Morning bloggers - having just arrived home from buying my step-son an acoustic guitar, much to his delight, I'm now ready to settle down to a writing day.
I am still hankering after the previous project, but there remains one more week of hibernation before I drag it from its nest to read with fresh eyes. So, to keep my mind occupied I have managed to generate many ideas that could feasibly be used for my new project 'To honour and obey'. I have managed to name some of the cast, though their physical descriptions are unknown, but their lifestyles have been created. It probably sounds daft but I have chosen all four wedding bouquets around which each wedding will be formed. Now, having had two weddings myself, **surprise** for friends who didn't know, but having organsied two very different weddings I believe you tell a lot from the size, shape and artistic flare of the bouquet, which represents the entire ethos of the wedding. A simple posy of white freesia is very different to a bouquet of gold sprayed lillies, enhanced with diamond encrusted trinkets. Attached to each bouquet, I've managed to find four different location which replicates the style of each wedding. So, the long and the short of it, I'm back to being a wedding planner crafting four weddings from the crazy array of options available. I've had a good chuckle at the many stories that I know regards the strops and arguments caused by a family wedding - all of which are food for thought regards the plot and role of minor characters. I am still trying to create a phrase similar to the term 'bridezilla' but so far, nothing has evolved but it will, give me time.
I attended my Mad Hatters' writing group on Wednesday night - a small group of four but we filled three and a half hours with critque and creative chat. Alex read an extract from his autobiography 'Boy at war', Janis read a delightful piece about her oboe - which she's played since childhood and Mal brought along a collection of five poems inspired by the recent archaeology dig at Polesworth Abbey. I didn't read anything, I'm in creative limbo - I can't touch the previous project but haven't any material to share regards the new project. So I offered feedback on their work and enjoyed the creative chat along with a decent merlot.
This week I hope to attend the Fizz 9 poetry evening on Tuesday, 20th Septmeber at Polesworth Abbey refectory where Anthony Owen will be reading from his current collection - though, I may not attend as it is step-son's 15th birthday. Fingers crossed, he'll decide to attend his boxing session which will free me to go to my poetry meet. For further details about Fizz 9 or the Polesworth Abbey dig, please check out pollysworda.wordpress.com/
My plans for today include a library session in the search of a wedding planners book that I saw several weeks ago - though no doubt it'll be on loan, as a local bride paws through it. I'll be having a cutting and glueing session to add brochure pictures into the scrap book - which helps me visually when describing passages for my readers. I intend to make a list of agents who would be interested in my completed project - as my intention is to post the first few manuscripts on Saturday, 1st October 2011.
So all in all, that's my lot at the mo. I hope everyone is happy and healthy - have a good week and enjoy!
Saturday, 17 September 2011
Saturday, 10 September 2011
Routines, Grace Dieu Writers' Circle and Jane Eyre
Afternoon folks, sorry for being late but family duties took longer than expected - so, now that I've purchased a new violin for step-daughter, groomed the poodle puppy and got the washing machine on, I can finally attend to my blog.
I've had a weird week - I returned to school on Monday, all bright eyed and bushy tailed. I have changed roles so my work load has altered slightly but so far it is all good. I have managed to come home at a reasonable hour and complete a little research each day in relation to the new project. I've listened to others bragging about painting their lounge, nipping for a week in the sun and entertaining bored children - while I silently walked about, chuffed to bits that I'd finished editing a novel - but as always, I didn't say a word, retaining my secret.
I have been tempted to get 'Her' from hibernation to have a sneaky read but I know that the longer I leave it the easier it will be spotting the errors and correcting the copy, so have resisted, but it is there niggling away at the back of my mind. I suppose, I'm just eager to get it polished 100% for the eyes of an agent.
I attended my Grace Dieu Writers' Circle (GDWC) last Thursday, and we had a lengthy chat about what my next steps should be. I am going to opt for multiple submissions sent to numerous agents and publishing houses. I do feel a little rude doing that but if I did it individually it could take years for a result. I will mention that detail in my cover letter - but I have to think about me and the novel, rather than polite ettiquette of the publishing world. Sorry mum, but this is one place where manners might not count!
The GDWC have just launched a brand new website so please, please, please take a look at www.gracedieuwriterscircle.co.uk/ especially note the annual competition for short story and poetry.
Last night, I took myself for an evening of self indulgance with Jane Eyre. I simply had to see it the film on release night, and was not disappointed. The adaptation is very near to the original book - a few scenes have been cut but nothing that distracts from the beauty of the story. As always, Judi Dench (I love all her work) played a blinder as Mrs Fairfax and, I'll tread carefully here so as not to ruin your enjoyment, but Mr Rocherster is less menacing, and more brooding and desireable. I'd certainly return to view it again whilst its showing at the cinema, which say it all.
My plans for today include a trip to the library to have a nose in the weddings section, then this afternoon, I'm hoping for some quiet time to jot down a few ideas for the four couples that I have rolling about in my mind. I'm still seeking names for my new cast of characters but I know what personality types I'm drafting.
Apologies for an absence on Twitter, but I lost my Ipad2 charger and so it ruined everything when the battery went flat - but hey, I've found it and am now fully charged - so expect daily updates from odwyer_author.
I have just one event this week which is The Mad Hatters' Writers' Group on Wednesday evening, but know that in the next few weeks I'll be going to Fizz 9 on 20th September where poet Anthony Owen will read from his work 'The dreaded boy' - for further details see pollysworda.wordpress.com
I hope everyone is happy and healthy, and enjoys the week ahead. x
I've had a weird week - I returned to school on Monday, all bright eyed and bushy tailed. I have changed roles so my work load has altered slightly but so far it is all good. I have managed to come home at a reasonable hour and complete a little research each day in relation to the new project. I've listened to others bragging about painting their lounge, nipping for a week in the sun and entertaining bored children - while I silently walked about, chuffed to bits that I'd finished editing a novel - but as always, I didn't say a word, retaining my secret.
I have been tempted to get 'Her' from hibernation to have a sneaky read but I know that the longer I leave it the easier it will be spotting the errors and correcting the copy, so have resisted, but it is there niggling away at the back of my mind. I suppose, I'm just eager to get it polished 100% for the eyes of an agent.
I attended my Grace Dieu Writers' Circle (GDWC) last Thursday, and we had a lengthy chat about what my next steps should be. I am going to opt for multiple submissions sent to numerous agents and publishing houses. I do feel a little rude doing that but if I did it individually it could take years for a result. I will mention that detail in my cover letter - but I have to think about me and the novel, rather than polite ettiquette of the publishing world. Sorry mum, but this is one place where manners might not count!
The GDWC have just launched a brand new website so please, please, please take a look at www.gracedieuwriterscircle.co.uk/ especially note the annual competition for short story and poetry.
Last night, I took myself for an evening of self indulgance with Jane Eyre. I simply had to see it the film on release night, and was not disappointed. The adaptation is very near to the original book - a few scenes have been cut but nothing that distracts from the beauty of the story. As always, Judi Dench (I love all her work) played a blinder as Mrs Fairfax and, I'll tread carefully here so as not to ruin your enjoyment, but Mr Rocherster is less menacing, and more brooding and desireable. I'd certainly return to view it again whilst its showing at the cinema, which say it all.
My plans for today include a trip to the library to have a nose in the weddings section, then this afternoon, I'm hoping for some quiet time to jot down a few ideas for the four couples that I have rolling about in my mind. I'm still seeking names for my new cast of characters but I know what personality types I'm drafting.
Apologies for an absence on Twitter, but I lost my Ipad2 charger and so it ruined everything when the battery went flat - but hey, I've found it and am now fully charged - so expect daily updates from odwyer_author.
I have just one event this week which is The Mad Hatters' Writers' Group on Wednesday evening, but know that in the next few weeks I'll be going to Fizz 9 on 20th September where poet Anthony Owen will read from his work 'The dreaded boy' - for further details see pollysworda.wordpress.com
I hope everyone is happy and healthy, and enjoys the week ahead. x
Saturday, 3 September 2011
A new start, Emily Bronte and Jane Eyre
Morning, morning, morning. It feels very strange having to think about what I'm going to blog - but with 'Her' currently hibernating, I've spent the last two days chilling and having some 'me' time outside of writing. To be honest, I have felt a little bit lost, even though my time has been well spent. I recognise this to be part of my nature, I think I focus on something to the point of it consuming my every thought and then when it is finished, I'm left with an empty void.
Anyway, moving on to the new project. I have purchased the scrap book that becomes my Bible. I have started to look for faces to become specific characters, you might remember that I cut pictures of strangers from newspapers/catelogues for each part. I need to look about for new names too, I always find myself coming up with the same ones. So, I'm watching the rolling credits after progammes, I even read the birthdays column of the newspaper yeaterday in search of new names. I have completed a teeny bit of research on-line regards the popularity and costing of wedding planners in UK, but nothing more.
My plan for today is to begin researching three wedding venues for my new characters, one location I already know. I'm hoping to find three other locations that I can visit and describe accordingly, even though I'll be changing the names at a later date. I shall revisit a note nook in which I've outlined a few ideas - one quite shocking but hey, it would be a good twist. I remember when I was organising our wedding, the trouble and strife that other people cause is untrue, so one of the couples will be doing as we did - nipping to Gretna Green.
I've just finished rereading a biography of Emily Bronte - such an amazing character, somewhat overshadowed by her sister Charlotte. I was intrigued to read how shy and retiring she was amongst people only to be so wild and open with nature and animals. Yet again, I was amazed at the numerous links between her life events and scenes in 'Wuthering Heights' - makes me want to read it, again.
Coincidentally, I have my ticket booked to view 'Jane Eyre' at the cinema next Friday. I'm taking myself, to ensure nobody disturbs my self indulgance and enjoyment. Its a sad truth but I did learn as a small child that others always ruin what I wish to enjoy, so as an adult, I do tend to go it alone. But hey, is that not part of the writer's make up?
I have a huge heap of school stuff that needs organising in preparation for Monday - I can't remember why I brought some of it home! It has been sitting in bags for six weeks and now I'm a little baffled, was it for teaching or simply filing? Though yesterday, I did purhcase a reading book for my school lunchtimes 'One Day' by David Nicholls - its had some good reviews, so I'll see for myself come Monday.
Thursday, I have a writers' meeting at the Grace Dieu Writers' Circle - I missed the last one due to the deadline work.
Can I say a big 'Thank you' if you visited the blog last week - it did help knowing that others were as eager as I was, to see me complete 'Her'. I promise, this next novel will not be taking as long. Enjoy!
Anyway, moving on to the new project. I have purchased the scrap book that becomes my Bible. I have started to look for faces to become specific characters, you might remember that I cut pictures of strangers from newspapers/catelogues for each part. I need to look about for new names too, I always find myself coming up with the same ones. So, I'm watching the rolling credits after progammes, I even read the birthdays column of the newspaper yeaterday in search of new names. I have completed a teeny bit of research on-line regards the popularity and costing of wedding planners in UK, but nothing more.
My plan for today is to begin researching three wedding venues for my new characters, one location I already know. I'm hoping to find three other locations that I can visit and describe accordingly, even though I'll be changing the names at a later date. I shall revisit a note nook in which I've outlined a few ideas - one quite shocking but hey, it would be a good twist. I remember when I was organising our wedding, the trouble and strife that other people cause is untrue, so one of the couples will be doing as we did - nipping to Gretna Green.
I've just finished rereading a biography of Emily Bronte - such an amazing character, somewhat overshadowed by her sister Charlotte. I was intrigued to read how shy and retiring she was amongst people only to be so wild and open with nature and animals. Yet again, I was amazed at the numerous links between her life events and scenes in 'Wuthering Heights' - makes me want to read it, again.
Coincidentally, I have my ticket booked to view 'Jane Eyre' at the cinema next Friday. I'm taking myself, to ensure nobody disturbs my self indulgance and enjoyment. Its a sad truth but I did learn as a small child that others always ruin what I wish to enjoy, so as an adult, I do tend to go it alone. But hey, is that not part of the writer's make up?
I have a huge heap of school stuff that needs organising in preparation for Monday - I can't remember why I brought some of it home! It has been sitting in bags for six weeks and now I'm a little baffled, was it for teaching or simply filing? Though yesterday, I did purhcase a reading book for my school lunchtimes 'One Day' by David Nicholls - its had some good reviews, so I'll see for myself come Monday.
Thursday, I have a writers' meeting at the Grace Dieu Writers' Circle - I missed the last one due to the deadline work.
Can I say a big 'Thank you' if you visited the blog last week - it did help knowing that others were as eager as I was, to see me complete 'Her'. I promise, this next novel will not be taking as long. Enjoy!
Thursday, 1 September 2011
Oh my....
... the novel is now 'offically' written :-))).
Yesterday was a long day, I worked for just over ten hours, with small breaks in between, but I did it. I now have a completed novel - apart from the corrections I'll make upon reading it with fresh eyes.
Today, I plan to clean the house, like a crazy woman and start to day dream about the new project. I have started to note a few details already, I know that it's going to be about a 'wedding planner' and my current title 'To honour and obey' reflects the chick lit genre, other than that ..... blank canvas.
I return to school on Monday, so my daily rouitnes will change but as I mentioned in a recent post the new project will not take so long, I've learnt my lessons from 'Her'.
I promised you that I would post the opening few paragraph of 'Her', simply as a taste, so enjoy.
Yesterday was a long day, I worked for just over ten hours, with small breaks in between, but I did it. I now have a completed novel - apart from the corrections I'll make upon reading it with fresh eyes.
Today, I plan to clean the house, like a crazy woman and start to day dream about the new project. I have started to note a few details already, I know that it's going to be about a 'wedding planner' and my current title 'To honour and obey' reflects the chick lit genre, other than that ..... blank canvas.
I return to school on Monday, so my daily rouitnes will change but as I mentioned in a recent post the new project will not take so long, I've learnt my lessons from 'Her'.
I promised you that I would post the opening few paragraph of 'Her', simply as a taste, so enjoy.
Chapter One - January
Cinderella had one, Snow white had one, even Princess Diana. And me? Well, there lies the crux of the matter; I never had a stepmother. Which goes someway to explaining why you find me leaning against a closed kitchen door; having excused myself from the family dining table, before my temper explodes.
My pulse is racing; neck and forehead are clammy, gluing the underneath of my dark hair to the base of my nape.
I stare about my kitchen, an array of dirty pots and pans clutter every surface, signifying hours of drudgery producing a Christmas feast. A re-enactment of our Christmas day celebration of three days ago, of which every detail is identical, except this time the children are present. A Christmas déjà vu; required to combat an ex-wife’s annual spite.
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Today!
It's finally arrived 31st August, without the bright sunshine that I specifically ordered.
Yesterday, was an O.K. day, I lost an hour or two as step son threw a massive diva strop, but hey, it provided me with extra material for 'Her'. I also made myself cry yesterday when editing a funeral scene - soppy head.
My plan today is simply to plough on for as long as it takes.
Tomorrow, I'll post the opening paragraph before putting it away for a couple of weeks.
So, let's begin - enjoy!
Yesterday, was an O.K. day, I lost an hour or two as step son threw a massive diva strop, but hey, it provided me with extra material for 'Her'. I also made myself cry yesterday when editing a funeral scene - soppy head.
My plan today is simply to plough on for as long as it takes.
Tomorrow, I'll post the opening paragraph before putting it away for a couple of weeks.
So, let's begin - enjoy!
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
2 days...
Yesterday went well, though I got into a muddle regards a grammar issue - which led me on a wild goose chase to correct errors only to find I had misunderstood the explanation and was orginally correct - Dooh! Thankfully all was O.K. by bedtime.
Today, I have a hard copy laid before me with highlights and sticky tags pointing to incidents and snippets that I wish to include, so my job for today it to weave the extras into place. It seems like a huge job but once I get started, I'm hoping they'll connect and weave together like jigsaw pieces.
I have had some invaluble advice from a Twitter follower; that I should complete on 31st August (tomorrow - yikes) and then leave for a month, before reading the novel as if seeing it for the first time. This way, I'll have forgotten the nitty gritty detail and read with fresh eyes, correct where/if needed, before sending it out to an agent. Sounds like a fair plan to me. Which allows me more time to research and compile a list of agents. So, all being well I shall be sending the manuscript out at the end of September.
I still haven't come up with a female name for the final chapter - so far the ones that have sprung to mind don't fit her description - so that remains ...OMG whilst writing that line I have just thought of a name - which would in fact honour someone that I grew up with and who has inspired me over the years. Wendy, I'll call her Wendy. Don't you just love the human mind - it always throws up the answer when you least expect it.
Anyway, now that I have a name, I need to return to the grind stone, enjoy!
Today, I have a hard copy laid before me with highlights and sticky tags pointing to incidents and snippets that I wish to include, so my job for today it to weave the extras into place. It seems like a huge job but once I get started, I'm hoping they'll connect and weave together like jigsaw pieces.
I have had some invaluble advice from a Twitter follower; that I should complete on 31st August (tomorrow - yikes) and then leave for a month, before reading the novel as if seeing it for the first time. This way, I'll have forgotten the nitty gritty detail and read with fresh eyes, correct where/if needed, before sending it out to an agent. Sounds like a fair plan to me. Which allows me more time to research and compile a list of agents. So, all being well I shall be sending the manuscript out at the end of September.
I still haven't come up with a female name for the final chapter - so far the ones that have sprung to mind don't fit her description - so that remains ...OMG whilst writing that line I have just thought of a name - which would in fact honour someone that I grew up with and who has inspired me over the years. Wendy, I'll call her Wendy. Don't you just love the human mind - it always throws up the answer when you least expect it.
Anyway, now that I have a name, I need to return to the grind stone, enjoy!
Monday, 29 August 2011
Countdown begins - 3 days....
A mini up-date on my progess....
Since Saturday, I have managed to edit numerous chapters and am nearing the end of the novel. I have surprised myself with the number of hours that I can sit in a chair and simply edit, with only toilet visits and tea-making duty as my breaks. I discovered a problem with my plot timeline early yesterday morning so spent a while putting that back on track but other than that I have plugged away at it.
One small detail that is niggling me - I'm struggling to find a first name for a minor character who pops up at the very end of the novel - I've exhausted my usual tricks by searching the baby naming book and going through a list of everyone, and I mean everyone that I know, have met or ever dreamt about. Nothing. I know something will turn up by Wednesday but hey ho, it's a small detail that's tickling a nerve - I'll let you know what I choose, when I choose.
It's very strange knowing that a project that has taken me soooo long to complete is nearly finished. I've got mixed feelings about letting it go, but I'm excited at the prosepct of beginning a fresh story with brand new characters. It's similar to attending a big party where you know absolutely no one other than the host, exciting but daunting!
Champagne is chilling - ready and waiting.
Anyway, enough - see ya tomorrow x
Since Saturday, I have managed to edit numerous chapters and am nearing the end of the novel. I have surprised myself with the number of hours that I can sit in a chair and simply edit, with only toilet visits and tea-making duty as my breaks. I discovered a problem with my plot timeline early yesterday morning so spent a while putting that back on track but other than that I have plugged away at it.
One small detail that is niggling me - I'm struggling to find a first name for a minor character who pops up at the very end of the novel - I've exhausted my usual tricks by searching the baby naming book and going through a list of everyone, and I mean everyone that I know, have met or ever dreamt about. Nothing. I know something will turn up by Wednesday but hey ho, it's a small detail that's tickling a nerve - I'll let you know what I choose, when I choose.
It's very strange knowing that a project that has taken me soooo long to complete is nearly finished. I've got mixed feelings about letting it go, but I'm excited at the prosepct of beginning a fresh story with brand new characters. It's similar to attending a big party where you know absolutely no one other than the host, exciting but daunting!
Champagne is chilling - ready and waiting.
Anyway, enough - see ya tomorrow x
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