The Writing Life ... a Constant Spin Cycle! by Valerie-Anne Baglietto

Valerie-Anne Baglietto continues the new series on successfully juggling writing and a busy life (or failing, as the case may be)... 

When I was asked to come up with a blog post about juggling writing with a hectic life, I admit I was daunted. So many other writers have produced amusing, sparkling and informative posts on the subject, I wasn’t sure what more I could add. So I went away (well, I sat down in my favourite armchair with a coffee) and thought long and hard about it and realised all I could offer was absolute, hand-on-heart, painful honesty. Which might make me unpopular, but then I do suffer from foot-in-mouth syndrome, so I hope I’ll be let off.

I’ve been writing professionally for around twenty years - since circumstances led me to give up working as a graphic designer - earning enough from writing to be able to sustain my handbag habit. I’ve mutated from a single twenty-something living with my parents into a menopausal* housewife and mum of three (*not quite there yet, but it covers a lot of excuses for my general behaviour). I appreciate I’ve been lucky. Without a Day Job outside the home, I’ve had time to write indulgently for hours on end, happy and free from guilt, right?

Guilt… 

The arch nemesis in a writer’s life. Well, in mine, at least. And it’s a two-edged sword. Firstly, regret for those times I’m so obsessed with my story and my characters that I can’t focus on my family – an uncomfortable nagging feeling that I’m failing them somehow. Secondly, guilt that I ought to be writing when I’m busy keeping the household functioning as it should.

I don’t know if this all stems from the post natal depression that blanketed me when my eldest was born. I was working to contractual deadlines back then. It all got too much, but even with the attached remorse that my baby was growing up fast and I couldn’t savour it, writing became my therapy. I managed four novels – straightforward romcoms – before I had my third child. I allowed motherhood to take over my life completely at that point because a) post natal depression hit again and I felt swamped, b) I was drained of ideas I felt passionate about, and c) my publishers didn’t want such large gaps between books.

Writing v. Motherhood

A couple of years on... 

I began to experiment with children’s stories. To cut a long story short, they evolved into contemporary adult fairy tales, and suddenly, blissfully, my passion for writing was reignited. So inevitably the guilt returned. The guilt that probably haunts every working parent who wants to work/needs to work/strives to find that perfect but ever-shifting balance between career and family.

The solution was simple if I wanted to write professionally without turning into an emotional wreck. I had to work for myself. I had to become an Indie. My own deadlines, my own rules, my own failures and successes, but with some much-needed help along the way. My first adult fairy tale Once Upon A Winter reached #1 in both the Fairy Tale and Contemporary Fantasy Charts on Amazon UK. I was elated, but I wasn’t complacent. Every Novelistas Ink member will tell you, it’s an uphill struggle, the proverbial treadmill. Achieving success can be easy in comparison to sustaining it.

Do you recognise yourself in any of this?

If it helps to know that you’re not alone and the writing life is *cliché alert* a journey not a destination, then I’m glad and relieved. I would have liked to produce a list of useful tips, as the other Novelistas will so eloquently do, but I failed miserably. There’s enough pressure out there for writers without putting more on ourselves. There isn’t one single approach to how we juggle work and life, because we’re all different. So this is me. And if it’s a little bit like you, then it’s nice to know we share a few traits.

Take NaNoWriMo, for instance... 

I just can’t do it. I once wrote 90k in six weeks, but that was another incarnation of my writing self, long before I had real commitments. I was up till three or four a.m., in Deep Writing Mode. Caffeinated. Hyper. Driven. Consumed. These days, the thought of trying to write so much in so little time turns me off. I’m not a bash-out-a-first-draft-fast person any more. I edit as I go along, so by the time I get to the end it’s more of a second draft. At this time of year, though, it’s easy to feel like an alien if you didn't take part in the NaNoWriMo challenge. For a novice writer, you might feel there’s something wrong with you if you didn't, or if you tried and failed, or if you just didn't fancy it. But there’s nothing wrong with you. Some people thrive and others falter; if you’re in the latter group, whatever you do, don’t get discouraged. Quite probably, it just wasn’t for you. It worries me a little that potentially good writers might feel inadequate if they don’t complete the task. It’s OK to take part, just as it’s OK to abstain.

If only...

I’m also not a big fan of the school of thought that dictates a writer can only call themselves a writer if they force themselves to produce something every day, whether it’s good or bad. I get depressed doing that, although I concede it’s probably useful if you’re working to a tight time-frame. But I can’t rest until I shape my words into something I’m proud of, and quite often there’s no space for such crazy perfection in every single busy day. I can’t stay hunched over my laptop till one o’clock regularly without something suffering; my health, usually. Anyway, the ‘writing muscle’ isn’t something you can only exercise while sitting at your desk. It’s constantly at work; the heartbeat of your subconscious, pumping ideas through your head, absorbing new ones from every experience. It can be incredibly liberating to remember that. A writer’s mind is never off duty, even if it feels as if it is. How can it be, when even your dreams at night can spew up ideas?

Then there are times in my life when I need to ruthlessly detach my mind from my WIP for an extended period, and I don’t allow myself to go near the world of the story except to jot down random notes in longhand. If I don’t maintain such a degree of separation I can’t function (to my satisfaction) doing whatever else life demands of me. This year, for example, I hardly wrote anything for weeks while I tried to get my house in order in preparation for some building work. Junk and memories accumulate, and I’m something of a hoarder; it’s difficult for me to let go. I knew that if I allowed myself to go near my story, I would weaken to the temptation, and never tackle the hard stuff reality was demanding of me.

On a smaller scale, and more frequently, it’s the same with family life; those days when I can’t succumb to my creative self because subsequently I’d be a crappy wife and mum. Some people can juggle lots of balls brilliantly, sadly I’m not one of them. I’m in awe of those who can, but I’m just not organised enough. Admittedly I’ve got the luxury of setting my own deadlines, but it’s worrying to think that many writers can’t just switch off when they might need to.

So, to recap - the message I’m trying to convey is that you have to find what suits YOU. 

Experiment.

Be flexible.

Relax.

Don’t get stressed over other writers’ habits; although by all means read about them, take advice, share tips.

In the end, though, you have to work to develop your own pattern, because there isn’t a right or a wrong method. And habits will be different at various points in your career. For instance, one day I wouldn’t mind working with a traditional publisher again (big or small), at least partially, but at the moment I need to be flexible enough to drop everything if my young family needs me.

So, finally (yes, this is the last paragraph, yay!) if you’ve read this far, thank you, and please remember one thing even if you forget everything else about this post – as writers we’re ALL mad and sane, each in our own wonderful, unique way. Let’s celebrate our differences, admit to them, learn from them and ultimately grow to respect them.

Valerie-Anne's latest release is the full-length novel FOUR SIDES TO EVERY STORY.

Mystery and magic in the sleepy Cheshire village of Fools Castle, where a lively young fairy-godmother who normally gets things very, very right, suddenly starts getting them disastrously wrong.

A modern, grown-up fairy tale perfect for fans of Sarah Addison Allen and Cecelia Ahern.

Amazon US - view here
Amazon UK - view here

www.valerie-annebaglietto.com
Twitter: @VABaglietto
Facebook: Valerie-Anne Baglietto Author

"My Writing Process" Blog Tour - Valerie-Anne Baglietto

Firstly, thank you to the lovely Sharon Booth for kindly inviting me to tell you all about my writing process in this Blog Tour.

Sharon is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writers’ Scheme, currently putting the finishing touches to her first full-length novel and working on a draft for her second. These two books will comprise the first half of a series of romantic comedies set in the fictional North Yorkshire coastal village of Kearton Bay. You can read all about Sharon here.

The idea behind the Blog Tour is to answer some questions about your writing process and nominate three other writers to continue this on their own blogs (or in the Novelistas’ case, our shared blog).

So here goes…

My Writing Process:

What am I working on?

This is a strange year for me, as it’s not what I regard as normal. I’m literally trying to get my house in order, as we’re going to be having some building work done and there’s a lot of “stuff” I need to sort through first. I’ve been putting it off for years (mainly because I’ve been too busy writing!) but I have to face it sometime or my family will suffocate under piles of paperwork, old clothes and toys - and junk I don’t even remember buying, although I must have thought it was a good idea once. So anyway, in between all this, I am working on several writing projects, so I’m just going to highlight a couple of them, or this blog post will go on forever.

Firstly, my long novella/short book THE TROUBLE WITH KNIGHTS IN SHINING ARMOUR is being re-released very soon with a fresh new cover, so if any bloggers and reviewers out there would like a copy, please feel free to get in touch using the contact details for Novelistas Ink.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00DNJCBSE

Secondly, I started off 2014 working on my story for the BELINDA JONES’ TRAVEL CLUB SUNLOUNGER 2 anthology, which comes out in June. I really enjoyed taking part last year, it was such an amazing experience, so I was thrilled to be asked again. My story is called PANDORA AND THE MUSIC BOX. Here’s the gorgeous cover for this year’s collection - I’m already in love with it...

How do my stories differ from others of their genre?

The problem is, I’m not sure what my genre is precisely, but with the rise of ebooks I think that there are many writers who can say this nowadays. I like to describe my stories as contemporary fairy tales for adults, but they’re not re-workings of any fairy tales currently in existence, they’re entirely new. And they’re very much grounded in reality, not in a fantasy world. I like to write about genuine, ordinary people caught up in extra-ordinary situations, such as ONCE UPON A WINTER, where an abandoned wife finds out her husband belongs more to a fictional world than the real one, and the implications this has on her children. Perhaps the best classification would be ‘magical realism’? The main thing is, I’ve met many kind readers through social media who say they’re fans of my work and want me to carry on in a similar vein. So I must be doing something right, and I sincerely hope the ideas keep flowing, as I haven’t felt this enthused about my writing in years.

Why do I write?

This is probably the easiest question to answer. I write because I have to. Because if I don’t have a story or a cast of characters fluttering like butterflies in my brain, I quickly become depressed, “not myself”. Plucking plots and people out of my imagination is simply who I am, too much a part of me to ignore. I’ve been doing it since I was a small child, and even if I’m not actively writing a story, ideas are always formulating; but if I’m not excited by them, I’ll experiment with something else. A writer always needs to keep growing, stretching, reaching out.

How does my writing process work?

My writing routine has to remain flexible, because I have three children and the youngest is still only nine. I write while they’re at school, squeezing it in around all the usual chores. I can be very disciplined when I need to be, though. I edit as I go along, then I edit again at the end. If I have the luxury of time, I put my story away for a few weeks before going back to it with fresh eyes; that helps a great deal with the cutting and polishing process. I’m not a great planner; the story tends to unfold as I go along, although I more or less know where it’s going to end up, and I do make notes along the way. I’ve recently started using Pinterest for inspiration, as I’ve got no room to hang a physical ideas board anywhere. It’s a great concept if you’re a very visual writer and love to share images as well as words with your readers. You can find my Pinterest profile here.

On odd occasions when I’m working to a deadline, I might put in a few hours at the weekend. Social networking, promoting, marketing - a now-necessary aspect of a writer’s life - can fit in around everything else, because it’s easy to hop on to the iPad for a few minutes while waiting for the pasta to boil for dinner or while the washing machine finishes the spin cycle.

I’m basically a housewife, mum, writer, publishing entrepreneur (in my mind, at least) and anything else I need to be while mooching around the house wearing baggy joggers and old stripey slippers and refusing to answer the phone or the door to any cold-callers. For a few hours a day when I’m on my own, I am In Control. It’s a heady feeling!

www.valerie-annebaglietto.com
Twitter: @VABaglietto
Facebook: Valerie-Anne Baglietto Author

The next three writers I’d like to nominate for the Blog Tour are fellow members of Novelistas Ink, each with their own individual talent, showcasing the diversity of writing within our group. I’m very proud to count them as friends.

(In alphabetical order)

Anne Bennett, the very popular author of bestselling sagas mostly set during 1920 – 1950. They often link Ireland and Birmingham, where Anne’s roots lie. Anne is a well-loved writer who enjoys meeting her many fans at book signings and author events.

Annie Burrows, an Amazon bestselling author who has sold over half a million copies of her Regency romances in twenty-one countries. Her books have been shortlisted for the Festival of Romance Best Historical read, and been awarded the Cataromance Reviewers Award (twice). She is currently published by Harlequin Mills & Boon.

Louise Marley (the UK version) writes romantic comedy and romantic suspense, and sometimes mixes the two. Louise has consistently been a Kindle bestseller and her books are all available on Amazon.

A Plot to Play With by Valerie-Anne Baglietto

My own fairytale background

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00AKGF48W

I've been tagged by fellow writer and Novelista, Louise Marley, to participate in The Next Big Thing. 

So deep breath, here goes ...


What is the title of your book?
Once Upon A Winter. You can read all about the launch in the previous post, but this is more about the nitty-gritty details of why I wrote it.

Where did the idea come from for the book?

It was a Christmas present last year from Santa. No, seriously - it was. Sort of. I'd been dabbling with children's books, which had magical elements to them, but I'd been hankering to return to adult romances again, which I used to write years ago for Hodder. Could I marry the two together somehow? I wasn't sure, but faffing around on Christmas Eve because one of my children decided to wake up at midnight (which meant Santa couldn't visit till said child was asleep again), an idea floated into my head which then proceeded to keep me awake till the wee hours. Long after Santa had been and gone.

What genre does your book fall under?

I have no idea. It's NOT a Christmas book, in case anyone was wondering. Is chicklit-fantasy-reality-fairytale a genre? One minute my heroine is doing the school-run and sewing cushions for the PTA, the next she's discovering that the husband who deserted her and her children might belong more to a fictional world than the real one. The majority of the action takes place in a picturesque Welsh village 'hidden among the hills', which hopefully lends it a slightly fairytale-like quality.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

Ah *rubs hands here* everyone has their own images in their heads when they read a book, don't they? But if I had the chance to cast the movie, I would willingly audition Richard Armitage for the character of Silas. (Not with all the Hobbit make-up on, though. Remember, John Thornton, North and South *sighs dreamily*.) 
Dan Stevens (Matthew, of Downton Abbey fame) could be Daniel. 
And if Zooey Deschanel (Elf and New Girl) could pull off a convincing British accent without sounding too posh or acting too goofy and zany, she could play Nell.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

Well, I started in earnest in January and finished it literally the day my three children broke up for the school summer holidays in July (phew). I wanted to put it to one side so that I could edit it with fresh eyes in the autumn.

What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?
I suppose if you like your characters firmly grounded in reality, then this book isn't for you; which I know is more 'putting off' than 'piquing', but I'm simply trying to be honest. It's not a dark paranormal novel, either, and if anyone likes vampires, then there aren't any to be found here. Sorry! 
As I said in an earlier post, if you like Once Upon A Time, Enchanted and Stardust, then you have similar tastes to me, and might enjoy this book. I also love Tangled, such a great romance, even if it is an animated movie; I don't care. My daughter and I watch it over and over again. And have you ever seen the film Penelope? If you have, I suppose that's the kind of world I'm trying to create. Reality - but not quite. Contemporary - but slightly timeless. 

Oh, I do go on, don't I? Apologies. I'll sign off by saying, if you do decide to read Once Upon A Winter (the direct link is under the cover image above), then thank you very much, and I hope you enjoy it. Comments and reviews are always welcome, too. I'd love to hear from you.


Very best wishes,

Valerie-Anne x

The next author I’ve tagged to tell you about her new book is another fellow Novelista - the bestselling and deservedly popular Anne Bennett.

Lunch and A Launch! by Valerie-Anne Baglietto

The Teapot Cafe

The Novelistas had their Christmas lunch in early December, always a festive and fun event, with a little silliness thrown in, as if we've all been hitting the vino rather than the tap water.


It was a huge shame that due to illness/Dog's illness Juliet Greenwood and Trisha Ashley were unable to attend. It was also a shame that our usual lovely venue had been hit by the terrible flooding in St Asaph, so we had to find somewhere new at short notice. (Thank-you, Erika, for sorting this out so quickly and efficiently, especially at this time of year, and thanks also to all the staff who took care of us.)

I have sparkly-jumper envy, but I was too cold to dress up!!

Ten of us met at the Teapot Cafe, and as well as our usual Christmas fun and games it was the launch of my latest book on Kindle - Once Upon A Winter. I really wanted to share my gratitude, and some chocolates, with my ever-supportive fellow Novelistas, because without them I'm not sure I would have ever got to this point. I also wanted to thank the Amazon Kindle bestselling author, and good friend, Louise Marley (shown on the right here with me) for all her invaluable help and advice.

Warming up with coffee

It was a bitterly cold day, which I suppose fitted in perfectly with the book title, so I shouldn't complain. There was a scramble to bagsy the chairs next to the radiator, but we soon felt brave enough to start peeling off the layers (coats, scarfs, gloves, hats etc. - before you get any strange ideas). Out came the Christmas crackers and some portable decorations kindly provided by Cheryl.

Our own festive palm tree . .. . um . . .

teeny weeny wine

We soon got all chatty and loud and before long we were snapping crackers and tucking into our meals. I wasn't driving, so had a little bottle of wine to celebrate the launch, bearing in mind I had to look lively and alert for the school run later.

Anne Bennett & Ruth France

photo op - catch Erika looking my way!

We discussed the progress of our Advent story, which you can read here on this blog under 'Christmas Countdown'. It's a joint venture by a few of us to see if we could write a coherent tale without any structured plot and with lots of little cliffhangers along the way. Soooo not as easy as I'd thought! But it's proving fun, and it's honing my editorial skills as I try to make it flow with each daily post. (I was given permission to chop or add, as and when required.)

goodies galore *rubs hands with glee*

It's become a tradition for the Novelistas to have a Christmas raffle, too, where we each bring a gift. So no one goes home empty-handed. I was lucky enough to nab a gorgeous scarf and some chocs (thank you, Ruth).


All in all I went home a happy girl. And I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have already bought Once Upon A Winter. I hope you enjoy it. It's not a Christmas book, and it's not about vampires. Or werewolves. Or angels. Or ghosts. But if, like me, you enjoy TV programmes like Once Upon A Time and films like Stardust and Enchanted, then it might be right up your street.

Quick link, direct to the book:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00AKGF48W

teeny weeny tree to go with the teeny weeny wine

Next week I'll finally be blogging on The Next Big Thing, after being tagged by Louise (see post below). I'm reading 'Breathless' at the moment, and finding it hard to put down, so I'll blame Louise if my kids go hungry and gift-less this year ;-)

Until next time - best wishes and lots of love,

Valerie-Anne x