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Writing in the holidays

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Well the October half term is coming to an end and the shops are getting out their Christmas themed products and it can be tricky to plan your writing over the Christmas period, especially if you have friends and family visiting, writing Christmas Cards along with gift shopping.  I like a quiet Christmas and just sleep in, watching some TV, go for a walk and will be writing on Christmas day and as soon as Halloween hits and Fireworks night goes I begin to plan.  So I get things done by using google calendar to workout of the blocks of time I have and this morning did a bit of writing and during the half term whilst my son was at his holiday club and was trying to finish a first draft of a book which is part of a series, but was forcing myself rather than relax and plot and go through my notes and would like to spend time plotting and brainstorming and have begun to read another novel I have written and move this along to complete. I also will be making sure that I add in fun time with
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Getting in the mood to write

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Today after not working on it for a while came started continue writing my second book of a series I am creating, ( Mum&Me ) and it was while I was watching a travel vlog that gave me the idea to continue writing the story.  Today outside Pauls in Wimbledon with current book I am reading It is so surprising how ideas are formed and when you aren't thinking about it, it comes. I like to change my environment and work in a coffee shop, brainstorming and visioning the scenes, the dialog and if I feel good about it.  Is the book going as you want it to?  I am writing a book called Behind the Eyes of the Other Woman and it started off good, but not gone the way I wanted it to, but going to break it up and add bits and just get the idea out on the page and print off and rather than typing up I am going to write the entire first draft in ink. To also get in the mood of writing is by watching Writing vlogs and listen to writers who have made success and learn tips from them, read other
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Writing in the summer school holidays

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When it comes to children they become the priority especially when if they are in school are full of energy and have 6 weeks off, so how can you fit in some writing?  Yes you can plan ahead, but life as a mum can be unpredictable and so it is more prepping. So go through your schedule and mark out the blocks of time that you have free and if a friend or family can help you, take them up on it. Of course we don't all have that luxury, so just when you have a spare time and have a notepad near by you to help with writing and print off your manuscript, if it makes it easier, in fact Dawn French writes with pen and paper still. There are holiday clubs, and the one my son goes to have been a godsend. They are called Youngstars and have catered to my son who has ADHD and development delay so it has been brilliant and they do offer early bird discounts, and just to say, I am not sponsored but Henry loves going.  I negotiate with my husband and when he can look after Henry so I get some wr
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Spend time planning your book

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My journal and a drink I like to drink when writing  As a child I loved to write and always wanted to write a book, which I have using Amazon. I have two parenting books, Self Help books and novels and on my third one. My book Mum&Me is going to be a series and so going to work on the second book this year to be published in 2025. The Parenting Adventures Pregnancy to the first 9 months The Parenting Adventures Baby to Toddler years   Being Bullied In At A Workplace   A Lonely walk to Happiness Mum&Me  I like to go through the dialog and make sure its a real conversation and going to do another writing course to help me and continue to read books and build my books and is about real topics, in a fictional story and non fiction writing parenting books, and will be writing a new one, but working on three other books I plan to release going to spend time reflecting on my writing as it can really help. Keep a log of words, and cut it down once you begin to edit it, as I am not keen
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Getting ready to write in 2024

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So it is time to plan my writing and my aim is to complete another book to publish, and then start on another set of books. I have so many ideas, that it is hard to know where to start. I write comedy and serious style books, based on real issues. Check out my books on amazon, under the name Carrie Challoner and Carrie Holmes, along with nonfiction, talking about being a parent and work issues.  Lonely walk to happiness:  https://www.pinterest.co.uk/thetypicalLondongal/sports-and-fitness-coaching/ The Parenting Adventures:  Pregnancy to first nine months:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Parenting-Adventures-first-nine-months-ebook/dp/B00KJJLFME/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2Z0R3AVVRIWVY&keywords=Carrie+Challoner+The+Parenting+Adventures&qid=1703489853&sprefix=carrie+challoner+the+parenting+adventures+%2Caps%2C68&sr=8-1 Baby to Toddler years:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Parenting-Adventures-Baby-Toddler-years-ebook/dp/B078KFHXRH/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2Z0R3AVVRIWVY&keywords=Carrie+Challoner+The
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Write or no to write that is the question

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It is up to you whether you want to write or not, some people don't and that is okay, but if you do but you find it hard to fit it in, then start to spend some time going through your diary and set a timer to write 10 mins once a day, and before you know it, you have written a lot of words, and creating it into a daily habit. Some people find it easy to do some writing in the morning, I like to do mine mainly in the afternoon or evening, and I will listen to music or a podcast, and get into the zone, and forget what is around me.  I find following the sprints by fellow authors on Youtube on Double Down Day, really resouceful and helpful.  I am now on my fourth edit and feel my book is really coming together and really wanted to complete the book and make it into a book you can't put down. I love thrillers, comedy and crime, with history included, along with self help books and managing life, type books. I am currently listening on Audible Atomic Habits , and reading book called
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Writing in the Autumn

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It is a busy time of year for me and so getting writing done can be challenging, because of being a mum aswell as a writer, because there are birthdays, important dates for Henry's school and then there is Christmas, and I hate shopping during the festive season, as the shops can get mobbed and I avoid Black Friday altogether, so plan ahead.  I have done a plan as I am editing my new book I am planning on publishing this year, but it is a long process, because attention to detail, making sure that the story comes together and it matches up, and is a good read. Also because it can start to get chilly I have to make sure that the rooms I use to write, are a good temperature because if not I find it hard to write and concentrate. I make sure I have a drink and that my stomach isn't empty, and I find in the Autumn I start to get extra hungry.  I also like to be in comfortable warm and in cosy clothes and wrapped up and have good lighting. In Autumn I like to go for walks, wrapped u
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