Grand Falls House overlooking the Exploits River in October 2024.
This Tudor estate, built in 1909 in less than six months for Lord and Lady Northcliffe, was modeled after Mark Twain’s Connecticut country home. Soil was shipped from England for the flower beds.
This property features prominently in my manuscript.
Welcome
Thanks for signing up for my monthly newsletter. I’m truly grateful you’re giving me some of your time.
I’d love to receive your feedback (positive and constructive) on this newsletter so I can make it as compelling for you as possible. I’m relying on the “rule of three” to share brief thoughts on these topics:
- Status of My Manuscript
- The Writing Life
- Facts & Curiosities
Status of My Manuscript
I’m done! Well … I’ve finished the first draft, which was two years in the making. Statistics report that a staggering 80% of North Americans say they’ve considered writing a book. Of that number, between 3% and 5% actually finish a first full draft. So, I’m pretty stoked to have climbed that first mountain!
Next step is self-editing which many writers say is the fun part. An editing guidebook I recently read encourages writers to be excited about this phase. This is where the magic happens and is what separates the hobbyists from those who become published.
For those of you unfamiliar with this process, editing a fiction manuscript is much more than proofreading. It involves several passes through the full manuscript using various lenses focusing on elements including structure, characterization, pace, theme, and historical accuracy.
I’ll be spending several months editing and, in a twisted way, I’m really excited to dig in. My Left-Brain is raring to go! Stay tuned to see if my tune remains the same after a month or so of editing…
The Writing Life
After 30+ years working in finance, I retired earlier than planned in 2023 to begin an MFA and focus on writing. I’m pleasantly surprised how seamless the transition has been given the significant difference between these two professions.
Other than “Is your book finished?” (see above), I most often get the question, “What is your new life like?”
It took a while to get into a rhythm, but I’ve settled into one that’s working. I still provide corporate consulting services two days per week, so I focus my writing activities around those days.
I’m a morning person who needs a quiet, focused block of time to write so I usually work on my manuscript from 8am to noon four days each week. My goal is 2,500 words during that period. Some weeks the words come easily and other times I’m stretching to make it. In the afternoons and evenings I read and undertake research. I’m watching less tv than before and only watch shows that inspire my creativity (other than a few guilty pleasures such as Survivor)!
I dedicate one day to MFA assignments and writing-related marketing activities including updating my website, preparing this newsletter, social media posts, writing essays and checking in on other writers’ activities.
Throughout the week I also listen to several writing podcasts and read newsletters of writers and industry experts. Rudy, our five year-old double-doodle, also ensures I get out for a walk each afternoon.
I’m well suited for this life as I’m content working alone and have strong discipline and focus. While I enjoy speaking in public and connecting with friends and family, it’s clear I’m an introvert; my batteries get charged when I’m alone with dedicated time to think and write!
Facts & Curiosities
I’ve spent a lot of time over the past two years reading biographies, letters and newspaper articles about the founders of my hometown, Lord Alfred Northcliffe and Lady Mary Northcliffe.
In my newsletter, I’ll share some interesting details about them that may not make it to the final manuscript.
For example, in 1903, Northcliffe purchased the first Mercedes in England. The 60hp Roi des Belges was clocked at more than 70 miles per hour. Both Alfred and Mary enjoyed high speeds so I can imagine their driver deftly navigating narrow English country lanes hoping another vehicle wasn’t coming around the bend in the opposite direction.
The car remained in the family, and kept in superb condition, until April 2024 when it was sold at auction in Florida for a shocking $12 million!
Writer in the Wild
My brother-in-law took this pic of my supportive and patient spouse Brenda taking my picture at the edge of the Exploits River, immediately behind Grand Falls House. The river generated hydro power for the pulp and paper mill, served to transport logs to the mill, and has become an important physical and thematic element of my manuscript.
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