In many ways I think it feels like life does not change very much, and yet our interactions with other people, our surroundings and culture are constantly shifting. This time last year I had an idea that fell out of a dream (well, a nightmare if I am honest). Slowly this story idea that would not go away grew and grew. I had, up until this point mainly been writing short stories, poetry and articles, without the belief that any of these would have enough weight to form a longer piece. Then Chopsticks came along, a gothic story of betrayal, music and ghosts that somehow seemed to resonate. Before I knew it, I had reached a novella length story, and it didn’t stop there.
I now have at least four novel length ideas in the works, some further along than others. I feel that having given myself the space to write has allowed me to find my writing voice. Whilst I think future projects might see a slightly different tone and style to Chopsticks I really think that is okay. I would describe it as growing as a writer, both in technical capability (getting the words down on the page) and confidence in my own voice.
When Chopsticks is released on the 1st January 2026, I will have achieved a long term ambition to become a published fiction author. Everyone has a different writing journey, and the exciting part is, I am still not sure where mine will lead me to next. I am currently working on a gothic picaresque novel, but I also have a science fiction book in the works (you see what I mean).
I think the important thing now, whatever you pictured for yourself for this year, is to think hard about your ambitions. Not in a vague, unstructured ‘one day I will’ type of way. Life has a way of throwing things at you that you don’t expect, but it is important to not put limits on your capability. Capability is not fixed. I started writing short poems a few years ago, now I am writing novels. I am sure that my idea of where I will be this time next year will not be exactly as I expect, but surely that’s what makes it exciting.
Here’s an exclusive sneak peek of the novella – just for you readers! (consider it an early Christmas present!)
https://gavinturnerwrites.com/2025/11/26/chopsticks-a-short-extract-from-my-forthcoming-novella/
If you enjoyed that, why not order a copy? Chopsticks is available to pre order NOW via the link below:
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