Working away...

today, but slightly scuppered by some really useless printer paper. I tried printing some articles to send off to a magazine for consideration, but the paper I've got is hopeless and just soaks up ink. I was not happy, but I had to stick around the house to wait for Leon's new passport to arrive. First thing tomorrow I'll be in town buying some decent stuff so I can send the work off.

Chased up a few outlines I'd sent off and also made a couple of good contacts where I might be able to write things in the future. So much of this job is pitching and then hoping for the best.

Had an assignment back from my writing course with really positive comments. I'd already sold one of the pieces, but I'm hoping to be able to sell the other three pieces too.

Trying hard to finish Andrew Lycett's biography of Arthur Conan Doyle too. It's an excellent book, but it's quite long and I've got about a third left to go.

Jonno's Parents Evening tonight, so I wont get much done until late tonight.

Book Updates

The supply teachers book wasn't considered by the publishers on Friday. Its next chance is 10th March, by which time I have to be able to show there is a market for it. I've posted on all the supply teacher and early years forums I've ever used and am just hoping I can drum up some theoretical business.

My other book idea (The Greatest Play Recipes...), was rejected by a publisher. He did offer me the chance to discuss the idea, but it was pretty clear that we were coming from very different perspectives, so I don't think we could have worked together.

Time Off?

I was planning to take this week off as it's half term, but I have found myself thinking about work ideas, so I've decided to put a couple of hours in yesterday and today. I'm off to Wales tomorrow for a few days with my folks, but I'll have to keep an eye on my email as my one book is going back for consideration on Friday and thanks to Suzie I have another one under consideration with another publisher.

Upshot of all this is that I'll be quiet on the blogging front until next week, but I'll be working hard.

Have fun. Sarah x

Book News

Got a email at 4.30 to say that my proposal was considered today, but the publisher has to do some more work and then re-present it next Friday. To say I'm a bit gutted is an understatement. I thought I was prepared for getting a "no", but I have to admit I was really hoping for an offer of a contract. A bit disappointed really, but luckily we'd planned a nice meal and some champagne tonight, so we'll go ahead with that and I'll put it out of my mind until next week.

Sarah x

E-book Friday

Read me today on the blog of friend and fellow writer Suzie Harris. There I tell you all about my e-book The Greatest Play Recipes Ever For You And Your Children (And What To Do With Them). Hope you enjoy the read and buy the book (Go on, you know you want to!!)

My Writing Day

I've been working full-time as a freelance writer since August last year, before that I was also doing some supply teaching. I decided to go full-time when my family relocated and I needed to be more flexible, so I could be around for our son.

Starting out is difficult, I was lucky to have established 3 regular magazines to accept my work before I went full-time. Having worked as a teacher and with young families on the Sure Start programme, I write about education and childcare, but I'm hoping to widen my market as I get more experience.

So what's my day like? Obviously no 2 days are the same, but this is pretty much how a desk day pans out.

I usually get up around 6.30am to get my husband breakfasted and off to work. Once my son and I have eaten and spent some time reading and playing together, I get him to school and then I'm ready to work by 9.

I don't have a desk at the moment, so I'm doing an Agatha Christie and working on the sofa in my sitting room. I check my emails and some news websites, then I read 'til 9.30.

For the next hour I research and write-up articles. When I'm writing I do a first draft in long-hand with a fountain pen. I've tried working straight on to the computer, but the work is never as good.

I stop for a coffee at 10.30, then work through until 12.30 when I stop for lunch.

I always read for half an hour after I've eaten (I pretty much keep to a school timetable!)

In the afternoon I carry on working on articles, researching new markets and writing pitches.

Once I collect my son from school I don't work - time with him is too precious. When he's ready for bed we read for a while (Philip Pullman at the moment). Sometimes I check my email through the evening, but apart from that I try not to do anything 'til the next morning.

I watch Jon Stewart on The Daily Show and maybe QI, then go to bed and read for a bit, but the light is usually out by 10.30, with me not far behind it!

Blogging about e-books

On Friday I'll be guesting on my friend and fellow writer Suzie Harris' Blog writing about how to produce an e-book. Look forward to seeing you there.

Sarah x