In October 2023, I signed a two book deal with Bookouture in London, England, The first book was due at the end of this month, and this morning, I delivered the completed manuscript to my editor, with 3 days to spare! I’m not sure how much I’m permitted to share about the book or its title at this point in the process, so instead, I’m sharing a few thoughts about what it’s like to write a novel to a deadline.
In short, I LOVED it. But it’s not for everyone.
In October, this book existed only as a detailed chapter-by-chapter outline, and thirty or so sample pages. On every single day since then I’ve spent 2-4 hours on the book… in addition to my regular teaching, writing retreats and office work. Usually, I’m up at about six, and after filling a thermos with coffee, I write through until ten or so. I break for a quick breakfast, and pick up my usual work schedule at about ten thirty. Three evenings a week, I teach through until 9pm – Creative Writing, and Academic English.
It’s a tough schedule, and takes its toll, for sure. Physically, neck tension and back problems have been an issue; I’m often so deeply involved in the writing that I forget to adjust my position. The answer is the very large cushion you see in this picture! My family thought the choice a little bizarre, but it works… and I even named him after one of my central characters.
Another challenge: I always prefer to write my first drafts by hand, on paper. Somehow, the connection between hand and pen feels more creative (and enjoyable) than staring at a screen. But transcribing the novel afterwards took time I could ill afford. The solution? Talk-to-text! Not only did this speed up the process and reduce eye strain, but I soon learned that the mistakes the software makes are huge, glaring ones and easy to fix – unlike the subtle mistakes my fingers often make on a keyboard. Talk-to-text also meant I read every part of my novel out loud, and I was able to improve the rhythmic flow of the sentences much more easily. It’s a process that worked so completely, I would recommend it to anyone.
If these were the challenges of writing to a deadline, the rewards were huge. After years of longing to write every day and resisting the urge (because of other responsibilities) suddenly, the signed contract meant writing WAS a responsibility! Each morning, I leapt out of bed, eager to return to the story, eager to plunge into the world I’d created. My family noticed the difference at once: writing makes me happy! To quote my mum, on a Facetime call from England a few days ago, “You still have that big smile on your face.”
And now, the first novel is in the hands of my editor, and until she responds, there’s nothing more to be done. So what’s the plan, for these next few days? A lie-in each morning, perhaps? A break from creativity? More time to focus on office work?
Nope. Thankfully, I’ve a second novel to write.
Julie
