Transition Girl

Why transition girl?... Best answered by a quote from the Iliad....."The soul was not made to dwell in a thing; and when forced to it, there is no part of that soul but suffers violence."

Monday, July 21, 2025

how writing is underrated

It's been several months since my last post. Had to switch off this blog about my writing process for a stretch while I removed all references to one source of inspiration. After a few requests from aspiring writers since then asking me to switch back on (they have been able to reach me via my schmick author website), I am resuming transmission on my writing process. Erase. Reset. In this simulation, I am not a computer program.

I saw this poem a few months ago and was both inspired by it and reminded in its simple elegant summary why I write - 

"writing is underrated.
it's the art of kissing a stranger's soul
without ever touching their skin.
to leave fingerprints on hearts
you'll never meet.
to whisper you are not alone
into the cracks of the world
 and know someone, somewhere
will hear it echo." 

After a terrible start to the year, my writing has picked up with a burst of energy that I haven't experienced since before the pandemic lockdowns a few years ago. It's been a very long bout of procrastination.

I am still writing a lot of poetry - I have been experimenting with pairs this year - two poems drafted at a time on a particular theme - to see how different structures (e.g. rhyme and rhythm in particular) "sell" the theme. It has been quite a good writing challenge that has lifted my spirits. So much product that a second volume of my poetry will be published later this year, mostly focussed on themes of nostalgia and identity. 

I have also been on a roll with drafting of the third and final part of the Peitho series. Super-short and impromptu drive to Canberra, a writing sabbatical, and finished the first draft (finally) six months ahead of schedule. Amazing how a different location can make such a difference to the creative flow. The long drive and walks around this wonderful winter place also help with clearing away the cobwebs. There is still a long way to go in the process. Between first and final drafts, there will be several rounds with my editor to improve the work. I know that my editor is going to focus on how I write the perspective of teenagers (two key protagonists in the second half of the novel) - it's been a long time since I've been one. Should be fun! (sort of)

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