Blog Tour - Vets on Call by Cathy Woodman

The What, How, Where, When and Why of Writing…

         

      

Today, I’d like to tell you a little about the way that I write. Even though I’ve been writing for a long time and have over a million words in print, I still find it hard to believe that I’m an author, and I’ve been trying to think why.

I have come to the conclusion that one of the reasons is that the process of writing doesn’t always appear to look like work. This was reinforced by a comment by the decorator who came to paint a room in the house recently. As he came into the living room to tell me he’d finished, he said, ‘Oh, I see you have your feet up.’ My initial reaction was one of mild annoyance. I was working. Couldn’t he see that? I was typing away on the laptop with my notebook at my side. However, it was true. I did have my feet up at the same time! And that is one of the great things about writing. You can write anywhere you like and escape to your favourite places with your characters whenever you want to.

So what do I write?

Vets on Call is the ninth book in the Talyton St George series set in Devon. It is vet nurse Shannon’s story and a return to the Otter House veterinary practice. When I’m not writing novels, I write short stories.

How do I write?

I like to write longhand to begin with – I use a biro with the four different colours of ink and A4 paper, narrow feint with margins. I can write with other pens and types of paper, but it never feels quite right! I like to plan chapters and scenes on post-it notes so I can move them about until I settle on the final order, and I type on my trusty laptop which I chose because it is purple. Other accessories that aren't exactly essential for writing, but can be helpful, include copious amounts of coffee and a supply of crème eggs.  

Where do I write?

I can write anywhere, but I prefer to sit on the sofa in the living room, with the 

dogs and the cat. I’ll often have music on – it helps me focus – but I have to force myself to leave the television off because I find that too distracting. One of my favourite places to write is on the train if I’m travelling to see my agent or publisher in London.   

When do I write?

It takes a while for the writing muscle to warm up in the morning, and I usually find that the words flow best from late morning to late afternoon. If I’m working to a tight deadline, I have been known to work all day and overnight. 

Why do I write?

I write because I can’t not write. It’s a compulsion that I thoroughly enjoy, and, being an avid reader myself, I’m always delighted to hear from people who have appreciated my books.

Happy reading!

Cathy x

Thank you Cathy for joining me on my blog today. My review of Vets on Call follows this post and I absolutely loved it. I hope my readers' also love the book as much as me and there are many more visitors going to Talyton St George very soon.