Hi everyone…. before I start with this blog I need to apologise to everyone for the long gap between my last post. All I can say is that things have been very hectic on the writing front for me during the first half of 2019.
I set myself a demanding writing schedule for this year, and touch wood I have stuck to it.
The picture above is of me writing in the mountains of Azerbaijan in the soaring heat, where I had a great few hours with the crazy and talented photographer Sasha.
As well as writing I have also surprisingly found time to discover two amazing authors who series of books have been keeping me very entertained in between writing. I hope my writing can be of a similar high standard one day. The authors are:
LJ Ross – Author of the DCI Ryan series set in Northumberland and Newcastle.
Chris Carter – Author of the Robert Hunter Series.
If you are looking for something new and fresh to read I highly recommend these two authors.
A Step into Darkness – Update – July 2019
As I updated last year, I received some very promising feedback on ‘A Step into Darkness’ which is my first, stand-alone crime thriller set in Northumberland UK. He recommended I rewrote a few scenes, however, once I started my rewrite, I realised that my writing in the later part of the story was far superior to the writing I made in the first half. I didn’t want to let anyone down, let alone myself so I have painstakingly gone through the story page by page. I believe it is now a much more polished story and I hope my readers will also too.
The book is now back with my editor. I should have feedback by the end of summer so wish me luck and watch this page.
Further Writing of 2019 from Kids stories to Horror
January, February and March were horrendous this year in Baku, with ice-cold temperatures, rain and lots and lots of wind (it is nicknamed the windy city). For some strange reason, as I knew I was going to be cabin bound for some time, I got it into my head to try another genre in order to improve my writing skills.
Remembering how I used to enjoy writing stories even as a child, I decided to try my hand at writing a children’s book, aimed specifically at 3-6-year-olds. The planning and plotting stage was really fun (it wasn’t so difficult to take my mind back to that of a child’s 🙂 )
Anyway, after much deliberation, I came up with my character – ‘The Adventures of Horace the Hesitant Hare.’ My first Horace story is planned to encourage youngsters to eat more fruit and as well as having a simple storyline it is colourful with the odd rhythm inside to keep the kids entertained while reading. I wrote this on Powerpoint and really enjoyed the experience. I have enlisted the help of a local illustrator and not really sure how this will pan out just yet.
In May I took part in Camp NaNoWriMo which is an international writing competition where you set your own target and have a full month to complete. After enjoying my first taste of horror writing last year I decided to start a compilation of short horror stories that I hope to be ready for Halloween. In May’s competion I surpassed my 12K word target and wrote the first two stories.
I am now in the second week of Julys Camp NaNoWriMo and plan to complete a further two spooky short stories. I’m progressing well with 4K words down so far and have my plan prepared for both stories.
I have a few ideas about what to do with the compilation once complete but I will let my followers know. I can promise though that it will be available in some format.
The Compilation is called ‘When Darkness Beckons’ and the stories completed/planned so far are about:
- Victorian Grave Diggers
- Subhuman Soldiers of the SS during WW2
- Devil Worshipers and Human Sacrifice
- Chemical Fall Out
Inspiration
That brings me to the end of my blog. I just want to share one message. As you can see from my update, writing can take many shapes and forms and there is a style to suit everyone. Never be afraid to start, do it for yourself and do it for fun.
Hope you have all enjoyed this blog. Please don’t hesitate to leave some feedback or ask any questions (I promise to answer).
I am happy for this blog to be shared and if you haven’t already – please sign up to my website http://www.laughcryandwrite.com to receive regular updates.
Enjoy your summer everyone and as always …. one love
Craig Wrightson
P.S I have also just updated my website… check it out and see what you think
