If you see me on social media after today, tell me to get back to work. I have a deadline looming! The manuscript for my second book with Affirm Press is due in six weeks, and I still have a few chapters to sort out before then! I’m working on another gripping family drama. This time the protagonist is a mother of three young children, so I’ve had to dig into the dusty recesses of my brain for memories of parenting little kids. Some experiences are still vivid, but much of it feels like a separate life entirely. To help with the process, I’ve been trawling through old photos and done a deep dive into the world of mummy bloggers. I’m taking more notice of young kids around me, and eavesdropping on parents at the supermarket with demanding little ones in tow. So glad I’m past that stage!
Writing a second book has been very different from working on One Punch. I know what’s ahead, so that’s good, and I have a contract – that’s really good, but I don’t have the luxury of time. No chance to mull over the story for a few years. I can’t give myself a few weeks off when I hit a snag in the storyline. I’ve had to get better at compartmentalising tasks. I’m still marketing One Punch, and it’s easy to dither about on social media all morning, instead of getting on with my new story.
I did manage to escape to Fiji with the family between drafts. It was an incredible break, and really boosted my creative energy – leaving me ready to tackle the final section.
Meanwhile, I’m loving seeing your pics of One Punch and reading your feedback on social media. I’ve also enjoyed visiting book clubs – sharing my writing journey and finding out what clubbers think of the moral dilemma faced by Yasmin and Evie – the two mothers at the centre of the tragedy. It’s so interesting to get everyone’s take on how far parents would go to protect their children!
Since launching One Punch, I’ve also done several podcasts and interviews about my writing process. As an aspiring author I always looked for nuggets in writer’s interviews – so here’s a few tips if you’re working on your manuscript.
Read the full interview here
If you enjoyed One Punch, please share a picture and a few words on your socials, or post a review – it really helps!
I look forward to sharing more news about my next book, plus some tales from the Top End in my next newsletter. Sign up so you don’t miss a thing!
Happy reading!
Julie
Julie Fison 