Karen McCreedy: Novelist and Freelance Writer - Writing diary

November 1st-21st

21/11/2021

Writing Activity: Finished latest draft of novel and sent to Beta reader.
Took a holiday - but still managed to make a start on
next book, making notes of ideas, and drafting first
few pages.

Just Read: 'The Last Master: Passion and Anger' by John Suchet
'Force of Nature' by Jane Harper

Currently Reading: 'USS Hamilton: Ironhold Station' by Mark Wayne
McGinnis

October 18th-31st

31/10/2021

Writing Activity: Ran draft novel through SmartEdit software, and cut out
a bunch of adverbs, repeated phrases and redundant
words.
Checked with a gaming friend on correct phrasing that's
crucial to the novel's plot. Another run through, and
it'll be time to hand it over to my Beta readers.

Just read: 'Shadows of Athens' by J.M.Alvey

Currently Reading: 'Outlaw' by James Swallow

October 17th: u3a Interview

17/10/2021

New interview

Interviewed for the u3a podcast, following success in the u3a national short story competition
u3a radio podcast episode 11 - October 2021 - YouTube

October 1st-16th

16/10/2021

Writing Activity: Finished read-through of novel. Rewrote last chapter/
epilogue.

Just Read: 'Gone to Sea in a Bucket' by David Black

Currently Reading: 'Operation Pedestal: The Fleet that Battled to Malta,
1942' by Max Hastings

September 21st-30th

30/9/2021

Writing Activity: Interviewed for u3a podcast as a follow-up to winning
3rd prize in the short story competition
Continued 'out loud' read-through of SF novel.

(Still) Reading: 'Fortress Malta' by James Holland

September 2nd-20th

20/9/2021

Writing Activity: A short break to recharge the batteries, then resumed
read-through of SF novel.

Just read: 'Star Trek: Living Memory' by Christopher L. Bennett

Currently reading: 'Fortress Malta: An Island Under Siege 1940-43' by
James Holland

September 1st: Short Story success

1/9/2021

My short story, 'Trial and Error' achieved Third Place in the U3A's national creative writing awards for 2021.
The twelve shortlisted writers were invited to an online awards ceremony on 1st September, and the top three were read out to all those attending.

The stories have been published on the U3A website, and you can read 'Trial and Error' here.

August 15th-31st

31/8/2021

Writing Activity: Completed new scenes for SF novel. Now reading through
the whole thing - aloud. Helps me to pick up on errors,
typos and rhythms.

Currently Reading: 'Testament of Youth' by Vera Brittain

August 1st-14th

14/8/2021

Writing Activity: Started work on additional scenes for novel.
Won prize in u3a short story competition as one of twelve
'group winners'. Top three stories to be announed on
1st September.

Just Read: 'The Royal Secret' by Andrew Taylor

Currently Reading: 'Shaman's Crossing' by Robin Hobb

July 12th-31st

31/7/2021

Writing Activity: Finished latest redraft of SF novel. Still a few tweaks to
make, but it's getting there. A couple more passes and
it will be ready for my beta readers.

Just Read: 'Murder at the Mansion' by Faith Martin

Currently Reading: 'The Moth Catcher' by Ann Cleeves