THE LOST WOMAN OF SANTACRUZ

I am happy to announce that my new crime novel THE LOST WOMAN OF SANTACRUZ has been accepted by leading Indian Publisher Leadstart. The novel will be published in April/May 2021.

THE GOOD SYNOPSIS

WRITERS generally hate writing the synopsis. They can write three hundred plus pages for a novel, but the two-page synopsis is another matter. A good synopsis however is necessary; a poorly written one will work to your disadvantage. As all writers know, competition for publication is fierce. Agents and publishers want to see what happens in your story. It must convey the book’s entire narrative ark. A synopsis isn’t a sales copy or the back blurb of a novel on Amazon. It’s an industry document that helps an agent or submissions editor to quickly assess your story’s appeal. They look at the synopsis along with the first three chapters. Writing a good synopsis isn’t easy. It’s difficult to suppress your entire novel into two pages. Most synopses should be between 600-1000 words, and only practice makes perfect. For agents, a synopsis will reveal any big problems in your story e.g., it was a dream ending or an act of God, or a romantic story that ends in divorce. They should usually be written in the third person and describe the protagonist’s motivation at the opening of the story. The agent needs to understand what drives your protagonist and how the story conflict plays out. Whether the main character fails or succeeds. At the end, the synopsis should show how the conflict is resolved. A synopsis should also get to the point- fast. Check your sentences aren’t too long and passive. Common synopsis mistakes: –Thinking the synopsis just details the plot. This will make it sound mechanical and boring without depth or texture. The characters emotions, motivations and reaction to what’s happening have to be shown. You have to include both plot and character colour. –Don’t get weighed down with specific character names and places. Use the name of the main characters. –Avoid character back-story. –Avoid including dialogue and if you do be sparing. –Don’t ask rhetorical questions. In the synopsis, you have to show what happens. –No need for pretty or purple prose. You can impress agents and editors with a lean, clean and powerful synopsis. It can become your friend if you get it right with practice. Check out examples of good synopsis on the internet. A good synopsis forces you to often improve and tighten your novel. Still, I doubt writing a synopsis will ever become a favourite hobby of writers, but you can improve with practice.

LOCKDOWN LIFE APRIL 2020

AT first, you imagined this was something far away, a problem in China. You heard about it and thought they would deal with it. It couldn’t affect us here in the U.K. Most of the leaders in the western democracies probably felt the same way and some were complacent. Then the news spread that this was serious and killing thousands of people.

     These are unprecedented times, and everyone is going to have to adapt. People assume that writers live in self-isolation anyway, so these are ideal conditions. They should be able to cope better than most. This is true to some extent, but it doesn’t quite work that way. The life routine has been fundamentally disturbed. No one has seen anything like it. Many writers have expressed frustration at their inability to write a single word. We need life to be normal as much as the rest to draw our inspiration.    

     The weekly shop feels like risking your life and doing a chicken run. Everything is out of sync, and this can have damaging effects on your mental well-being. To guard against lethargy and despondency, routine and structure is important. It’s good to have achievable goals however small and to fix regular activities. Even if it’s a walk, reading or exercise. You should try to strike a balance. A fixed writing routine, even a couple of hours, will help you make progress.

Pablo Picasso, the world-famous artist wrote that inspiration is undoubtedly there, but it has to find you working.

     It’s also equally important, not to beat yourself up. You don’t always have to be doing things and it’s all right to be bored. The Well of inspiration needs time to refill. It’s okay to just exist and survive. Above all, be kind to yourself and to those around you.

The other critical issues of lockdown are, loss of freedom, income, meeting friends and relatives and insecurity about the future. Psychological obstacles will have to be faced and overcome. It’s not going to be easy on any level.

     On the 22^nd March 2020, the Coronavirus epidemic worldwide had cost 13,000 lives. In the U.K, the death rate stood at 300 people. I wrote on my blog that people were not treating this deadly virus seriously and social distancing was disregarded in many places. Only last week, several hundred parties had to be closed by the police. I wonder what they were thinking. People were dying and they thought having a party was a good idea.

     It’s now 26th April. One month later. The Covid-19 virus has killed over 20,000 people in the U.K alone. Worldwide the death rate is over 190,000 with infections at over 2.7 million people. All in just over 30 days. Tragic and devastating figures, with each death affecting so many families. The figures will unfortunately become worse before they improve.

At first, it was assumed that only the elderly were being affected, but that theory has long gone. Young, healthy and vibrant people are succumbing to this deadly virus. People, who had dreams to fulfil, all cut short in a matter of weeks. It’s a sobering reality.

     The world has come to a standstill. Nature has revived however, rivers are cleaner, birds sing, and pollution has dropped. It’s as if the universe has set a reset button on earth, to make it stop, take stock and breathe. Although it’s bleak now, a better world may emerge after the Coronavirus is defeated. More care for the earth and its environment, although the greed for money and power will probably dominate noble thoughts and actions.

     The weather in the U.K has been uncharacteristically bright and sunny over the past six weeks. Some writers have made progress with their novels, whilst others have struggled. Literary agents and publishers have reported an increase in submissions in this period, so writers have adapted to this lockdown to polish their manuscripts and submit.

The lockdown affords an opportunity for writers to make progress, to catch up on their reading, but on the other hand, they must deal with the engulfing sadness all around. It’s not an easy balance and everyone longs for a return to normalcy. When that will be is anyone’s guess. It’s already five weeks into lockdown and it will probably extend further.

     It’s been compared to war and it feels like it. Each day, the number of deaths is read like a grim reality. Another stark reality in the U.K is the higher death rate amongst the ethnic population. You worry why that should be so. What factors are causing a higher death rate? Several BAME doctors and nurses have already sacrificed their lives battling the virus on the frontline.

You applaud the great work the NHS, doctors, nurses and all the key workers are doing. You clap your hands every Thursday to show solidarity. It’s a nice gesture to cut the loneliness. You hope that a vaccine is found soon, because the world cannot standstill for much longer without devastating effects. You pray that your loved ones emerge safely from this crisis. You hope again that humanity can defeat this deadly virus and life returns to happier times.

Coronavirus March 2020

307,280 worldwide cases.
  13,049 deaths.
  97, 378 recovered.

This deadly coronavirus Covid-19, has brought the world to a standstill. UK deaths have risen to 233, and expected to grow in the next few weeks. Please stay safe, no unnecessary travel, keep your social distance and wash your hands. In the UK, pubs, restaurants, cinemas and gyms have closed. National parks closed yesterday.
     This is an unprecedented crisis that has killed so many loved ones. The NHS is almost overwhelmed. What a great service the doctors, nurses and health staff provide, risking their lives to save others.
     And yet foolish people continue to flout guidelines around the world. Meeting in places, oblivious to the dangers they face and will cause to others. Doctors have been enraged at this selfish behaviour and have said so bluntly on social media.