I’d been writing short stories for fun and for my eyes only for five or six years before I dreamt about writing a novel. I almost persuaded myself that it wasn’t worth the effort – I knew it would be like setting out on a long journey without a map. Or without a SatNav these days. But I plucked up enough courage to begin chasing the dream on a week’s residential novel writing course and was inspired and encouraged enough to take my first steps on the journey.
In those early days I was a “pantser”, writing without pre-planning or outlining. But eventually I had to accept that flying by the seat of my pants wasn’t working for me. If I wanted to follow my dream, I would need plotting and characters from the get-go. Perhaps a bit of research too. Which is when reality came knocking – I needed more guidance than a one-week introduction to novel writing.
But despite all my subsequent studying for a Creative Writing degree and a year spent on a novel writing course, doubt moved in, and I found myself thinking about giving up. This was despite finishing my first novel and getting it edited. I’d even had some positive feedback from literary agents. But no representation.
Nevertheless, I persevered, reminding myself that I started writing stories because it was fun. I loved it. It’s a bit of a cliché, but one day I realised the truth: following your dream isn’t about the destination. It’s about the brilliant journey.So, I keep chasing that dream. And having a lot of fun along the way.
