it overnight and looking at it in the fresh light of day, I believe it will work. I hope it will work. Yes, I'm sure it will work and give my readers something to get their teeth into. Only the next revision, which I shall start today, will prove whether or not I'm right.
That might sound weird, as I'm the author, surely I should know, but this often happens. I had reached the climax of the novel with its sub plots and main plot and had several suspects in the frame, then I started to think, 'No, it's too obvious it's him,' or 'It can't be her because she's got no motive.' I could, of course, invent motives aplenty, but it's got to ring true. Now, after bashing out a sketchy end on my keyboard yesterday evening, considering it overnight and looking at it in the fresh light of day, I believe it will work. I hope it will work. Yes, I'm sure it will work and give my readers something to get their teeth into. Only the next revision, which I shall start today, will prove whether or not I'm right.
November 23, 2009
National Crime Fiction Week 2010
The Crime Writers' Association of Great Britain, (CWA) of which I am a member, has launched a new intiative for 2010 with the introduction of National Crime Fiction Week, taking place from 14 June to 20 June 2010. It is designed to raise the profile of crime fiction further, already a popular genre in the UK, and will be a celebration of crime writing.
During the week members of the CWA, including yours truly, will take part in readings, discussions, readers' group events and workshops all over the country. So keep an eye out here for my events or on my official web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk/ The crime genre is very broad so there should be something for every crime fiction fan.
I'm looking forward to being involved in this as well as another initiative, a Young Crime Writers Competition, which will be run in conjunction with the CWA and local libraries. I'll post more on this and National Crime Fiction Week in due course.
Tide of Death
During the week members of the CWA, including yours truly, will take part in readings, discussions, readers' group events and workshops all over the country. So keep an eye out here for my events or on my official web site at http://www.rowmark.co.uk/ The crime genre is very broad so there should be something for every crime fiction fan.
I'm looking forward to being involved in this as well as another initiative, a Young Crime Writers Competition, which will be run in conjunction with the CWA and local libraries. I'll post more on this and National Crime Fiction Week in due course.
Tide of Death
November 9, 2009
Literary Lunch to raise money for Cancer
I am pleased to say that on 17 November I will be the guest speaker at a charity literary lunch being held to raise funds for The Wessex Cancer Trust. It is being held at The Concorde Club on the outskirts of Southampton, close to Southampton Airport.
The Wessex Cancer Trust has raised millions to help support and improve cancer services in the Wessex region, which includes the Isle of Wight, Channel Islands, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset. It has also gained support of many well-known personalities, and Vice Presidents of the Trust include gardening expert, Alan Titchmarsh, news presenter, Sally Taylor and sporting personalities including Matt Le Tissier, Lawrie McMenemy and David Duckham. So I'm in good company just as long as the audience don't ask me to kick a football or dig up a garden! Announcing the news though I could handle. But then they'd probably rather hear me talk about what I know and do - write crime novels.
I'll be talking about my marine mystery crime and thriller novels and signing books. The Literary Lunch is 12.30pm for 1.00pm. Tickets cost £20.00. There is free parking, a cash bar and raffle. Tickets are available from Mary Kernick at marykernick@btinternet.com
In for the Kill
The Wessex Cancer Trust has raised millions to help support and improve cancer services in the Wessex region, which includes the Isle of Wight, Channel Islands, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset. It has also gained support of many well-known personalities, and Vice Presidents of the Trust include gardening expert, Alan Titchmarsh, news presenter, Sally Taylor and sporting personalities including Matt Le Tissier, Lawrie McMenemy and David Duckham. So I'm in good company just as long as the audience don't ask me to kick a football or dig up a garden! Announcing the news though I could handle. But then they'd probably rather hear me talk about what I know and do - write crime novels.
I'll be talking about my marine mystery crime and thriller novels and signing books. The Literary Lunch is 12.30pm for 1.00pm. Tickets cost £20.00. There is free parking, a cash bar and raffle. Tickets are available from Mary Kernick at marykernick@btinternet.com
In for the Kill
