So, I have made a start on submitting to agents. While it’s far too early to comment on the results of that (because there are no results!) I can write about the process in practice, and the things I have learnt so far. Because, to my surprise, it has been the proverbial steep learning curve.Continue reading “The submission process – a story within a story within a story…”
Author Archives: mjschofieldauthor
2021 – Phase Two
Phase Two – getting my novels into bookshops!
The Art of Christmas Stories
Merry Christmas Eve. I hope that those of you who downloaded an Advent Story have enjoyed it – have you read the last episode yet or saving it for later on? As promised, I’m writing this blog to let you know which was the most popular story this year, but first, I’ve been giving someContinue reading “The Art of Christmas Stories”
Christmas Stories for Children NEW EDITION
It’s been a busy month for me – finishing the rewrite of After the Rain, adding Mrs Christmas to the index of Advent Stories, launching this year’s campaign for the Advent Stories, three new blog posts, and now this – a new edition of the collection of Christmas Stories for Children, so that it nowContinue reading “Christmas Stories for Children NEW EDITION”
Advent 2020 – Mrs Christmas
It’s November again, and we all know what that means; the shops are filling up with chocolate and booze, the big brands are launching their Christmas adverts, and I add a new story to the index of Advent Stories and start my campaign to get you all to download a story for your Advent calendars.Continue reading “Advent 2020 – Mrs Christmas”
What’s in a name?
The tricky process of naming a novel
The First Three Chapters
The first three chapters of a novel are very important. Apparently, they are all an agent or publisher need to decide if the novel is any good. It is certainly all they want to see in a submission. Unfortunately, they are also the hardest chapters to write. Any new story needs exposition, introductions of charactersContinue reading “The First Three Chapters”
Author For Sale
Now that lockdown is easing, my period of sojourn is coming to an end. Schools start back soon and so I’ll be back at work full-time. Back to getting up at 6am, making packed lunches before breakfast and tea as soon as I get home. There’ll be homework to supervise and chores to do, followedContinue reading “Author For Sale”
My Lockdown Novel
Remember that new novel I was writing – when I last posted, I had 4 chapters written. Well, 86 days later, 20 chapters on, it is FINISHED! Today, 30th June 2020, I finished the first draft of The Hawthorn Bride. Literally this morning, at about 10.30. Thank you Lockdown. I know it has been aContinue reading “My Lockdown Novel”
Self-isolation – a good time to write a novel
Back in 1996, I had an idea for a pandemic love story. It was set in a house shared by four young twenty-somethings, struggling to survive through an epidemic that was bringing the country to a stand-still. One of the women would be ill, while two of her friends try to keep her alive atContinue reading “Self-isolation – a good time to write a novel”
