“The hardest part about writing a novel is finishing it” – Ernest Hemmingway.*
(*Clearly Ernest didn’t have to do his own marketing)
Dear All,
Well, September flew by! Lots of things in the works but the main project for the rest of this year is writing a new manuscript: the sequel for Kiss, Marry, Murder. I’m now past the 30,000 word mark – well over a third of the way through – and feeling very positive that I’ll have a first draft ready before Christmas. I’m recording my journey over on instagram @writerfaye, not for any other reason than it’s keeping me accountable. Procrastination, or ‘thinking time’ (however you want to frame it to make yourself feel better about not actually writing), is the nemesis of most authors I know and it’s so easy to find other things to do but sit down and get on with it. But a little over a thousand words a day – an hour or so of focused work – and it can be done. I’m excited to be working a new project but with familiar characters, it’s like catching up with old friends and as a result I am finding it much easier to progress, which is pleasing as I’m on a deadline to get Little Grey Cells published in Spring 2026!
In the midst of writing a new novel and trying to get a deal for an already-finished one, I’m still on the long tail of marketing Kiss, Marry, Murder. I can’t convey to anyone who hasn’t lived the experience of trying to get traction on their book how bloody hard it is. Traditionally published or self published, there’s no easy or obvious way to get noticed without making a major personal investment which, with such small royalty margins, will probably never even pay for itself. I don’t think I really appreciated how lucky I was with Tinker, Tailor, Schoolmum, Spy, to have the platform I did by winning the Comedy Women in Print prize. I’ve heard a lot of people say the best way to get more sales is write more books – and I can totally see this is true, but this way of working is only sustainable for the fortunate few that can afford the up front investment of time, effort and cash – and the risk that it might not pay out. I don’t want to get on my soap box too much but I think it’s worth pulling back the curtain once in a while, because the glamour of cover reveals and book launches doesn’t always reflect the reality!
WHAT I’M READING THIS MONTH I’m busy writing so reading has taken a bit of a back seat this month. I particularly try to avoid reading anything in my genre while I’m creating my own story. However, I have been listening to a great audio book and although I’m only partway through, I am going to recommend it as my read of the month.
The List of Suspicious Things is set in a small town in Yorkshire in the 80s, with the spectre of the Yorkshire Ripper looming large. Written from several points of view, it’s meticulously crafted and takes you right back to that time (if you’re old enough to remember it!), with heart rending themes woven into the plot which capture the era with such completeness it really makes you remember how different life was growing up back then. Oh, how I love being ancient history…
WHAT I’M WATCHING THIS MONTH There’s just so much TV to watch at the moment and I haven’t started any of it! I got sucked into The Rookie and apparently there’s about 497 seasons for me to burn through before I can even think about starting The Girlfriend or Apple TV’s Morning Show or Slow Horses where, unless I save them up I’d only get to watch one episode a week. One! Imagine?!
Anyway for those who, like me, skimmed by The Rookie a million times in favour of some other cop show, this one is actually not bad at all – I’d say it was definitely on par with Will Trent or Lincoln Lawyer with the same kind of attractive-but-not-too-pretty-to-act-well cast. Peppered with cheesy humour and predictable romance as well as some genuine heart-stopping moments, it’s very moreish and I only have about 254 episodes to go.
WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS MONTH October brings a lot more writing, plus a bit of travel later in the month which is good news for my next book because I always write better on planes! I’m also looking forward to seeing all my witty writer pals at the Comedy Women in Print author event this week, always a great opportunity to catch up on what everyone is up to.
And honestly – that’s about it for October! Long walks, cosy nights in and writing… not all that bad, IMO 🙂
AND FINALLY … Kiss, Marry, Murder is on sale via Amazon and also to order through most bookshops across the UK, North America and beyond. I know I sound like a broken record but if you haven’t yet left a star rating or review on Amazon, it would be really appreciated and make a huge difference to my book being seen or not. In addition, please do share a recommendation on your own social media and tag me @writerfaye (Insta) or @fayebrannwriter (FaceBook). I am truly grateful for every single piece of support you can offer. And, if you’ve never read my award-winning debut Tinker, Tailor, Schoolmum, Spy, why not check it out as well?
Have a wonderful autumn!
Faye x
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