Deadlines!

Most writers know about deadlines. Often, they are  our key motivation for getting a piece of work finished. 

But for five weeks during November and December 2020 I was kept on my toes writing to some challenging but exciting and enjoyable deadlines as I’d been commissioned to write a 5-chapter book for Fiction Express.

Fiction Express is an award-winning innovative book platform that connects students with professional authors, encouraging reading for pleasure through fun co-creation of stories. Schools from all around the world who have signed up with Fiction Express, get a reading experience like no other; and for the authors, it’s a unique experience for them too.

Working closely with the editor, once the story proposal is agreed and a 5-week time slot allocated, the first chapter goes live on their website at a specific time – 11am GMT Fridays. Each chapter ends with a cliff hanger and three choices of what should happen next. Students vote over the next 3 days with the author receiving the verdict by the Tuesday. They then have two days to write it, ready to go live the coming Friday morning. Phew!

 Fiction Express provides additional resources for the schools, including a forum where the author poses questions in relation to the story, and the students give their opinions. They can also give you feedback on each chapter and say whether or not they are enjoying it. Happily, I had great comments about my book, Warning Signs. But also the forum proved to be a fascinating insight into the lives and cultures of the readers, some of whom were as far afield as Peru and Mexico.

 Additionally, the author also records each chapter. Not the easiest of tasks when there’s only a 2-hour slot to record and send it. Especially tricky if you have a dog who normally goes walkies at that time of day.  The number of times I’d literally get to the last paragraph and Rusty would do his usual attention seeking trick of paws on my lap and head on my keyboard! 

Aaghh! Back to square one. Happily, by week five we’d both got the hang of it. And it was a great experience, an amazing opportunity, and I’ve my fingers crossed for another book for Fiction Express in 2021.

Discover more about Fiction Express here: https://en.fictionexpress.com/