Hi everyone!
In this Issue:
Sleeping in Reykjavík*
Twitter Thoughts
Writing Tips
News and Events
SJW Recommends
Sleeping in Reykjavík*
I’ve recently returned from Reykjavík, where I attended Iceland Noir, a fantastic literary festival which mostly (though not exclusively) focuses on crime and thriller fiction. It was my second year there — last year I was invited to contribute to a panel discussion on film and TV adaptations during which I revealed that Nicole Kidman smells wonderful and met Íris Tanja Flygenring, who starred in the Icelandic TV show Katla — and this year I was fortunate enough to attend as a crime/thriller fan.
It was a hugely inspiring visit. One can’t fail to be moved by Iceland — a place I’ve now visited three times and which is like no other on earth — but there is also something magical about spending a few days with people with whom you share the same passions and interests. As a reader it’s great to chat to other fans about books and TV they’ve loved, as well as listen to writers discuss their work. And as a writer? It’s even more stimulating. I always return from festivals eager to get back to my work in progress, to try new things, new approaches. Just as I’ve talked in the past about needing to helicopter above the work and look at it as a whole, rather than at the sentence level, sometimes it can help to go even higher and look at your entire practice, at the reason(s) you do what you do, and the energy you bring to it.
This is what festivals like Iceland Noir give me — as well as a chance to reconnect with friends and readers alike, it’s a real shot of adrenaline, a jolt out of the day-to-day of my job that causes me to reevaluate what I’m doing. And while I was there it occurred to me that this is an important — if not vital — thing to do, whatever your line of work. Even before I became a full-time, published, writer — when I worked in the NHS in children’s hearing services — it was important to occasionally connect with colleagues outside of the day-to-day environment we were all used to. My favourite musician/author, Kristin Hersh, has a lyric “You change your view to change your worldview”1, and I was thinking about that a lot as I wandered the streets of Reykjavík between sessions. I’m going to try to remember that, going forward. I’m going to do more helicoptering. Maybe you will too?
How about you? Do you ever consciously take time out to reevaluate how you work/live?
On Twitter
Since the start of the pandemic I have tried to keep my social media largely apolitical and uncontroversial2, with few exceptions and mainly for my own mental health. It's been difficult, at times, and I've come to realise how helpful it can be to type out an angry tweet, only to press Delete rather than Post.
That said, like many I do have some concerns about what’s happening on Twitter. I’m staying, for now at least, but if you’re so inclined I’d encourage you to follow my other social media, links to which can be found on my Home page.
I’m also starting to use the Chat function here on Substack, which seems not dissimilar to Twitter and a good way to connect with you all. My understanding is this works better if you have the Substack App, so you might want to consider that. I have to say I downloaded it and it’s a good way of keeping up with the newsletters and threads I’m interested in, so I’d encourage you to take a look3.
Are you writing? A few tips…
It’s NaNoWriMo22 — when writers around the globe try to get 50k words of a novel down during the month of November — so I thought I’d share some tips for the writers out there.
In a first draft, it’s more important to get it written than to get it right. Beware the endless rewriting of chapter 1, when chapters 2 onwards remain unwritten. This is of course a habit that NaNoWriMo is designed to help you break, but for those that are struggling, or who aren’t doing NaNoWriMo (I’m not, it’s not for me, though I support wholeheartedly those who are), remember - you can (and indeed should) polish to your heart’s content, but do it later.
For goodness' sake carry a notebook, or make notes on your phone. Ideas visit at the strangest times, and no matter how brilliant, there's no guarantee you'll magically remember them. I’ve learnt this, to my cost.
Do you have people you trust to look at your work, and give you honest feedback? If so, that's great. If not, consider joining a writing group, online or in real life. Much of the feedback won't help, but some will be priceless. And it will usually help to connect regularly with people who understand what you’re trying to achieve.
Don’t forget, you can get more hints and tips by upgrading your subscription to this newsletter. Those who pay for full access will receive The Writers’ Lodge, a nurturing and supportive newsletter for anyone who is writing, or who is considering embarking on a writing project and wondering whether they have what it takes.
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News and Events
I’m going to be leading a writing retreat at Chez Castillon in the south of France, from 9-15th May, 2023. Take a look and do join us. There are still some places left, and I should soon be able to announce some exciting news about the identity of some of the other guests! Suffice to say, attendees will be getting some brilliant advice and support, and not just from me…
SJW recommends
A richly layered novel of murder, mystery, intrigue and obsession. Full review here.
Happy reading/writing!
(*”Sleeping in Reykjavík” is ALSO a lyric by Kristin Hersh. This one from the song “Dark Blue”.)
In the song “LAX” if you’re interested
Unless you see me at a festival, in which case buy me a drink and find out what I really think
And no, no one has asked me to say that…