I’m moving away from my identity as a published author. It took such a lot of time and energy to get my writing to a publishable standard that stepping away is proving to be a long process. In 2023, my third novel The Secret Life of Carolyn Russell, was published and simultaneous with the launch, my publisher rejected a novel which I believed was my best writing. The initial wobble didn’t stop me from making submissions to other publishers and continuing to work on a new manuscript. Three years later and I’m still on the look out for open submission windows and working on the new manuscript which has yet to reach a full first draft. Over time, I’ve lost the drive to continue a second career as a writer and I’m now embracing new opportunities.
These days, I think of myself as a retired person with creative pursuits. The novel rumbles on and I attend Writers Hour whenever it fits into my schedule. I still enjoy writing and there’s nothing quite as satisfying as completing a perfect sentence or paragraph. I’m still involved with the writing community through membership of Pens Around the World and volunteering on Bluesky with Women Writers Network. I’m also active in a number of writing groups and hope they don’t chuck me out for lack of writing output. However, new opportunities are available and this summer I returned to the Groves Community Choir and sang in their end of year concert. A video of the event appears here. I also joined First Act run by the Lantern Arts Centre and performed in the opening scenes from Our Town by Thornton Wilder as Julia Gibbs. I may not be doing much writing at the moment, but I want to stay creative. I think these endeavours will feed back into my writing when the time comes to pick up my pen again. Perhaps I’m not stepping away from writing at all, just giving myself the space to choose if and when I return.
At present, staying fit has become a new priority. I’ve been a runner for over 10 years and now complete three 5km runs each week. When I don’t run, I enjoy pilates practice developed from online providers. On Sundays, I like to go for a walk. Several good friends and my sister all died in their sixties, so I want to make sure I remain fit and active for a good long time.
In other news, my grandson turned two in May and we continue to look after him on alternate Fridays. It’s fascinating to watch his development and enjoy the new language he acquires. His latest phrase is Jude don’t like it. We continue to holiday let our Dorchester home and will do this for one more year. In the autumn of 2027 we anticipate a big new project… building a home for ourselves in the garden. Watch this space for other creative endeavours.
the writer is a lonely hunter 