I hesitated about whether to post this or not. But having spoken to so many writers during this year, both through WriteFoxy and via Twitter, I think this is something that could help fellow writers to follow their hearts...
I had the initial idea for A Parcel for Anna Browne about four years ago. Like many ideas it sat sparkling away on the sidelines of the books I was writing, trying to distract me when I had deadlines and waking me up in the middle of the night to whisper in my ear. I loved the idea. I even wrote the first chapter to see what it might look like. But I didn't propose it to my agent or publisher for one simple reason: I didn't think I could write it yet.
Writing is about taking risks when you're facing The Fear.
You would think, after writing six Sunday Times Bestselling novels that have sold almost 1 million copies worldwide (eek!) I would be completely confident in my writing. This couldn't be further from the truth! Every year I ask myself if I'm up to the challenge of writing another book and telling the story I'm dreaming of in the way I want to tell it.
What I found really comforting is that when I spoke to my writer friends it turns out that all of them regularly do battle with what has become commonly known as The Fear. Writers I admire, whose words flow onto the page beautifully, who tell stories that amaze, thrill and inspire me, have all at some time during the writing process of their incredible books doubted their ability to do their idea justice. What made the difference between those ideas remaining in the wings and being brought onto the page wasn't confidence, but courage.
So, after four years of hesitation, I decided to go for it.
Writing A Parcel for Anna Browne has been one of the scariest and most exciting experiences of my writing career - and I am so proud of the result. Writing the book has taught me to follow my gut instinct and tell the stories I'm dreaming of telling. Where I've felt my vocabulary is lacking, or encountered obstacles I'm not sure how to overcome, I've held on to the inescapable feeling that Anna's story is one I want to write.
So, this is what I've learned: if the idea has come to you, then you have everything you need to tell it. All you need is the courage to begin.
