I first started writing in earnest in 2002. That first novel I wrote as my small son had his afternoon nap will never see the light of day, but it was an excellent training ground. Since then I’ve written a collection of short stories that was transformed into a young adult novella, a novel set in Cambodia and now a self-help title. A mixed bag. Years of redrafting.
A lot of it has been fun, exciting, interesting, cathartic, healing. But it’s also been infuriating, annoying, challenging and bloody hard work.
Looking back I can see how I have grown in my craft. I now describe myself as a writer without even an inward squirm. I understand the fear of a blank page as well as the thrill. I have developed a thick skin strong enough to withstand rejection and the toughest edit. I’ve met other wonderful writers and enjoy their support and advice. I’ve felt the highs of grand self-delusion and the pits of feeling “everything I write is crap.”
I’ve earned my writing stripes.
And I am more determined than ever to never, ever, ever, stop.
writing
WRITING DEADLINE LOOMING
My best writing buddy, the talented Helena Pastor (see her work in Island, Griffith REVIEW, Westerly, Hecate etc), have set ourselves a deadline of finishing the first drafts of our works in progress by the end of August. Helena is writing a creative non-ficiton project called “Iron Men – Alchemy at Work” about a youth project in Armidale and I’m working on my”Little Guide to Grief, First Aid for your Heart and Soul. Practical Tools to Help Cope with Loss”. A long title and quite a change from fiction but it demanded to be done.
When we’ve finished our drafts on time the mammoth effort will be celebrated by our traditional Writers Retreat at Evan’s Head where we forget that we are mothers for a weekend and indulge ourselves in uninterrupted reading and writing. We will edit each other’s work and plan our second drafts.
Today I did 1700 new words (that’s a pretty good day for me considering I’ve been out teaching). Tomorrow I hope to do the same. It’s only a few weeks till the end of August and I’ve got this chapter to finish and then two more. Can I make it? You bet your booties I can (or I’ll eat my bonnet). Having neither booties nor a bonnet this is a pretty safe bet.
Edwina Shaw 