Meet Sam Hemmings

A while back I signed up for ChatGPT as I was learning how to use it to support content writing from a wonderful conversion copywriter called Ashlyn Carter. Based on what I’ve learned from her, I’ve started using it to help me brainstorm through my plot when I run into trouble - I’m a verbal processor who lives alone except for two cats with arseholish tendencies, so I find it particularly difficult when I get stuck as I have no one to talk things through with in the moment. Until now! I can talk directly to the app (aka Ace, because I’m British and felt very rude talking to something with no name) via my phone and get instant inspiration that helps trigger the ideas I need. It’s been such a useful resource for when I absolutely fail at naming things, for those moments when I just blank on what comes next and need some ideas thrown at me to get my brain moving again. And (I discovered today) for bringing my characters to life … like Sam:

Sam is the canine friend of my protagonist, Essie Hemmings. ChatGPT (aka Dall-E) has drawn me this picture according to my instructions for a 1 year old Northern Inuit puppy with short rust coloured fur and long legs, drawn in a messy, scribbled style and loosely coloured in. I ❤️ this picture so much because it looks just like the Sam I have in my head and I can’t wait to introduce you to him and all his shenanigans!

Debut Novel Stalled

Well that didn’t last long! 😅 As I was writing, even though I was managing to hit my 2,000 word per day target, it became extremely obvious that I need to do far more plotting than I actually had. I’ve been a pantser all my life, but it’s also why I struggle so much to finish longer stories (that and ADHD), so this time around I decided to give plotting a go … now I just need to get significantly better at it! I’m pleased to report that I’m thoroughly enjoying the process too, it was a big worry of mine that I’d hate it and just get nowhere fast. But things are going well, I’m really digging into, not just the plot points, but the smaller in-between scenes that link it all together - something I’d missed on my first try! 🤦🏻‍♀️

Debut Novel Started

Finally, after fifteen years thinking about this story, I’ve started working on my debut novel, Budding Suspicions! It’s a cozy murder mystery with paranormal elements. With NaNoWriMo right around the corner, now seems like a great time to get my shizzle together and write the darn thing! 🤞🏻 I can do the story justice.