Can you write a publishable book, or even a story that other people will want to read? Have you got what it takes? Is your writing any good? Are you wasting your time?
I remember being plagued with these doubts when I was writing Before I Go to Sleep. I felt I was writing better than I ever had before, and I thought I’d hit upon a story others would find enjoyable, and a character people would want to read about. But had I? Perhaps I was kidding myself.
And then, what would I do when I’d finished? The publishing industry seemed mysterious and opaque, I had no idea how to find an agent and not a clue what I’d say to one even if I did. I was lucky enough to be on a creative writing course — which helped me to answer some of those questions and meant I felt less alone — but still the process was daunting. I kept returning again and again to the question: Am I wasting my time?
These thoughts are near universal, I think. Writing is a solitary act, and a novel is a long project. Feelings of doubt can sometimes feel constant and, particularly when working on your first book, it is common to be plagued with questions: Is this working? Is it any good? Am I wasting my time? Without others to support you, it can be a very lonely journey indeed.
The Writers’ Lodge
With this in mind I’ve been trying to find a way to provide a supportive environment to others out there, and to offer advice and to share some of the insights I’ve gained over the decade or so that I’ve been a published author.
Welcome, then, to The Writers’ Lodge. This is a newsletter aimed at those who might be struggling with these questions as they work, or are considering embarking on a writing project and wondering whether they have what it takes to get their ideas onto the page, or may even just be considering their first tentative steps into writing fiction.
Each month you’ll receive two newsletters, direct to your inbox, in which we’ll consider different aspects of the process of writing and editing a long piece of fiction, with articles and exercises designed to help the writer establish whether they’re on track or in need of course correction. The newsletters will include:
How to determine if your idea is good enough
How to navigate that tricky first draft
Dealing with difficult feedback from first readers
How to go about finding the perfect agent
Interviews with top authors and publishing professionals
Share your work in interactive Q&As with the group
My hope is that together we will create a supportive environment, with opportunity for subscribers to share their doubts, fears and (if they wish) their work, for the group to discuss.
The goal is to make the process of writing just that little bit less daunting, and the process of publishing a little bit less opaque...
How to sign up
I’ll be sending The Writer’s Lodge updates to all those with a paid subscription to this newsletter. I’ve kept the price affordable, so for less than the cost of a weekly coffee you’ll receive the updates and full access to the archive, plus you’ll be able to leave comments and be part of the growing community.
As an added incentive to early adopters, for those signing up before March 10, 2022, I’m offering:
20% off the cost of a monthly subscription, OR
40% off the cost of an annual subscription (both valid for the first year of membership).
For a limited time I’m also offering the opportunity to become a ‘Founding Member’ of the community. Sign up at this level and I will read and give feedback on up to 5000 words of your work (either written or via Zoom, spaces limited).
I do hope you’ll join us to help build The Writers’ Lodge into an interactive resource for all those who want to write fiction, or improve their work.
Happy writing!