Yep – this is what I can see from my living room. Lucky, hey?

Moving has been simple and uneventful. I’ve still got to get the rest of my things from Dublin but it should be easy enough. Yet it’s taken up quite a lot of energy – and I’ve been forced to take a break over Christmas and New Year (which I didn’t want to do).

So I’m now caught up in a little of that writer’s guilt – you know, where you think if only you had sat down every day over Christmas you would have completed an award-winning novel. A driven mind is as much a curse as it is a blessing. But that’s part of 2011 and partly why I moved…

In a city, I cannot rest for a moment because there is so much to do. I have been very happy with what I’ve achieved in 2010 (I got an agent, wrote a whole book which is almost completed and ready to send to publishers and changed my career to full time writer). But my move signifies an integral (and much needed) lifestyle change in 2011 – the ability to slow down and focus solely on writing.

Take my novel for instance. I’ve been convinced twice already that it was almost ready to send out – thankfully, my agent is brilliantly patient (and damned quick at reading my manuscript) and has pointed out some gaps. And some flaws. If I’d slowed a little, I think I would have had less of both and my poor agent would have had less work to do. I could definitely learn from the old saying “more haste less speed”.

So, I’m taking my time on this final round; after all – when you send your book to publishers you only get one chance to get it right, only one chance to impress. I’m not talking about rejections here – these are inevitable. I’m talking about presenting the best possible work that you can. Sounds obvious, but it’s something that emerging writers often forget.

And so, 2011 has arrived. I’m still not 100% certain that I am cut out for country living – but the majority of my book was written in the village of Schull; it’s also where I was staying when I got an agent. So it holds a lot of magic for me. It lets my mind untangle. In a city, I find it very hard to find the space required to let ideas form.

So, here I am. And what is it I truly want this year?

To sign on the dotted line. Plain and simple.

Inspired by Laura, I’ve already written it in my diary. I’ll also be taking on Kristi’s advice and writing down a long list of goals. But ultimately that’s my aim.

What’s yours?

This year is my fourth NanoWrimo challenge and I’ll be starting Book Two of what I hope will be a very successful trilogy. You can search for elizabeth rose (Dublin) and add me as a buddy if you’re looking for some moral support. But I’ve also put together some info below which may help. Everyone’s different but if you’ve signed up and are finding the prospect a little daunting, here’s a thing or two that helps me along the way…

Create a timetable that suits you

Personally, I hate routine. So I can’t commit to writing the suggested 1667 every day. Instead, I write in units of 2000 words for 25 of the days and have 5 days off; these come in handy when other life stuff interrupts (and believe me, it will!) If I hit the 2000 mark and have time to keep going, then I continue and see it as having earned extra time off if needed.

Make writing buddies

Writing buddies are a godsend. Not only can you ask advice, you also have someone genuinely interested in your novel and understanding the struggle (unlike partners, children, in-laws, neighbours etc). When you get to the point of freaking out, they’ll help you realise you’re not alone. They’re people you can share the rollercoaster ride with and they often become real friends. I’ve several friends as a result of NanoWrimo and since writing is such a solitary pursuit, this is invaluable. Any writers who are also twitter addicts will know what I mean.

Use the forums but not as a distraction

The forums are useful but I’d keep away until you’ve done your word count for the day. I find the forums fun and useful; they certainly help you iron out some of the crinkly bits. And they’re excellent for moral support. But I find it best to make a list of questions I need answering and post them once I’m happy with the writing side; otherwise I get caught up in discussions and waste precious time.

Use dead time to write

By dead time I mean those moments when you’re trapped and can’t do anything about it, such as; bus or train journeys, queuing, waiting for the kettle to boil or dinner to cook. Everyone has different commitments and sometimes it won’t be possible; but I always carry a notebook just in case, so I can capture a few extra words. It’s also a good way to get motivated back at the keyboard later. Often, the most difficult thing about writing is actually getting started. But transcribing what you put down on paper earlier overcomes this hurdle and sends you on your way. Plus you’ll be surprised at how many words you get down by hand.

Forget structure and editing; just write

The whole point of the challenge is to get the words on the page; so NanoWrimo is the perfect opportunity to write without worrying about perfecting the plot or structure. No one is going to write something publishable in a first draft; and especially not under such tight time constrictions. So enjoy the process, and write what comes to mind. Concentrate on hitting the challenge and getting a decent first draft together; the perfecting comes later.

Upload your word count

This might seem like a distraction but I find that it spurs me on. It takes seconds to upload your word count and it is heartening watching the progress bar increase. As you hit certain milestones, the bar changes colour. And for whatever reason, it feels good. You can also see the progress of your writing buddies. If you see them slowing down encourage them; they’ll do the same for you.

Don’t give up

This is the most common reason why people fail NanoWrimo. It can be disconcerting knowing that you didn’t hit the day’s word count; especially when you see people finishing within the first 24 hours or racing on to quadruple the required amount (yes, these things really do happen). But that’s why the 2000 a day and five days off system works for me. If you do find yourself falling behind, don’t be hard on yourself; everyone has different commitments and available free time. Just don’t give up. Force yourself to sit at the computer and get writing again. You’ll catch up.

As you can see – I’m obsessively tidy and organised. But there are some items I need on my desk:

1. Laptop
2. Notebooks
3. My favourite pen in the world (George Bernard Shaw limited edition Montblanc, complete with violet ink. Every time I use it, it brings me joy)
4. Tea (today, Spiritual tea from Germany) and china tea cup (a birthday gift from my friend Jo)
5. Salt Liquorice (from Finland)
6. Seashell (a gift from my friend Mick to keep me close to the sea).
7. Mslexia writers diary
8. Edits, feedback, scribblings
9. Postcards, maps and photos (for inspiration)
10. Printer (It’s underneath. But just as loved!)

Since my last post, there’s been a lot of change. I’ve left a very good job to write full time. The aim: to get my novel finished and send it out to publishers.

The reaction to this decision has been genuinely positive. It’s great to know that I have everyone behind me. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I was a little overwhelmed (and very grateful) for all the support. Not one person suggested I shouldn’t go for it. Yesterday, I received a message on Facebook that read:

“I know you have several pairs of envious eyes on you going ahead and making your dream come to life.”

Isn’t that a lovely thing to communicate?

Personally, I like calculated risk. I’ve moved around a lot and have had successful careers in both teaching and writing about poker. I’ve got my agent in place (this happened after making the decision/handing in my notice), a fistful of savings and lots of expectation and drive.

I’m now in the second week. It’s a strange feeling not having any set timeframes and I thrive on pressure. So I’m trying not to be too hard on myself and let a natural routine show itself to me. I’m not sure whether it’s the right approach, but my health is certainly better and I feel like a different person in such a short space of time.

I got some great advice from @gutterbookshop. “My advice: give yourself a specific period to take a well-earned break. When time is up, get into a work routine asap – only way!” I’m doing what he suggested. It’s working.

It feels like progress is slow, but when I look at it, I’ve got my word count from 13K to 20K. I’ve picked up some bits of work to add to the pot to help me go on for longer. I’ve been accepted on Conor Kostick’s writing masterclass at Farmleigh. And I’ve had chance to catch up with people, in person and on Twitter. I also joined the library and am devouring books once more.

It’s a bit of a rollercoaster but I feel it’s the best decision I’ve ever made (please remind me of that when I’m freaking out in a month’s time).

I’ve noticed a trend in all the writing courses/workshops/events I’ve attended. All aspiring writers want to know how to get their work published. It’s often a shock to new/emerging writers to find that building a profile is as important as creating beautifully crafted and exciting literary works.

The internet makes the world much smaller and more accessible. Publishers now receive more submissions than ever and the editorial process is completely different to even five years ago. Nowadays, new writers need to grab attention and also show that they are marketable. After all, the publishing world is a business Writers: if they can’t sell you, they won’t publish you, no matter how well you can write.

The key elements required are dedication, talent, patience and a thick skin. You need to build your profile in several ways and it takes time. You need to produce a high quantity of quality work, get it published in the right places, generate interest through social networks and invest time on the right people.

This set of articles is aimed at anyone eager to start building their writing profile – even those who are finding the breadth of choice (which is pretty huge) confusing or intimidating. I’ve been working on my own writing profile for the last year and a half and it is starting to pay dividends. It’s a worthy investment.

Here’s what you can expect over the next couple of weeks. I will add extra sections if they are requested.

Part 2: Your literary blog

Part 3: Social networking: marketing yourself

I have to tell you, Dublin is truly seductive. There’s a surprise around every corner, a multitude of things to see and do at any hour of the day, and like a true love, it leaves you wanting more every time. Now, one of the things I particularly adore about this place is you never know who you’ll meet or what they’ll spark in you.

Take New Years Day with Pat Ingoldsby, for instance. You’ll have to imagine what that would entail because he is admirably private (even more so than myself) and so I’d never discuss details. Not even on how he takes his coffee. My point is that a few hours in his company left me completely on fire. I was forced to run to one of my favourite me-time writing haunts: La Cave. Bar-flying it in my usual style with just a notebook and THE PEN, I enjoyed two glasses of wine and concocted 13 poems. For anyone who isn’t writing poetry; this is no mean feat.

Then a couple of weeks ago, I joined some friends for drinks in a hotel, and ended up in the company of Sarah Rees Brennan. Now you don’t expect that. Neither do you expect to only actually realise who you were sitting with a few days later after googling her half overheard name. That’s when you go…”Oh. Fuck.”

Sarah was/is brilliant. Her book is also brilliant. Both are colourful, confident, witty and quirky, but after Google, something felt wrong. I was unnerved. It took a while to figure it out. There was a niggle that suddenly wanted to make-believe she wasn’t wonderful. Then I realised; it was because she wasn’t me. Or more truthfully, it was because I wasn’t her. Or even more truthfully – it had nothing to do with that at all. What was I playing at? Why didn’t I have a book published?

Now, I don’t have a book published because although I have a first draft of two novels, they are nowhere near finished. I’m spending all my time writing poetry. So what did I do after this revelation? I sat and wrote some more poetry, obviously… Until today, that is.

Today I unearthed both drafts and dipped into them. After reviewing several publishing blogs and agencies, I determined the direction that I need to follow. But the strange thing is – it was the last person I’d expect to give me the kick I was looking for. It was my boss.

His words were simple, “You’re a writer. I don’t like your poetry but I like your writing. You should finish your book.” And he’s right. I’m here and I’m copywriting and it’s a fantastic job in an excellent company but sometimes I feel like it’s eating my soul. Why? I am a writer, not a copywriter. Now, consider the discussion that brought me to that realisation:

Him: You’re a writer. You have to write. That’s who you are.
Me: I don’t have to write. That sounds so pretentious.
Him: You’re telling me, if you didn’t write for 3 days, you wouldn’t go crazy?
Me: Of course I wouldn´t, because I write every day.

That’s what I call giving myself a custard pie in the face. But I’m happy because I learned the following things:

1. I do need to write.
2. I am completing my novel.
3. My boss doesn’t like my poetry.