WRITING

I have always enjoyed writing and words. From their origins to how they fit together, has always held a fascination, whether words in an essay, poem, music or novel form. So long as the words tell a story and grabs your imagination.

I remember my first books as a small child; Janet and John, Enid Blyton and then progressing to historical romance. I recall reading Nevil Shute's 'A Town like Alice', ' On the Beach'and Ian Fleming's James Bond novels by the age of eleven.  I wanted to do was read everything in sight!

When I decided to write my first book, I wanted to produce a book that I would want to read. I needed action, with twists and turns and some occasional shocks. It had to be a book that was believable, with a hero(s) who wasn't perfect, just like everyday life. The people in my stories all have their own, unique little ways.

I was lucky enough to have a true story related to me by a good friend. As I listened, completely enthralled I thought; here is a book to be written. Then began the hard part. I knew that to write with conviction I would have to do some serious  research and planning. I spent that winter and spring combing the local libraries and Internet for information about war time Southampton and Portsmouth. I read countless stories by real ex POW's, some sadly harrowing. Royal Naval friends pointed me in the direction when I needed info about the smaller wartime crafts like the Motor Torpedo Boats. Luckily the two modern parts of 'The Crossing' didn't need as much research. I have sailed 'big' boats since 1994 and Chris, my husband would soon have put me right if I'd got any of the short technical bits wrong!

I was itching to start writing the story properly. First I set out a plan, an outline I expanded into the three books within the novel.  Starting with the present, going back to the second World War and finally in book three book returning to the present. I outlined the chapters, and the important individual scenes. I followed the plan for most of the writing and only made one major alteration just before the final edit with my publisher. I set myself a target of at least 2/3 A4 sheets of hand - written words; about 1000 words a day. The next day I reviewed what I had written the day before and made any alterations then and there. Sometimes what I had written was perfect; bold and powerful, with good prose. Sometimes it was terrible, crass and out of rhythm with the rest of the book. I edited many times to improve the quality and flow of the novel.

When I am writing, time means nothing to me. Although I aim for about 1000 words a day sometimes I can happily write three times that - so long as there are no distractions. No radio or television when I am working! At the moment I write in the 'snug', a gorgeous cosy room in our 200 -year old stone house. I know I have found my niche in life. It's fantastic to see the product of my efforts on a bookshelf.  My second book ,'The Assassins' Village' is now complete. I am currently talking to agents and publishers.

Thank you for reading my website. I hope you enjoy 'The Crossing' when you buy it. Please feel free to contact me with your thoughts concerning the book, or for any other literary reason. There is a contact page further on on this website.

The photograph on this page is me on the day I received my degree. I am about to 'gown' up! An exciting day indeed!


Faith Mortimer 2010

'The Crossing' is available now. Book number  ISBN 978190551368 0