Annette V Hart's Blog: The ramblings of Annette Hart, page 14

The naming of parts...

I'm enjoying the task of writing the bones of a new story so much that I don't want to stop to figure out names. I have my main characters' names but whenever I come across a new character I think 'Don't stop - work out the name later' and now I've got quite a few to sort out! Although my countries are fictitious, I do like to give them names appropriate to their 'feel', (e.g. Anglo-Saxon) and the inhabitants names follow suite. It means spending time working around a few, mixing and matching beginnings and endings, or, occasionally, searching for names with appropriate meanings.

Productivity...

I'm feeling very creative at the moment: chutney, sloe gin and a new story. Well... intermittently productive, real moments of excitement and achievement surrounded by more mundane tasks. I intend to have a go at making candles next, between more chapters of the book and endless washing.

Publication due...

I am finally getting excited because, despite a few hiccups being ironed out, I have now the cover of my second book which is due to be published at the end of October. I can't wait for my box of books! Once I get the finalised date I can set up a giveaway too. Yippee!

Trying to work...

My work just seems to be full of ups and downs at the moment. I am trying hard to organise some booksignings; the shop staff are very positive and helpful on the phone but then you get a negative response by email. Is this a fob-off technique? I also got excited at writing a new story today: drafting a plan, characters, even a first chapter. But that was followed by children with homework problems and a tempramental computer! My enthusiasm is put on hold until I finish this.

And now I just have an inkling of a cold starting...

Drafting...

Having reread and scribbled additions and changes in several coloured pens all over my current draft of Athlandia book #3, tonight I made a good start at rewritting it on the computer. After putting up with noisey children (still the holidays), deciphering almost illegible writing and several forays into the dictionary, I'm taking a well earned break. My head aches after a lovely dinner and several glasses of wine at my in-laws!

Summer...

My cousin's wedding was simple and elegant - a gorgeous day - and the weather was good despite another dodgy summer. My holiday photos are full of pictures of the children looking either cold, wet or miserable (sometimes all three). I have a great shot of Sidmouth beach in Folk Week sporting a marvellous selection of greys. When will we ever have a sunny August again?

I came back from a week in Devon to discover that my second book's publication date has been put back until September so I am optamistically working on book three.

Back in the doldrums...

Returned from holiday (a fantastic family wedding but a so-so holiday with ropey weather), to find that the publication of my second book has been delayed until September. I am twiddling my thumbs while I wait to see - and sign off - the front cover. I know that the best thing I can do is settle down to some writing, maybe working on the current draft of book 3 or my rewriting of another story I've started in order to make it an adult fantasy novel. It's time to squirrel myself away from the rest of the family and get on with some work!

So excited...

I'm so excited... but not about my next book! Not only am I off on holiday shortly but I am also going to a family wedding. It's been ages since we've had a big do so my eldest daughter and I are getting thoroughly ready with our hair, outfits and accessories. It should be smart but fun (and a chance to catch up with family). I do promise to take some writing with me and particularly to take my note book. I have found the West Country a good source of descriptive inspiration in the past.

Well done, PM Cameron!

I think the Prime Minister is in desperate need of some history lessons. I can not believe that in the year which commemorates the 70th Anniversary of Dunkirk, The Battle of Britain and The Blitz Cameron could make such a blunder as to suggest that we were a junior partner in the war to the US in 1940. Perhaps he also needs to learn the significance of Pearl Harbour in 1941 for Britain, i.e. the US officially joining the war.

Definitely in the doldrums...

I'm definitely in the doldrums as far as my writing is concerned and therefore I'm still very cross with myself. I've tried doing everything I can to kick start some enthusiasm; I can only assume it's tiredness and that a rest and a good family holiday will sort me out. I'll be seeing lots of relatives so I'm sure their interest and encouragement will also help.

And getting a finalised publishing date for my second book would also help!