Wednesday, February 27, 2013

A patchwork of writing projects

Like my sewing cupboard, my metaphorical writing cupboard is full of unfinished projects. Some are almost complete, just waiting for a few details to be researched and a final draft. Others have a long way to go, and some are barely started. I expect more will be added before even a few of these are finished.

I have to make distinctions between them. There are the 'have to' projects, the ones I am commissioned to write. They have deadlines. One in particular has to be completed so it can be published in time for an anniversary in 2015. Other shorter pieces have to meet much tighter deadlines. They have to meet submission criteria for newsletters, meetings and grant providers.
All of which means at the 'want to' projects are constantly shoved on to the back burner to be brought out only when there is space in the imaginative section of my mind for them. One of these precious spaces is looming. On Saturday I fly to London for three wonderful weeks of indulgence. With me will be Abbie, a creature of my own creation, a twelve year old tomboy whose architect mother and historian father are researching and writing a coffee table book on the great cathedrals of Europe. Abbie's encounter with the ghost of Edward V in Westminster Abbey sends her on a wild goose chase in search of the Prince's murderers. And I will be with her all the way.