I have all but finished my latest novel, Isia’s Secret, and have started the laborious task of trying to get an agent interested in representing it to publishers. It really is an uphill battle that starts two years beforehand with an idea and an itch in the fingers to create something special. We all imagine that there will be a huge audience and we will be interviewed on TV as the latest ‘Dan Brown.’ We know in ourselves that won’t happen unless we are lucky but something drives us on to be creative. The truth is we write for ourselves. But what happens when we have finished the book, edited, contacted agents, and decided whether or not to E publish. Whichever way we go it costs us money and the cost of the hours sitting alone through the night are not worth thinking about. It’s a cost that we dismiss as necessary but God help McDonalds if they put the price of a hamburger up by 5c

So what does happen next? We start all over again with the next book, getting enthusiastic about the plot and characters. I have been very lucky in the last eighteen months. I have met and worked with a great editor/mentor. Because of her I have been introduced to a group of writers from around the world who have taught me a lot about myself. Editing other writers’ works has been an education in itself. Working in all tenses, genres, a whole array of different plots and with writers from countries where English is a second language. I take my hat off to those writers who are that determined to be a writer that they have to speak, write and hardest of all, understand another language. The experience of managing the serials alone has made me a better writer and a more patient one. It has injected an even bigger spark of enthusiasm for what is ahead. I want to write a second book on the same main characters as in Isia’s Secret. I also want to write some short stories too. Recently I have been in contact with several artists in the music industry and am looking forward to writing some more Blues numbers. This last year has been very busy and very exciting and the next looks as though it will be the same. To achieve my goals I had to make a sacrifice and stand down from working as the Serial Manager. It’s been one helluva ride but I can’t continue to burn the candle both ends. I’m not sure if anyone realizes what a time consuming job it is but it is very rewarding. One thing is for sure – I am remaining an active writer for The Story Mint no matter what. Where else can I constantly check if my work is well balanced and on the ‘grid.’

I would like to thank Suraya for her fantastic editing, passing on her creative knowledge, and letting me loose on the membership. I am certain we will be working together in one form or another as The Story Mint continues to grow. Most of all, thanks to you writers who have made me a better writer. Thanks to you all.

Raymond

www.raystoneauthor.com visit me and say hi. Some of your work is available here through the links to the serials.