Chrissie Michaels guest blogger
Chrissie Michaels reflects on her year of writing since the
publication in 2010 of her historical YA crossover novel, In
Lonnie's Shadow.
The publication of In Lonnie's Shadow by Ford Street in 2010
was a very exciting time for me. I had spent quite a few years
researching and writing this particular novel, which is set in 1891
Melbourne and was inspired by the archaeological digs that took
place in Little Lonsdale Street and its surroundings, most
specifically in Casselden Place. I am so pleased it is on the YA
list for the Sisters in Crime 2011 Davitt Awards.
Always when a book comes into being, it is exciting and a little
nerve-wracking. I must say that I am thrilled every time I read a
good review (fortunately, they have been fairly numerous for Lonnie)
and even more so, when contacted by a reader who has enjoyed the
story. I think the most satisfying response for me was when I got a
phone call from a woman whose elderly mother had lived in Cumberland
Place, a laneway that features in the novel. She thanked me for
writing about Little Lon. Her mother's remembrances had contributed
as source material for Museum Victoria's 'Melbourne Story'
exhibition. Apparently her mother had related strongly to the
storyline in the novel because it fit in with the life experiences
of some of the local residents that she knew during her own
childhood.
Since Lonnie's publication, I have mainly devoted my time to writing
commissioned educational texts. Two are now published and two
manuscripts are in the post, a few weeks earlier than their
contracted date of delivery.
I must admit I am finding it more and more difficult these days
trying to fit in the 'time' part of my life as a part-time author
and part-time teacher. The signs of early spring are here and as I
strive to fit in some - indeed, any - time to add a new layer of
soil, manure and mulch to the garden, I wonder why I still have this
calling to go inside and sit at my computer and write . . . and
write . . . and rewrite. Where is the time I once had to walk,
garden or take a holiday? My free time, of late, seems to have
diminished to the point of non existence.
Of course, it's all about the deadlines. Deadlines for manuscripts,
for rewrites, for gathering illustration ideas, for checking proofs.
Then there are the deadlines for lesson plans, for report writing,
for meetings. My life has turned into one long mapping of time as I
strive to adjust and readjust schedules.
I guess it explains why I have been so preoccupied of late with
reading time travel novels. I have just finished The Map of Time
and The Time-traveller's Wife and thoroughly enjoyed reading
them both.
Deciding to write commissioned pieces rather than whatever is
boiling on the pot calls for a different mindset. I have a fairly
organic approach to writing, which doesn't always fit in well with
the planned approach required by educational publishers. However, my
commissioning editor has been extremely supportive, all the while
gently steering me into plotting out a scope and sequence and
numerous lists of headings for each chapter. Somehow we have come to
an understanding and four manuscripts came into existence without
too much angst.
With the final manuscript posted and on its way, I can breathe a
little easier. Next week I will have no time constraints. I may do a
bit of digging in the garden, or I may work on my next novel, and
there's a poem that I have been mulling over . . . Life is sweet!
Chrissie Michaels