My new book, ‘The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles: A New Jerusalem,’ is released in ten days time on 06 October and I’ve been writing about my thoughts and feelings as we near the big day. Two days ago I blogged about my anxiety over the release but today I want to focus on a more positive aspect of the process – creativity. For as Book Two edges towards the light of day, I’m nearing the halfway point in writing Book Three, which I hope will be released in 2021.
I’m currently averaging around 1000 words a day and am ahead of my self-enforced schedule of finishing the first draft by the end of the year. I’ve been consistent and have found the words flowing freely. I mostly write in the mornings when I get up and on the daily train commute to and from work in Belfast. The plan is the whole story will be spread across a four book series. I also have an idea for a standalone psychological thriller which I’m mulling over.
Personally speaking, I find consistency every bit as important as creativity when it comes to the writing process. In fact, it’s probably more important, as my creative juices only really start to flow when I’m in the actual act of writing. The plot will then unfold in front of me like a red carpet being unfurled at a movie premiere. I need to turn up every day and stare at my keyboard. Otherwise the words don’t follow and the fear will start to grow within that the well is dry.
Writing is my release, my therapy, my salvation. It allows me to purge myself of the worry and anxiety that often overwhelmed me. It’s allow me to talk about my OCD in a safe and constructive environment. It also affords me self-worth and justifies my very existence. I feel like I am worth more than the voice inside my head telling me I’m a fraud and a failure. It helps me to become the best me I can possibly be. I’m flawed but I’m trying to be a better person.
10 days to go…
Black Thoughts 
Wonderful self-help routine you have discovered for yourself. Thank you for sharing your worlds, the one you live in and the ones you create, with us.
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You’re very welcome. Thank you for your support 🙂
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You’re inspiring. Determination to fulfill a dream is inspiring.
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Thank you. That’s very kind of you to say.
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Thank you for sharing. The creative process is fascinating to me. It’s interesting how it unfolds differently in different people. I consider it therapy as well. 😊
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You’re very welcome. Thank you for your support 😊
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I’m so excited for you!
Yes!!
I feel the same way about writing. It’s remarkable the help of is. Often how I connect with God. How I reboot.
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I’m rooting for you!
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Thank you Mrs Owens 🙂
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I too believe discipline is as important as creativity in fact if the two don’t go hand in hand then the result is a bit fractured. Really enjoyed reading this post, good luck with everything .
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Thank you Kate. I hope you will consider reading my books some day 🙂
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I am so busy writing at the moment I find it hard to find the time and have a large stack of dearly “want to’s” on both iPad and shelf but things will calm down and yes I would love to read your books and add them to my collection.
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Thank you. I fully understand 🙂
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“I find consistency every bit as important as creativity when it comes to the writing process.” I needed to read this today! Thank you.
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You’re very welcome 🙂
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I admire your creative process, Stephen! It is an inspiration and makes me think about what I should be doing. Baby steps…
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Thank you Sean 🙂
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I had a friend who painted landscapes to immerse herself in nature. She found peace. She had to develop her skills for five years before she got to that point where creative work brought joy and release. I’m glad that you’re living in that space too.
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I hope there will be an electronic version? That would be amazing! No bookstores here in my neck of the woods.
Lea Peters
Burundi, Africa
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Hi Lea. Yes, it’s available to pre-order now as an e-book from your local Amazon site. It will be downloaded to your device on 06 October. The first book in the series, ‘Skelly’s Square’ is available to buy now as an e-book. Thank you very much 🙂
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This is great. Thank you!
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You’re welcome. Let me know what you think of it 😊
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Don’t be nervous. Your new book will do great.
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Thank you Amanda.
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I’m really enjoying Book 1! It has been really interesting following the story as well as the experiences of the characters within that. ‘Write what you know’ is a phrase I’ve often heard. Reading your writing shows it is clear you know the subject matter well, and that you care about it.
Thank you for sharing your writing, both here and in your books. 😁
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Thank you Hamish. If you could leave an Amazon review when you have finished I’d be very grateful 🙂
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