For the last 10 years, I have been on a writing journey. In the last 3 years I started to take it seriously and in 2020, I will be aiming to push forward to the next level and complete another draft. I heard a statistic the other day, that 80% of people who start to write a novel, never complete it. That’s really high and I am determined to buck that trend.
Let’s recap
So over the 10 years, and you will see some examples on this blog, I have been on a journey of travel, corporate communications and photography. What I have recently realised, is the close links between writing and photography as ‘storytelling’ opportunities and interestingly the cross-over of what makes a ‘good’ piece of writing with what makes a ‘good’ photograph. They are both very subjective but in both cases the process of learning and finding new ways to develop provides the interest and the catalyst to keep going. That’s why I call this my storytelling journey, because the written word and an image both hold the same level of challenge, interest, excitement, joy and satisfaction for me. So they both have and will form part of this journey.
What have I done recently
Over the last 3 years I have balanced working and travelling with writing the first few drafts of my novel, through the guidance and tuition of The Writer’s Studio. I have done this on-line, across states, sitting in coffee shops, on buses and at home on the laptop. Earlier this year I completed the first part of the Third Draft Course while throwing my life upside down and moving to Broome. I also took that opportunity to use some other resources with the Australian Writer’s centre, by doing some short courses and getting into podcasts. The year was frustrating and I considered being part of that 80%, but at the end of it I decided to take advice and keep moving forward.
What next?
So, the next step is the final part of the Third Draft, which is called Third Draft extension and runs for 12 months. It is much more writing and will take me deeper into my novel. Even at the preparation stage, which I am in currently, there is plenty of re-thinking and re-jigging to be done. Its daunting and exciting at the same time.
I thought this timeframe would therefore be a good opportunity to develop a regular practise and incorporate a blog update along with each piece of daily writing. Who knows, when I am hopefully one day published, this might be a great resource to look back on.
So the goal for now is to strive to develop a routine and look for some balance. The reality is I have to work to do all the things I enjoy and want in life – travel, writing and photography and I also need to stay fit and healthy and get out of the house. I look forward to sharing my experiences and resources.
The next step of the writing journey begins!
Learning to write a novel 