Ever wanted a mini escape from your lengthy writing project? I have on plenty of occasions usually when my characters are bickering, the plot has fallen flat and the conflict arc is missing a major meltdown. On those occasions I take myself off 'project' for a day or so to work on something fresh and more immediate regards completion e.g. the short story.
The short story has become a mini crutch within my writer's tool kit to provide instant gratification to my imagination. Over the years I have written many but this year I decided that I would only write a short story that would be sent into the big wide world, so every story became a competition entry. Or rather every quality competition became a potential comforter for those additional moments of creativity.
I have a mini system, but you knew that, to note where and when I've seen forth coming competitions; duly noting the details so when my short story 'chicken soup' required moment strikes I'm pre-prepared. It feels great to plot, plan, draft and redraft in a short space of time. I always feel refreshed to return to my longer project knowing I've had a burst of 'something else'. Competition deadlines are announced so far ahead of time I can diarise time to reread and polish the story before submitting, whilst happily returning and plodding with my longer W.I.P. with renewed gusto!
Anyway, it has worked for me. In recent months I have been shortlisted twice in Writing Magazine for their monthly competitions and feel quite chuffed that my 'chicken soup' for the creative soul material has proved productive.
Saturday, 3 October 2015
Sunday, 27 September 2015
Planning for NaNoWriMo begins
It's that time of year again when the nights are drawing in, school term has begun and I'm dreaming of writing 50,000 words in the month of November. It might only be half a novel but the joy of first draft writing is the part I love. Give me a fresh white page, free flow imagination and a fresh plotline and I'm as happy as a pig in muck. Seriously, I am.
So, October duly arrives on Thursday and I shall begin planning the idea that has been germinating for the last few months. I've already sourced my basic materials but need to complete more research before November arrives. Why so early? Because in previous years I've learnt from my mistakes by leaving the planning too late in October, so much so that one year I was frantically writing while my muse was trying to work out the next chapter - no, no, no! I'm a methodical planner even for NaNoWriMo.
My current writing plan for 1667 words per day is two x one hour writing sessions per week day: one morning, one evening. Yep, it'll be tough with the dark mornings but once my feet hit the carpet and I'm settled at my laptop I am usually fine at 5am. This November we get five days that fall on weekends so they'll be dedicated to pushing ahead. My personal aim is for a draft of 60,000 words which can then hibernate while I return to my current project in December.
Should you wish to link up and join my NaNo buddy list search for ODW11.
For further info regards and their suggested prep visit: NaNoWriMo
So, October duly arrives on Thursday and I shall begin planning the idea that has been germinating for the last few months. I've already sourced my basic materials but need to complete more research before November arrives. Why so early? Because in previous years I've learnt from my mistakes by leaving the planning too late in October, so much so that one year I was frantically writing while my muse was trying to work out the next chapter - no, no, no! I'm a methodical planner even for NaNoWriMo.
My current writing plan for 1667 words per day is two x one hour writing sessions per week day: one morning, one evening. Yep, it'll be tough with the dark mornings but once my feet hit the carpet and I'm settled at my laptop I am usually fine at 5am. This November we get five days that fall on weekends so they'll be dedicated to pushing ahead. My personal aim is for a draft of 60,000 words which can then hibernate while I return to my current project in December.
Should you wish to link up and join my NaNo buddy list search for ODW11.
For further info regards and their suggested prep visit: NaNoWriMo
Sunday, 6 September 2015
RNA Afternoon Tea in York
Q. What do you call a gathering of 95 writers for afternoon tea in York's Guild Hall?
A. A booming success!
Seriously, I am buzzing having attended the RNA Afternoon tea in York yesterday - a fabulous afternoon organised by Lynda Stacey and Jane Lovering. There was cakes, and pastries, scones and the Prosecco flowed, as always!
I was able to chat to Bella Osborne and Julie Stock, my writing buddies but also met several writers who I know via social media but never before spoke to 'in the flesh'.
And when the tea, chat and laughter was flowing very nicely, Milly Johnson, our speaker for the afternoon, rocked the house with a great speech regards the native northern bird. She was an absolute hoot!
John Jackson captured our smiles and Prosecco moments, and then took the time to ensure we received our piccies by night fall.
All in all, what a fabulous event...
A. A booming success!
Seriously, I am buzzing having attended the RNA Afternoon tea in York yesterday - a fabulous afternoon organised by Lynda Stacey and Jane Lovering. There was cakes, and pastries, scones and the Prosecco flowed, as always!
I was able to chat to Bella Osborne and Julie Stock, my writing buddies but also met several writers who I know via social media but never before spoke to 'in the flesh'.
And when the tea, chat and laughter was flowing very nicely, Milly Johnson, our speaker for the afternoon, rocked the house with a great speech regards the native northern bird. She was an absolute hoot!
John Jackson captured our smiles and Prosecco moments, and then took the time to ensure we received our piccies by night fall.
All in all, what a fabulous event...
Monday, 31 August 2015
Doesn't time fly!
Wow, doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun? Mine certainly has whilst
on school holiday and tomorrow, 1st September looms from nowhere.
Where did August go?
I’ve had the luxury of seven school-free weeks in which to write… and,
I’m proud to say, I’ve used every minute! In addition, I’ve devoured numerous fiction
books to satisfy the renewed reader within:
The Lake House – Helen Phifer
No one wants to be Miss Havisham - Brigid Coady
Go set a watchman – Harper Lee
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll
I’ll take New York – Miranda Dickinson
Say it with sequins – Georgia Hill
Easter with Nurse Millie – Jean Fullerton
Sense and sensibility – Jane Austen
I have one final week of holiday before the school bell rings - the
plan is to continue the routine that I’ve lived for the previous six.
Saturday, 4 July 2015
100,723 creative words
Ever wondered how many creative words you write in a year? Several years ago, I pondered this very question without any chance of ever answering it. But then I read a great book by Simon Whaley's The Positively Productive Writer who recommends noting down your daily productivity in a spreadsheet as a means of motivation. A book I'd recommend for any writer as it is jam packed with helpful hints on being a productive writer.
My spreadsheet is simple, nothing glamorous: a date, project title, comments and daily total columns - which calculates itself saving me time and effort into weekly, monthly and yearly totals. So, for the past few years this has been my daily habit - I write, then I note the day's word count.
As of 30th June 2015, I have written 100,723 creative words since in the beginning of 2015. That sounds like a whooping amount, an amount I never thought I'd be able to achieve but if you divide it between the number of days it means I write on average 556 words per day, a sizeable yet do-able amount when you work full-time elsewhere.
I try to write everyday, but like this week there was a ultra, busy Thursday where a big fat zero sits on the spreadsheet but that is frequently counteracted by the days when my fingers dance around the keyboard clocking up the word count.
It won't be to everyone's taste, for some it could even demotivate but for me doing a half yearly inventory of my productivity and progress provides a boost to push me onwards and upwards in my journey.
My aim for the next half year - to average more than the current 556 words per day!
Note: next inventory date 31st December 2015.
My spreadsheet is simple, nothing glamorous: a date, project title, comments and daily total columns - which calculates itself saving me time and effort into weekly, monthly and yearly totals. So, for the past few years this has been my daily habit - I write, then I note the day's word count.
As of 30th June 2015, I have written 100,723 creative words since in the beginning of 2015. That sounds like a whooping amount, an amount I never thought I'd be able to achieve but if you divide it between the number of days it means I write on average 556 words per day, a sizeable yet do-able amount when you work full-time elsewhere.
I try to write everyday, but like this week there was a ultra, busy Thursday where a big fat zero sits on the spreadsheet but that is frequently counteracted by the days when my fingers dance around the keyboard clocking up the word count.
It won't be to everyone's taste, for some it could even demotivate but for me doing a half yearly inventory of my productivity and progress provides a boost to push me onwards and upwards in my journey.
My aim for the next half year - to average more than the current 556 words per day!
Note: next inventory date 31st December 2015.
Thursday, 11 June 2015
#MidsummerDreams
In celebration of the e-launch day for Alison May’s brand new romantic comedy, Midsummer Dreams, I’m posting today on the theme of all things dream-related.
I had a dream… way back in time that one day I’d write a book. A book that I’d love to read, if someone else had written it, which would have my name on the cover and along the spine. A book that I can pick up, seek upon Waterstones’ shelves and sign the inside with my scribbly surname signature. A book that would proceed books two, three, four and possibly even number thirty! A book that would bring warmth and joy to readers, in the same way that so many authors have brought joy, tears and fictional friends into my beautiful world. A book that when the final page is turned and the back cover closed the reader will feel just a smidgen of my imagination remains with them, sitting quietly on a treasured shelf. I had that dream… and hopefully, I’m nearing the point of my dream becoming reality.
I had a nightmare… that I lost the ability to read. This terrifying nightmare would cause me much pain, hurt and sorrow in my world. A darkness would fall if I lost the ability or passion to read the books that I have treasured all my life, that have decorated my homes, who became my dear friends in times of sadness and my laugh along buddy in times of joy. As a child, C.S. Lewis took my hand and led me through the back of a wardrobe, with fur coats brushing my cheeks and snow drifts nipping at my bare toes, into an amazing world of fiction - one I’m yet to return home from since ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ – to lose my world of books would be my nightmare.
My dream for the future…
My dream for the future is simple
and pure.
A lifetime with books stashed
ceiling to floor.With romance and crime, I’ll plod through each page.
From cover to cover, even scripts for the stage.
I’ll visit the places only dreamt of by man.
Folding page corners to prove where I am!
(©Bernadette O’Dwyer )
About Midsummer Dreams
Four people. Four messy lives. One party that changes everything … Emily is obsessed with ending her father’s new relationship – but is blind to the fact that her own is far from perfect. Dominic has spent so long making other people happy that he’s hardly noticed he’s not happy himself. Helen has loved the same man, unrequitedly, for ten years. Now she may have to face up to the fact that he will never be hers. Alex has always played the field. But when he finally meets a girl he wants to commit to, she is just out of his reach. At a midsummer wedding party, the bonds that tie the four friends together begin to unravel and show them that, sometimes, the sensible choice is not always the right one.
You can download the kindle edition of Midsummer Dreams
Sweet Nothing, Holly's Christmas Kiss, Cora's
Christmas Kiss - out
now
Midsummer Dreams - pre-order now
www.amazon.co.uk/Alison-May/e/B008AY0PHG/
www.alison-may.co.uk
@MsAlisonMay
www.choc-lit.com/productcat/alison-may/
Midsummer Dreams - pre-order now
www.amazon.co.uk/Alison-May/e/B008AY0PHG/
www.alison-may.co.uk
@MsAlisonMay
www.choc-lit.com/productcat/alison-may/
Sunday, 7 June 2015
Synopsis fear, novella and shortlisted
What was I to do now my 'baby' was at the proof-readers? I couldn't waste precious time waiting, or hoping. There was one final task: the dreaded synopsis! Oh dear. I've written quite a few in previous years but the fear remains. Previously I've searched the writing websites for hints and tips but it has still taken me eons of time only to be read by a pro who has criticised my content, structure, inclusion, subplot overkill and language choices. So, it goes without saying... I don't believe I can write a synopsis.
Monday morning arrived, I began the early writing shift which is now the routine - I stared at the screen. I could imagine a beautifully crafted piece but knew that I would actually write the equivalent of a pig's ear. So, my options was to repeat as before or seek something different - in doing so I turned to Julie Cohen's web page recommended at a Tamsyn Murray's Live, Breathe, Love writing workshop in April. Julie provides a synopsis formula consisting of eight paragraphs - I can write eight paragraphs, I've done it before. But what I hadn't done before was written a synopsis that I enjoyed writing, a synopsis that made sense as to why I was including specifics details and a synopsis that once I'd finished I didn't have to change to font size 11 to ensure it sat on one page! In a couple of writing sessions I was done and... the synopsis fear may have gone!
I've also returned to draft one of a winter novella that I planned and started while the W.I.P was in hibernation a few weeks ago. I'm now a third of the way through and am loving the simplified plotlines of a novella. My brain couldn't handle anything chunkier at the minute but this has proved to be the right project as a stop gap. It seems weird writing about snow drifts and mistletoe toe in June but otherwise it is progressing well.
And then Saturday arrived. Saturday was plodding along as an ordinary day in my writing room, I was busy with the winter novella and my Facebook page notifications pinged. Then pinged again and then pinged some more. Curiosity got the better of me and I opened the web to find the lovely Janice Preston congratulating me on being shortlisted for a competition in Writing Magazine. Sure enough she'd provided the evidence in a snap shot of the names, I was indeed there. I hadn't seen it. I ran downstairs, grabbed my unread copy from the table and fumbled through. It was true. I had been shortlisted for the 'opening line competition' the closing date had been February 2015. I had entered a piece called 'Joyce' and have gained my first ever shortlist - I am chuffed. The added bonus was the warm congrats that flowed for the rest of the day from the RNA lovelies via FB and Twitter. So a big thank you to Janice; I wouldn't have seen the page for several more days and thanks to the lovelies for their continued support.
Today, I am attending Writers in Warwickshire at Astley Castle to give a poetry reading as part of the Polesworth Poets. I shall be reading my poem about a little pit pony called 'Jutt' - which is displayed/erected in the Pooley Heritage Centre, Warwickshire. I'm hoping the weather holds and that the audience have an enjoyable morning.
So what was I going to do while my 'baby' was at the proof-readers? It seems that 'be a productive writer' was the answer all along.
Monday morning arrived, I began the early writing shift which is now the routine - I stared at the screen. I could imagine a beautifully crafted piece but knew that I would actually write the equivalent of a pig's ear. So, my options was to repeat as before or seek something different - in doing so I turned to Julie Cohen's web page recommended at a Tamsyn Murray's Live, Breathe, Love writing workshop in April. Julie provides a synopsis formula consisting of eight paragraphs - I can write eight paragraphs, I've done it before. But what I hadn't done before was written a synopsis that I enjoyed writing, a synopsis that made sense as to why I was including specifics details and a synopsis that once I'd finished I didn't have to change to font size 11 to ensure it sat on one page! In a couple of writing sessions I was done and... the synopsis fear may have gone!
I've also returned to draft one of a winter novella that I planned and started while the W.I.P was in hibernation a few weeks ago. I'm now a third of the way through and am loving the simplified plotlines of a novella. My brain couldn't handle anything chunkier at the minute but this has proved to be the right project as a stop gap. It seems weird writing about snow drifts and mistletoe toe in June but otherwise it is progressing well.
And then Saturday arrived. Saturday was plodding along as an ordinary day in my writing room, I was busy with the winter novella and my Facebook page notifications pinged. Then pinged again and then pinged some more. Curiosity got the better of me and I opened the web to find the lovely Janice Preston congratulating me on being shortlisted for a competition in Writing Magazine. Sure enough she'd provided the evidence in a snap shot of the names, I was indeed there. I hadn't seen it. I ran downstairs, grabbed my unread copy from the table and fumbled through. It was true. I had been shortlisted for the 'opening line competition' the closing date had been February 2015. I had entered a piece called 'Joyce' and have gained my first ever shortlist - I am chuffed. The added bonus was the warm congrats that flowed for the rest of the day from the RNA lovelies via FB and Twitter. So a big thank you to Janice; I wouldn't have seen the page for several more days and thanks to the lovelies for their continued support.
Today, I am attending Writers in Warwickshire at Astley Castle to give a poetry reading as part of the Polesworth Poets. I shall be reading my poem about a little pit pony called 'Jutt' - which is displayed/erected in the Pooley Heritage Centre, Warwickshire. I'm hoping the weather holds and that the audience have an enjoyable morning.
So what was I going to do while my 'baby' was at the proof-readers? It seems that 'be a productive writer' was the answer all along.
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