WRITING
I have always enjoyed writing and words. Their origins have always held a fascination, whether words in an essay, poem, music or novel form. So long as the words tell a story and grab 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 ex POW's, some harrowing and almost unbelievable. Royal Naval friends pointed me in the direction when I needed info about the smaller wartime crafts like the Motor Torpedo Boats. Luckily the modern parts of 'The Crossing' didn't need as much research. I have sailed 'big' boats since 1994 and Chris, my husband soon put me right if I 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 novel. I outlined the chapters and the important individual scenes. 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. Since then I have rewritten, edited with the help of an amazing editor, and added many more chapters to the book. I have changed the book so much that I have now released this novel in July 2012 into 2 books. I hope you like what I've done - I do! The two new books are: The Seeds of Time and Harvest.
When I am writing, time means nothing to me. Although I aim for about 1000 words a day sometimes I can happily write three to five times that - so long as there are no distractions. I know I have found my niche in life. It's fantastic to see the product of my efforts on a bookshelf. I have now completed and published five novels and a short story anthology. My 6th novel is written and currently with my editors. I am just in the process of beginning my 4th, Diana Rivers mystery suspense novel, Camera Action...Murder!
Thank you for reading my website. I hope you enjoy any of my books that you are curious and kind enough to buy. 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! One of the best days of my life!
Faith Mortimer 2012
