During much of the writing of my current WIP I was going through a lot of personal trauma. Last year I went through a divorce after 23 years of marriage so things were never going to be easy.
While it would have been easier to hide away somewhere till the black cloud had passed, I had no choice but to continue writing. Firstly, I have a publishing deal to fulfil and, secondly, I had to think about my future income. At times I felt frustrated as my writing wasn’t flowing as easily as normal; I was too preoccupied with other matters and it made it really hard work.
With all this in mind I was dreading the edits, feeling that I might read through the book and think, ‘what a load of rubbish’ or words to that effect. However, I’ve now reached the editing stage and I’m glad to say that I’m pleasantly surprised. It seems that I have channelled my inner angst.
There’s no doubt that the writing of this book, more than any others, has been cathartic. It’s fortunate that I write gritty crime rather than syrupy romance as I think it would have been difficult to write anything sickly sweet given my frame of mind throughout much of the writing process.
I’m happy with the book’s content and feel that it’s my best yet although some may view it as my worst in terms of the level of brutality. As I enter a new year and the next chapter in my life it’s a relief to know that I have produced something that I’m not only proud of but that I also feel is marketable, especially as my writing now provides the bulk of my income.
So here’s to a better year ahead. This will be the year when my first book through my new publisher hits the market so I’m very excited about that. I’m also hoping to push ahead in my personal life too with just the small matter of moving home to attend to and sorting out my finances. Although I expect moving house to be a stressful process I’m viewing it as the start of a new phase in my life.
Here’s to new beginnings:
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Heather Burnside Author 
Congratulations on being able to complete your book. It is amazing how things interlink our personal life and our work or creative life. The upset you were experiencing obviously fueled your passion and emotions just so to produce the genre of book you were writing. Good luck with the publishing and wishing you all the best in life from now on.
Thank you so much for your kind words which are very much appreciated. 🙂
I agree with Puzzles of the Sound. It’s wonderful that you were able to channel your feelings about your divorce into finding the energy to complete your book. I hope it’s a smashing success!
Thank you very much Lydia. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. 🙂
You’re welcome.
What a challenging year 2016 must have been for you. You should be proud of your achievements, Heather. I have no doubt that this book will be a success as it speaks from the heart and real experiences of anger, difficulty, frustrations and worry. I wish you the best 2017, both for your personal and professional life xx
Thanks, Martina. Yes, it hasn’t been easy but I’m so glad to have come through it, and finishing the first draft of the book has given me a lift. I hope you are well. x
Congratulations on the book – it could not have been easy with the background upheaval. I raise a glass to you and wish you all the best! 🙂
Thank you very much. I appreciate your support. 😊
I like editing too – you have the feeling that you’re improving the book, which is always nice. And having a good editor to discuss ideas with is brilliant. Here’s to 2017!
Thanks, Linda. Yes, that’s my next hurdle – hoping my publisher and editor will be happy with the book. I wish you all the best too for 2017. 😊
Best wishes for 2017 Heather, I hope it brings all the new starts and success you want.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Georgia. I hope you have a good year too. 🙂 x
Congratulations on your new book Heather, I look forward to reading it. This is a Bret Easton Ellis quote that I like: ‘No one is drawn to writing about being happy or feelings of joy.’
Thanks for your comment, Guy. I love that quote. I think writing is a cathartic process which enables writers to express their inner emotions. It’s probably fortunate that I’ve had a lot of c*** in my life. 🙂