Pilton Publishing Posse
@We3Writers
We3Writers Mean Business
This was how @We3Writers started, with a conversation on WhatsApp started by Katherine (she is writing her second novel about rave culture in 1990s Northern Ireland): ‘Dear ladies, with all the craziness in this upside-down world we are now living in I was thinking I would quite like to self-publish my first book. Growing up in Northern Ireland in the 80s feels a bit similar to how things are at the minute. (It was week three of lockdown) Would you guys like to meet up for a Skype/Zoom/Houseparty/whatever? Tbh my diary is completely empty so anytime suits me.‘
Brigid responded immediately (she knows the other two from their long-running writers’ group; she’s ‘finishing’ a novel about sisters and how they remember things differently): ‘Same here. Total Tumbleweed. Name a time. Evening is good as trying to be in garden as much as poss in daylight. But not too late in the evening.' (ie she doesn’t want to miss cocktail hour…)
Daniela joined in (she’s got a brilliant idea for a novel which she calls a Bedtime Story for Grown-Ups): ‘Yes would love to do Tues evening, count me in. Hope everyone’s hanging in there, reminding myself we all have up and down days. (Daniela is shielding; we know it’s tough and think she’s amazing.) 7.30 any good? I have bugger all planned so basically any time that fits in with your schedule.'
Brigid started going on about food: ’Sorry for the radio silence. I had an incommunicado day. Can we do just a bit earlier, say 7? Then I can do dinner after. Food is so comforting. We are all getting obsessed with food. Half of my messages are recipes or photos of food! Look forward to eating, I mean speaking, later.’
Our first call went well! @We3Writers were on a roll, but Brigid didn’t want to work too hard: ‘Following last night’s discussion I’ve been checking out other websites to see how we might offer something different. Some are really interesting but they look as if just producing them would be a full time job. I’m holding on to the aim of us being published writers ourselves and how to get the right (write) balance... ‘
Katherine mused on how to stay focussed: ‘So is the idea then that we have a website just with our stuff on it then, for now anyway? We could take it in turns to write a blog, or provide other services? Hee hee, sorry if I’m being overwhelming. I had one of my madly efficient days today. Yoga, meditation, run, 700 words written by lunchtime. Don’t worry, they don’t happen too often. Just got excited I think but yes you are right let’s see how it unfolds.'
Brigid felt that maybe she was coming across as a bit of a slacker: ‘Go girl, make the most of that energy!’
But, too late said Katherine: ‘Oh it’s gone now.’
Although clearly it hadn’t gone because she turned in a really funny blog: ‘Does our blog have to be true? I’ve written an analogy of my relationship with J and R in the house that more describes the spirit of my lockdown rather than something that actually happened.’
Daniela loved it: ‘I think you can make it whatever you like.'
As did Brigid: ‘Agree. And thanks for your blog Daniela, it’s great! Mine coming soon.’
Katherine’s energy had definitely not gone: ‘Here we go, wasn't what I intended to write but it's what came out. Probably my subconscious venting ;)
'It's 700 instead of 500 hope this is okay? I shall now read yours Daniela...and yours when you send Brigid.’
But at least Brigid’s quick to read other people’s stuff, probably so she can procrastinate: ‘Well I love it! It’s like wotsisname Ranganesh in the Guardian this Saturday only better.’
Daniela was more considered: ‘Me too, it’s very funny. You’re far too hard on yourself. It’s a beautifully nuanced piece of comedic writing.’
Katherine was encouraged and admits her fears: ‘Thank you, ladies! It's really good for me to write this (mother) character as it stops me from becoming her. I'm constantly in fear of this woman and writing exorcises her ;)'
Daniela (she’s so constructive!) is looking ahead: ‘Hahaha - I think we can be many versions of ourselves. We adapt to fit our circumstances but it doesn’t mean we are that person forever! So carry on writing that woman - you might get a book out of her!’
And at last Brigid got a good idea: ‘Morning both, another lovely day.When we publish these blogs, how about we prefix them with some of this chat we’ve been having. That will put our blogs in the context of us as writers and show how we ourselves are getting through, our own processes and motivation – which to me is as interesting as the blogs themselves. What do you think? Working on mine now …’
(yeah, sure you are…)
Katherine gave that the thumbs-up: ‘Brilliant idea Brigid! Writing something about publishing, for me anyway, would sound really contrived. What I’ve written to you two would be much better. I’m definitely happy with that. Daniela, I love your 500 words. I want to know other writers are struggling too and you tell me this but then you also give me practical tips on how to deal with the inevitable blocks.’
Daniela added her seal of approval: ’I think it’s a very good way to introduce us and we could continue that format - almost like podcasting but with the written word. It’s funny how each book we write inspires a different way of approaching it Hope your writing is going well ladies. Are we still on for
tomorrow evening?’
Yes!
Meanwhile Brigid was trying to find the right voice: ‘Here’s my blog. Have been feeling useless and nothing really working at the moment, including this. Glad to have this deadline and you to talk to this evening!’
Katherine was kind: ‘I love this Brigid...almost made me cry. It felt quite emotional and very true. I'm liking how completely different the three of us are. Looking forward to talking tonight....’
Daniela chimed in with more encouragement: ‘I thought your piece was very poignant and bang on the nail Brigid, full of compassion and capturing the small chaoses (is there a plural of chaos? I wonder …) that have enveloped us. Anyway I will be ready at 7 masquerading as a blithering idiot.’
So not true.
Now eight weeks down the line at time of posting and we have met every week, established a web page, got ourselves a twitter account (@We3Writers), Instagram and Facebook page. Daniela’s novel has a first, second and last chapter; she does her research, she thinks, she writes. Katherine has had us gripped with her Northern Irish dialogue; we thought she might be writing a play, but no, after a very reflective chapter this is definitely a novel. Brigid may get to her last chapter soon, maybe next week – but then she knows she has to go back to the beginning and bash it into shape.
@We3Writers are in business!