A big shout out and a thank you to our Health Care workers

To all the health workers, I thank you for what you do. You go out each day caring and supporting COVID-19 affected people. We are grateful for your diligence about the task.

My area is in lockdown and as much as it is hard, I accept what has to be done. Many people object and I understand how they feel, but it is for the good of all.

It has been the longest winter I can ever remember this year (2021). I recently was diagnosed with Chronic Lung Disease, which reduced my activity in the garden. I am now waiting for the Summer so I can get out in the garden and recharge my batteries.

Continued Learning

Anyway, I am still writing and finding opportunities to increase my skills. I continue to learn the writing craft and find something new every day. It is surprising the information on writing is out there. Writers use different tools and are happy to share with others and shows how connected the writing community is in the world.

I subscribe to ProWritingAid and, recently, Fictionary to assist my editing. These aids have been excellent, so I recommend authors look at using them for their work.

My Progress

Fourth Novel Progress First Draft

The positive that has come from this long Winter is that I have spent more time on my writing. I finished the first draft of the fourth novel.

While the fourth novel is on hold, I am working on developing the narrative, the theme, the premise, the selection of characters and their backgrounds, the locations for the fifth novel. I will let the fourth novel stew before I get back to finishing it, adding flesh to the draft skeleton.

More on this soon and for further information and updates, go here.

Newsletter

This has been a success since its introduction. It summarises my progress and reveals new happenings. This month’s newsletter reveals additional work that will be published in 2022/2023. It has helped me to keep in touch with my readers. It gives inside information of what is coming that is new and of interest. This month’s edition waiting is for you, but you will need to subscribe below and by joining will receive a free eBook, so do not miss out and subscribe here.

Until Next Time

Thank you for your company and hope you have enjoyed this blog. Please take care of yourselves and stay safe.

As always, my best wishes to you and your family and be kind to each other.

Angelo Mifsud,

Author of the novels; Inheritance, Deception, and The Reluctant Spy. Subscribe to the newsletter here and packed with interesting information.

About Angelo Mifsud (1946) is an author of fiction and non-fiction. Maltese born, he immigrated to Australia at four, growing in the inner suburbs of Sydney. He has a varied working career in private enterprise, Australian military, the Australian public service, and as a consultant. He retired and began writing full time. He has published works in fiction. Mystery/suspense novels with stories based on history focusing on everyday lives. He also published non-fiction works and research Bonsai Magazines and published an index reference for two international Bonsai Magazines.

My Writing Life

When I wrote my draft for my first novel in 1976, I couldn’t have imagined that writing was what I wanted to do since my childhood. I wrote that first draft in three months, at night when the family had gone to bed. I began my second draft, but with a promotion and a new role in the organisation I found time was the obstacle to finishing my first novel. It wasn’t until I retired in 2008 that I now had time to finish what I started. Why am I telling you all this?

I want to promote the learning of the writing craft. I cannot stress enough how important this is in becoming a writer. My first novel, looking back, is not that good. I know the reasons behind that, but it shows in the writing profession you must invest in the learning and editing process, which is so crucial to succeed.

It has been twenty-four years since I started my writing journey on a full-time basis, and I have taken writing courses and talked with other writers who have given me expert advice which I sincerely appreciate. Most important tool a writer must have is the writing software. I use a very sophisticated software that organises my chapters and scenes, well that’s normal you say, but the difference is it enables you to set the plot structure, records the character names and their background, events, locations, and props. Working on my current novel, I have realised how sophisticated the program really is and the value it adds to developing the plot and characters.

I use other programs to assist me in preparing my work for publication. These programs check and highlight errors in my writing that help in my learning process. I learn something new every day which makes my work that bit better.

So, my message to all budding writers is to learn the profession, soak up everything you can, remembering that for some it takes that bit longer to succeed. I hope this has helped. I wish you well and the best in your endeavours.

Angelo Mifsud, author of the novels; Inheritance, Deception, and The Reluctant Spy. Also, the author of the Indexes for the Bonsai Magazines; Bonsai Focus and International Bonsai, and the vehicle and touring record book.

Visit my website and subscribe to the newsletter here.

Muses.

Muses. Why do Authors Have Muses?

Why?

For me, Muses are who I can relate to when writing. They are my sounding board (although I only hear their voices in my head) regarding the scene development or the dialogue I am writing.

I take my Muses from a wide group of people. At the head of my table is Andrew Carnegie, a man created an empire and I try to follow his business sense. Then there is Agatha Christie, my favourite author. I talk to her often, of course, she does not reply to my questions. I chose her because of her plot development. My next Muse is George Gordon Byron, I enjoy his writing and have a book of poems my mother gave in 1958. Next there is Napoleon Bonaparte, chosen because of his strategic mind, which I try to emulate in my plots. Finally, there is Ben Hogan, the outstanding golfer, chosen because of his discipline and determination to succeed. I hope you do not think I have a screw loose because I talk to my Muses but it is the same as asking yourself the question with an answer hopefully given by what the Muse would say and sometimes it works.

Until Next Time

Thank you for your company in 2020, a year many of us will want to forget, and I hope it was as enjoyable for you as it was for me giving you insights into my world. Please take care of yourselves and stay safe.  So to you all I wish you SEAONS GREETINGS and a happier 2021.

As always, my best wishes to you and your family and be kind to each other.

Apology

In past newsletters and blogs, I gave the impression that I publish the Bonsai Focus and International Bonsai magazines. This is an error on my part and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Subscribe to the newsletter here and packed with interesting information.

Which Is Correct?

There are two groups of writers. One group plan their books so they know exactly how the story will basically end before they start writing. The other group take their idea and let the story develop as they write and where it takes them, they don’t really know.

It is hard to say which method is better and depends on the writer. I like to plan but my plan is set in sand so when writing and see a new opportunity that benefits the storyline, I will head down that track.

Really, there is no wrong or right way to write a book other than ensuring grammar, punctuation, editing is the best it can be.

My Writing Process

I am a planner. My works are thought through from beginning to end. I prefer this method because it offers me the flexibility to make minor changes to the bits that will suit the scene or point of view. It is like a jigsaw puzzle, but the only difference is I know what the final picture looks like and every piece of the puzzle and where it fits. I know exactly how the story will end, who did the deed, and why. Writing by the seat of my pants does not suit me. It leaves me having to go back and find holes in the plot creating extra work if there is a change of the story flow with a danger of missing a crucial element in the story. Planning involves me identifying not only the characters and who they are but also the locations, the weather, and props that carry the story along with believable outcomes.

So that is how I do it? Discipline and attention to detail and believe me anyone can do it too if you have the passion. So, if you are incline why don’t you give it a go, you never know you might just do it as a Pantzer or a Planner

For fifty years, I dreamt to be a writer; I read many books, but all that I wanted to do was to create stories and write. But one cannot live on writing alone, it isn’t a proper job, was what I was told when I first proposed writing as a career. So I suppressed the dream thinking it was impossible for me, but there always a light around the corner.

So I Challenge You To Try

Forty-eight years ago, a colleague dared me to write a book after my boast that anyone can write a book. Little did I know that I succeeded in writing my first novel, Inheritance, and then Deception, and The Reluctant Spy, and in the meantime I wrote an index reference for trees, techniques of related issues and pages of Bonsai Magazines which a very popular around the world.

My Current Progress

Fourth Novel Progress First Draft

Started the 16 of March 2020we have the characters and their backgrounds, the location set (the photo courtesy of Church Crawler, Somerset UK), and the crime. The first chapter is started with 2 scenes set.

It is a murder mystery with an unusual twist which will challenge my readers

   Photos by Church Crawler, Somerset UK

The change from the original characters has proven to be a benefit and deepens the mystery. The new characters are a shift to my normal use of characters people know, but I’m sure you will enjoy these individuals and their past. More on this soon and for further information and updates go here.

Fifth Novel Progress

This novel is still at the embryo stage. Have developed the Theme and Premise and researching the location so the readers who have read The Reluctant Spy will know my protagonist and is a continuation of her personal story. The tale and plot is percolating away between plotting the fourth novel. For more information, go here. Photo by Olav Sejeroe -Olbia Archaeological Park.

Coming Soon

Currently in progress is a new series for subscribers of my newsletter and with my hectic life I hope to finish the first series by Christmas, which not long now. I am confident that my many readers will be surprised and pleased with the finished product. I don’t believe this has not been produced by any other authors, but only time will tell.

Now this gift will only be available to new and current subscribers to my newsletter, so do not hesitate and subscribe to the newsletter now.

Until Next Time

Thank you for your company and I hope it was as enjoyable for you as it was for me giving you insights into my world. Please take care of yourselves and stay safe.

As always, my best wishes to you and your family and be kind to each other.

Angelo Mifsud,

Author of the novels; Inheritance, Deception, and The Reluctant Spy. Also, the author of the Bonsai Magazines; Bonsai Focus and International Bonsai, plus a vehicle and touring record book.

Subscribe to the newsletter here and packed with interesting information.

https://angelomifsud.com/2020/10/02/new-au

New Authors Must Persist With Their Dream

Do Not Let Rejection Kill Your Dream

Recently I was contacted by an new author who recounted that after contacting traditional publishers none were willing to publish their novel. It is hard and discouraging when you hear your novel has been rejected.

Knowing what it is like; having been there and felt the same pain. But if you have walked along that path, do not dishearten, as there are other paths that will lead you to success but it is you who must choose. Every author, especially indie authors, need to use every skill they have in their body if their passion is strong to succeed. So do not despair there are ways and means to help you achieve success.

Advice To Help You On The Writing Journey

I offer to new writers/authors advice to help them begin and succeed in their writing journey. I can provide advice based on my experience and mistakes an independent author can make. I reckon I’ve made most of them and no doubt will make many more. I am not an expert, I do not strive to have my name up in lights, although I do wish for a sufficient monetary return to satisfy me in my work to urge me on to create and do more.

For fifty years, I dreamt to be a writer; I read many books but all that I wanted to do was to create stories and write. But one cannot live on writing alone, it isn’t a proper job, was what I was told when I first proposed writing as a career. So I suppressed the dream thinking it was impossible for me, but there always a light around the corner.

Traditional And Independent Publishing

Forty-eight years ago, a colleague dared me to write a book after my boast on writing, and this reignited my dream again. This led to finishing that first novel, Inheritance, after many false starts with work, and set off to a traditional publisher.

Well, that experience left an unpleasant taste in my mouth and went away from the process disappointed. In saying that, if you are selected by a traditional publisher, well done and wish you the best. I then ventured in independent publishing and now I have published three non-fiction books a few years before the first novel, two are reference books related to my third passion of Bonsai. Family, writing, bonsai are my passions in the order. The bonsai references created to help bonsai artists to learn and create living art. These have been a success. On finishing my first novel came two more with the fourth novel in its first draft.

How can I help?

I am offering help to new authors to assist them to find answers to their publishing problems. I can assist authors along their writing journey. What is your process and how you can overcome difficulties in their process that lie across their path? I won’t have all the answers, but I can direct us to where the right answer lies, and I will learn something too.

So, if I can help you overcome the day-to-day obstacles you meet contact me here.

My Current Progress

Fourth Novel Progress First Draft

Photo by Church Crawler, Somerset UK

Starting this process on the 16 of March 2020 when the research began. With the narrative, the theme, the premise, the selection of characters and their backgrounds, the location set , and the plot done we are ready to go.

A murder mystery, and I will divulge more as I progress through and finish the first draft. And with the research for this novel completed, and learning from experience, there is always something that needs further researched.   Photo by Church Crawler, Somerset UK.

My original group of characters has changed so this novel will introduce new people for you to get to know, and I’m sure you will enjoy them. Creating a new character is like having a new child come into the family. More on this soon and for further information and updates go here.

Fifth Novel Progress

Photo by Olav Sejeroe -Olbia Archaeological Park

This novel is still at the embryo stage. Having developed the Theme and Premise and researched the location. The readers who have read The Reluctant Spy will know my protagonist and will be a continuation of her personal story.

The tale and plot, is percolating away and between plotting the fourth novel the plan is falling into place. For more information, go here.

Coming Soon

Newsletter

Introducing the first newsletter to my stable in September 2020 I hope will help me keep in touch with my readers on a far more personal level than I can on the website. It gives inside information of what is coming that is new and of interest. This month’s edition waiting for you, but you will need to subscribe below and receive a free eBook, so do not miss out and subscribe here.

A Special Release

I am also, with everything else in my life, working on resources that will, I hope, please my many readers who ask how I develop my stories. Now, with this resource, I can answer their questions with a detailed account. But more on this later. This gift, when published, will be sent to new subscribers. Current subscribers and new will receive the special gift as soon as it is ready for publication, so do not hesitate and subscribe now.

Until Next Time

Thank you for your company and I hope it was as enjoyable for you as it was for me giving you insights into my world. Please take care of yourselves and stay safe.

As always, my best wishes to you and your family and be kind to each other.

Angelo Mifsud

Author of the novels; Inheritance, Deception, and The Reluctant Spy. Subscribe to the newsletter here and packed with interesting information.