Why do we write? Is it just to get published? If so, I should be very happy, as my first novella ‘Rachel’s Coming Home’ has just been published by People’s Friend Pocket Novels. And I have to admit it is exciting, seeing this piece of work actually in print. Holding it was thrilling! And telling friends and family was both exciting and embarrassing, as I’m not very good at self-publicising.
But to get back to my first question, why do we – or I – write? And I’ve come to the conclusion that wonderful as publication is it is not the reason I do it. I write because I love it and I can’t stop.
I write at a very messy desk in the corner of the sitting room in our farmhouse in southern Scotland. I used to share an office with my husband Dave until he evicted me for being too untidy. It seems piles of books and papers are more acceptable in the sitting room than in his (immaculate) office. And I love the sitting room because from here I have a view across farmland to the Forest of Ae. Even in today’s rain it’s beautiful. This may be one reason all my stories so far have been set in the Scottish countryside. I don’t think there is any better place to be and nor do my characters!
So sitting here, alternately admiring the view and losing myself in the lives of people who engross me every bit as much as my family, is something that I hope to do for years to come. Of course I wouldn’t say no to being snapped up by a major publisher, but the here and now is pretty good.
But to get back to my first question, why do we – or I – write? And I’ve come to the conclusion that wonderful as publication is it is not the reason I do it. I write because I love it and I can’t stop.
I write at a very messy desk in the corner of the sitting room in our farmhouse in southern Scotland. I used to share an office with my husband Dave until he evicted me for being too untidy. It seems piles of books and papers are more acceptable in the sitting room than in his (immaculate) office. And I love the sitting room because from here I have a view across farmland to the Forest of Ae. Even in today’s rain it’s beautiful. This may be one reason all my stories so far have been set in the Scottish countryside. I don’t think there is any better place to be and nor do my characters!
So sitting here, alternately admiring the view and losing myself in the lives of people who engross me every bit as much as my family, is something that I hope to do for years to come. Of course I wouldn’t say no to being snapped up by a major publisher, but the here and now is pretty good.
9 comments:
Congratulations Gillian! You must be so excited. I wonder if I was published would having to tell a story be the same as wanting to tell the story?
Lori x
PS It looks fab :-D
Congratulations. I love the sound of your home, and can imagine why it must be an inspiration for your stories.
Well done, Gill. Don't know why you haven't been published before now.
Lesley x
Lori - so far being published hasn't made any difference to the way I feel about telling my stories, they're still mine and I tell them the way I want to. However, I've never had a contract or a deadline to meet so maybe that would change things.
Debs and Lesley - many thanks.
Gill x
Congratulations, Gill. To have something published in a mag is one thing but to have a whole pocket novel to yourself...wow!
Congratulations, Gill! Loved the story and look forward to your next one!
Oh very good stuff, Gill. I can just see your view. (And I empathise with the mess; my desks keep getting bigger but I'm still fighting for space to write on.) Can't wait to read your story.
Congratulations! That feeling of seeing your work in print is wonderful isn't it - and personally I don't think it ever wears off. In answer to your question - I think we write because we love writing, and getting published is a bonus. But a terrific one! x
Post a Comment