How to write a novel while having no time

Hi guys,

today’s topic is how to write a novel when you’ve little or no spare time available to actually get the writing done. It’s a question that keeps coming up in discussions within the writing community.

I’m no wizard, timelord nor expert when it comes to finding the time, but I can explain how I manage to write a novel while working a 60-72hr week, drive a 2hr commute everyday, spend time with my wife, children and grandchildren, all while renovating a coastal cottage.

Even though its a hectic and wild schedule to keep to, I still find the time to write between 2k to 3k words a day and occasionally creep the numbers above 5k. And here’s how:

Over the years I’ve developed a technique of typing prose in short but wild bursts. Little and often, even a 2 minute tapping at the keyboard can produce a good sentence or paragraph. The trick is to keep your laptop/keyboard/notepad close and recognise when you’ve got those precious few minutes. Each burst is another step closer and they soon add up. I wrote Eversong (137k word adventure) on an old Blackberry phone and it took less than 10 months.

I’m not saying it’s easy, and at first it might feel impossible – but with a little practice and perseverance you’ll have your novel written before you know it.

Whether you’re a plotter or pantster you can do this. Try to remain focused during those crazy minutes and try not to edit until you’ve typed The End.

And if you don’t believe you can write in short bursts, just think of all those text messages/ messenger conversations / social media posts you’ve done across the last few months. If you add the amount of words you’ve created, you might find you’ve written a novel’s worth.

I recently finished writing my latest book ‘The Night Fae’ within 4 months using this technique.

I hope that helps – as I said, it works for me.

Good luck guys and happy writing – and if you’re new to my work, subscribe to my newsletter and get a free copy of Eversong: https://mailchi.mp./72e14c490faf/acsalter

All the best, stay safe and have a happy Halloween 🎃🦇👻

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Beta readers wanted

Hi guys,

My fingers are flaming upon my keyboard and I’m only weeks away from finishing my first draft of The Night Fae, book 2 in the Dylap trilogy.

Subsequently I’m looking for beta readers to read through the rough manuscript to give me feedback on the story.

If you’re interested, please message me.

Progress

I’m glad to say that my writing is picking up speed and I’m currently writing chapter 8 of The Night Fae, and things are getting gloriously ugly.

Although the air is sweltering tonight and it’s slowing my rate of words – as if the heat is reducing my fingers to fudge – I will hopefully reach the end of the chapter soon.

That being said, the book is coming along nicely and should be finished, ready for a winter release.

In the meantime, if you’d like to subscribe to my newsletter, click on the link below and receive a free copy of Eversong – the 1st book in The Daughter of Chaos trilogy.

https://mailchi.mp/72e14c490faf/acsalter

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Writing a trilogy

I’ve been asked more than a few times, how do I write a trilogy? Usually by other authors keen to attempt a trilogy themselves but either lacking the will, the material, or in one case, the courage should they fail halfway through and would have wasted so much time.

I can’t explain the rules, or give you the rights and wrongs of how to write a trilogy but I can tell you what worked for me.

Like a lot of authors I’m a plottor. I like to know where the story is going before I begin. Before I put pen to paper, or fingers to keys, I know the ending. I know the main thread and arc of the journey, and the order of each event and which characters are involved. This also works well when weaving an intricate plot twist.

That doesn’t mean to say that I don’t let my characters take the reins now and again. For instance, in my third book – Ethea – my protagonist asked her partner to marry her. That came out of the blue and took me by surprise. And I spent the next couple of days thinking of the answer. Some events might also change or a thread could subtly alter to encourage foreshadowing but the overall story stays the same.

This is the same method I use to write trilogies. I already know how the third book ends before beginning to write the first. The only difference, apart from the length of a novel, is that each book in the series needs its own arc and ending. Otherwise the reader won’t feel satisfied if the first two books have no conclusion.

But like I said earlier, there’s no right or wrong way. I just know what works for me. And I’m using the same method while writing the 2nd book of my 2nd trilogy. The same can be said for my 3rd trilogy which I plan to write next year. And you’ve guessed it – I already know the ending for the final book in my trilogy of trilogies.

The most important thing is to try. If you don’t, you’ll never know if you can succeed. And if your writing falls short, you can always turn your materiel into a stand alone.

I hoped that helped. And good luck.

Subsequently, Eversong, the 1st book in my trilogy is currently free to download from amazon: mybook.to/Eversong

Book 2 in the Dylap trilogy

After a prolonged period of not writing, I’m glad to say I’m getting stuck into writing the follow up to Dylap. I’ve just finished the first chapter and a plot twist is already creeping up.

I’m aiming to publish the book by Christmas with the final book being released next summer. Its a big ask, but I’ve plenty of pent up writing energy to exert.

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Keep safe

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Due to the Corona curse, my book signing at Waterstones Bridport had been cancelled. But don’t worry. I’ll be there as soon as possible. In the meantime, I’ve made Eversong absolutely free to download from amazon and most other ebook readers. Stay safe and keep on reading…

Serendip

Hi guys, just a quick page to say that if you’re in Lyme Regis, visit this excellent book shop by the sea. I signed a couple books while I was there…

Book signing next Wednesday

Hiya guys. I’ll be book signing in Costa (inside Tesco) Stroud, next Wednesday. From 10.30am onwards.

 

New Shadojak review

Hi guys, I’ve had a new 5 star review for Shadojak.

‘Just finished Shadojak the second book of A.C. Salters trilogy what an amazing story. The events unfold revealing some great twists and new characters are introduced adding to the already impressive roster of characters. I can’t recommend these books enough and I can’t wait to read the next one and continue the journey which has had me gripped from the very first page.‘

Thank you for the great review, Elizabeth.

 

 

Ethea progress

Hiya guys

Chapter 19 of Ethea was finished yesterday – not long before the trilogy will be completed.

Jane, Dylan and I have been for a lovely meal at the Weighbridge in Nailsworth, with Paul Manning (the man who designed my covers) and his wife Vicky. We had a great afternoon catching up.

The first printed copies of Eversong will be arriving in less than two weeks – 1500 books.                          

VERY EXCITED!