My writing journey

Let’s start at the very beginning. When did I start writing stories?

My earliest memory of story writing was likely when I was four. I was stood by our deep blue couches with the green striped arm covers while mum sat with a pen in her hand. I dictated a story about a group of sisters going into a dark scary cave, and finding a monster. Mum wrote it down and I still have it to this day! From there onwards, I was always dreaming up stories.

The biggest way I created stories when I was young was through playing role play games. Mums and dads, princesses, warriors, riding dolphins, unfolding romances. There are countless stories hidden in those years, some of which I would love to write down someday. These games laid the foundation for my writing. They put me in a character’s shoes and taught me about conflict and mystery. They let me explore story in perhaps the most easy way I ever will. Living it out as if it’s real.

While in the midst of still playing these games I wrote my first book at age 13 or 14. It was called, “A Journey for Her”. (I initially called it “The Happenings of Miss Langdon” but it was far too formal and long.) It was a historical romance drama about a timid girl who is torn outside her comfort zone by getting caught up in a relationship with a wealthy, in trouble, man. Full of mystery (with plenty of untied loose ends), love (a slightly awkward type), and the journey of a girl’s heart. The plot is actually quite good in this book, and with some rewriting could work well, but I think this book will likely stay as a first draft to look back on.

My second novel followed shortly after, and is called “Fimosis”. This book is a story of a girl living in a futuristic dystopian society. She breaks free from the city and sets out on the adventure of a lifetime! This book was likely the most fun to write, as I recall adrenaline running through me when I’d wake up at 6 to write it. I was so excited to discover the next part of the story (the fun of being a pantser). I finished this book and planned to head straight onto my next idea. But things didn’t quite turn out as I wanted.

No matter how many ideas I had, and no matter how many first chapters I wrote, I couldn’t seem to finish anything – let alone even get half way through. After about a year of trying to get motivated for a project and not managing to stick with one, I watched an Abbie Emmons YouTube video. It was all about how to be motivated to write, and how to love your story.

The biggest thing that stood out to me in that video was that you need a why behind your story. That stuck with me, and I sat down to sort out my why. I chose a theme for my story that actually meant something to me, and crafted the whole thing around it. This changed everything!

I named my document “the one I’m going to finish” (later titled “Out of West Street”) and got writing. I managed to complete a first draft and break through the “not being able to finish anything” phase. From then onwards, I’ve never had a block like that again. I’ve learnt to stick at a project because of what it means to me.

After “Out of West Street”, I wrote an adventure sci-fi called “The Cloud Boy”. It has a very special place in my heart and I’d love to publish it one day. The characters are my favourite, I wrote them in a way that made them feel real and relatable. They live in my head rent free.

“The Cloud Boy” was written very much alongside a writing friend, and makes it that much more special. I have so many memories tied to this story, just because of all the times I wrote with her nearby. All our funny banter and story chat was a pure joy. Her and I would meet up for writing retreats and work on our manuscripts together. It was here that “The Cloud Boy” largely came to life (One day writing 10,000 words for a challenge!)

After finishing the first draft, I planned to leave it for a bit before editing. In the meantime the plan was to write its sequel. But God had different plans again. I discovered my latest project: “Swimming With Lupins”.

This book brought me back to much of my childhood love of writing. It sparked something truly beautiful in the way I put words down, and is different from all the rest, having a poetic, summery feel. Once I started the first draft, I was ever so eager to go and go and go.

The drafting process was probably the longest of any book I’ve written, spanning over a few years (at least two I think). There were long spells of no writing at all (on anything), but I’d always come back to it. Slowly but surely the draft was finished by chipping away at it bit by bit.

With the draft now finished (as of October or November of 2024), I look to edit and publish it as my first novel. It feel right for it to be my first published work, as it encompasses what I would want to read, is a stand alone, and…well, I LOVE it! And I want you to love it too!

I have barely touched the surface of editing, standing right at the beginning: reading it through from start to finish. From there I’ll find my way onwards.

Aside from novels, I published a poetry book in January of 2024. It’s a compilation of poems I’ve enjoyed writing over my teen years, called “Scarlet Ribbon”. Poetry is a very spontaneous thing for me, never a regular practice, but a random burst of words every now and then. It holds a special place in me, the romance of words.

Currently, my writing life is very interrupted and sporadic. I don’t have a current first draft in progress which feels strange, instead having two projects to edit (“The Cloud Boy” and “Swimming with Lupins”). The seasons of creating are always changing and growing into something different, beautiful, and more colorful than the last.

Join me for whatever is next.