Category: Novel

Three reasons why it’s a good thing if your first book goes nowhere

by Freya Fowles, posted in Almost-Writer, challenges, Novel, Uncategorized

So, long time, no see. I've been neglectful of my blog. But not neglectful of the writing. I've been busy writing my second novel, Witness, a standalone domestic crime thriller. And while I've been beavering away at that, I've actually been appreciating the fact that Between The Lines hasn't been a runaway success (or any … Continue reading Three reasons why it’s a good thing if your first book goes nowhere

Inspirational truths… reality is stranger than fiction

by Freya Fowles, posted in Novel, Part-time Writer

Another way that us inspirational-surroundings-deficient writers can find ideas is from reading current and old media stories. The old adage that the truth is often way weirder than even the most hardcore fiction writer can think of holds true. There is some very whacky stuff out there - just think about Peter Madsen who murdered … Continue reading Inspirational truths… reality is stranger than fiction

Inspirational Questions

by Freya Fowles, posted in Almost-Writer, Novel

So, in the absence of spectacular Maine scenery, where can we find inspiration? Just lately, I've found myself using 'what if' questions as the starting place for much bigger ideas. My next Vida and Slater novel is going to start from one of these 'what if' questions. While we were in Maine, we went on … Continue reading Inspirational Questions

Back to pinning the tail on the donkey

by Freya Fowles, posted in Almost-Writer, challenges, Novel

You might have noticed a bit of a hiatus in the blog posts over the past month or so. I wish I could tell you that it's because I've been beavering away, polishing, honing and writing anew. I'd be fibbing if I did that though, and while there's a very thin line between telling lies … Continue reading Back to pinning the tail on the donkey

Rules for being a Domestic Noir Doyenne

by Freya Fowles, posted in Novel

I'm writing this post from both a position of love as a reader of domestic noir, but also as a wannabe writer of domestic noir. Not at the minute as Vida and Slater have just embarked on their second adventure together but at some point in the not-too-distant future, I'm going to write the story … Continue reading Rules for being a Domestic Noir Doyenne

Preparing for my first public event

by Freya Fowles, posted in Almost-Writer, Novel, Part-time Writer

As someone who effectively spends my whole life presenting ideas to classes, and who is more than accustomed to reading aloud, you wouldn't think the prospect of doing a public event for my novel would be daunting. But it is. Oh, how daunting it is. The thing is, in this day and age, authors (especially … Continue reading Preparing for my first public event

Five things I’ve learned about finishing a book

by Freya Fowles, posted in Almost-Writer, Novel

So, the moment has arrived and I've actually finished writing my first draft of my first novel.  It's a pretty exciting moment for me.  I woke up one morning, determined that today was the day, and bashed out 9000 words before teatime - focus!  I've learned some important things though that I thought might be … Continue reading Five things I’ve learned about finishing a book

My writing bucketlist… or how will I know if I’ve made it?

by Freya Fowles, posted in Almost-Writer, Novel, Personal, Uncategorized

I've been giving some thought recently to the crippling self-doubt that seems to afflict many writers (and although I'm still in the almost- camp, I can definitely relate to that almost paralysing fear that what you've written is maybe, possibly, almost certainly utter rubbish) and wondering how I can benchmark my career as a writer. … Continue reading My writing bucketlist… or how will I know if I’ve made it?

Making more of your setting

by Freya Fowles, posted in Novel, Reader

I've just read the excellent Deadfall, by Linda Fairstein (one of my regular favourites) and it struck me that there are some books that go beyond merely setting a story in a specific place; the very tentacles of the story worm their way through the whole location.  There's some extra special about that kind of … Continue reading Making more of your setting

To boy or not to boy

by Freya Fowles, posted in Almost-Writer, Novel

In my head, my novel had two protagonists, a woman and a man.  Part of the draw of the novel was supposed to be the relationship between those two characters.  After all, one of the things that keeps me reading the excellent Ruth Galloway series is the relationship between Ruth and Nelson.  I've been struggling though. … Continue reading To boy or not to boy

Making my fictional home in Sheffield

by Freya Fowles, posted in Almost-Writer, Novel

It's hard working out where to set a novel.  Especially if you're hoping to have more than just one, it needs to be sustainable.  I explained last time about how I'd been originally planning somewhere entirely fictional but was persuaded to choose a real location.  I chose Sheffield because... It's Northern I felt very strongly … Continue reading Making my fictional home in Sheffield