A New Year and a Change of Direction.

I'm a writer. Not news, Iknow. But, writers write. They read as well, and, sometimes, they do a bit ofliving - on the side, so you won't really notice it. So far, on this blog, I'veserved the needs of numerous authors by interviewingthem and promoting their work. I've reviewed books I've read. Because,believe me, any writer who doesn't read is wasting his time. You can't write inisolation, unaware of what's happening in the world of books. I don't read asmuch as I used to, or as much as I should, or, indeed, as much as I'd like to.But last year, apart from the monthly writing magazines frequent newslettersand emailed updates I read, I managed to get through 30 books. This year I'dlike to try to average 1 a week. We'll see.But, more importantly, I'dlike to get some new writing done, some of my past writing edited, and more ofmy work published. So, I'm publicly declaring a determination to enter work forcompetitions, to submit work to magazines and to complete the novels Icurrently hold in draft form. Why make such adeclaration public? Well, if it's out therewith readers, you're likely to ask me about my progress, which means I have anadditional motive for actually keeping to the plan. I don't want to have tofind excuses why I haven't done this or that. Not that that will stop mefinding such excuses, when I feel the need, of course.What this means inpractice is that my Daily Word Spot will either disappear completely (pleaselet me know how important this is to you as a reader by making a comment) or itmight become a weekly digest with a few words in each instead. The problem withthose posts is that they take up a lot of time, you see.So, the plan is to do alonger article each week, usually on the writing process or something involvedwith books, reading and writing. This will replace my previously regularThursday interview slot. At the weekend, I'll do a summary of my writingactivity, illustrating what does and doesn't work and letting readers knowwhat's involved in actually getting words down on paper (or, of course, onscreen for the ebooks). I'll keep up the writingcontests page, since I'll be entering competitons and know how useful thatparticular page has been to a number of you.And, this is breaking newshere, I'm going to be giving something back to you for your time andcontributions. Later today I'll post the full text of my free ebook, But, Baby, It's Cold Outside, so you canread it here, if you wish. It's an appropriate story for today, since it's seton New Year's Eve. However, the real news is that I'll start to release thefull text of my novel, Breaking Faith,in instalments, so that those who haven't bought or borrowed it, can read the wholestory here. That will start on Friday, 6th January, with the Prologue, andcontinue each Friday until the end of the book is reached. Why? Writing is all about beingread. Any modern writer who sets out to make money from writing as a primaryaim is either daft or self-deluded. The JK Rowlings and Dan Browns represent analmost infinitesimal fraction of the community of writers out there. In UK, theaverage novel sells no more than 2,000 copies. For an experienced writer,that's around a year's work. At a royalty rate of 10% on a £7.99 paperback -well, you do the math, as they say. Let's just accept that by far the majorityof writers, irrespective of talent and ability, will never make a living fromtheir writing. For those wannabees who think they'll make a quick killing inthe market place, please accept this as a friendly warning: if you want to makea quick buck, find something else; writing isn't going to do it for you. So, I'll waste no more ofyour time now. But, please, do make comments. It's easily done, anonymously, ifyou can't do it any other way; you can always add your name at the end of thecomment. Writers exist in a world that can be isolating, and feedback is notonly important, it's essential.My thanks for your timeand attention. May I wish you all the very best in the coming year? I hope youall receive the good things you wish for yourselves.