Donna Hosie Reveals - How Long Does it Take to Write a Book?

Today I welcome Donna Hosie, whose third book, THE SPIRIT OF NIMUE, comes out next Friday.

“How long does it take to write a book?”

I was asked that question in the lift today at work. I’m always asked that question! It’s a question that is filed away along with “How high can my shoes get before I break my neck?” and “How much chocolate can I consume before I combust?”

An author can’t answer it, because every writer and every manuscript is different.

I started writing THE RETURN TO CAMELOT trilogy over three years ago, but at first, it was only ever a standalone novel. That first book, SEARCHING FOR ARTHUR, took 18 months to write and revise before it was ready for publication. It was a labour of love from start to finish. I started working on the sequel, THE FIRE OF MERLIN, during the revision process for book one, and although the process was easier, it still took 9 months. Ironically, working on two books simultaneously was incredibly helpful in progressing the plot, and I often found myself wondering if that was luck, or whether other writers find that?

The easiest book in the trilogy to complete was the new release, THE SPIRIT OF NIMUE. This beauty damn near wrote itself as I suffered an extreme form of word vomit! Twenty weeks and it was done.

And then I cried.

Writing THE END was a very emotional experience. One that only other writers will get. Three years it took to write these three books. In my personal timeline, in the last three years I have gone back to work after staying at home to raise my family; I have been promoted;

I have travelled to New Zealand, the UK, and the US; and I have gained a New York agent. And these accomplishments don’t include the wonderful family milestones I have had, such as seeing my daughter graduate High School, seeing my middle son grow taller than me, and seeing my youngest blossom into the funniest kid I know.

“How long does it take to write a book?”

Three years, baby. And it was worth every second.

- Donna Hoise

THE SPIRIT OF NIMUE is the conclusion of the Return to Camelot trilogy and releases May 31, 2013.

Find the first two books here:
Searching For Arthur
The Fire of Merlin

Find Donna:
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Don’t forget the Get Healthy Bloghop is Wednesday, May 29th!

I was also interviewed by the lovely Ella, who wanted to feature some of my photography on the poetry site, With Real Toads. In addition, she wrote two beautiful poems to go with my images at her SITE.