There really is more to life than just working 9 to 5.
As business owners, life seems to be focused around work. It’s on your mind wherever you go, whenever you talking to someone – you can’t even go to the gym without something popping into your head that you have to remember to do when you get back to the office.
But it does you good to switch off every now and then. The trick is finding something that allows you that small piece of freedom.
For me, my escape has been writing. Daft I know coming from a copywriter, but I’m talking about writing fiction.
In my daily life, I have to conform to my clients’ house style. My writing has to be clear, simple and concise. But when I’m writing fiction I can let rip.
Evolving characters is a great way to slip off into a fantasy world where work can’t reach me. Gradually, they come to life – I can see them, I know what they wear, I know what their favourite music is, what they like to eat, how they like to dress.
Then comes the good bit. As I get to know them, they let me into their lives (invariably more exciting than my own). I follow them round (not in a scary stalker kind of way, more as an omniscient observer) and record their thoughts, their lives and the scrapes they get themselves into.
I used to write a lot a few years ago, before business took off. Recently, I unearthed a manuscript I’d wrtten years ago. It seemed such a shame to see it gathering dust, so I did what was for me, the unthinkable.
To a writer, an unpublished manuscript is like a baby. You become very protective of it; hide it away in case someone sees it. For years I’d kept it hidden, afraid of rejection should someone read it.
So what have I done that is so unthinkable?
I’ve been reckless and published it on Kindle and through Lulu.com.
Now, my baby is out there for all to see.
How do I feel? Terrified, excited, scared…
It’s called Mackerel Skies and can be downloaded as a kindle book through Amazon or as a hard copy through Lulu.com.
Thank you for letting me ramble on. If you read it, do let me know what you think (but only if it’s good!).
