My Life as an Author and Finding Your Happy

And what are the similarities between a golfer and a writer?

Photo by Edwin Compton on Unsplash

Hello and welcome, especially to my many new subscribers, and a warm welcome to those who have joined along the way and those of you who have been with me right from the very beginning of this wonderful journey of mine to become a published author.

You might be wondering what golf and writing have in common, other than being two very enjoyable pastimes. When I decided to take up golf two years ago, I had no idea how long it would take me to (a) master the sport and (b) become adept at it. I was surprised by how long it took me to do both and I am by no means an adept player although I have improved significantly since I began playing, lowering my handicap from 54 to 29, and I can hold my own out on the course. More importantly, I thoroughly enjoy playing the game. It keeps me fit and focused and I am incredibly happy when I am out enjoying the stunning scenery in the company of a good friend or my husband or, if I am very lucky, both.

It was the same with writing. I didn’t know if (a) I could write and (b) if what I wrote was good, bad, or indifferent. But like anything in life, the more we do it, the more adept at it we become and practice makes perfect, or so the saying goes. There is an element of skill and creativity involved in writing and knowing how to hook your readers in and keep them hooked. When I look back at some of my early work, I cringe because I know it could be so much better. But I was building my writing muscle, just as I had to build my muscle memory with my golf swing. It all takes time, perseverance and determination. And lots of practice.

I know I still have a long way to go with my golf but I didn’t take up the sport to become a world champion or with a dream about turning professional - far from it. I took up the sport as a hobby to get me away from my desk and out into the great outdoors. It keeps me fit and supple and I have taken up other exercise regimes too in order to strengthen my core muscles. None of us are getting any younger and anything that we can do to keep active, both mentally and physically, has got to be a positive. If I keep practicing, I know I can improve and lower my handicap even more.

In relation to my writing, I had no idea that I could sit at my laptop and write a novel. I am already halfway through my second novel, also a cosy mystery, and I have woven in some familiar places that featured in The Mysterious Disappearance of Marsha Boden which is published by RomaReads Publishing and due out in March. This week I got a sneak preview of the first draft of the cover and each time we get a step closer to the physical book being produced, I fall in love with being an author a little bit more. I love the whole process of getting words out onto the screen, editing, re-writing, and making the book as good as it can possibly be. I also feel as though I have been validated as a writer because my publisher loves my book and believes in me as a writer and that is such a thrill; I can’t wait to have it released into the world for people to read. I will, of course, be posting updates here, on X, and on my website.

Today I played golf with my good friend and my husband and the weather was sensational, a crisp, autumn day with fine views and some very fast greens to challenge us all. It was good fun, great exercise and very enjoyable.

When we got back home I went straight to my office and continued writing my novel, getting lost in the characters and the plot. I have never been happier or more contented. Playing golf and writing are two very intense pastimes and sometimes, when I have been writing for several hours, I feel utterly drained, as if I have poured my heart and soul out onto the pages. Just as when I return from 18 holes of golf, I feel as though I have had a good workout but in a positive way.

"There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed."

I now know what Hemingway meant. I get it. Completely. But it is incredibly satisfying to create something for others to enjoy while at the same time enjoying the creative process and I feel extremely lucky to be in this position. I work hard at what I do, getting up at 06:00 each morning and hitting the keyboard or riding 5K on my exercise bike to limber up before starting my day job. But if I didn’t love what I do, I wouldn’t do it. Having my novel (and two children’s books) published by RomaReads Publishing makes it all worthwhile.

I am heading off to West Wales to spend a long weekend with my beautiful daughter to celebrate her birthday and to spend some quality time with her. Life really could not get any better in my book (no pun intended…)

I hope you have found your ‘happy’ and I would love to hear from you about what makes you do what you do and whether you think it is worth the effort. Would you change anything if you could and, if so, what?

Please feel free to share this post with family and friends and anybody else who you think might enjoy it, and if you have any questions, please get in touch either directly at rosygee345@gmail.com or by leaving a comment.

Have a great week!

Rosy x