I’ve been planning and thinking about the book for months, and anyone who can’t escape from me has been bored to death on the subject. Sooner or later however, I guess I was going to have stop making excuses, stop the talking and actually get around to writing the book. I started this morning. How hard can it be?
Well, I’ve been sat here all day (admittedly with a not especially brief MTBing work-avoidance interlude) and my head feels like it is going to explode. I didn’t expect this, I regularly write for magazine publication. What is different this time?
Well, the first culprit is Pesda Press, the publishers. They have supplied a daunting pamphlet full of rules and conventions to follow. These rules are 30% absolute, 30% relative and 40% nebulous. For example, you’d never believe what a big deal it is, trying to figure out whether to type ‘miles’ or ‘kilometres’ (or ‘km’ or ‘knots’ or ‘nm’ etc.). Don’t get me started on numbers. Added to this is the business of explaining tidal flow and behaviour, which is a bit like trying to nail jelly to the ceiling, with ‘amusing’ consequences for future paddlers if I make even a minor mistake. I am culling information from several sources and often they don’t even have the good grace to agree with one another…arrgggh.
Well, I always knew that writing the first chapter would be hardest. The good news is that I have a shining beacon to guide me. ‘Welsh Sea Kayaking’ by Jim Krawiecki and Andy Biggs was published last autumn. This excellent book has kept me sane. Each time I hit a wall (about every 5 minutes) I ask myself, “What would Jim and Andy do?” and reach for their book. I am grateful to them and suspect that I will become more so, over time!
So, where have I actually been writing about, today?
Well done on getting started Mark, like the photos, smashing looking boat in the foreground, similar beast on e-bay at present!
Think my weekend might have been more restful….
All the best
jg
Good luck with the project as some one who grew up on the south coast (Weymouth) but now live in Scotland. It would be great to have an up-to-date guide for when I visit for my holidays. i will be following your blog with interest. Keep up the good work! and good luck, Ollie
The difference between an article and a book is the sheer amount of words - a short sprint or an ultra (when will the word count never end?) marathon - but I’m sure you know this.
Like most authors, I’m guessing you will have a limited say in the final look of your book (?); I’ve just read “Kayak Surfing” by Bill Mattos, one of the titles from your publisher, Pesdapress, and whilst an excellent read and most creatively put together, the text in places is difficult (and a bit irritating) to read because of all the colour and illustrations placed upon in. Words just read easier on a white background.
I hope your text doesn’t get too swallowed up with colour and illustrations. Sorry to use your blog for what may seem mean spirited comment. I couldn’t resist adding this when I saw the name of your publisher - who did a great job with “Kayak Surfing” - but the author’s words were not best served (my opinion) on some of the pages. Wonderful design though.
Best of luck with a “long” manuscript. Having read your words, I don’t think you need it though.
Write on (or paddle…).
Hi Rodford - I’m all for lots of photos and illustrations, but obviously balance is everything. I don’t know if you’ve seen the other Pesda sea guides, but I think they do very well in this respect.
I could not resist (as I wrote) writing something when I saw your publishers name. I was not trying to rubbish them in any way. I haven’t seen the other titles but I do think they did an inspired and creative job with the illustrations and layout of “Kayak Surfing” but the text in places is not the easiest to read because of the coloured/photographic backgrounds.
In a coffee table book it would not be important but a non-fiction work that one wants to read to learn or improve one’s technique, I just felt clarity in reading the text should be paramount.
Of course, I could need glasses!
I can see that a great deal of care went into the layout of the book and I wasn’t implying that they were not a good publisher because they obviously are … it was an observation after squinting my way through some of the text. Perhaps I should read it sober…
Best of luck with the book (this comment is almost as long as a blog).