Wednesday, 12 December 2018

I'm Back!


Hello!

I'm back. I'm so sorry about the radio silence.

I've not posted on here for a month, nor have I replied to any comments (so sorry if you left one - I’m trying to catch up!) I've not bought a single Christmas present. I've not sent any cards. There were days when I only just changed out of my pyjamas to do the school run. I've not worn any makeup for weeks.

For the last five weeks, I've been editing my novel - The Authenticity Project. The deadline to get it back to my publishers in the UK and USA was yesterday. I made it. Just.

I know I shouldn't grumble, as writing is actually the best job in the world. Whenever I talk about 'my job', my children clutch their sides and laugh hysterically, as they can't believe that anyone can be paid to make up stories. I can't quite believe it myself, to be honest. But the last few weeks have been hard.

 For a start, there's the constant self doubt - is anyone actually going to want to read this? Plus, one of my main characters is an addict, and whenever I get to the chapter where he (spoiler alert) falls spectacularly off the wagon, I feel awful. Writing about his struggles getting sober feels much like I'm doing it again myself.

Now I'm done, I'm exhausted. And the hours spent hunched over a laptop, mainlining mince pies for energy, mean that I'm physically out of shape and have done my back in. I'm a wreck. And Christmas is approaching like an out of control steam train...

So, now the manuscript has left my desk and hit the desks of my editors, I can concentrate on getting fit, and getting my s**t back together in time for December 25th.

And it's so fabulous to be back here with you guys. I'm so sorry for abandoning you!

I'll post here in a day or two on how to survive Christmas without the booze, and I am still posting information and inspiration every day on the SoberMummy Facebook Page (click here), 'like' page to stay updated.

In other news, The Sober Diaries is coming out in PAPERBACK with a brand new cover design on December 27th. You can pre-order here.

Huge love to you all!

SM x

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14 comments:

  1. Joni12 December 2018 at 11:24

    It's so good to have you back, Clare. I knew you were alive and well when I spotted your recent comment on Kate's blog. But just assumed you were full of busy (as my dear mum used to say) with Christmas prepping. I wish you all the luck in the world with your new novel. How very exciting! I know all about those deadlines having an author friend who is a historical novelist. Very stressful but worth it in the end. Looking forward to your next post on surviving Christmas as this will be my first sober one in many years.
    Hugs, Joni x

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    1. SoberMummy12 December 2018 at 13:21

      Thanks Joni! It’s great to be back! And don’t worry about Christmas - it’s going to be amazing! ��

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  2. Meggie12 December 2018 at 21:17

    Hey, good to see you back, I've missed your words of wisdom to help keep me going! Yes please do post soon on surviving an AF Christmas as it will be my first one in many years too. Bring it on. And heaps of luck with the book and I hope the character who falls off the wagon manages to clamber back on it pretty pronto!
    Sending much love, Meggie xxx

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    1. SoberMummy12 December 2018 at 23:34

      I'm so thrilled you're still here Meggie! You are amazing! xxx

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    2. Meggie13 December 2018 at 12:38

      Yep, still hanging on in there thanks despite arriving home today to 12 bottles of expensive wine sitting on my doorstep from a customer! The old me would have been so thrilled.
      Day 250ish and I still can't quite believe it xxx

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  3. Jacs6013 December 2018 at 01:43

    Hello Claire :-) Well done meeting your deadline ... New Year New Novel ... Fantastic !!!
    I know what my choice for my book group will be when my turn comes around :-))
    Happy season all ... Smiling serenely each morning with that clear headed glow xxx

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    1. SoberMummy15 December 2018 at 00:33

      Thanks Jacs! I'm afraid the new novel won't be in the shops until 2020! Merry, merry Christmas to you! xxx

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  4. Dr C13 December 2018 at 11:43

    Hi Clare
    Congratulations. Can't wait to get my copy.

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  5. Unknown13 December 2018 at 13:12

    Yeah your back- missed you!!!! So excited for the new book massive congratulations 💗xxxxx

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    1. SoberMummy15 December 2018 at 00:34

      Thank you lovely Angie! I've missed you too!

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  6. Anonymous14 December 2018 at 11:36

    Yay Clare!!! You are back!! I was wondering if you were writing a book!! Call it sixth sense... best of luck with it and will look forward to reading it when it hits the shelves!!! I'll be one year AF on 31st December. I still can't believe it. First Christmas without booze my whole adult life. Feel great about it and not at the same time if you get me. Hope you get some time to relax Clare. Well done!! Hug hugs xxxx

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    1. SoberMummy15 December 2018 at 00:35

      Whoop whoop! Huge congrats to you Jacqueline! That is a totally amazing achievement! You rock! xxx

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  7. Anonymous14 December 2018 at 11:37

    Ps the above comment is from Jacqueline xxx

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