Morning folks, I start with a confession - I missed my writing group meeting last night. Having taken full advantage of the holidays, I lost track of days and thought it was Tuesday, nope it was Wednesday. I realized just in time to text a quick apology. Tut,tut!
On a brighter note, I've complete my uni essay discussing Flaubert's Madame Bovary and Collins' The Woman in White - not the easiest assignments for me but, hey done and dusted. I now start studying for my final assessment prior to the exam season, oh the joys!
I'm currently reading Helen Phifer's 'The Secrets of the Shadows' - her second novel published by Carina. I don't usually read crime/contemporary horror but make the exception as she's my RNA writing buddy. So far, I've read 20% of the book and am gripped by certain characters:Annie, Father John and Sean... I'll let you know how I get on being the scaredy cat wuss that I am. Please check it out as she's currently number one and number five in Amazon's contemporary horror charts.
www.amazon.co.uk/The-Secrets-Shadows-Helen-Phifer-ebook
Let me love you and leave you on a writing note, my novella plotting is coming along nicely. Yesterday I wrote a few pages note regards character and setting - today, I'll prepare my scrapbook of ideas and pictures.
Catch you later x
Thursday, 17 April 2014
Saturday, 12 April 2014
Holidays - novella v fence painting
Hi folks, it is official - I'm on holiday! So, my plan for today was to start plotting a novella. I thought I could work on this project for the next few weeks. So, I got up early, as you do, to make a great start but somewhere between the landing and my writing room my brain seriously malfunctioned. I had the strange idea that if I paint a garden fence panel, just one each day, by the time I return to work the whole garden fence would be freshly painted and looking beautiful. Lordy, Lordy. I have to confess - after seven hours I now have a beautifully painted garden fence and not a single word of the novella plotted or written! What am I like?
So, my plan for tomorrow - to start plotting a novella!
Catch you tomorrow folks x
So, my plan for tomorrow - to start plotting a novella!
Catch you tomorrow folks x
Saturday, 5 April 2014
RNA Birmingham Chapter meeting - writers' workshop
Morning folks, I write this as I sit on the train heading for a RNA Chapter writing day at the new Birmingham library. Our workshop is being lead by author and RNA member, Sue Moorcroft. It's going to be a full day of writer indulgence from 9 till 4pm.
I have to be honest and say, I am totally exhausted having completed my March challenge. But I only have myself to blame, though it has made me wonder at the output and the physical cost that writing has upon our bodies. I'm sure anyone reading this that have never written for extended periods might be shaking their heads, but I kid you not my back isn't back to normal, I did have a sore neck and have had several headaches since last weekend - which I 'm putting down to the writing stints. So, why do we do this to ourselves? Just because we love the written word? No, I did it because the finishing line was in sight and I was desperate to meet my deadline. Could I have moved the deadline date? Of course, but deep down I didn't want too. And, that's the point! I've moved deadlines before and they've become rolling dates that suddenly become pointless.
My birthday was last Tuesday, 1st April - yet another reason for my writing deadline - it was a day job day so I made the most of it by pranking as many pupils as I could. Lots of giggles on my part and numerous groans on theirs.
And so, back to this week. I have a writers' meeting on Thursday for which I have homework to complete before hand. Other then that, my mind is free to dream, muse and plan a new plot line in my head while my manuscript is away.
Enjoy the weekend folks, I shall return later with a mini update regards the RNA Chapter writing day, enjoy!
Follow up: What a fab day! Twenty writers shared, laughed and learnt so much from Sue Moorcroft, who it has to be said was very humorous throughout the day, and also very honest. I came home with my head buzzing and my heart uplifted eager to pursue my next project. If you have the chance to attend one of Sue's courses, I 'd recommend you go!
I have to be honest and say, I am totally exhausted having completed my March challenge. But I only have myself to blame, though it has made me wonder at the output and the physical cost that writing has upon our bodies. I'm sure anyone reading this that have never written for extended periods might be shaking their heads, but I kid you not my back isn't back to normal, I did have a sore neck and have had several headaches since last weekend - which I 'm putting down to the writing stints. So, why do we do this to ourselves? Just because we love the written word? No, I did it because the finishing line was in sight and I was desperate to meet my deadline. Could I have moved the deadline date? Of course, but deep down I didn't want too. And, that's the point! I've moved deadlines before and they've become rolling dates that suddenly become pointless.
My birthday was last Tuesday, 1st April - yet another reason for my writing deadline - it was a day job day so I made the most of it by pranking as many pupils as I could. Lots of giggles on my part and numerous groans on theirs.
And so, back to this week. I have a writers' meeting on Thursday for which I have homework to complete before hand. Other then that, my mind is free to dream, muse and plan a new plot line in my head while my manuscript is away.
Enjoy the weekend folks, I shall return later with a mini update regards the RNA Chapter writing day, enjoy!
Follow up: What a fab day! Twenty writers shared, laughed and learnt so much from Sue Moorcroft, who it has to be said was very humorous throughout the day, and also very honest. I came home with my head buzzing and my heart uplifted eager to pursue my next project. If you have the chance to attend one of Sue's courses, I 'd recommend you go!
Monday, 31 March 2014
Deadline 31 March - yay!
Hi folks, I've been quiet, haven't I? I am literally on the last few hours of polishing my RNA NWS manuscript ready to post tomorrow. Just as I vowed. Has it been easy? Hell no! I literally haven 't done anything else other than writing work in order to meet this deadline. My back is hurting, I'm tired and to be honest exhausted by the routine I've stuck too. But I've managed it. Phew!
Now what? Well after tomorrow, which by the way is my birthday, I shall have a few days off before I begin to plan the next idea that is queuing in my head. Crazy aren 't we? Yep. But while I am enjoying myself musing my RNA NWS manuscript will be winging its way to a reader, who in time will produce a feedback report just for me. I can't wait.
So, bye bye for now, I'll be back tomorrow - albeit a year older... and wiser.
Now what? Well after tomorrow, which by the way is my birthday, I shall have a few days off before I begin to plan the next idea that is queuing in my head. Crazy aren 't we? Yep. But while I am enjoying myself musing my RNA NWS manuscript will be winging its way to a reader, who in time will produce a feedback report just for me. I can't wait.
So, bye bye for now, I'll be back tomorrow - albeit a year older... and wiser.
Saturday, 22 March 2014
De-stressed, happy and writing
Morning folks, how the devil are you? Me? I'm on cloud nine. I've had a corker of a week: day job was great, writing week was fab, saxophone playing was surprising and writing group was expressive. What more could a gal ask for? In addition, to all this fabulous positiveness (is that even a word!) my house sale was completed yesterday so my 'plate' is currently lighter as I've off loaded one huge item. Good week, hey?
Wednesday night, I attended my writing meeting Mad Hatters, were I actually read. I've given up trying to take novel chapters in for feedback because remarks on a work-in-progress isn't healthy for my creativity. I learnt that with my first novel 'Her' - so vowed never to do it again. The group is flagging, almost dying to be fair, so to give a boost to Janis, who regularly brings work, I took in a flash fiction piece. They loved it, bless 'em. It made such a difference to the discussion, and thankfully a third person Gina, had bought a poem so we ended up having a lovely evening.
Tonight, I'm attending a friend's AmDram performance of 'Shakers' in Nuneaton, Warwickshire - which will be a great giggle as the play contains lots of saucy humour.
So, the plan Stan: I have just 10 days remaining before my deadline looms. I have much polishing to do before this draft is ready, but it will be done. I have two entire days this weekend to dedicate and write. So, it's BOSFOK for me, for the majority of the weekend, give or take a Costa break.
Catch you later x
Wednesday night, I attended my writing meeting Mad Hatters, were I actually read. I've given up trying to take novel chapters in for feedback because remarks on a work-in-progress isn't healthy for my creativity. I learnt that with my first novel 'Her' - so vowed never to do it again. The group is flagging, almost dying to be fair, so to give a boost to Janis, who regularly brings work, I took in a flash fiction piece. They loved it, bless 'em. It made such a difference to the discussion, and thankfully a third person Gina, had bought a poem so we ended up having a lovely evening.
Tonight, I'm attending a friend's AmDram performance of 'Shakers' in Nuneaton, Warwickshire - which will be a great giggle as the play contains lots of saucy humour.
So, the plan Stan: I have just 10 days remaining before my deadline looms. I have much polishing to do before this draft is ready, but it will be done. I have two entire days this weekend to dedicate and write. So, it's BOSFOK for me, for the majority of the weekend, give or take a Costa break.
Catch you later x
Sunday, 16 March 2014
Mother of all weeks
Morning folks, I'm back. I've been very quiet all week due to lack of time, and very little humour. Seriously, I've arrived home late, written like a robot and slept very badly. Plus, finalized the contract for a house sale - so solicitors and estate agents dealings squeezed into every free gap. My creativity and humour have been squeezed as a result.
But, what have I learnt? That I have an endless supply of stamina, a fabulous hubby who orders me to write when I look like slacking on my 1700 word challenge and that 4am is a beautiful time of day!
Amidst all the work/writing I still attended my writers' meeting even though my sleep deprived body wished to cancel.
Finally, my week closed on Saturday, I spent the day at uni studying Madame Bovary, The Woman in white and A Portrait of a Lady - and plenty of student chat. Quite an achievement!
And so, to this week. I'll continue my MaNoWriMo challenge (just two weeks to go), attend my writers' meeting on Wednesday and.... my new saxophone arrives. Woohoo!
Catch you later x
But, what have I learnt? That I have an endless supply of stamina, a fabulous hubby who orders me to write when I look like slacking on my 1700 word challenge and that 4am is a beautiful time of day!
Amidst all the work/writing I still attended my writers' meeting even though my sleep deprived body wished to cancel.
Finally, my week closed on Saturday, I spent the day at uni studying Madame Bovary, The Woman in white and A Portrait of a Lady - and plenty of student chat. Quite an achievement!
And so, to this week. I'll continue my MaNoWriMo challenge (just two weeks to go), attend my writers' meeting on Wednesday and.... my new saxophone arrives. Woohoo!
Catch you later x
Saturday, 8 March 2014
MaNoWriMo, carrot cake and nerdiness
Morning folks, you find me pondering the plot of a short story for my Thursday's Grace Dieu meeting. An in-house exercise that we set every second month, and one which usually stretches our talents beyond our comfort zones. Anyway, I had a flash of inspiration late last night and have woken with a gem of an idea. Funny how the mind works overtime whilst I sleep, if only it could encourage the ironing fairy to visit in the same manner!
My MaNoWriMo challenge is continuing nicely - I've managed a minimum of 1700 each day, though Wednesday was tough as I didn't sit at my desk until 10:45pm!!! Shocker of a busy day: day job, parents' evening and then Mad Hatters' writing group... and finally home, to write! Anyway, you'll have seen my word count rise from 44,000 into the 60,000 over the past week, which motivates me no end. If you read my blog tour entry, you'll appreciate my nerdiness regards word counts. Is nerdiness even a word? Oh well, it is now!
Plans for today, I've had a great start by consuming carrot cake for breakfast - it seemed a good idea at the time, but now I want more (which isn't good news). I have kept the day free to hibernate in my writing room and write. Simple.
Please check out Morton Gray's contribution to the blog tour 'My Writing Process' which will appear on Monday morning at www.mortongray.blogspot.com
I'll catch you later x
Follow up: I had a fabulous day yesterday. I managed to writer 3274 words on my RNA NWS submission and... I bought a saxophone inbetween writing sessions! I already play the flute and violin so I'm hoping the transition onto a sax is pretty smooth. Creative in all areas which I believe helps to stimulate my writing.
My MaNoWriMo challenge is continuing nicely - I've managed a minimum of 1700 each day, though Wednesday was tough as I didn't sit at my desk until 10:45pm!!! Shocker of a busy day: day job, parents' evening and then Mad Hatters' writing group... and finally home, to write! Anyway, you'll have seen my word count rise from 44,000 into the 60,000 over the past week, which motivates me no end. If you read my blog tour entry, you'll appreciate my nerdiness regards word counts. Is nerdiness even a word? Oh well, it is now!
Plans for today, I've had a great start by consuming carrot cake for breakfast - it seemed a good idea at the time, but now I want more (which isn't good news). I have kept the day free to hibernate in my writing room and write. Simple.
Please check out Morton Gray's contribution to the blog tour 'My Writing Process' which will appear on Monday morning at www.mortongray.blogspot.com
I'll catch you later x
Follow up: I had a fabulous day yesterday. I managed to writer 3274 words on my RNA NWS submission and... I bought a saxophone inbetween writing sessions! I already play the flute and violin so I'm hoping the transition onto a sax is pretty smooth. Creative in all areas which I believe helps to stimulate my writing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)