“Talus and the Frozen King” – First Draft VS Final

At what point does homage become pastiche? That's the question I came up against when I wrote my Neolithic murder mystery Talus and the Frozen King. While the novel is unashamedly inspired by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic stories about Victorian detective Sherlock Holmes, I was determined that my tale of ancient crime and punishment … Continue reading “Talus and the Frozen King” – First Draft VS Final

The Many Lives of a Writer – 6

Most people are like cats – they live not just one life, but many. Writers are no exception. Here's the skinny on my sixth writing life. Collaboration I'm not exactly sure when I slipped into my sixth writing life. That's the thing with time. We like to imagine it frozen into neat little chunks, like ice cubes in … Continue reading The Many Lives of a Writer – 6

Ghostwriter Diaries – On Pseudonyms

The novel I ghostwrote earlier this year will be published soon, under pseudonym. Today, I learned what that pseudonym is to be. It's a strange feeling, acquainting yourself with someone who doesn't exist … yet who is in many respects your own self. Like looking into a mirror and seeing a stranger staring back. The … Continue reading Ghostwriter Diaries – On Pseudonyms

Where Do Writers Get Their Ideas?

Where do you get your ideas from? It's the cliché question every fiction writer gets asked. Over and over again. It bugs the hell out of some people, but I rather like trying to come up with answers, because the creative process fascinates me. I say "answers" in the plural, because I believe the muses … Continue reading Where Do Writers Get Their Ideas?

Ghostwriter Diaries – Final Entry

Shortly before Christmas, I commenced ghostwriting a fantasy novel. Four months and 85,000 words later, the manuscript is finished. My work is done ... until I start on the sequel in September, that is. Before I turn my attention to my next project, I feel all of you who have stuck with me through this odyssey deserve some kind … Continue reading Ghostwriter Diaries – Final Entry

Ghostwriter Diaries 26 – Completion!

ONE DAY until submission! The manuscript is complete. Yes, four months after starting, and one day early, I've finished the fantasy novel I've been ghostwriting. All that remains is for me to compose an email to my client, attach the manuscript, and click Send. Do I feel good about that? What do you think? Today's final session has … Continue reading Ghostwriter Diaries 26 – Completion!

Ghostwriter Diaries 25

TWO DAYS until submission! Today, I haven't touched the manuscript at all. Even ghosts have to take time off occasionally.

Ghostwriter Diaries 24

THREE DAYS until submission! I haven't quite reached the peak of this ghostwriting mountain, but I have completed most of the final ascent. The steepest slopes are behind me. All that remains ahead is a short trek up the final ridge that ascends steadily to the summit. It doesn't look too arduous, but the ledges are precarious and it's a … Continue reading Ghostwriter Diaries 24

Ghostwriter Diaries 23

FOUR DAYS until submission! My ghostwriting marathon is nearly over. This morning, I dealt with all but the last ten pages of editorial notes on the MS. I had fewer issues to deal with than in previous chapters, although a couple of storyline tweaks meant rewriting several sections. A few tricky moments, but nothing terminal. … Continue reading Ghostwriter Diaries 23

Ghostwriter Diaries 22

FIVE DAYS until submission! My editing session this morning was smooth and strong, much like the coffee that fuelled it. Today's challenges included bringing an important secondary character a little more centre-stage (I'd inadvertantly sidelined him in the thick of the battle action). I also made a few changes in one chapter that needed foreshadowing … Continue reading Ghostwriter Diaries 22