My 2019 Writing Plans

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I’m very aware I ramble on about the extremely unpublished book I’ve written yet very few of you have read a sentence of it. I think it’s quite good although, to date, the literary agents I’ve been querying would beg to differ. The road to publication stretches into the distance with no likely end in sight. In the meantime, you are all stuck with my daily outpourings on this blog.

Such outpourings are of an entirely non fiction nature. My life, fascinating as it may seem to some, is actually very ordinary and there are days I struggle to cook up original content for the daily post. I’ve even thought some of my recent output has been a bit ‘samey.’ Is that even a word? So I’ve been thinking of ways I can post some of my fiction writing online for you to peruse.

I’m currently tinkering with the opening chapters of ‘The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles: Skelly’s Square’ prior to continuing on my querying quest. But I’m also planning to start work on Book 2 in the KSC series, tentatively titled ‘Paths of the Dead.’ I also have ideas for a number of other projects which I’m thinking of releasing online in serialised format. That way, people get an opportunity to see my work.

The two pieces I have in mind are ‘Bomb Girl’ and ‘Our Troubled Land.’ The first tells the tale of Adriana Hennessy, a very ordinary girl with a very extraordinary story – born at the second of the most notorious terrorist attack in Northern Irish history. Adriana grows up a beacon of hope and media darling. But she holds a dark secret, a secret she must confront and overcome to prevent an even greater tragedy befalling her home town.

‘Our Troubled Land’ is a post Brexit, post United Ireland, post everything dystopian story set in a country where all social order has broken down and chaos reigns. A group of young people battle to survive and forge a life worth living. Until a traumatic incident forces them to return to the place nobody wants to go. The most dangerous place on Earth – Belfast 2089.

I’m currently researching online platforms where I can work on these projects, allowing those who want to access to them and provide feedback if they wish. It’s a vent whereby I can release my creative juices and continue to hone my craft. At the end of the day all I want to do is write. I’d be grateful for any thoughts you might have on the above ideas. Hopefully they will see the light of day in the not too distant future.

Published by Fractured Faith Blog

We are Stephen and Fionnuala and this is our story. We live in Northern Ireland, have been married for 17 years and have three kids - Adam, Hannah and Rebecca. We hope that our story will inspire and encourage others. We have walked a rocky road yet here we are today, together and stronger than ever. We are far from perfect and our faith has been battered and bruised. But an untested faith is a pointless faith. Just as a fractured faith is better than none at all. We hope you enjoy the blog.

117 thoughts on “My 2019 Writing Plans”

      1. Following. Also having been to quite a few writing conferences, I know that one of the big secrets to getting an agent is having a huge following which seems so silly because if I already have a huge following why would I need a publisher to take my money? The fact that you block some much is great. Adding in a big social media would help as well and I hear self publishing is a great way to get started because then when you really have it bad people will go back and buy more

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  3. Our Troubled Land …. What a fantastic title. Keep on going, and no, they’re not ‘samey’! Every author has had to endure hundreds of no thank you letters, so don’t worry a hoot. It’s a fabulous book and I’ll be waiting in the queue at Waterstones for my signed first edition copy. JK Rowling eat your heart out! All will be well in the end. Katie 😀

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  5. Sounds like a great action plan. I know nothing of the publishing industry. But I do know a bit about perseverance and about the power a loyal following. So glad to see your thoughts turning toward doing what you love and sharing it with others. If writing is all you want to do, then write. Oh yeah, there is still the whole ‘be a hubby, dad, provider, supporter, encourager, rock for your family’ thing that you do as well. Superheroes got nothing on you.

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  8. Both sound like great stories. You are a great writer and maybe a different blog would be a good idea unless you’re thinking more of getting them published. You always keep us on the edge of our seats. I like mystery and sorry to say horror types so these will definitely keep me interested. Good luck, you will do well with whatever you decide.

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  9. That is most excellent Stephen! I love that your creative juices are still flowing and you are responding to them! Keep the faith, Brother! Some agent will be bright enough to realize what a gem you have submitted and publish it. Then when they ask you for more, you will have some things already in the works. Bravo!
    I do have a question: You manage to post everyday, even when things are ‘ordinary.’ I have trouble getting one post a week written, no matter how hard I try. I have always said that as a writer I make a pretty good singer, as my writing/creative skills seem to be less than exciting. I’d love to do more, but really feel stumped most of the time. Any advice, thoughts/constructive criticism are welcome.
    Blessings,
    Chuck

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  10. I had fantasised about writing an autobiography since a decade ago but unfortunately many details are too graphic or private and would lead to lawsuits of libel or destruction of privacy .. I wish you the best of luck!

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  12. Hi, thanks for sharing, and I enjoy reading your works! Have you thought about self-publishing e.g. Amazon? I know others who’ve done it and been quite successful. Maybe you’ve already covered that option in one of your posts, or someone else already suggested this possibility, and I apologize if I’m being redundant. Thanks!

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    2. I was thinking the same thing. But I can understand why you’d hesitate to jump to that sort of method. You’ve decided to take on a deeper passion and get a publisher. I hope you get it, because you’re a good writer.

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  15. That’s a great idea for others to have an idea of your work, and you’ll be able to get a fan base that way too, which helps for further buyers of your work. I’ve been working on giving you chapter feedback the past few days and wanted to make sure you were getting the emails. 🙂

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  19. Both of those books sound like page turners!

    When I feel my talents aren’t appreciated or noticed by others, I find hope in Proverbs 18:16 TLV, “A man’s gift makes room for him, and leads him before great men.” Your book(s) will make room for themselves and lead you before renowed audiences…God will see to it!!

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  28. Just yesterday I was talking with a publisher and was enlightened. I had been feeling overwhelmed with DIY Marketing for my book and balance for my life. My thoughts had been, “I want to be a writer, not a marketer!” So this was my enlightenment: Your first book is the entrance into the world of being an author; your second book makes it a career. I self-published my first book, When The One You Love Doesn’t Love You Anymore, and this means that I have control over when and where my most vulnerable book rests.

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  29. Your words are so relevant and relatable. I self published my poetry collection “Overthought Thoughts of a 21-Year-Old” and have been waiting for the moment I can confidently feel like a writer and less of a marketer. Good luck with your writing journey and never ever lose faith!

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  33. The days of looking for publishing frighten me. Hard to write knowing how difficult it is. My life has changed drastically since I’ve started my first novel, for the better. So at least I have the pride of ownership, and accomplishment. Being published would be a dream. As I’m sure it is for you.

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  37. The Belfast dystopia sounds awesome. Can’t wait to read it. And totally relate to your blog post. So glad you wrote it so I could read it. I struggle with whether to publish or not on my blog too!
    Keep rambling.

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      1. Hello, I write fairy tales for grown ups, horror and sci-fi /speculative fiction mostly. I’ve been working on a whole pile of short stories, but want to get back into working on a novel. I’ve tried and hit far too steep learning curves twice now with novel writing. so it’s a thing. But we live, we learn and get start again 🙂

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  38. I’ve only gotten as far as having made the decision to write a book. Don’t lose faith in publishing. Have you looked at self publishing? I haven’t investigated it yet. Figure it would be best to have something in writing first. I definitely enjoy your writing style and your excerpts sound great!

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  39. It must be fate. The other day I heard a news story on the radio about Northern Ireland and the Republic having to go back to actual borders after Brexit, and that brought up all the Troubles again. Your description of the story about the girl and the buried issue she must confront was like an echo of that piece. So compelling–I SO want to read it now!
    Not that I don’t want to read your other one!
    My ‘like’ button doesn’t work so consider this a ‘like’ and admiration for going for your dream. You deserve a publisher. If you put excerpts on your blog and count the ‘like’ scores of those posts, and mention them somehow to prospects to show you have a following, maybe that would help?
    Anyway, all the best to you!

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  43. Maybe start with sorting out your chapters with one main event or even one month’s event. Also sort out your characters and how they work with/against each other. Just an idea.

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  45. Writing a novel that will peak others interest is hard. I get that with the literary agents as well. My query letters never seem to be good enough. I wish you the best of luck though. You can do it!

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  46. Very cool sounding stories! I wish you lots of luck! As far as sources, there seem to be blogs and forums on just about everything. I typically just go with google for research unless it’s something hands on. Then I use you tube. Any way, good luck on your writing journey! It’s a periless one!

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  47. Hi. I, too, am “shopping” for an agent. It’s tough but I’m determined. I just re-branded my blog so it’s all about writing fiction. Maybe another outlet for me, another source of encouragement… Good luck. I’ll keep checking back here to see when you announce you have an agent and publishing deal. 🙂 I’m beginning to think perseverance is the key.

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  48. I am interested in your journey as I hope to be on that journey in the future. It is exciting to finally get time to finish projects but then comes the marketing…a different mountain to conquer. Goodluck

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  49. I think all the aspiring authors should get a blog together and we advise other aspiring authors and perhaps become co-authors in a goal of achieving in getting a book deal with a real agent and company. Let’s post keep posting about looking for assistance. I”K still learning about word press but I will keep trying

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  50. Hi FFB. Thanks for liking my reblogged post yesterday. Your projects look exciting. If you can, you should choose one and try to focus on that. Also, before you query agents – or dive into self-publishing – it is good to have other eyes on your work. Maybe there’s a writers’ group near where you live – they will welcome you as a new member and offer support and low level critiquing.
    One place on line that I have used to share my work is Chapter Buzz. You will be expected to read and comment on other writers’ works, but it is an on-line writing community which should help your confidence and produce some feedback.
    The owner of the site will spam you with offers relating to the editing and other services he provides but you can ignore them.
    I wish you every success.

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  52. Never, never, never give up. It’s the only way anything extraordinary ever gets done in this world. All the luck in the world!

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  53. I just read an article yesterday from positivewriter.com called “The One Literary Agent Interview All Writers Need To Read”. This literary agent talks about what they look for from a writer in order to get published. Good luck. You’re very talented with your blogging.

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