Yesterday I sat down to work on a section of my novel which is set in a hot, dry place. Outside, however, the skies were grey and the wind was blowing. It was becoming cooler. Autumn leaves drifted down. Everywhere was damp. Everywhere was muddy. Unsurprisingly, the writing refused to happen.
Fortunately, I have an unfinished short story set in a leaden, windy, wet and muddy environment – Britain – so I wrote a few hundred words on that. My hero was a bit wet and cold and windswept, but what the heck!
I know a few hundred words isn’t much, but it’s more than I’ve managed for a while. Partly, because I’ve been unusually busy, and partly because I’ve felt a bit down.
But as a bit of a progress report on my forthcoming short story collection, A Dozen Destinies, a few more of the stories went out to beta readers yesterday, so I haven’t yet given up on the possibility of having it ready for the beginning of December. I’ve settled on a cover picture (big reveal to come!) and decided to release it as an Amazon Print on Demand and Kindle ebook only.
Last year, I spent a lot of time looking at other outlets for Making Friends with the Crocodile, as well as releasing it on Amazon, and I eventually used Kobo (ebook) and Pothi (POD in India), but neither of them justified the effort. So this time I’ll keep it simple.
Goodness me, I don’t know how any of you manage to contain your excitement.
And today it’s grey and windy and wet. And there is a real bite to the wind.
Oh well. ‘It was a dark and soggy night…’
Imagine yourself sitting on the chair at Sunset View overlooking the hot dry valley. A gentle breeze so you don’t get overheated, and a large glass of vino at hand. The only sound the quiet chattering of frogs telling each other they’re there.
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Hmm…it’s working, I think…yes…I’m feeling inspired…I…damn…oh, what was that Charlotte?
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Hahaha…
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Wish you all the best and come out soon with your new stuff, it requires a lot of patience courage and art to write a story. Waiting for your cover page too
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Thanks, Subhash. Hopefully, I’ll repay your patience with it.
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I am sure 🙂
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I know how that feels. it’s always easier to write about something when it matches with the real world. where do you do your book cover?
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The last time I used Canva to create it, using my own artwork. This time I will probably do the same.
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kanva being the online template?
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Basically, yes. You’d need to go and have a look at it on https://www.canva.com/
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thanks a lot.
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I always find that weather is the favorite topic for an Englishman! 😉
Or it can be a unfavorable one when the weather turns rainy and gloomy!
Good wishes for your next book, Mick!
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Thanks, Arv. We love to moan about the weather here!
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Ha ha! quite like politics, bollywood and cricket in India!
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Oh, we have the politics and the cricket, too!
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Great so we are divided with only Bollywood and weather! .. LOL!
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The weather does get discussed quite a lot up in the hills, I find, though!
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Weather changes very quickly in hills, may be that’s the reason, Mick!
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Dark and stormy is a bit overused….unless it’s in a glass……
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I quite agree with you – on both counts. Hence ‘dark and soggy.
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Whatever works….
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Well, it might…
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😉
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Certainly no shortage of rain at the moment! winter is on the way
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Sadly true, Malcolm. Time to write the Winter Tales.
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Could be a plan lol
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I could call it ‘A Winter’s Tale’, perhaps…
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And why not ! probably be very apt.
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Call me perverse, but I love that slushy-looking photo at the top. I can smell the mud and leaf-mould.
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Well, I’m glad you like it – I do, too. I do prefer the good weather, but I guess I can get inspired from whatever the story demands.
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I bought and read “Making Friends with the Crocodile,” so I know you are a talented writer. Just keep at it Mick, some days it’s easier to write than others, but every time you write you are adding to the story.
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Thanks, Ann. Yes, each time it gets a little closer to completion, even if it does seem to be taking an age.
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