U is for Understand

U is for Understand

 

Before I submit my novels to my publisher, MuseItUp Publishing, I work with an online critique group and read my chapters aloud on critique evenings at Watford Writers. I am always grateful when a critique comments that they don’t understand something.

 

For example:in my current novel, Monday’s Child, Christies will auction some valuable items. I wrote about the events leading to this at the beginning of the novel but when I referred to it in Chapter Twenty-Two some of my critiquers did not understand the reference.

 

My characters, their motivations, and the plot and theme are clear in my mind. It is for me to make sure that my readers understand everything.

 

Rosemary Morris

Historical Novelist

www.rosemarymorris.co.uk

 

Inspiration on Holiday

On Saturday, I returned from a week's holiday in North Devon with my daughter and her three children.

My father's paternal family had strong links with the West Country, and I have happy memories of childhood holidays in Somerset and Devonshire.

As soon as we crossed the border in Somerset and saw the sign Welcome to Somerset I felt as though I was coming home. In Devonshire, daffodils and primroses bloomed in the banks on either side of narrow, twisting country roads. The gorse was ablaze with golden blooms. As we travelled vibrant geen fields dotted with ewes and lambs or cattle spread as far as my eyes could see.

The villages, stately homes and the varied coastline awakened many happy memories and stirred my imagination. By the time we returned home at the end of the week I had a plot and theme for a new novel in mind and had already written the first paragraphs.

Due to the edits of my novels of my novel Sunday's Child to be published in June, and False Pretences to be published in October as well as other writing projects I don't know when I'll begin the novel; but that's all right because the characters will have time to to develop before I begin it.

All the best,

Rosemary Morris