I’ve wanted to become an author since I learnt you could actually write your own books. I know, it’s a familiar story for many writers. I imagine it’s also very familiar story that it can take a lot to have the courage to put yourself out there and give it a go.

For many years I wanted to create an amazing young adult series, in the vein of one of my favourite Authors John Marsden. Next I thought I could do an Australian version of Harry Potter (I mean, seriously!). I always had visions of doing something ‘great’, something ‘amazing’ and when I discovered my writing wasn’t particularly great or amazing, I would give up.

I also had a strong commitment to being a ‘pantster’. I mean, I was good at coming up with ideas, so why hinder that with planning and structure. That’s not how I write! Until I discovered it was. I purchased the James Patterson Masterclass many years ago. I hadn’t even read a James Patterson book at that stage, but the wisdom he imparted in that class had a big impact on me. I finally decided, I was just going to give this outlining thing a go, and see what happened.

The first version of ‘The Library of Memories’ (now titled ‘The Ghost of Lilly Pilly Creek) was very different. The title was the first thing I had, and I ran with that. The first draft was a lot more fantasy, with a cast of characters, and an intricate system built into my world. I committed myself to just finishing the book, and I did. But this was in the panster phase, and when I went back to read it, I realised there was so much that didn’t work, the plot was weak, and it was going to take me a lot of work to rewrite. I was not enthused at all. Yet wasn’t this the one I was going to finally finished? First I thought Scrivener would solve all my problems. Yes, I loved the software and still use it, but could it solve the problems of a disjointed, unplanned book? Nope.

It was around this time that I reviewed the James Patterson Masterclass again, and, oh my goodness, I also discovered the world of the cozy mystery! These two things collided at just the right time. One there was one more piece to the puzzle. I had also decided to give myself ‘permission’ to self publish. I was one of those who was only ever going to be professional published. I was going to be a ‘real’ author. I’ve most certainly changed my mind on this. If I continued on the path of striving to be professionally published, this was just another layer of difficulty which would only hold me back from actual writing. The self publishing world is a very different beast these days. With my marketing and business background, I find it very exciting, and I am a person who loves to ‘do it myself’. So, whilst I’m still at the very start of this journey, I really can’t wait to learn as much as I can about it.

Now, it was time to commit to actually writing this book. And commit I did. I learnt as much as I could about the cozy mystery genre (although I still have a lot to learn) and spent time outlining the new version of The Library of Memories. I removed the fantasy element and the intricate world, and instead, set it in a familiar location, based on towns I know and love (with a bit of dreaming thrown in). The two original sisters remained, but I added the ghost element which I have always wanted to play with. With this combination of story and outlining, I was finally, finally, able to finish the book! And I don’t want to put this too mildly, this has been a goal of mine since I was a child. The actual, real finishing of a book. Never, ever, have I put the time and effort into a book like I have this one. I don’t mean it is a literary masterpiece, or that it is even a ‘great’ cozy mystery. That wasn’t my goal. My goal was to actually finish a book that I hope others will enjoy reading.

The second part of this goal is yet to be realised. Currently my book is with my three advanced readers. As I assume many of you may understand, the is such a nerve wracking experience. I haven’t really let anyone read my writing since school. I’m pleased with it, even with its failings. I just hope others appreciate it for what it is. I am also looking forward to the feedback, as I know for sure there will be changes I need to make. I am hoping however, that it is still something publishable, readable, and I can finally fulfil my dream of finishing and publishing a book.

In the meantime…..am I supposed to start writing book two now?

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