At long, long last, I have a scheme for my next novel. A scheme that I have written down.

Previously (and I am talking about many years of writing fiction now most stored away and not to be revived) I have tended to rush into writing before deciding what I'm going to write. As a result, I end up writing far, far more than I ever use; and also twisting whole segments to fit a new purpose, which often takes time, energy and frequent swearing.

I haven't rushed into writing mode this time, for sure. I've let ideas swim around in my head an outsider might think I have been procrastinating. I have kept myself in writing mode by blogging here rather a lot. Some of the posts will serve as resources for elements of the new novel. In fact. I suspect there will be a strong blogging theme.

One pitfall I will avoid this time round is to have too rigid a structure. In Low Life Games, I determined to narrate alternate chapters in the voice of the female then the male protagonist alternatively (with a couple of short pieces with the point of view of a third character). This tied me up in knots sometimes - I had to balance the plot to fit.

Also, the new novel won't have a linear structure.... and... erm...

Look, I don't want to say too much more about it. Over the years on this blog I have often talked too much about plans which don't materialise, or at least not in a short timescale. It's easy enough to do. But I don't want or need to put myself under any external pressure