I hesitate at the edge, procrastinating, fearful about plunging into the deep, the real work of writing a book. I am surrounded by experts, published authors, stories already told.

But here I am at the precipice, ready to go deep into the story.

“Everyone has a book in them.” ~ Stan Smith (my father)

The preparation is done, and no more time to dally.

• I have read a lifetimes worth of books and can recognize great writing when I see it. Here are just a few that come to mind:
  • The Overstory by Richard Powers
  • Eucalyptus by Murray Bail
  • Every Day in Tuscany by Frances Mayes
  • Echoes of the Early Tides by Anthony Moore
  • Chocolat by Joanne Harris
  • Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
• I have read the books about writing.
  • Writing Tools by Roy Peter Clark
  • Writing Your Life by Patti Miller
  • The Artists Way by Julia Cameron
  • The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr
• I have completed some excellent courses.
  • Start Writing Fiction by Future Learn
  • 14 Days to a Solid Writing Habit by WritersHQ.UK
  • The Artists Way course by Julia Cameron
  • Welcome to Genealogy by the University of Glasgow via FutureLearn.
• I have done all of the research and planning in preparation for this book of fiction.
  • All the research I completed in 2021 through the compilation of the family history book “The Mystery of Henry Bentley & Other Tales of the Bentley and Smith Families”. (My current work in progress and planned fictional book is not about Henry Bentley)
  • I know the time, location, and characters.
  • I want my story to have an evocative feeling where the landscape features strongly as a character.
  • I have prepared the plot scenes and know the arc of the story.
• And now I have joined the local writers club hoping to find some impetus.
  • Peninsula Writers Club.
  • Surrounded by published and accomplished authors.
  • At my first session my aim was to dive into writing out the story – first attempt at the first draft. I wrote 1600 words of rubbish.

I have not been writing in this blog for a while.

• First there was the travel adventure around Australia where I concentrated my efforts on a bit of travel writing through Mick & Sue’s Aussie Adventure.
• Then last year I completed the family story and printed that tome for family.
• During February I have been trying to get my head to the task. I’m not sure that taking part in #FebFlourish on Instagram helped at all, except to add to my procrastination.

So, my plan now is to:

• Assign blocks of time for this writing adventure.
• Go over my notes.
• Do a bit more planning so I have a structure to write into.
• Aim for a number of words per session goal.
• Just start writing and try to get this first draft down.
• And maybe I should do the online courses offered by WritersHQ.UK
  • Balance Your Writing Life that starts in March
  • Editing 101 that starts in April