Yes, the first draft is done, and now sits with the reader, though I would like to add a little more about what went into reaching that goal. Writers will know that it isn’t just a matter of coming up with a great idea and sitting at the computer and let the words fill the pages, easy peasy. There is the matter of plotting, and making a loose timeline. For me the setting was 1970s Wellington and the years my protagonist lived there. I sketch this out by hand rather than type it up, and mark where I think specific scenes, or events may occur. What was happening during those years? Research next, to top up my memory of these times. So much goes into this, for example: what movies were shown, what music was played, who was prime minister, what sports were popular, what programmes ran on the radio? You get the idea.

The list goes on… As I worked and lived in the area when young, I also knew what the weather was like, where the beaches were, the suburbs within the city, important buildings, et al. I found this knowledge very important when setting my characters within this space. I also knew where various stores were, like dress shops, cafes, and the music store; all good material to mine. I also called on family and friends for advice. One friend in particular is very knowledgable of anything connected with trains, and when I asked about a particular one on a South Island line, he gave me all the information I needed, including photographs of three different types of carriages!

But early on I relied on something else to help my writing, and that was the input from my writing critique group. I cant emphasise enough how vital those monthly meetings have been, where we read a little from our current writing. First however, we send our writing around by email, to read and critique before the due date. I’d like to thanks these friends here, as they have read many of my critical scenes and passed on valuable comments.

It might be something in a character’s dialogue that has lost some authenticity, or the repetition of a word or phrase. I listen to everyone, and take away their words to mull over. Often it might just be a word I wish to change. I value all of this. Reading aloud is so helpful too, so that I can feel the cadence of a sentence; know whether it is flowing well. For the ears are also essential to a reader. To all the group, I would like to say a big thank you.