A New Year, A New Phase

2018 is here, and for many, myself included, it marks the start of a new phase. This tends to be the case as we take down the Christmas tree and hang up that new cat calendar with a big fat JANUARY staring us in the face, taunting us with its promise of fresh hope and new beginnings – if only we could work out what those things are exactly!

2017 was a year of transition, leaving me quite exhausted and craving a break. As a result, I spent much of the holidays doing absolutely naff all. I put writing on hold and chose to relax and take stock of a few things. I got out on my bike, read a few books, rolled back the years with a bit of Goldeneye 64, binge-watched the new series of Black Mirror, and spent valuable time with family and friends. It was a great way to recharge, and in those moments of relaxation and no-mind, I had a few insights into my own writing and Booths.

Posting Chapter One on the blog was instrumental in this, as I received a lot of feedback from those who read it, sometimes it was only a word or two but anything I receive contributes towards my writing development, no matter how small. It really helps to take a step back once in a while and incorporate other perspectives. In doing so, I received an insight into a ‘plot problem’ that was hanging somewhere in the back of my mind like a nagging stain on the wall. Then something clicked. All hail the Narrative Gods!

It meant I would have to rewrite sections of the entire story. Thankfully, I only had 20,000 words down (which is roughly a quarter of my intended target) so this is not unconquerable. Needless to say, I’m glad I gave myself a break, otherwise, the re-write could have taken much longer and I may never have chanced upon my plot epiphany.

So, Chapter One has been amended to incorporate these. Click here to have another read of it.

Finally, I want to thank all of those who have offered their comments and advice so far and to those who have provided support or encouragement; it has shaped and improved the story, giving me a boost to tackle the New Year with confidence. So please continue to share and let me know what you think as I want to write the best possible version of Booths so that it may be enjoyed that little bit more.

Chapter Two coming soon!

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What do you hope for in 2018? Reply below!

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