Ear infections, chest infections, conjunctivitis, sore throats, you name it, we have it!

Aideen,
doubts plague all writers, pubbed and unpubbed alike (in fact, I’m writing an article on this very topic as we speak. Onces it’s pubbed in the magazine, I’ll post it on my website.)

As for structuring, I used to be a complete plotter but have evolved the more I write.
I still like to have a good idea of what my characters are like, their backgrounds and conflicts.
Then I write.
The first 3 chapters fly, even the next 3, then things can become a little ‘stuck’
I then resort to trusty pen and paper to jot down key scenes/one sentence summary of each chapter, so I have an idea where the book is heading.
I find this really helps me, gives me a new kickstart!

It’s lovely to read that even the published authors such as yourself feel the odd twinge of self doubt. And yes, I suspect every writer does at one time or another. But the way you put it, that your not in competition with the others, rather you bring your own unique voice to the line goes a long way to making me feel better. So thank you for that.
As for your structure, I love it!! I’m thinking it’s quite similar to how I scope out my ideas. Bones first, fill in the flesh later. That is if I can get past my earlier problem of editing every single word I write.

And Robyn,
Such simple logical advice, I don’t know why I didn’t think of it myself. I spent the last half hour going back over previous attempts and I have to admit that I think what I’m writing at the moment is definitely a step up, lots of improvement as far as I can see. I adore your idea of aiming into that ‘ballpark’, it’s basically what I’m doing but you’ve made me see things a lot clearer here!!

This site is very helpful and I’m grateful we can all hang out here. There’s nothing like encouragement and friendly words from around the world.

Aideen.

Easier said than done, but I try to avoid direct comparisons between what I’m writing and the newest book from one of my FAV authors. I find it more constructive to compare two pieces of my own work (something old against my new WIP) and if there’s an improvement over time then I know I’m making progress!

What works for me is to read a whole bunch of books and then look at them collectively and aim into that ballpark… even if that ballpark does, at times, appear miniscule and miles away.

As for ‘losing faith in yourself halfway through’ I think an honest crit partner or group is invaluable.

Robyn

I’m sure everyone here will appreciate what you say about being momentarily demoralised when you read another writer’s fantastic work.

I for one am thoroughly daunted by the brilliance of my fellow Mod-Heat authors.

I read my first Mod Heat the day after I sold my first book. It was Kelly Hunter’s ‘Bedded for Diamonds’, and I thought ‘Oh my God. This is wonderful. I’ll never compete with this.’ From the first word to the last it was a work of absolute art.

But I’ve come to the realisation since that I’m not in competition. Each one of us is a unique artist in her own right, doing her best for our line.

And every so often, when you least expect it, some stranger you’ve never heard of writes to you or posts a message to the world, exclaiming over how much she loved your last book. It gives you such a fantastic boost you float along on Cloud 89 thinking, ‘Hey, I must be all right too!’

As for structure, I’m afraid that in my case its all in the air. I have a loose outline of where it’s going, (have to give that to my editor) but I don’t know every detail until it unfolds. The thing is, I know that some part of my brain DOES know where it’s going, it just won’t tell me up front. Thank goodness I can usually recognise at the finish of a chapter when its exactly right for how it needs to be to progress the story along.

And Nic. ‘Course I know you’re not fibbing. I’m just awed, babe. Wish I could do it.

Rach, Robyn, any advice on what gets you through the above type moments?

Aideen.

I think you’ve asked 2 questions there, deadlines and how long the writing process takes?

With deadlines, it depends on a variety of factors. How many books a year an author can physically write, available slots, number of books contracted, etc…

As for how long it takes to get a finished produce ready to send off to an editor, can I say this is like asking ‘how long is a piece of string?’

For me, every book is different. I’ve had books like Two-Week Mistress fly from my fingers in just over that time (3 weeks for the first draft, another week to edit then send.) whereas others take longer.
It also depends on what’s happening life-wise at the time. If kids are sick or teething, or other family stuff intervenes, the book will take longer.
In ‘perfect’ conditions, my average is 4-6 weeks.
Mind you, been a while since I’ve had ‘perfect’ conditions!!!

a plot book is definitely the way to go.

Get a nice fancy notebook, makes it feel that extra special

And sorts out those characters into line waiting their turn

With writing tight and polished the first time, I think it has more to do with writing style than experience.
Many authors who’ve sold loads more books don’t write sequentially, they write bits’n'pieces of scenes then piece them all together at the end.

I reckon whatever works for you, do it