Writing goals obliterated.

At the start of 2023 I was in a bad place, my father had died only a few months before and I was really struggling to cope and return to normal life. I had already written and begun the editing process for my first novella Wrenton back in 2021 but it had remained untouched for months even before the sudden passing of my Dad in 2022.

His birthday would have been at the end of February so I decided, in his honour, I would publish Wrenton on his birthday 2023 (technical issues delayed the release). I had taken the first to becoming an Author - I published something for the first time in my life.

In March of 2023, I was still feeling miserable despite the brief high of publishing and so, I sat down and began to write through my pain. Initially, I knew I was writing a novel this time but it didn't take long for me to realise I was actually writing book one of a trilogy. By the end of April, AHAD was written but I still had more story in me and so I continued - immediately starting the sequel novel POV.

After a few weeks of slow writing at the start of May, I began to write a series of short stories purely for my wife's eyes. After finishing those (10 in total) I started to edit AHAD, but I couldn't bring myself to return to POV.

In July, my wedding anniversary came along and I went to stay in a hotel with my wife. I loved everything about the building and its grounds - The Lake Hotel, Killarney, if you're wondering. Anyway, while we were away, my wife asked me to write her a story inspired by the hotel, so I did.

Break Away, my second novella, was written in two weeks and by the start of September I had an edited manuscript. The cover design came along shortly after - from the talented Noble Artist (Jamie Noble Frier) and so I was ready to publish just in time for my sons birthday the following month.

After the publication of Break Away, I was feeling antsy about having nothing to do with my time so I decided to rerurn to POV and I had it fully written by the end of September.

After completing my second novel and second novella, I wanted something different, so I decided to write a pallet cleanser for myself and began to write a comedy horror in November. Now, here I am, halfway through December and I'm finished the writing process - although the story has morphed into more of a sci-fi comedy with a lot of horror. It still has no name and I have yet to edit it either.

In all, this year, I have written almost 200,000 words across 2 novels and 3 novellas, edited 2 novellas and 1 novel, written and edited 10 short stories and I have a new project planned now for the start of the new year - Carraig na bhFEAR.

Stay tuned for more updates.