One more observation from Suite101.com, where novelist
Nikki Gemmell told Kate Pain, “Now I know not to write to a publishers’
time frame, instead I think it is far better to set your own timescales."
She says, "[Writing the novel] Lovesong taught me that it
is impossible to schedule a book. I do however set myself little goals on a
daily basis. For example, today I want to complete a section – a couple of
chapters – and then I will reward myself with a movie. Tomorrow, I want to
start on another section then I might go and treat myself by going to TopShop.
Rewards are important, they motivate you."
She offers this advice on hanging in there: "Novels take time
and to make them work you need sheer tenacity: you’ve just got to keep on going
and sometimes you need to accept that you won’t know when they will finish. You
also need to be strong and listen to your heart.
It’s glib to say
‘Don’t give in to publishers expectations’ as they are so powerful and they’re
your pay cheque, but I’ve found that whenever I’ve compromised because of
something a publisher has said I’ve regretted it and in hindsight I know it was
the wrong decision. Now I am very firm from the outset. I won’t sell a book
until it is finished and I only work to my own deadlines."
(For help in writing your own book, see my book, "Your Writing Coach," published by Nicholas Brealey and available from Amazon and other online and offline retailers. It guides you through the entire process from idea through to publication.)
