I returned to my current book this week after a two month hiatus where we eyed each other uneasily on a daily basis. I finished the first draft of it in mid-December, over two weeks ahead of schedule, having studiously worked on it every day for three months. When I finish the first draft IContinue reading “Bursting The Bubble”
Tag Archives: editing
What If Jesus Was A Plumber?
Good Morning from a chilly Northern Ireland. A particularly chilly Northern Ireland as our heating boiler packed in earlier this week, meaning we’ve been slowly freezing to death, huddled around electric radiators and under mountains of blankets. We’ve been waddling around like Eskimos in multiple layers as the gales howled outside. The highlight of theContinue reading “What If Jesus Was A Plumber?”
Writers Deserve Respect
I’ve been doing a little editing this morning. Tinkering with structure and content, adding, removing, moving words around until I have them just where I want them. Where they can make the maximum impact, allowing the characters and story to pop off the page like popcorn from the pan. Edging ever nearer the perfect sentence,Continue reading “Writers Deserve Respect”
Good Morning From Northern Ireland
Good Morning from Northern Ireland. These are the words I always start my day with on Twitter so I thought, why not start doing the same on WordPress. It’s a great way to initiate conversations and create new online friendships. You get to meet folk from all corners of the world and learn more aboutContinue reading “Good Morning From Northern Ireland”
Writing Matters – Fighting A War On Many Fronts
All the great generals frowned upon fighting a war on more than one front. Resources were stretched and supply lines made vulnerable to attack. Better to focus on a single goal and not bite off more than you could chew. Yet, as I’ve currently been submerged by a wave of writing creativity, I’ve found myselfContinue reading “Writing Matters – Fighting A War On Many Fronts”
OCD – The Silent Killer
I have OCD and I’m not in control. There, I’ve said it, that wasn’t so hard was it? Even a few years ago, I would have veered clear of ‘outing’ myself and identifying with the mental illness. It was embarrassing, shameful and humiliating. But the longer I’ve walked this path, I’ve realised I have aContinue reading “OCD – The Silent Killer”
Don’t Suffer In Silence
I fear I’m getting old. For everything hurts. A lot. Take last Saturday for example. I bent over in the kitchen to put some rubbish in the bin, only to discover I couldn’t stand up straight again. A sharp pain in the base of my back ensured that. Hobbling over to a nearby chair myContinue reading “Don’t Suffer In Silence”
Signs Of Life
I’m not saying life in lockdown is dull. For if I did then I’m sure Fionnuala could find plenty of household chores to occupy my time. But the days do tend to drag. I had to ask this morning what day of the week it was. By necessity, we find ourselves staring out of ourContinue reading “Signs Of Life”
Happy Birthday Fractured Faith
Seems like no time but the blog is now three years old. That’s a lot of posts. Some of you have been there from the start, some have joined along the journey, others have disappeared into the ether. We are grateful for everyone who continues to read and comment. As long as that continues IContinue reading “Happy Birthday Fractured Faith”
Researching Book Three
Another day in paradise. Or lockdown hell, whichever way you wish to look at it. I woke up to more five star reviews for ‘Skelly’s Square’ on Amazon. The USA and UK are now tied at 56 five star reviews each. These mean so much to me as they bolster my ever fragile confidence. TheyContinue reading “Researching Book Three”
Should I Blog More?
Eight miles yesterday, out to the shores of Lough Neagh and back. The sun continues to shine in Northern Ireland although a cool breeze was most welcome on the return journey. The country roads were quiet apart from the occasional fellow runner, cyclist or dog walker. Dogs must be loving lockdown, they’ve never been walkedContinue reading “Should I Blog More?”
Toxic Positivity – What Is It?
I stumbled across this image earlier on Facebook and it got me thinking; or rather accelerated something I had already been mulling over in my head. It was a hammer that nailed a series of loose thoughts into a cogent steam. Toxic positivity. It exists, it’s a real thing, not just the product of myContinue reading “Toxic Positivity – What Is It?”
Walk Away
No words needed. Walk away.
Care Enough To Look
No words needed. People with mental illnesses may not have broken bones but they have broken dreams, broken minds and broken hearts. Their illnesses may be invisible but the signs are there if you take the time to look for them. The onus is on you to reach out to them, not for them toContinue reading “Care Enough To Look”
Don’t Be Afraid To Start Over
When I started this blog, I started all over again. Turned my back on the past and threw my energy into new passions. Almost three years later, I’ve published two books and completed a third. I’m training for my tenth marathon and been promoted at work. I’ve living the happiest & healthiest life I can.Continue reading “Don’t Be Afraid To Start Over”
The Right Ones Will Always Stay
Good Morning WordPress. A short word today. It took me a long time to learn this lesson, but learn it I did. Have you?
RIP Kobe Bryant
Happy World Introvert Day
It’s World Introvert Day. I never knew such a day existed until it popped up on my Facebook feed this morning. Who decides these days? Is there a committee somewhere locked away in a conference room debating such important matters? I can only assume there’s also a World Extrovert Day, no doubt shouted from theContinue reading “Happy World Introvert Day”
Thank you
Another very encouraging review from fellow blogger, Lesley. Thank you very much for so eloquently capturing the essence of Skelly’s Square. I tried hard to address very serious and real issues against a supernatural backdrop liberally smattered with action and humour. The book continues to attract positive feedback while promoting mental health, disability, addiction andContinue reading “Thank you”
Who Is Your Lighthouse?
It was a murky lunchtime run today which highlighted the lighthouse exhibit on Belfast Lough. I focused on it from some distance away and it inspired me to keep pressing forward through the blustery, wet conditions. Most other days I would have run past it without a second thought but it was there for meContinue reading “Who Is Your Lighthouse?”
I’ve Had An Anxious Week
I’ve had an anxious few days worrying about work related matters. It started towards the tail end of last week and preyed on my mind over the weekend, before descending again from on high like a hungry vulture on Monday morning. Various unwanted thoughts have spun a not so merry dance around my head despiteContinue reading “I’ve Had An Anxious Week”
5 Things To Quit Right Now
I’ve been guilty of all five and can confirm they are all counter productive and highly negative behavioural patterns. Today I choose to change and walk a different path. A path that leads upwards, out of the abyss. It is possible but it’s a conscious decision we must make every day of our own volition.Continue reading “5 Things To Quit Right Now”
Writing Won’t Make Me Rich But It Makes Me Happy
I’ve now hit the 65,000 word mark on Book 2 which is more or less the half way mark of this latest writing odyssey of mine. Quotes like this might seem trite to some but they bring a smile to my face. In the last week alone, I’ve sold books in France, India, the U.KContinue reading “Writing Won’t Make Me Rich But It Makes Me Happy”
Fractured Faith Is 1000 Posts Old
Today marked our 1000th post on Fractured Faith. We started the blog back in May 2017 and, back then, had no idea what to expect. Fionnuala encouraged me to share my writing with the online world as both a form of personal therapy and to encourage others that there is always hope, no matter howContinue reading “Fractured Faith Is 1000 Posts Old”
Never Forget
Never, ever forget….
I’m On Facebook. Come Visit
Are you on Facebook? If so, why don’t you drop over and like my author page. I post content that you won’t find on the blog including writing updates, quizzes and the occasional competition. What’s not to like about that? It’s the perfect way to start your Monday and if it’s as grey and dampContinue reading “I’m On Facebook. Come Visit”
Have You Read It Yet?
I passed 20,000 words on my new book over the weekend, the sequel to my first novel, ‘The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles: Skelly’s Square,’ which was released in July. It’s received great reviews and is available to buy now on Amazon in e book and paperback format. Or utterly free if you’re a Kindle Unlimited customer.Continue reading “Have You Read It Yet?”
7000 Words Later – A Writing Update
I’m now 7000 words into Book 2 of ‘The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles,’ tentatively titled ‘Skelly’s Tower.’ I’ve been knocking out 1000 words a day and, to date, it’s proving a lot easier to write than its predecessor. I like to think I’ve developed and improved as a writer which has helped. I also know theContinue reading “7000 Words Later – A Writing Update”
Thank You Amy
My first book review My first book review — Read on amy-westphal.com/2019/08/14/my-first-book-review/ Thank you Amy for this wonderful review of the book. I’m honoured. Amy is a very talented writer and is currently querying her first novel, ‘Capture The Tide,’ a brilliant YA/NA tale of hope, faith and survival set in post apocalyptic America. I certainlyContinue reading “Thank You Amy”
We Need Your Feedback
The blog passed 11,000 followers the other day and it’s growth continues to amaze and delight me. I don’t know why people keep coming back to view, like and comment but I’m forever grateful. At each milestone, I like to ask you guys what you want from the blog in the future. As well as,Continue reading “We Need Your Feedback”
The Idiot’s Guide To Writing A Book
Let’s face it, I’m an idiot. Anyone who has followed this blog these last two and a bit years will know that. I stepped away from a chaotic past and started writing….and running….and then writing some more. All in my 40’s! Classic mid life crisis man. I’m sure that’s what some people think and they’reContinue reading “The Idiot’s Guide To Writing A Book”
Waiting….
I am succeeding, things are happening, momentum is gathering. The rusty bolt in the gate has finally succumbed to my tugging and twisting. The huge boulder which has resisted me so long is finally starting to trundle down the hill, gathering pace as I run alongside it, breathless and giddy with excitement at what liesContinue reading “Waiting….”
My Little Black Book
I have a little black book…. But don’t worry, it’s not that kind of little black book. My little black book contains the details of literary agents I’m researching. Agents who, if they tick all the requisite boxes, I will query with regards the book. The book, the book, always the book. Writing it wasContinue reading “My Little Black Book”
The Good Wife
Last night Fionnuala and I settled down at the dinner table, the kids in their rooms and the house unnaturally quiet. I poured us drinks and settled down beside my lovely wife. Romantic dinner for two? Er….not quite. But close. The night was young and the entire evening lay ahead of us. But we wereContinue reading “The Good Wife”
Rewrites and Rejigs
I’ve acted on feedback these last few days and tweaked the opening chapters of the book. This has involved removing my beloved prologue on the advice of a literary agent, my agent Laura and Fionnuala. As usual, my wife was weeks ahead of the ‘experts’ with regards this observation and, as ever, I ignored herContinue reading “Rewrites and Rejigs”
Rejection Never Tasted So Good
I received another rejection e-mail yesterday, my fifth in total, but this one was a little different from the others. It contained feedback, words of encouragement, a glimmer of hope in the dark world of the querying wannabe author. What was even better was that it came from one of the biggest literary agents inContinue reading “Rejection Never Tasted So Good”
The Shameless Plug
Kirkwood Scott is looking for a home! As I continue to query literary agents with my first book – ‘The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles: Skelly’s Square’ – I’m also on the outlook for any small, independent publishing houses who publish urban fantasy literature. Would they be interested in running with my tale of Kirkwood Scott, MeredithContinue reading “The Shameless Plug”
Three Rejection E-Mails Later….
It’s two weeks since I started querying literary agents with my book ‘The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles: Skelly’s Square,’ and I said I would keep you all regularly updated, so here goes. To date I have queried 15 agents, all of whom I chose after researching them online and judging they would be a good matchContinue reading “Three Rejection E-Mails Later….”
My First Rejection E-Mail
I was a little disheartened to receive my first rejection e-mail from an American literary agent yesterday. Not disheartened I received one but, rather, I received it less than ten hours after submitting it to said agent. I had been told it could be anything between 4-12 weeks to receive a reply, given agents areContinue reading “My First Rejection E-Mail”
At Last. The Long Awaited E-Mail
The long awaited e-mail from my editor, Laura, arrived yesterday, giving me the green light to commence querying literary agents with the manuscript for my first novel, ‘The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles: Skelly’s Square.’ Laura has worked wonders with the opening chapters of the book. Clunky prose now runs seamlessly from page to page. This isContinue reading “At Last. The Long Awaited E-Mail”
I’ve Written A Book. Now What? – Beta Readers
I’m a happy wannabe author today, having received final feedback from two of my loyal beta readers, Katie and Shae. To say I was pleased with their e-mails is probably the understatement of the decade. I would have jumped in the air and clicked my heels together, but I’m just back from a 7 1/2Continue reading “I’ve Written A Book. Now What? – Beta Readers”
I’d Like To Thank My Family, My Agent….
Oh hang on I don’t have an agent. Well not yet anyway, but I’m working on that one. Yesterday, Fractured Faith passed 8000 followers, a milestone that has been looming on the horizon for some weeks now. As I have written about in previous posts, there are mixed feelings about this achievement. I won’t goContinue reading “I’d Like To Thank My Family, My Agent….”
I’m On Twitter. I Think.
I’ve made the decision to open a personal Twitter account in order to promote my writing. It’s early days yet but I’ll be tweeting bite sized versions of the usual nonsense you find on the blog every day. If you’re on Twitter, pop over and say hello. Or follow me even. My username (is thatContinue reading “I’m On Twitter. I Think.”
Help Required
Now that the manuscript for ‘The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles – Skelly’s Square’ is with my editor, you would think I could slow down and take a break. Er….no. I’ve decided to give the traditional publishing route a shot and see what all those lovely literary agents think of my work. In order to do that,Continue reading “Help Required”
Kirkwood Flies The Nest
Yes. It’s finally happening…. Later today, I will be e-mailing my editor, Laura, the latest (5th but who’s counting) draft of my book. It weighs in at a whopping 125K words and 425 pages, but I can do no more with it. Time for ‘The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles – Skelly’s Square’ to fly the nestContinue reading “Kirkwood Flies The Nest”
My Week’s Been Meh – How About You?
I’ve been devoid of words this week. Last night, I sat down to write a blog post. Normally, I start with an idea and just go with the flow. The words tend to follow quickly and before you know it, voila, the post is finished. I’ve gotten into a habit of posting regularly, which meansContinue reading “My Week’s Been Meh – How About You?”
Breaking News
I’m delighted to announce Laura Dobra has agreed to edit my first book, ‘The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles – Skelly’s Square.’ Laura is a talented freelance writer and editor, based in Western Australia, who offered her professional services after reviewing part of the manuscript. I was keen to have the book professionally copy edited before beginningContinue reading “Breaking News”
Where Do You Find The Time To Read?
I’m currently reading ‘Dark Places’ by Gillian Flynn. It’s a fantastic read. Eerie, edgy and beautifully written. The twists and turns of the plot leave me none the wiser as to how the story will turn out. It ticks every box as far as I’m concerned, a real page turner. Well, it would be ifContinue reading “Where Do You Find The Time To Read?”
I’ve Written A Book. Now What?
Yesterday I started a hard copy edit of my debut novel ‘The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles – Part One – Skelly’s Square.’ Armed with my trusty red pen, I attacked the manuscript with gusto, and more than a little trepidation. What if the printer version revealed a myriad of mistakes which I had failed to detectContinue reading “I’ve Written A Book. Now What?”
Why I Won’t Be Taking Part in #NaNoWriMo
Today marks the start of National Novel Writing Month, or #NaNoWriMo for those of you who are more hashtag oriented. Aspiring authors everywhere will be unleashing their creative juices, in order to write a book in 31 days. Progress reports will be religiously maintained via updates to their social media platform of choice. At theContinue reading “Why I Won’t Be Taking Part in #NaNoWriMo”
Red Pen Day
Today, for the first time, I’m printing off a hard copy of the book I’ve been working on this last year. I may even have it bound, just to make me feel more like a real author, as opposed to a pretend one. It’s been through four self edits already and a raft of chaptersContinue reading “Red Pen Day”
I Need Your Help
I’m hoping to announce some BIG news on the blog over the next few days regarding the fantasy novel I’ve been working on for the last year – ‘The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles – Skelly’s Square.’ But before then, I need some help from my fellow writers. Can you recommend any literary agents or publishers whoContinue reading “I Need Your Help”
I’m Writing A Book….Still
So, after three weeks of staring forlornly at it, I’m finally taking the plunge and starting work on my debut novel again – ‘The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles – Skelly’s Square.’ When I signed off last time, I had almost completed the fourth draft. I think another week of consistent editing will complete that process, maybeContinue reading “I’m Writing A Book….Still”
I Have A Shameful Secret….About My Shameful Secret
A few months ago I posted a blog about my aversion of all things Harry Potter. Despite my love of the fantasy genre, this was one franchise I just didn’t get. Game of Thrones, yes. Lord of the Rings, most definitely. Heck I’ve even read/watched the Twilight and Hunger Games sagas, no problems. But DanielContinue reading “I Have A Shameful Secret….About My Shameful Secret”
How Can A Fractured Faith Blog Be Improved?
The blog continues to grow and, of late, has been a bit of a pot pourri with regards topics and themes. I’ve posted three poems in the last week, very unlike me I know. Yet, I’ve woken up with the words in my head and felt no option but to write and post them. IContinue reading “How Can A Fractured Faith Blog Be Improved?”
Flash Fiction Challenge
I sporadically issue Flash Fiction writing challenges based around discarded till receipts I find during my travels around the shops of Belfast. Today’s is a true conundrum. Who would purchase a fruit peeler and then buy ‘prepared’ fruit? As in, already peeled, diced, sliced etc. Doesn’t that negate the need for a peeler? The plotContinue reading “Flash Fiction Challenge”
I’m Writing A Book….Still!
I’ve now reached the two third mark of my fourth edit of ‘The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles – Skelly’s Square,’ my first, and possibly only, novel. Progress has been slow, but steady, this week. As ever, real life has got in the way, and I haven’t been able to devote the time I would like toContinue reading “I’m Writing A Book….Still!”
Writing Sucks, Yet Still I Write
I used to have a very romanticised image of us wannabe authors. We would languidly lie stretched out on our chaise longues, waiting for inspiration to strike before committing to paper the fruits of our labour. These words would flow seamlessly and effortlessly, with no need for correction, before we would fall back, nibble onContinue reading “Writing Sucks, Yet Still I Write”
I’m Writing A Book….Still: (Part….I’ve Forgotten Which Part)
Regular readers will know that I’m writing a book. I’ve been droning on about it for the better part of a year. It’s titled ‘The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles – Skelly’s Square’ and is the first part of Young Adult fantasy series based in Belfast. The hero of the piece is very loosely based on yoursContinue reading “I’m Writing A Book….Still: (Part….I’ve Forgotten Which Part)”
Flash Fiction Challenge – The Mirror
The sight of a well dressed man hunting through discarded till receipts is never an edifying sight. However, needs must, and I did unearth this beauty for today’s Flash Fiction Challenge. The rules are as ever. Well, there are no rules other than create a piece of fiction based upon the contents. You can writeContinue reading “Flash Fiction Challenge – The Mirror”
Why Writing Rubbish Matters
Yesterday I started to edit the first ‘Kirkwood Scott’ chapter I ever wrote, over ten months ago. At the time I thought it was award winning and revolutionary. Turns out I was wrong. It was, in fact, unadulterated rubbish. A bloated, meandering mess with no structure or flow. Just a muddled melee of thoughts andContinue reading “Why Writing Rubbish Matters”
Resignation
Resignation https://meupgraded.wordpress.com/2018/08/14/resignation/ — Read on meupgraded.wordpress.com/2018/08/14/resignation/ Another excellent piece of flash fiction in response to my recent receipt themed challenge. Emma’s story oozes with positivity which is all the more admirable given she has been quite poorly of late. Please support her blog. Another talented writer who deserves more exposure.
Flash Fiction Challenge – A Song of Fire and Mints
Flash Fiction Challenge – A Song of Fire and Mints Flash Fiction Challenge – A Song of Fire and Mints — Read on mused.blog/2018/08/12/flash-fiction-challenge-a-song-of-fire-and-mints/ This creepy, atmospheric piece from Chris ticked a lot of my boxes in response to our recent Flash Fiction Challenge. All we were missing was Fox Mulder and The Cigarette SmokingContinue reading “Flash Fiction Challenge – A Song of Fire and Mints”
Flash Fiction Challenge
Feeling a little creative today? Well let your fingers do the talking then. A few weeks ago I told you of my interest (some might call it weird fascination) with discarded till receipts in shops. I would look at them and then imagine the life of the person who had made the relevant purchase. WhatContinue reading “Flash Fiction Challenge”
Beta Readers Required
Happy August one and all. This looks like being a big month for me. I’m now nearing the end of the third edit of my debut novel ‘The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles – Skelly’s Square’. This has been a long road and I’m sure regular readers are sick to the back teeth of my updates onContinue reading “Beta Readers Required”
What Makes A Good Writer?
I wrote yesterday that I’m taking a mini blogging hiatus over the next few days as I focus on completing the third draft of my novel. I’m happy to report that progress is being made as I now have the first 14 chapters, roughly 12000 words, in a coherent running order. Yesterday was the firstContinue reading “What Makes A Good Writer?”
I’m Writing A Book….Still (Part I Can’t Remember I’ve Lost Count)
After a busy week at work writing reports and battling to restock the office fridge with Diet Coke, I now have five days off to recharge. There will be training runs as my next marathon is just over three weeks away and we are also planning a few family outings, including a trip to BelfastContinue reading “I’m Writing A Book….Still (Part I Can’t Remember I’ve Lost Count)”
Why Do Good Blogs Go Bad?
Have you ever poured your heart and soul into a blog only for it to sink without trace amidst the plethora of competing posts that flood your timeline? It’s disheartening isn’t it? You stare at your pride and joy and try to process how 99% of your followers haven’t the slightest interest in this latestContinue reading “Why Do Good Blogs Go Bad?”
I’m Writing A Book….Part 465,589
Or to be honest I haven’t been writing a book. Or at least not very much over the last two weeks. After a creative spurt which carried me to the end of the second draft I hit a mental brick wall. It wasn’t writer’s block as I knew what I had to write. I justContinue reading “I’m Writing A Book….Part 465,589”
I’m Writing A Book….Still (Part 7)
Yes it’s your favourite time of the week when I update you on how the novel//project/bane of my life (depending upon my mood at any given moment) is coming along. Well, this week has seen significant progress and the word count on the second draft currently sits at just over 78K. I was off workContinue reading “I’m Writing A Book….Still (Part 7)”
I’m Writing A Book….Still (Part 6)
Writing makes me happy. Editing and proof reading not so much. I’m now around 30K into draft two of the novel. There have been a few cringe worthy moments (did I really write that?), more than one double take (that makes zero sense, Stephen. Zero sense) and the occasional stunned pause (er….actually that’s not bad).Continue reading “I’m Writing A Book….Still (Part 6)”
You’re Never As Useless As You Think You Are
Some of you may be aware that I’m writing a book. It’s a supernatural fantasy set in Belfast which covers a lot of the themes that I blog about; mental illness, homelessness, faltering faith to name but a few. It’s heroes are deeply flawed outcasts on the fringes of society. They have been rejected byContinue reading “You’re Never As Useless As You Think You Are”
I’m Writing A Book….I Think
Some of you may know that I am currently working on my first novel. It’s fiction and is largely set in the city of Belfast but that’s all you’re getting out of me! I’m actually very reluctant to talk about it and I’ve deliberated all day about writing this post. But as I get askedContinue reading “I’m Writing A Book….I Think”
Thank You
This blogging business is a right hoot isn’t it. The site has been up and running now for three months and we have 900 followers and are fast approaching our 10,000th view. According to my more geographically aware wife we have had views from 50% of the countries in the world. Mind blown. I justContinue reading “Thank You “
Black Thoughts 
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