Monday 23 September 2013

Getting Back in the Writing Saddle, and Exciting News

Hey all! Hope everyone had a great summer. It might be a bit late for saying that, now we are in the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, but I've missed chatting to you over the last few months. I've loved hosting various blog tour posts and cover reveals, but it's now time for an update on where I've been at.

Things haven't been all plain sailing round here, meaning my writing has been pushed back somewhat. My wife was off work for a protracted period of time with anxiety, due to various issues which are too lengthy to go into here. We've been spending a lot of time together which has been good for us and the kids, including three mini holidays in two weeks! She's now starting to get back on a part-time basis, taking one day at a time, and I've been getting back into writing and blogging - though feeling rather rusty.

I completed the first draft of my novella, still untitled, last week. It came to about 29,000 words, although most of the four months' drafting seemed to be spent on the last couple of thousand. So I'm glad that's out of my system, and I'm pushing ahead with edits on Black & White, which I hope to have ready for release around January or February.

I also have another small piece of news to share. For a long time I've been considering leveraging my editing and proofreading experience in order to benefit the writing community, and a short while ago I mentioned my plan to start a freelance editing business. That day has come and I'd love if you could pop over and check out what I've got to offer here. I'll literally edit anything that has words in it, but I'm particularly keen on helping out fellow indies in a world where it's paramount to offer a professional product, but editing services seem prohibitively expensive.

Although it's short notice, I would MASSIVELY appreciate it if you could help out with the official launch which I'm planning for next Tuesday, 1st October. You don't have to do a lot - if you sign up, I'll send out all the information for a post in the next few days. If you can't do next Tuesday, any brief mention during the week would be great - Tweets, FB, etc etc. Thank you!!

I'll leave you with one of the pictures from our adventures over the summer - me and Eve at Mount Rushmore. No, we're not giants, and yes, that is the Lego Mount Rushmore!


45 comments:

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sorry to hear about your wife. Glad she is doing better.
Cool about the editing! Be happy to help you spread the word.

L.G. Keltner said...

Glad your wife is doing better, and that you were able to have some good quality time together. That's important.

Congratulations with the editing! I'll be glad to help out with the launch!

Shell Flower said...

It's amazing all the things that slow us down on the road to writing and reaching other goals. Glad to hear you finished a novella and are starting an editing business. I signed up to help the launch. I could see how your British English could be helpful for an American author wanting to publish in the UK markets. Good luck.

Unknown said...

Sorry you've had some stuff in your life-- I certainly can relate there. But glad you got some family time. That's wonderful.

All the best to you with your editing launch! YAY!

Shannon Lawrence said...

Congratulations on the new gig! I hope things improve significantly and that your wife gets to feeling better. That's a Lego Mt. Rushmore?? Cool!

Shannon at The Warrior Muse

Arlee Bird said...

I wish you great success. Can you bottle some of that ambition and send it my way?

Lee
Tossing It Out

Heather R. Holden said...

Anxiety is the worst. So sorry to hear that your wife's been dealing with that, but I'm glad she's finally doing a little better!

Also, congrats on wrapping up the first draft of your novella! Congrats on the freelance editing business as well--what a cool service to offer! Wishing you the best of luck with all this. :)

J.L. Campbell said...

Hope things go back to normal soonest. Glad to help on the launch. Can't believe October is around the corner.

Krista McLaughlin said...

Sorry things have been crazy! If you need any more help with Black and White or with your novella, just let me know - I'd love to help!

Congrats on the editing services! I might have to use them at some point. :)

dolorah said...

Sometimes good things come out of bad luck. I'm sure you're feeling its nice to be writing again. I hope the editing business works out well.

......dhole

Unknown said...

Good to see you back--I'm glad things are going well for you, and that your wife is doing better!

Tonja Drecker said...

Sorry to hear about your wife, but glad to hear she's doing better. I'm sure the time together did all of you some good. And good luck with the editing!!!

JeffO said...

Best of luck with the new venture. Nice to see you back, I'm glad your wife is doing better.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

Good to hear things are settling down for you all. Good luck with everything, and welcome back!

Oh, and love Legos! :)

SK Anthony said...

Glad your wife is doing better. Hugs!

Great to hear about your new editing business adventure, best of luck, Nick :)

Susan Oloier said...

Your summer sounds like mine. It's been rough, and we're only now pulling out of the muck. I'll keep positive thoughts for you and your family.
I'm definitely there with the launch! Anything to help. Glad you're pursuing the whole editing thing. I think that's wonderful.

S.P. Bowers said...

Good luck on the editing, I'll give you a mention on the blog next week. Hope your wife continues to improve!

Suzanne Furness said...

Sorry to hear about your wife, hope she is feeling better. Spending time with your family is always fun and it sounds like you managed to pack a few things in. Happy to help spread the word.

Romance Book Haven said...

Wish you heaps success. Would like to highlight about your services on my craft site one day.

Sorry about your wife, glad she's okay.

Nas

Elise Fallson said...

Oh I'm sorry to hear about your wife having troubles. I'm sending her lots and lots of positive thoughts and vibes her way and hope things start looking up for you all soon. (: Congratulations on starting your own editing service! How exciting and I'll be more than happy to help you spread the word!

Anonymous said...

I'm glad your wife is doing better. I hope things are going in a better direction...they look like they are. Good luck on your business. I'm sure it'll be a success.

Julie Flanders said...

What a darling picture in front of the Legos. So sorry to hear that your wife has been having problems, I struggle with anxiety myself and can relate to her. Sending good wishes to you all!

And I'm very happy to help out with your launch - how exciting! I've no doubt your business will be a huge success. :)

Nick Wilford said...

Alex - Thanks! Good of you. :)

L.G. - Thanks! She's doing a bit better.

Shell - Thanks. I hadn't thought of it that way.

Julie - Thanks!

Shannon - Thanks. It's at LegoLand in Windsor.

Arlee - Thanks, interesting idea!

Heather - Thanks. I'm nervous but excited!

Joy - We're getting there. This year has been quick!

Krista - Thanks! I'd love to have you look through it again.

Donna - Thanks, I kind of have time to do it now Eve is in school.

Lara - Thanks!

Nick Wilford said...

Tonja - It was good to get away because it was away from problems for a bit. Thanks!

Jeff, Madeline, S.K. - Thanks!

Susan - Sending good vibes to your whole family too. I like the idea of being self-employed, so this seemed the natural way to go.

Sara - Thanks for the help!

Suzanne - It was busy but fun. We also went camping twice, to a festival and to a field with lots of dogs (we recently got a rescue dog and this was a get together for the organisation). That was interesting!

Nas - Thanks for the offer to showcase my services!

Elise - Thanks! It's a complicated situation, to do with treatment from the managers - luckily things have changed since she's been away.

Medeia - Thanks for your kind words.

Julie - It's been really difficult but she wants to get better. Sorry to hear you suffer a similar problem. Thanks for the support!

Christine Rains said...

Glad to hear your wife is doing better. And of course I'll help spread the word! I'm signed up. :) Love that legos picture!

Donna K. Weaver said...

Congrats on branching out and starting a new business. Dang scary. Good luck!

Tyrean Martinson said...

I'm glad your wife is doing better. I'll be praying for all of you.
Love the picture with lego Rushmore!!!!

And yes, I'll help out. Please e-mail me any details or a reminder.

Mark Means said...

Best of luck in your new endeavor, Nick :)

Melissa said...

It's great you got some family time, even if the root cause wasn't ideal.

Good luck with the editing. I'll see if I can work something in regarding an announcement. ;)

Joss said...

Anxiety can be awful to cope with, I hope your wife is feeling a lot better soon.
I will definitely let people know about your editing service on Tuesday, both on my blog and on facebook. I hope it goes well for you, I am sure it will. If my editor is every out of action for any reason I may come running to you begging for assistance. :)

Unknown said...

I'm really glad that your wife is doing better. And I'll be glad to help out with a post!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Nick .. I saw the FB page - good for you and very good luck with it.

I'll definitely be rooting for you on the first and thereon ...

I do hope all things improve and life eases up a little - it's great to read you're supporting each other so much - as I know your wife does many things to help the family along ..

Good luck - cheers Hilary

Annalisa Crawford said...

It's good you were on hand to support your wife.

Congratulations on the new editing venture. Although I can't help out on my blog, I'll certainly be able to share on Facebook and Twitter. My blog is very busy with guests at the moment, and I want to give those guests enough exposure before moving on to the next.

DRC said...

wow...after everything you've all been through, I wish you all the luck for future endeavors :)

And count me in for next Tuesday :)

Cynthia said...

I hope your wife is doing okay, Nick.

Good luck with your new freelancing business. I wish I knew more about what you have in store for your big launch. =)

Empty Nest Insider said...

I also hope that your wife is feeling well. Love the adorable photo of you and your daughter! I'm excited about your new editing business, and I'm happy to help next week! All the best to you and your family Nick!

Julie

Unknown said...

I love the Lego Mountains. Good luck with your new editing business. Have a nice weekend! :-)

Jennie Bennett said...

Lego Mount Rushmore? AWESOME!! Good luck with your new business :)

Carol Kilgore said...

Welcome back! I've been away for five weeks, so I'm just returning, too. I can't blog next Tuesday, but I made myself a note to check in over here that day, and I'll tweet, fb, etc. on that day for you. Good luck!

Ella said...

Lego Mount Rushmore-how cool is that!

Yes, welcome back Nick! You have been missed :D

Congrats and best wishes with your new business endeavor-you will do great!
I too hope your wife is doing better. I get anxiety, when my thyroid is off. I hope she is okay~

Anonymous said...

Congrats on finishing your novella. I hope things around you settle down soon, so you can get to writing more. :-)

I'm excited to hear about your new gig as a freelance editor. I happen to be looking for a proofreader/editor, so I'll be anxiously awaiting your launch. :-)

M Pax said...

Sorry to hear of your wife, but am glad she's doing better.

I can help out either this Friday or the 11th to help you spread the word. Will that do? I hope so. :) I'd like to help.

Carrie Butler said...

Congratulations on the your editing business, Nick! :)

Michelle Wallace said...

Hey Nick, I signed up now... I'll post on Friday 04th October.
And congrats on finishing your novella!
Good luck with your new business venture! I'm sure that you'll do well!

I'm sending you and your wife a massive boost of positivity all the way across the blogosphere------ WHOOSH --------
Writer In Transit

Unknown said...

I didn't get signed up for this in time for the launch today, Nick, but I'll definitely be giving you a shout out on my blog in the coming days. :)