#poweredByindie writing resolution number one

This writing resolution has to be number one on my list - to finish my new book by the end of this year, if not sooner. In the words of Sean O'Casey 'Get on with the bloody play'  The playwright wrote this in big letters to motivate himself and put it up on the wall opposite his work table.

Replace 'play' with 'novel' and we're in business.

Once I have finished putting order back into what my grandson refers to as 'my office' and lugged the black plastic sacks overflowing with books to my local Oxfam shop I have no more excuses to procrastinate.

The plight of the marginalized Tamil people in their fight for independent rule has long interested me. In my story a young Tamil adopted by an Irish pilot with whom he shared four years in captivity, is brought back to Ireland to be raised and educated with the man's sons. When he graduates from college and returns to his homeland to find his people he is gradually drawn into the ethnic conflict and before long finds himself in danger of betraying his principles when his ideals and integrity are put to the test in the brutal struggle for civil liberty.  Location Ireland and Sri Lanka in the early 1980's.

Much of my research is done, now it's a matter of putting flesh on bones.

#poweredByindie writing wish list for 2017

I know my wish list for the New Year will be similar to a lot of other writers - to publish, not kill my darlings. I am in the fortunate position, some might say, of having two novels ready to go but with the brake still on. Although drawn to being a fully committed #poweredbyindie author I am like someone poking their toes into the water and holding back from taking the plunge.

Like the song of indecision sung by Jimmy Durante at one time 'Did you ever get the feeling like you wanted to go and yet still got the feeling you wanted to stay,' I haven't quite made the transition and am  still cravenly weighting all the options. Maybe still wanting someone else to be the one to say 'Hey, this is good. We want to publish it.'

I can see some of you smiling a bit sadly at such foolishness but others will confess to feelings of a similar nature before they moved purposefully forward and put their own precious book online for their readers enjoyment. Indeed, they were clearly wasting no time in creating that well-deserved buzz.. So this is the indie author I am now concentrating my attention on, fondly remembering the thrilled colleague who recently posted on Facebook how she had just received paperback copies of her new book, bubbling over with love for her cover, boasting how the pair of them were 'dancing giddily about the kitchen together.'

Isn't that what it's all about for all writers this coming year - to be read and experience the buzz of excitement, the satisfaction that will inevitably be theirs. I think it is and I am greatly looking forward reading your indie experiences and maybe even picking up a few hints along the way.