From Pruning Shrubs to Pruning Words: My Joyful Leap into Retirement Writing

 

From Pruning Shrubs to Pruning Words: My Joyful Leap into Retirement Writing

Trading in my trusty trowel for a keyboard, I've swapped sweat for stories, and couldn't be happier! After years spent nurturing gardens and growing my landscaping business, I've finally embraced the long-awaited freedom of retirement. But instead of rocking on the porch (although there's definitely time for that!), I've discovered a new passion blooming – writing.

For years, the seeds of storytelling were quietly scattered throughout my days. While tending to vibrant flowerbeds, my mind often wandered, weaving tales inspired by the whispering leaves and buzzing bees. Now, with more time than sunshine, I've finally given those seeds the water and care they craved.

My days are now filled with the click-clack of the keyboard as I explore genres and characters. The world that used to be confined to neatly trimmed hedges and blooming roses has expanded to encompass fantastical landscapes and captivating individuals, all born from the fertile ground of my imagination.

It's not just about filling my time, though. Writing has become a form of self-expression I never knew I possessed. It's a way to share the beauty I've witnessed, the lessons I've learned, and the stories that have always simmered beneath the surface.

Of course, there are challenges. The blank page can be daunting, and the world of publishing seems like a vast, untamed garden. But the joy of crafting a sentence, the thrill of developing a plot, and the satisfaction of seeing my characters come alive outweigh any initial anxieties.

This new chapter in my life isn't just about retirement; it's about rediscovery. It's about learning, growing, and sharing a side of myself I never had the chance to fully cultivate before. So, to all the retirees out there, don't let the rocking chairs fool you. There's a whole world of possibilities waiting to be explored, even after you hang up your tools. Grab your metaphorical pen, step into the sunshine of creativity, and see what beautiful stories blossom!

A Struggling Author

 

The blank page mocks me, a vast expanse of white taunting my creativity. It's 3 am, and the coffee pot groans its last breath, mirroring the fatigue in my soul. "Struggling author" isn't just a label, it's a constant companion, whispering doubts and amplifying rejections.

The dream began with passion, a burning desire to weave stories that resonate, to transport readers to other worlds. I poured my heart onto the page, fueled by the belief that my words held the power to move mountains. But the reality is a harsher landscape.

Pitfalls litter the path: writer's block, crippling comparisons, the suffocating silence after hitting submit. Each query letter feels like a fragile hope launched into the void, returning with a thudding rejection or worse, radio silence.

Deflating moments? Countless. The sting of reviews filled with good intentions but laced with disappointment. The crushing realization that months of work translate to meager sales, barely covering the cost of a latte. The self-doubt, the insidious voice whispering, "Maybe it's not good enough."

But then, a glimmer. A reader reaches out, their words echoing the emotions you poured onto the page. A fellow writer offers support, reminding you that you're not alone in this shared struggle. An unexpected review shines a light on what resonates. These are the lifebuoys I cling to, the reminders that keep me afloat.

Being a struggling author is a constant negotiation between passion and practicality. It's facing the harsh realities of the publishing world while nurturing the fragile flame of creativity. It's about learning to dance with rejection, using it as fuel to improve, not as an extinguisher of dreams.

But here's the truth: we persist. We edit, revise, and submit again, driven by an unwavering belief in the power of our stories. We find solace in our communities, sharing struggles and celebrating victories. We learn from others, honing our craft with every draft.

So, to all the struggling authors out there, let me share a secret: the fight is worth it. The journey may be arduous, but the destination, that moment when your words connect with a reader, makes it all worthwhile. We may be struggling, but we are not defeated. We are the ink-stained warriors, and our stories, our weapons. We fight not for fame or fortune, but for the simple act of creating, of connecting, and of leaving a mark on the world.

Keep writing, keep believing, keep fighting. The world needs your stories. It needs your unique voice. And someday, against all odds, your words will find their way, echoing through the hearts of readers, proving that even in the struggle, the dream lives on.

A Fantasy Murder my next book

 

Blood in the Meadow: A Detective's Descent into Fantasy

Inspector Davies, a man of logic and reason, has seen his fair share of grisly scenes. But nothing could prepare him for the macabre tableau sprawled across the dew-kissed meadow: the lifeless body of Lord Lancaster, his pristine attire stained crimson against the vibrant green. This is no ordinary murder, and Davies' instincts hum with unease.

As he delves deeper, the case takes a fantastical turn. Whispers of hidden realms carried on the wind, cryptic symbols etched on nearby stones, and the unnerving silence of the usually bustling forest paint a picture beyond the realm of the mundane. With each dead end, Davies stumbles upon another thread leading deeper into the unknown – a hidden passage under the gnarled roots of an ancient oak, a shimmering portal concealed within a cascading waterfall.

Suddenly, Davies finds himself thrust into a world where logic falters and the impossible reigns. Talking animals, mischievous sprites, and ancient magic abound. Bewildered, yet determined, he must navigate this bizarre landscape, forging unlikely alliances with its fantastical inhabitants. Each encounter unveils a piece of the puzzle, but also raises more questions.

Who would want to silence the esteemed Lord Lancaster, and why in such an otherworldly manner? Does the answer lie in his hidden past, shrouded in rumors of forbidden knowledge and arcane dealings? Can Davies, a man sworn to uphold the law of the human realm, unravel the mysteries of this magical one?

This is no longer just a murder investigation; it's a race against time to prevent a hidden conflict from spilling over into the world Davies knows. He must tread carefully, for every step deeper into this fantastical realm comes with its own dangers. Can he survive long enough to expose the truth and bring the killer to justice, even if it means defying everything he thought he knew about reality?

This is just a taste of what awaits in my upcoming short novel, a thrilling blend of fantasy and mystery. Stay tuned for updates and the official title reveal! In the meantime, what mysteries would you like to see Detective Davies uncover in this fantastical world? Share your thoughts in the comments below!