Short stories, Mad Hatters, a saree and a Royal wedding

Good morning, in Britain we're awaking to the morning after the big wedding the day before. Sorry, but I've got to admit I loved every minute of it. I'm a sucker for history and what better than a Royal wedding, I know many people were complaining about so much coverage yesterday but oh, it was so beautiful. O.K., that's now out of my system I'll get back to the main topic, my writing week. I've had a good one, one that I'm proud of and hope to repeat next week.

I returned to work after the Easter holiday, and was able to continue the daily routine that I had followed during the two weeks break. I managed to edit another chapter of 'Her', as well as edit and polish two short stories aimed at women's magazines. Both titles were aimed at the same magazine so I have printed and prepared for posting a week apart. I'll send one this week, the other next week. I really don't want them landing on the editor's desk at the same time. I've been told that editors tend to choose the best one when presented with multiple submissions, whereas when presented separately, each piece is judged on it's own merit. The other thing to bear in mind when approaching magazines is the setting season - editors work several months ahead of the current season much like the fashion industry. You have to make sure that the editor has time to read, discuss further before your stories sell by date for this year. Both of mine have are set around Autumn time - allowing plenty of time to hit their print run should I be lucky enough to be selected.
Though it can take some magazines three months too say 'yay or neigh' to your work.

I took one of the short stories 'Vibes and Jibes' to the writers' group for a critique - thankfully they picked up on a couple of typos and a suggestion regards a character's name. I'd called her Jenny but had shortened it to Jen on several occasions. You might avoid such advice from other poets and writers, but honestily it is worth listening too. However perfect you think your work is, they are a sample of your potential audience, so any detail that they don't like, should be changed to enhances your finished work. It takes time, believe me, I felt so uncomfortable reading my work aloud and then listening to advice - good or bad. I used to get embarrassed by compliments about my work and any criticism aided my progress. Thankfully at our writing group no one is forced to read their work, you can simply attend and listen - which is lovely way to build your confidence.

Whilst at the group meeting Malcolm Dewhirst announced that the final sixteen poems for The Polesworth Poetry Trail have been selected. Malcolm and Adrian Wallbank from Warwick University, who is also a ranger for the Pooley Heritage centre had the job of choosing which poems, fitting which themes, fitted which site locations - tough call, given that 56 poems were created. Anyhow, the final 16 poems have been shown to the local council committee who agreed with the choice and just the final stage, which is the nod from the site sculpter - then the big announcement!!!!! Yikes, it is nerve wracking waiting for the outcome -
I'll let you know as soon as anything is announced.

Finally, I have completed number 39 of my 'April Fool List' - I have purchased a saree. My grandmother is Indian, so I've always tried to embrace her culture as a part of my origins - even though she seems to ignore everything. Anyway, I've always wanted to buy a saree - the rich colours, gold threads and detailing appeal to me and this morning I bought one. It won't be here for a few weeks but when it is I shall be attempting to fold it correctly and may even take it with me as a change of clothes when I complete number 19 - to be photographed professional as I was at 21 and 30 years of age.  

Today, I plan to dedicate the day to my novel 'Her' - I had the joy of printing draft four as a hard copy and it was exciting seeing the 230 pages of A4 paper - with polishing that will be my novel.

Wishing you a great writing week - enjoy!

Writing, bunnies, bees and fingers crossed, a hot air balloon

Good morning folks, I'm hoping you've all had a good writing week, because I certainly have. Whilst on Easter holiday I've made the most of my time. I've got back into editing my novel every day - I have surprised myself by some of the lines I've written but had forgotten that I'd written. - if that makes sense! I've literally stated at home, edited, reading and writing - I hear what you're saying, that it isn't healthy to spend such a huge amount of time on your own but honestly it has been a wonderful break. Regards my editing I've managed to move forward by a huge chunk which in turn motivates me to continue on this daily routine squeezed around the day job.

Monday evening saw the arrival of eight tiny bunnies, born to one of my Dutch rabbits. I bred her 30 days before hand and wow, they were beautiful. Between writing and reading, I haven't been able to help myself sneaking a peek at the nest four or five times a day. Each bunny will be sold at eight weeks, so I'll let you know how they progress.

Busy bees - which I have certainly been is week but the delightful news is that my husband has purchased a couple of hives in the local area. He already has an allotment with chickens but now his bees will be joining him. I, in turn will be taking full advantage of their honey, plus their arrival inspired a short story, which is always a bonus.

Today at dusk, I should be going on a hotair balloon ride, number 28 on my April Fool list. I booked it last week and fingers crossed if the beautiful weather holds out I shall be up in the skies over Staffordshire. My mind has already begun composing a short story relating to hot air ballooning, so who knows I may get a second story this week inspired by my own life - which is what being a writer is all about.

I shall leave you now, so that I can return to my editing, and fingers crossed I'll be up, up and away in a beautiful balloon by dusk.

Quick up-date: the hot air ballooning didn't happen due to an increase in wind speed :-( but hey, look on the bright side I now get more time to look forward to it!

I've spent the day polishing a short story called 'Hush little baby, don't say a word...' which I shall post this week for consideration in a women's magazine. It'll be one more 'little something' out there doing the rounds.

April Fool list, Mad Hatters and a family tree

Hello, on a beautiful. Spring day in the UK. I was up with the lark preparing for a visit from the step-kiddies. I have to change my routine a little when they are here as needs must. Anyhow, I was at my desk for eight and did a decent stint till half ten editing the next chapter of 'Her'. I wish I could bottle the feeling of triumph when I plan to write and actually do sit down to the job - I finish on a high. I have begun two smaller projects to run alongside my novel writing, the first I have briefly mentioned being my 'April Fool' list, 40 things to do in my 40th year - so far I've completed a couple - go to Ireland, well I woke up there on my 40th so that is ticked off. I have booked a hot air balloon ride, tickets to see Macbeth at RSC Stratford-upon-Avon, and sent the application for Olympic tickets. I've also drunk a pint of Gunniess, risen in a horse drawn carriage, bought a piece of art. Some things I need to achieve are roll sideways down a huge hill, see a giant panda, finish my novel, ride on the back of a motor bike and learn to whistle using my fingers! I shall keep you up-dated as I go - my small book will contain a page or two describing each event.

My second little project relates to my family tree - I've been unearthing my roots for many years now and wish to use this as a background for a family book. In short, I have decided to write letters to my ancestors. In each I'll chat about my relationship to them and little snippets that I have learnt or heard on my journey. I have written the first letter to my great grandmother Florrie Barber, who very naughtily led people to believe her name was Florence when it was actually Flora. I plan to write one letter a week, each with a little photograph and see how far I get. The nice thing about each letter is that it is quick and easy to write so can form warm up to my main writing sessions.

Last Wednesday I attended the fortnightly meeting of Mad Hatters Writing group - it was nice to have all members attend as we've all been busy elsewhere, so a catch up was long over due. I read my Pooley Hall poem to those who hadn't heard it and was able to explain the various inspirations. I was pleased with the feedback and am now eagerly awaiting any news from the organizer. I understand that 16 poets created 56 poems - amazing. I am sending a copy of my poem to the owners of Pooley Hall as a 'Thank you' for allowing me to visit.

Can I say a huge welcome to visitors around the world, my little blog is being read in Russia, Iran, India, Alaska and of course, England.

Have a good writing week - I'm currently on holiday so am planning lots of writing sessions.

Poetry submission, Austen and Bath

As you know, for a number of weeks I've been focussing my efforts on poetry in an attempt to produce two poems to submit for consideration for The Polesworth Poetry Trail. Well, the deadline was Friday, 8th April and I'm proud to say that I did submit two poems - as promised. I have to be honest, the second one was a real struggle and did make me feel like giving up several times but I'd set myself a goal and submit it I did. I wrote a poem about Pooley Hall and the other about a pit pony called Jutt. Whether they are chosen or not, I feel that I've achieved my aim. I'll let you know how they fare.

This weekend, I have been lucky enough to spend the entire weekend in Bath, Wiltshire attending a friend's birthday celebrations. So, I made the most of my trip by attending the Jane Austen guided tour - a walk about Bath to all the places mentioned in Austen's fabulous novels. Those that know me are aware that I a certain fascination with particular authors, Austen being one of them. Anyhow, the walking party of twenty five had a beautiful day in which to enjoy the extensive knowledge of Maureen our guide, what I wasn't expecting was the ignorance of some. This is where my hubby would be rolling his eyes at my 'literature snobbery' but I swear literature snobbery had nothing to do with it - it was basic manners. Surely, if you go on a walking tour of Jane Austen you've at least heard of the woman before hand...- shocking to think one middle aged woman hadn't. Anyway,I had a wonderful time and would thoroughly recommend it. Afterwards, I sat outside Bath Abbey listening to a young man playing the saxophone busking to the passing crowds - he was amazing and he was no older than ten... honest, he was so small filling such a vast area with his delightful music. This is not unusual in Bath, they have street performance on virtually every corner: hula hoop lady was dancing to a fiddler, arcordian players, guitar and trumpet duo, I've even seen, and I kid you not, a young man playing a series of plastic buckets and he created some beautiful drumming. I looked for the chalk drawer, who is usually about but sadly not this weekend - he always makes me feel like Mary Poppins. As you can tell I had a wonderful time soaking up the atmosphere and indulging myself with some quality me time.

So, my plans for the next few weeks are to return to my own project, happy in the knowledge that I've completed the poetry workshops, have gained a further appreciation of poetry and feel inspired.

40 - it's fabulous

Hi guys, yes, yes, a day late but for the last time, I promise. I arrived home from Dublin late last night, having celebrated my 40th birthday in a three day stay. I loved it. The people, the places....in fact everything, I couldn't name a thing I didn't like. My birthday, which was Friday, was jammed packed with business (as in busy bee, not work), hubby surprised me with an IPad2 OMG was I shocked, then a trip around the Gunniess storehouse and the 'Gravity bar' to enjoy a pint of the black stuff. Heading home we jumped into a horse drawn carriage ahhhhhhhhhh, a first for me - which was a lovely way to arrive back at the hotel. On the evening  we visited the Gaitey theatre to see 'Fiddler on the roof' which was an outstanding performance by the cast - standing ovation lasted for ages.

Anyhow, I return home thoroughly spolit, well rested and eager to put pen to paper to complete the poem on Pooley. The deadline is this Friday, so I'd like to complete by Thursday night as I am away this week in Bath. As you know, I've tried on numerous occasions to draft a piece but with so much information buzzing about my head it is proving more difficult than I'd imagined. Tonight I shall spend some time returning to my current jottings and see what evolves. I'll lay my stall out for you, so far I have a free verse, the framework being the characters that have lived in Pooley. I have added a few lines from Shakespeare's prologue to Romeo and Juliet as a hint of the Shakespeare connection between Burdett and Cockayne. I've added in sound from the spring cuckoo calling Co-kayne, details of named rooms collected on my visit, the lattice windows; handcrafted and blown an age ago. All this divided into two stanzas much like the original build and the 1509 rebuild. Add in a few details about comedies, tragedies and poems by Sir Aston, a chapel blessed by Osanna and Pope Urban IV and you can see I've got a whole host of characters within 20 lines. So tonight, I have my work cut out to sculpt this poem into a suitable piece.

But before I go, I have devised a novel list of 40 'things' that I must complete during my 40th year - humour me, please. Anyway, I've listed a whole load of 'things' that I'd like to accomplish this year, some big, some quite everyday but all worthy on my list for one reason or another. I have decided that as I complete each 'thing' I shall write a chapter about it's completion and compile a book as I go - so 'The April Fool List'  has been offically started, I'll bring you up to date as and when I cross things off.

Right, I shall love you and leave you for now - I've got a poem to edit.

Lichfield Poets, a pit pony and a fast approaching big birthday

Good morning, so sorry that yet again I'm a day late with my posting, but I have good reason to be - I've had a busy, busy week.

Tuesday, 22nd March, I had the honour of attending 'Fizz 6' a poetry evening in the refectory of Polesworth Abbey, Polesworth, where The Lichfield Poets performed work from their two anthologies. I've reviewed similar events on many occasions, as a writer I attend as a means of relaxing within the company of other wordsmiths - each time I come away inspired and eager to focus upon my own writing. Anyway, The Lichfield Poets - nine poets attended representing the local group and they where a delight to behold. They began with a selection of poems relating to 'Battles':
'During the War' by B Asbury -  such precious memories infused with colour, such as the kingfisher, brought the imagery to life.
'Village Cricket Team 1913' by B Macnair  - highlighted the simple pleasures of village life lost amidst the tragedy of war, capturing the sorrow of a decimated community.
'The Ballard of  a Soldier' by H Fowler - portrayed the heartache of wartime love - the long distance relationship, the short courtship and the return of an unknown husband - so beautifully written and yet touched with sadness, it brought a tear to my eye and it wasn't the only one.
'All You Need Is Love' by G Barbrook - portrayed love in its multifaceted manner - experiences that each of us can relate to.
'The Departure' by G Longden - reminded us of recent battles, though the traditions and rituals of war remain unchanged - Gary's poem cleverly ignited memories with a backdrop of music from the era.
'Shoebox Appeal' by A Webster - this poem really touched me; each line drew upon the emotions and reasoning behind preparing a simple box filled with love and pride. The poet managed to convey such sentiment without mush or sloppiness - a truly beautiful poem.
'Yet To Come' by V Thompson - this piece brought a lump to my throat, a reminder of recent images of Wiltshire villages honouring the dead - definitely a performance piece, with superb delivery.
'No White Flag' by J Jenkins - a battle of a very different kind between two waring neighbours - made me chuckle. I loved the inclusion of a Churchill-like speech, defining the battle for health while the neighbourly battle raged on.
'Chain Recation' by J Green - wonderful how one stanza can create such a beautiful, comedy image lodged in the memory of a four year old - making the audience chuckle as well.

As you can see the poetry conveyed many kinds of battles; I really can't do justice to the poems and so recommend purchasing their anthology 'Battle Lines' (ISBN 978-0-905985-53-4) to fully appreciate their talents. With the added knowledge that all profits from the collection are being donated to the NMA Appeal, The National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Lichfield. I also bought their other anthology 'Silver Words' (ISBN 978-0-905985-46-6) honouring the 25th anniversary of St Giles Hospice, Whittington, Staffordshire.

The Lichfield Poets continued to delight with performance poetry which varied in tone and topic. Much hilarity arose from 'Wheelie bins know what you are thinking' by Steph Lunn, 'Sauce' by Jan Arnold  and 'The Tale of The Teeth' by Janet Jenkins. Whereas dramatic delivery accompanied 'Adultery' by Gary Longden, 'Hats' by Anthony Webster and 'Incantation' by Val Thompson, where a posse of poets delivered each poem with precision timing.

After rapturous applause in recognition of their talents and delivery, the mic was open to other performers. Alec Simpson read an extract from his autobiography 'A Boy at War' telling the tale of dancing lesson during his school days. Andy Biddulph provided a guitar accompaniment to his poetry reading, which in keeping with The Lichfield Poets, focused upon war. George Barbrook's poem 'Scout Camp' was crammed with images of fun-hungry scouts running a muck between games of 'maggots'. Margaret Torr delivered three poems 'Home run', 'Empathy' and ' Hidden agenda' each beautifully crafted - leaving the audience wanting more.  Ian Ward's 'Lifestyle' and 'The Traveller' and Dee Costello's 'Memorial to the ordinary' and 'Arrowheads' were befitting the tribute and theme of the evening. Steph Lunn's three poems 'One more day', 'Something must have happened' and 'The magician's wife' brought yet another tear to my eye  - I really must be get a grip but hey that's the beauty of poetry.

Barry Patterson finished the evening with a very dramatic piece, inspired by Pooley colliery, combining geology terms and a story of first day mining nerves - a winner all around with its curious terminology, natty punch lines, quick delivery and of course Barry's unique style.

Wow - what a night! Believe me, these are just the highlights of three hours of poetry - you really need to experience the whole night to appreciate such talent. Next 'Fizz 7' evening - 17th May 2011 at Polesworth Abbey Refectory - performance by The New Polesworth Poets, phase two of the Polesworth Poetry Trail - doors open at 7ish ready for a prompt start at 7.30pm - everyone welcome.

See, I told you I'd been busy, all that in just one night - my creative juices were over flowing with enthusiasm and ideas. So much so that I was able to craft a small poem about a pit pony called Jutt, as part of my offering for the Polesworth Poetry Trail phase two - which I've mentioned on previous weeks. I'd put aside my original idea as I was struggling to do justice to the subject, plus an annoying little rhythm had developed - which I didn't want. So I turned my mind to a smaller poem dedicated to a Welsh pit pony and surprise, surprise success. I shall return to my prize poem in a day or so, as all poems have to be complete by 8th April.

My final stint for this week is, or rather, it's fast appraoching is my 'big birthday' on Friday, 1st April. So, this week sees me entering my final week as a thirty something - boy, has that decade flown. I have found myself reflecting upon the past ten years which have been very fulfilling on a personal level but there has been a underlying yearning regards my writing. So, as I enter my final week at 39, I am hoping that my focus will continue to be achieving my goal of a published book.

Thanks for reading - it really was a mammoth week.... fingers crossed this next week lives up to my expectations as I head to Dublin, with my darling hubby, to celebrate the big four zero!

Technology, nature walks and a 35 year old wish came true!

Hello my friends, a whole five days late regards my regular post but I have finally made it on-line. Last Thursday, 10 March, my computer died, not my writing laptop - thank God, but the families main computer linked to the net. It simply froze and refused to budge, much like me infront of an Austen drama. Anyway, to cut a very long story very short, a very nice man was called, who after a day of playing and deleting viruses has renewed my faith in technology and restored my sanity. So, here I am, ready and eager to blog about the past few days.

Saturday, saw me attend the second workshop for phase two of The Polesworth Poetry Trail. I'll tell you it's hard posing as a poet when you're truly a writer....I got told off by two people for using a dictaphone...honestly, one said I was cheating! Never in the writer's world would that be classed as cheating... poets obviously work harder than us writers not just in the word selection department but also in writing long hand on paper. Anyway, the day was a blinding success, a huge group of poets and me wandering about the nature reserve seeking inspiration from the surrounding beauty. I was delighted to see Brian Mitchell, an acquaintance from a previous writing group, who'd I lost touch with. I even did extra homework by attending the very next day with husband in tow to retrace our steps and see the reserve on a quieter day. The sun was beaming, the birds singing and I was delighted to bump into two other workshoppers doing the same as me.

Anyway, this weekend I had a 35 years old wish come true - all from being a little cheeky - if you don't ask, you don't get. As a child, growing up in Polesworth, I used to ask my mum whilst out shopping 'who lives in that big house?' The house I was refering to was Pooley Hall, a beautiful hall built in 1509, that is hidden amongst dense foliage on the outskirts of our village. Well, since those first inquisitive questions at five years old I've longed to visit, nose about and basically see the village from the inside of that house - tall order but hey, this week I managed it - I even climbed onto the Hall's roof and stood amongst the battlements decorating the tower!!! Boy, did I get a view of our village. I was given a guided tour of the property by its current owner who was taken aback by the wealth of knowledge that I have about his home, even more so regards the ghosts stories associated with it. Anyway, I was given a rare opportunity to fullfil my wish providing lots of ideas and inspiration for my poem .

Regards me poem, I am now fixed on one theme, Pooley hall, and am begining to draft word lists, themes and images upon which I can begin to expand into single lines. My head is currently like a shed with lots of grand plans but we'll have to wait and see how much comes through on the page. I shall probably go and make a start now, as it looks like my writing group has been cancelled due to the shortage of bodies.

So, apologies for the late blog but technology let me down big time.