Strength in numbers

Something that appeals to me about making writing my career is working on my own. Though I have an agent and I have consulted others for their advice, it is a solitary occupation. I enjoy being able to work at my own pace, without distractions or demands. I am savouring this peace and quiet while it lasts. The arrival of our baby will change the environment I’m working in and the time that I find to write. But even then, when I open my notebook or sit down to type I will be working alone.

There are downsides, though, to working alone. I miss many of my colleagues from teaching, with whom I felt a great camaraderie. Those like minded people with whom I would share two minutes in the corridor on the way to another lesson were a great support. There were always people that I could call on for help, advice and encouragement. There were also moments of great fun and amusement that could be shared.

Writing a book does not just mean working alone, it means that I have to be my own colleagues. I have to make sure that I am at my desk and getting through the word count and that I stay motivated through weeks and weeks of working without feedback. There is some encouragement in the experiences of other writers – I was reading the other day that Malorie Blackman, a very successful children’s author, spent two years trying to get published, receiving eighty two rejection letters along the way. But ultimately, everyone’s experience is different and that she eventually got published is no guarantee that I will.

They say when you’re trying to become pregnant you see pregnant women everywhere. And since I’ve become pregnant, it seems that lots of my friends and family are also having babies this year. As well as my sister and a former colleague, I found out this week that an old school friend is also expecting. It’s great to be able to share being pregnant with others who are going through similar experiences. We also hope to meet other parents in our area when our baby arrives, seeing how supportive these friendships have been for others we know.

While I enjoy the time I spend alone writing, it is good to know that when it comes to having the baby we are certainly not alone.