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A Year of Writing

July 8, 2021 By Sue Ransom 2 Comments

 

As we emerged, blinking, out of the first lockdown in July 2020, I stumbled across a group pf people who would change my life.

My lockdown had been both traumatic and dull – my mother died just days after it started, and we had to deal with the process of death, a funeral and probate lawyers when none of us knew what we could and couldn’t do. But my job carried on as before. I just turned up at my home desk every morning instead of heading into the office every few days. As the car (literally) mouldered, I found it hard to motivate myself to do much else.

Then, on the 7th July I saw a tweet which would change everything. Someone mentioned an online writing community, a place where you could join a zoom call and sit in silence for 50 minutes, writing. Seemed a bit weird, but I was very used to zoom meetings. I clicked the link.

There was something strangely compelling about those early calls with the London Writers’ Salon. When I joined my first call on the 8th July, there were about a hundred of us (I think), and the faces and personalities quickly became familiar.

I have been on pretty much every call since then, except on the very few days when I’ve been travelling. When I heard about the weekend calls I joined those, too.

At the time I was writing a novel – the second I had written for adults after getting a handful of books for teenagers published. The first book for adults had had some interest from agents, but I’d got discouraged and started a shiny new thing, and that too was sagging, about 40K words in. The writers’ hour gave me a regular space to find a rhythm to create. My earlier books had been written during a daily commute, and I realised I needed that discipline. So, from July last year I got up stupidly early, walked the dog, and was ready at my desk for the 8 o’clock words of wisdom and the growing community.

After a while I joined officially – becoming a patron and getting access to the group Slack channel. I watched videos and webinars, chatted to other writers, and slowly felt more and more absorbed by my new tribe. When my husband went away for a weekend in October I bought Scrivener and spent two days wrestling my manuscript into the package. The book was flying along.

The LWS slack channel has a critique group, and when I felt that my baby was ready, I offered it up to them. They came back with helpful suggestions and several offers of Beta readers which I snatched up. Another round of edits followed and I pulled together a list of agents I wanted to approach – seven in all. Within days I had requests for the full manuscript from four of them, and I held my breath.

While this was going on I started a new book, entered a few essay competitions, wrote a short story for the LWS anthology, and – scariest of all – took a redundancy package and stepped away from corporate life to write full time. It’s been a busy twelve months, even though I’ve barely left my desk.

I’d love to end this summary of the year by saying that an agent picked me up and negotiated a multi-book deal with a six-figure advance, but that hasn’t happened. I’m still hoping, sending out the queries and writing an even better book (70K words since going full time in April!). The LWS has shown me that I can always improve, that even when I get a knock back I can dust myself off and go again. I know that I’ll get there eventually.

I wish I could remember whose tweet I saw last year that sent me off down this path. I’d like to buy them a drink.

Filed Under: Writing

2019 – My year in books or How to find over extra 400 hours

December 31, 2019 By Sue Ransom Leave a Comment

 

Like most writers I have to squeeze my writing in between the day job, the house and the family, and that often leaves little time for reading other than during the holidays. For many years I found it hard to read at all when I was writing, as I couldn’t keep the stories separate in my head, but – thankfully – that’s improved and I can now do both. However, fitting in all the reading I wanted was still a challenge. So many great books and so little time!

All that changed in 2019 as a result of a surprise Christmas gift from my son. He bought me a subscription to Audible.

I have a 45-minute driving commute, and I wondered how well I would get on with listening whilst negotiating the A4 heading towards London. I started listening to books that I already knew and loved so that I wouldn’t worry if I got distracted and missed a bit. I soon moved onto new books though, and started racing through them. At my daughter’s suggestion I listened at x1.25 speed, which kept the voices OK but stepped up the pace. I developed a habit of listening through each book first to get the story and then listening again to learn about the structure, the characterisation, the ‘show not tell’ and all the other writer’s tricks.

I started to listen not just on my commute, but when I was gardening or doing the housework – suddenly the place was clean! Yesterday I looked at the app and saw that I had spent 460 hours listening to books this year – time which I didn’t know I had. That’s over 19 full days. I’ve not had to stop writing or doing any of the other things I would usually do. It’s as if I’ve ben given a gift of free reading time.

The books I’ve read and listened to are below. If I had to pick a favourite of the ones new to me this year, I’d have to select those that I listened to first, then felt compelled to buy in hard copy too – Sweet Sorrow, by David Nicholls, and The Tattooist of Auschwitz, by Heather Morris.

 

Paperbacks/hardbacks:

 

Machines like me, Ian McEwan

After the End, Clare Mackintosh

A God in Ruins, Kate Atkinson

Outsider, Stephen King

The Last, Hanna Jameson

The Boy Who Flew, Fleur Hitchcock

Anna at War, Helen Peters

Meat Market, Juno Dawson

The Secrets We Kept, Lara Prescott

Sweet Sorrow, David Nicholls

The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Heather Morris

Unnatural Causes, Richard Shepherd

Breaking and Mending, Joanna Cannon

Danse Macabre, Stephen King

 

Currently in progress:

Cilka’s Journey Heather Morris

The Remarkable Life of the Skin, Monty Lyman

 

Audio books:

(Listed by date of most recent purchase)

 

For Emily, Katherine Slee

Don’t Think a Single Thought, Diana Cambridge

The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Neil Gaiman

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Book 5, J.K. Rowling

The Good Samaritan, John Marrs

The Institute, Stephen King

The Power, Naomi Alderman

The Perfect Wife, JP Delaney

Nine Perfect Strangers, Liane Moriarty

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Book 4, J.K. Rowling

Sweet Sorrow, David Nicholls

Firestarter, Stephen King

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Book 3, J.K. Rowling

Career of Evil: Cormoran Strike, Book 3, Robert Galbraith

The Silkworm: Cormoran Strike, Book 2, Robert Galbraith

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Book 2, J.K. Rowling

The Cuckoo’s Calling: Cormoran Strike, Book 1, Robert Galbraith

Lethal White: Cormoran Strike, Book 4, Robert Galbraith

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen

Big Little Lies, Liane Moriarty

The Tattooist of Auschwitz, Heather Morris

The Time Traveler’s Wife, Audrey Niffenegger

The Stand, Stephen King

The War of the Worlds, H. G. Wells

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

#OctNo – Getting back in the habit of writing

November 1, 2019 By Sue Ransom Leave a Comment

I’ve not added much here lately. For various – mostly family-related – reasons my writing has slowed over the last two years, and although I have projects in progress, I wasn’t making much actual, well, progress. I decided I needed a motivator, something to get me back in the habit.

My husband coaches teams to perform, and he has told me that it takes 60 days to form a habit. After that time you don’t need to remind yourself to do something, it just becomes part of you. I’d lost my writing habit, and I needed to get it back. In the past I’ve tried NaNoWriMo – National Novel Writing Month, where you set yourself the challenge of writing 50,000 words during November. That’s about 1,600 words a day, quite a lot if you have a day job, and it’s not really sustainable long term. I wanted something less stressful, something to be viewed as a treat, not a challenge. I decided to do #OctNo.

My plan for #OctNo, an entirely made up concept (but then we’re writers, we make up stuff all the time :)) was to do something to do with writing every day in October. I wouldn’t beat myself up about it, and I’d be very flexible on what I considered could be included. I gave myself the added incentive of posting my daily progress on Twitter. I reckoned that if I was writing, 500 words would be a good target. That’s about a page of A4 on a reasonable font (this post is about 760 words in total). And if I was editing, or reviewing, or just pondering, well, that was all progress too.

I currently have two projects in progress. One is a completed manuscript of about 100K words which needs a refresh. The other is a new project. I’m about 40K words in, and considering whether to add some additional voices. If I was going to do this, I thought, I needed to know more about the characters. I set about writing backstory for each of them.

This was the most fun I had during #OctNo. I loved finding out about these people. One was very sweary, one a complete scally, and one was just – well – dull. Luckily she dies early on.

The big manuscript was more of a chore. It needs work, but I’d had differing opinions on what that work should be. I took the advice of someone I trusted and invested in a couple of text books. Some of my #OctNo activities involved reading the books and taking notes, and then reviewing the manuscript. I broke it down into scenes and put a post-it for each on a large bit of card which turned into The Big Pink Plan. Then, when I could see it all, I started adding other post-its to show where things need to change (if you’ve ever read Asimov’s Foundation, it felt like a bad Prime Radiant moment). Once I had that, I was able to think of a way to tweak the story to solve one of the problems I’d uncovered. I’ve re-written the outline, I’ll ponder it a bit more, and then get onto re-writing.

The Big Pink Plan
The Big Pink Plan with many changes!

Other activities in the month included reading (well, listening to audiobooks as I commute), drafting a short story, and going to see the inspirational Margaret Atwood talk.

So if you don’t have the capacity to keep up with the needs of #NaNo, I can recommend an #OctNo approach – do plenty of what you love about writing, and don’t beat yourself up. Sharing also helps, because the lovely people of Twitter are always there to support us.

Keep writing!

 

Final #OctNo Tally

Here is the day-by-day summary of what I managed to achieve:

1          520 words

2          507 words plus review of edits

3          515

4          828

5          733

6          Editing

7          538

8          127 plus short story notes

9          659

10        304

11        529

12        Editing

13        Editing

14        Editing

15        Editing

16        527 plus editing

17        Re-planning

18        Re-planning

19        Reviewing the plan and discussing with fellow writer

20        Despairing about the plan

21        Pondering

22        Reading textbook on re-structuring

23        Reading textbook on re-structuring

24        Reading textbook on re-structuring

25        Just reading

26        reviewing the plan

27        reviewing the plan

28        670 (revised outline)

29        575 (revised outline)

30        Talk by Margaret Atwood

31        Summarising #OctNo activity

 

In total:

5,787 words of new project

1,245 words of revised outline for current project

About a billion post-its on the Big Pink Plan

3 audio books

1 text book

1 short story idea

1 inspirational talk

Filed Under: Writing

Seven Years

January 11, 2018 By Sue Ransom Leave a Comment

Signing books at the Queen of Teen awards

Today, in 2011, Small Blue Thing was published after a whirlwind year of edits, choosing covers, translations and photoshoots. I had never expected to write a book of any kind, never mind one that ended up as award winning, or that I’d be voted as finalist (twice!) for the awesome Queen of Teen. It was the start of a new chapter in my life. I’ve now had four books for teens published, written one other (still at first draft) and currently have my debut adult thriller out with agents. I still have my day job, as most authors do, but I have a fantastic new passion and have met some brilliant people. I’ve also discovered a love for school visits. There is nothing quite like a room of 400 kids to focus the attention, and I’m constantly amazed at the questions they can come up with!
My publisher, Nosy Crow, is also seven today, as Small Blue Thing was their launch publication. They have gone from strength to strength, and I’m really proud to have been part of their journey. (Their latest news is here.)
So if you have been one of the many readers who have contacted me over the years, thank you. Your feedback is more precious than you know. Happy Birthday, Small Blue Thing – I can’t wait to see what the next seven years bring!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Meet Bailey!

December 21, 2016 By Sue Ransom Leave a Comment

If you’ve read any of my books you might have noticed a theme running through them – each one has a dog featured somewhere. I wrote the first one before I had a dog – my parents were always much more fond of cats – but eventually my children wore me down and I agreed. Within a flash Bailey was part of the family. She has invaded my life and my heart, and I thought you might like to meet her.

 

What sort of family are you – dog or cat?

Filed Under: Uncategorized

YA Shot!

March 29, 2016 By Sue Ransom Leave a Comment

I’m delighted to be able to finally announce that I’m going to be participating in YA Shot this year. This is a huge event on October 22nd, and it’s open to all. A link to the site is here, and a summary of what’s happening is below. I’ll give you’re info as I get it, and I hope I’ll see some of you there!

 

cropped-yashotcolourlesssmall

YA Shot is an author-run, author-led Young Adult and Middle Grade festival that raises the money and resources to run a year-long programme pairing libraries and schools for free author events to foster a love of reading, inspire a passion for writing, and encourage aspirations to careers in the Arts. We believe in equal access to books and opportunities for all – YA Shot brings UKYA and UKMG authors together to pursue that goal, supporting libraries and young people across the country. At present, we’re a not-for-profit organisation but we’re seeking to become a charity.

YA Shot is a one-day annual festival based in the centre of Uxbridge (London). The 2016 festival will take place on Saturday 22nd October 2016. Around 70 authors are involved in a programme of workshop, panel and ‘in conversation’ events (plus book-signing sessions) in the Uxbridge Civic Centre, Waterstone’s Uxbridge and Uxbridge Library. There is also a programme of fantastic blogging and vlogging workshops. YA Shot is run in partnership with Hillingdon Borough Libraries and Waterstone’s Uxbridge.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

The Beneath has been longlisted for the Amazing Book Awards!

January 31, 2016 By Sue Ransom Leave a Comment

I was really chuffed to hear that The Beneath has been longlisted for the Amazing Book Awards being held by the Sussex Coast Schools – it’s great to be part of such a brilliant list. See who I’m up against –

ABA 2016-Long-List-1

The shortlist will be announced in the next few days, and – whoever makes it through – I’m so proud to be included. These awards are voted for by the students themselves, not the teachers or the librarians, and that makes being a part of it even more special. Details of the award and the process are here.

So thank you, Sussex. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I make it onto the shortlist!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Happy New Year!

December 31, 2015 By Sue Ransom Leave a Comment

I hope you’ve had a great Christmas – mine has been really busy with lots of family things. I’m sorry that I’ve not had much time to post on here recently, but along with all the family stuff I’ve been busy writing a new book. In fact, I’ve been so busy with all of it that I’ve pretty much had to abandon social media. It’s amazing how much more time I’ve got in my day to crack on with everything else.
But I just wanted to wish you all a Happy New Year. Thank you for all your support in 2015 and I hope to speak with and meet lots more of you in 2016!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

UKYA Extravaganza

October 3, 2015 By Sue Ransom Leave a Comment

Next Saturday – on the 10th October – there is a brilliant UK YA event going on in Nottingham. Around 30 authors – including me – are going to be at the main Waterstones store, talking, answering questions, signing books and providing cake!

The day starts at 1pm, and there will be a series of panels throughout the afternoon. Groups of four authors will say a bit about themselves and their books, and will then answer questions. I’m on with a great crowd – David Owen, Helen Grant and CJ Skuse. I can’t wait! The full  line-up is shown below. I bet some of your favourites are on there.

There are still a few tickets left (only £3 – that’s just 10p per author 🙂 ), so if you can be in Nottingham next weekend, we’d love to meet you. Just call the number on the poster below.

 

UKYAX October Poster FINAL (1)

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Give a Girl an Education

August 15, 2015 By Sue Ransom Leave a Comment

 

Amber

Amber is a blogger who loves books and wants to be a writer, but she can no longer go to school. I’m supporting her in her quest to find the funding to get an education.

You can read all about her story here.

She’s giving away some fabulous things to entice you to spare a few pounds, including some of my books ( – signed too!). The copy of The Beneath has already been snaffled, but an opportunity to get your hands on a signed copy of Small Blue Thing will be on the site shortly. Follow the link above to the crowdfunding site to see all the details, or check out her award-winning book blog – the Mile Long Bookshelf.

Go and have a look, and if you can spare it, please invest in Amber. Help to give a girl an education.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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Sue Ransom, author of the Small Blue Thing series and The Beneath. Read More…

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