Moving forward

Book 2 is in early draft waiting for editorial advice, so I'm at a quiet point in the cycle. I'm working with other writers at the moment, trying to improve the connectedness (is that a word?) of writers in the area. Far from being isolated in a creative wilderness, it turns out that I'm surrounded by writers, there's even another novelist living about a mile away. Some areas have a more overt community of writers but the local area is buzzing with new initiatives - if you know where to look. The North Devon Publishing Project is, hopefully, going to connect more of these movers and shakers with writers in the community.

Otherwise, I'm looking forward to going to London to meet with my agent and also my editor at Del Rey UK. And, for fun, to meet up with two other Del Rey writers for a chat and to put faces to the blogs! I'm also looking for more opportunities to teach creative writing, I miss the interaction with other writers. They are also usually experienced readers, and who can teach you more about your writing than the other half of the creative process?

I've also been asked if I would like to guest on the Mslexia blog. This is a great opportunity, especially as the Mslexia novel writing competition deadline is in September and the book that was a runner up will be published in October. The winner's book, The Palace of Curiosities by Rosie Garland, came out in March and is marvellous. I urge you to read it.