My big fat novel-writing diary - week 2

It's the end of week two of my novel writing adventure and here I am with another blog post.

This week has been busy with research. I've immersed myself in a time and a place. I've been talking to people, to experts in their field, researchers, writers.  I've handled objects from decades ago; held original documents in my hands that have made me cry; pored over maps.

I've visited museums and walked the village in which my story is set, walking the streets as my lead character, seeing it all through her eyes.

Our spare room has now become my working and writing room, taken over by corkboards to which I've pinned pictures, maps and notes.

I am almost ready to write.

Many months ago, before writing a novel was part of my plan, I booked an afternoon of meditation to help calm my creative, busy mind. That afternoon is tomorrow, the day before I begin to shape my thoughts into words.

Perfect, perfect timing.

If you missed it, week 1 of the diary is here.

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Corrie weekly update - Babies, Beige and Teenage Girls

I've been writing Coronation Street weekly updates since 1995 and this week's Coronation Street update has just gone live here.

This week in Corrie, it's like Ena and Elsie all over again.

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Poem: The Photo Copier

"I like that," you said

Was it item X, Y or Z?

You soon wore the same  

"I like her," you said
Of my favourite friend

Inserting a ream
Into the machine

You copied your history to her

Two-faces revealed 

Double-sided copying

Toner runs out

Friendship fades

You're a negative to me now

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My big fat novel-writing diary - week 1

I'm writing my first proper novel.

And now here I am writing a blog post about writing a novel. There may be more blog posts on this subject. There may be none.  I'll see how it goes.

Week 1 has been research, research, research.

It has also been the week in which my email address I've used for almost 20 years finally gave up the ghost and died. Stressful? Oh, yes.

And it's been the week in which I discovered a novel set in the place I want to set mine has already been written. 'So what?' you may say. Well, the similarities were too great, including the lead character's name and the area where the story was set.  Uncanny, I know. But no idea is original. At least it shows I'm on the right lines with place, plot and what-not. However, my idea has an extra bit to it that I've not been able to find in any research, so I do believe it has a USP. We'll see.

This week has been spent locked away in a library sweating over old tomes. And what a joy that was - books! libraries! research centres! people!

I now need to delve further into the different area my novel will now be set. Fortunately it's an area that not only do I know well, I love with all my heart.

5 things I take away from week 1:

1. People are lovely, helpful, amazing. I've been overwhelmed by the help people have given me, from volunteers at Beamish museum through to local writers, historians and museum staff and curators.

2. Losing my email address after almost 20 years is something I never want to go through again. Tears were shed.

3. Be flexible. When advised to change what I thought was my own idea, and finding out it wasn't, I listened and took advice from a professional. They know what they're doing, I don't.

4. Be focused. I'm going to have to leave social media alone, as well as the biscuit jar and indeed the world for the next few months while I focus every ounce of attention and energy on writing my book.

5. Be organised. Notes are swamping me. Research is addictive and fascinating and all I want to do right now is find out more and more and more, and well, that leads me back to number 4 above. Focus. Organise. Make a plan and a list then think, and dream and prepare to write soon.

Next week is another week of research before writing begins in August.

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Corrie Weekly Update - End of an Era at The Rovers Return

I've been writing Coronation Street weekly updates since 1995 and this week's Coronation Street update has just gone live here.

This week in Corrie, The Rovers Return said goodbye to the legend that is Liz.

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My new email address

After almost 20 years using one email address, I'm having to change it over.

It's a painful process but I have no choice.

My new email address is glenda (dot) sunderland (at) gmail (dot) com

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Short Story: Whatever the Weather

I've a short story in this week's The People's Friend magazine, in the shops today. The story is called Whatever The Weather and it's about a weather girl called Diane whose new fella is hot for her but she's giving him the cold shoulder. Also in the mag is another gripping instalment of my weekly soap Riverside which is an absolute joy to write.

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Corrie Weekly Update - In it to Win it

I've been writing Coronation Street weekly updates since 1995 and this week's Coronation Street update has just gone live here.

This week in Corrie, there's a cut price Bodie and Doyle on the loose.

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Short Story: The Cup that Cheers

I've a short story in today's The People's Friend magazine. It's set in my favourite seaside village in Southern Spain and it's about a woman who goes out to live there but misses a few things from home...

It's in the shops today.

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I'm on twitter @flaming_nora