Thursday 19 July 2012

THE END... OR... THE BEGINNING...? (Regardless, am off to Harrogate!).

It's five in the morning and I've just finished my second attempt at a crime novel, and sent it off to my agent, Nat Sobel.

It's been a tough year, after getting tantalisingly close with the first attempt, and gleaning amazing compliments from respected editors (who still didn't buy it!), then having to repeat the arduous process, while wondering if I could put myself through it all again.   

It sounds like I didn't enjoy the process, but I did, only it's such a strain, mentally, having to try and balance family life, a demanding job and writing.  It's been a very bumpy journey, one only other writers can truly understand, so I hope it's all been worthwhile. 

The first 'novel' is sat on my hard drive and, with a few tweaks, I still have faith in it.  Regarding the manuscript I've just sent to Nat, I (we) had a total rethink and it was a BIG ask, throughout which I had to stretch myself more than that bendy bloke off the Fantastic Four!  I'd set myself a target to finish it before the Harrogate Crime Writing Festival.  So mission accomplished! ;-)

Just pray Nat likes it. EEK! ;-)

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, and best of luck.

Jeanette Cheezum

Anonymous said...

Nice one, Col! Good luck, you're past the first hurdle - you've got it written!

Christopher Black said...

Excellent stuff, Col. I'm sure your hard work will pay off. I look forward to reading the results.

Graham Smith said...

Well done mate. I see a pint on your horizon to celebrate the completion of your novel.

Anonymous said...

I'm looking forward to seeing this one in print Col.

Dean Crawford said...

Top effort Col: that's what gets people published, hard graft! I was going to be at Harrogate but can't make it now, sadly - have a good time!

K. A. Laity said...

Congratulations & see you there!

Paul D Brazill said...

Good on yer, cobber!

Ian Ayris said...

Massive congratulations, mate.

Some achievement, that. Blimey.

And have a great time at Harrogate whilst I sit down here a million miles away crying into me beer . . .

SueH said...

Well done, Col! :-)

As you say, only writers understand the words 'hard graft' - the first draft is the 'easy' part!

But, with a following wind and(in your case, unlike some of us!) youth on your side, let's hope this kick-starts a run of literary success for you!

Enjoy Harrogate!

Anonymous said...

Wishing you every success with this novel!

Author said...

Well done, Col, I knew you'd get there in the end. (Finishing the book, that is, not just Harrogate.)

Robin B. said...

Excellent news, Col!

Lily Childs said...

Well done, Col. We all know you've put your heart and soul into this book - and what's more, we're all gagging to read it!

Get yourself some well-deserved rest, and enjoy Harrogate as a novelist with two books under his belt - something a lot of us aspire to.

Proud of you. xx

Unknown said...

Thank you, kind folks.

Your support is truly invaluable.

Best get off. I've an important date! ;-)

Regards,
Col

Mike Wilkerson said...

Right on, man!

Kate Pilarcik ~ absolutely said...

Sending good vibes/prayers/energies that Nat says, "Oh yeah -- he nailed it!" . . . Then I join the Anticipation Crew up above of your worthy colleagues sharing the how it feels to get to that glorious book in your hand.

Best at kicking this new momentum up at Harrogate, mate! ~ Absolutely*Kate

Unknown said...

Congrats! :)

Alan Griffiths said...

Top effort, Col. Congrats and the very best of British to you.

Unknown said...

Cheers, chaps 'n' chapettes. Muchly appreciated.

David Barber said...

Top job, buddy. Fingers crossed. (Apologies for my late show. In Manchester all weekend enjoying no internet!!)

Sean Patrick Reardon said...

Wow- That is great news, and best of luck. You know I am rooting for you!!

Unknown said...

No probs, Dave. Hope it all went well. Cheers, mate.

Sean, I really appreciate your support, bud.

Best,
Col