Visits, Illness & Christmas

I'm sorry if any of you have felt neglected.  But the few weeks leading up to Christmas were rammed with unforeseen events and mishaps.

My Mum came to stay for a few days which was nice sot I put my writing to one side so I could spend some real time with her.  I took her out for a wander around Stony Stratford which she seemed to enjoy especially when we stopped for coffee and cake.  The day after she went home, I became quite ill.  I will spare you the details but as a result I couldn't move my neck for a few days and as I'm sure you can imagine it was incredibly painful too.  I missed a few events I had been looking forward to and missed a competition deadline but hey-ho, I'm still here.

Then of course cam the big event itself - Christmas.  It was a good Christmas and it was nice that all three children were home and nobody had to leave to go elsewhere Boxing Day or drive anywhere.  Today is the first day I have felt able to sit and catch up on things.

Being ill gave me time to reflect on many things, primarily my writing.  There is a manuscript for a romance competition sitting beside me and I know without reading it that it is all wrong.  Still, tomorrow is a new day.  I will leave it until then and dedicate some real time to it.  I am not sure I am heading the right direction at all.

Agatha Christie

Well, that's my entry for the "Agatha Christie" competition in the post, let's hope the bad weather doesn't impede the postal service.

I still have the romance story on the back burner, it's resting at present as I've been editing it quite roughly of late.  I have looked around at other competition and discovered a few flash fiction ones.  Flash fiction isn't something I have taken very seriously before but there is already an idea buzzing around my head.  One of the competitions is for 500 words - if I'm lucky the idea tramping around in my head, might just be  a good fit.

As always, I will keep you all informed.

It's December...

Well not a great start to the month for me.

 I checked the results for the Christmas story competition I entered and I haven't been placed.  I didn't expect to be top of the  class but as there were 19 runners-up, I had hoped to squeeze in there.  But every cloud and all that.  At least I have a story ready to send out to magazines ready for next Christmas.

You may think me arrogant, expecting to be placed in a competition.  But, I think if you don't believe in yourself it will show in your writing.  So, I have allowed myself 5 minutes of self pity, a mars bar and a cup of tea.  Now to pick myself up, brush myself down and get my stuff back out there.

Faithful Followers and New Followers

Thank to the regular viewers of my blog, it's good to know I'm not always talking to myself.  A warm welcome to my new followers.  Thank you for joining and I hope I don;t turn out to be a disappointment.

Almost There

Well, working in the conservatory has proved a success.  I wouldn't be happy to move back into the lounge at all now.

I have been working on two stories this week.  The romance one and the story for the competition which asks that Agatha Christie be mentioned at least once.  First the romance - I think I said before that despite my initial doubts I have enjoyed writing this one (it is resting at the moment).  I never thought that passionate kisses, hand holding, roses or intimate restaurant's could be so much fun to write.  I am lucky in that my Hubby is a romantic man so the subject is not completely alien to me - thanks Carl, you've given me more than a few ideas.

Agatha Christie story - I have reached the point where I feel it is 90% finished so have emailed it to my favourite proof reader (mum-in-law) for her to read it through, identify any weak parts and typos.  Helen, that's her name is so good at it - she has a keen eye for detail and is never too harsh with her criticism (thank goodness). 

This afternoon I will be trawling through the web to find other competitions to enter.  Having a deadline, or even better a theme, encourages me to work so much harder.  There are plenty to choose from out there, have a look yourself and see what takes your fancy.

A New Place To Work

To cut a very long and involved story short, I have moved my desk into the conservatory (it was in the lounge before).  At first I thought it would be too cold but Hubby reminded we have underfloor heating in there.  I like it, it's cosy, it overlooks the garden and I am not distracted by the postman, delivery people or the neighbours antics.

I am working on two stories at the moment, something I have not attempted before.  It seems to be going well, I suppose it has something to do with them being so very different. 

My romance story has progressed well and I am really pleased with it.  It's almost ready for me to send to my favourite proof reader (my mum-in-law).  Pure romance is not something I have ever really focused on before but I have really enjoyed myself with this one.  My story for the competition where you have to mention "Agatha Christie" twice is also going well, as it is much shorter than the romance one it is well on it's way for its final edit, although I should get it proof read too.

So, this week so far has been a good one as far as getting writing done.  I am pleased with my new working space, its very atmospheric with the rain beating down on the roof.  If it stays warm in here I may well stay.

Towcesters Treasures

Some of you will remember that after moving to Milton Keynes in the summer, I was finding it difficult to find a writers group to suit me.  Writers groups are a bit like the cut of a pair of jeans.  There is a style and cut to flatter all, you just need to find it.  I digress.  I went along to Towcester writers last night and had a great time.

They really are a warm group of people.  Amongst the writers there are children's writers, fiction, poetry and even memoirs.  I am so glad I have found them.  They meet once a month in the library and although I miss getting together with other writers on a weekly basis, I am looking forward to the next meeting.  Obviously the next meeting is the Christmas one and will be held in a pub.  Double Wammy!

Romance And Murder?

Well, my romance story is going very well.  Lot's of passionate kisses, intimate dinners and far flung places.  While I was reading one of my magazines I came across an competition asking for short stories which include the name 'Agatha Christie' - quite unusual, I thought.

I really enjoy writing with a given theme so I have drafted an entry.  Of course, wherever Agatha Christie is you will find at least one dead body, a poison dart or two and a brilliant twist.  I want to make my story quite humorous too, that 'different slant' notion again.  It's coming along well but it is quite difficult to remove the romance hat then adorn the murder hat.  Still, it's a challenge and I do enjoy a challenge.

I have submitted my Christmas story and just need to wait to see what happens.  They organisers have said that all winners/runners-up will be contacted by November 30th.  You can guess I will be staking out my inbox on that day.  What a wonderful Christmas present that would be, to be a finalist.  Finger crossed!!

Love, Love, Love

I did say I wasn't good at luvvy-duvvy stuff didn't I. 

Well, to be honest I am quite enjoying myself with this current story.  I have found that, if I concentrate, my romantic tendencies come to my aid.  There is something quite sweet about red roses, long passionate kisses, handsome men and moonlit walks along the river.  Not to mention eating out in intimate restaurant's, going to the theatre or weekend breaks in the country. 

But, on the other hand I am being careful to also keep the story real and up to date.  In the real world, love is often a game of ups and downs and never a bed of roses.  There are still bills to be paid, worrying issues which arise and dare I mention the current economic climate.  See, it's a balancing act.  One which I am coming to understand the more I write.  Whoever it was who first said 'we learn something new each day' certainly knew what he was talking about.

Cheating?

Is it cheating to totally re-vamp an old story in favour of writing a new one on the same subject?  I'm not sure, but I've done it anyway.

What with my Christmas story complete, polished and edited within an inch of it's margins, I found a another competition I want to enter.  Not a Christmas one this time.  I had this story, which had been rejected by Woman's Weekley Fiction Special (looking at it I am not surprised).  The idea was good but the delivery of it wasn't.  So, for this romance competition I dug it out and have almost completely re-written it.  It's looking a lot healthier, but as always, there is still a long way to go.  Getting romance across as opposed to something sickly-sweet is a tricky business, if I'm honest I'm not that good at luvvy-duvvy (?) stuff.  I quite like a bit of grittiness in a story.  A good dose of realism but hey-ho after my encounter with the dark side, perhaps romance, love, windswept beaches and long lingering kisses will do me good.

Online Wonders

Some of you will know that I have been struggling to write a personal profile.  To be honest my first few attempts were pathetic.  The profile has been requested by the organisers of a competition I am entering.  As the submission date is looming I thought I had better stop playing around and produce something worth reading. 

Oh, Google, how wonderful you are!  I found a site which not only makes suggestions but also gives you examples - a small find but so appreciated.  I would like to say that I now have a short profile/bio, whatever you choose to call it, which is, I think, actually quite good.  Why, oh why did I not think to do this before.  Still as the old saying goes 'you learn something new everyday'.

While I was lurking in the shadows of Google I also found details of a short memoir competition.  Memoirs are not a genre I have had a lot of practise with.  But I quite fancy giving it a shot, it's being organised by Fish Publishing.  If any of you out there are interested, give it a go - a change is as good as a rest. Watch this space!!

Thank Goodness for That

Thank goodness half term is over.  The amount of meaningful work I achieved last week you could print onto your little fingernail!!  Yes, yes I know, I could have made more time for myself but then I'm an old softie.  I can't deny I enjoy spending time with the kids when school's out.

My Christmas Story is finished, well, barr the odd tweak and I have made a start on the personal profile which is required.  Now that is going to take practise.  My first draft was so bad I nearly sent myself to sleep.  The second was a little better and the third even had a shred of humour injected into it.  The fourth?  Well, I'll have to let you know.  It's odd having to write about yourself in 150 words or so.  What is interesting to others and was is not.  Sure like most people, I could tell you a tale or two, but would it make interesting reading - hmmm, still needs a lot of thinking about.

Now that project is almost complete I am searching for new outlets.  There is so much out there competitions, submissions, on line sites it's actually quite a task to decide upon.  I have no experience of any on line sites although I have heard of a few.  'Alfie Dog' seems to be one that pops up quite a lot and seems relatively popular but right now I don't want to research, I just want something to sink my teeth into and get writing.  If any of you reading this have any suggestions feel free to leave a comment.

BILLY

'BILLY' is the title of my dark human horror story.  Some of you no doubt would have already read me whittling on about it.  Well, it is finished, edited within an inch of it's length, formatted the odd way they requested and will be submitted in about half an hour.  I would like to thank all the willing volunteers who gave their time to read it and give feedback, especially Vikki, who read it more than once.  Such an array of feedback was very useful.

I don't recall ever editing/re-writing any work quite as much but in doing so I have learnt an awful lot.  Now, I should go over all my previous work and subject them to the same thing.  Well, let's be honest although it will be time consuming if it gets me a sale I won't be complaining.

My next problem is that the organisation behind the Christmas Story Competition I have been writing for have asked for a short profile.  Obviously I understand what it is but haven't a clue where to start.  What would people like to know?  That I watch EastEnders? Still read Enid Blyton when I feel down.  So if any of you out there have any produced a short profile of yourself, I'd love any tips you are willing to give.

A Good Start To The Week

As Monday's go, today hasn't been too bad at all.  Oh, apart from having to go back to the school due to a forgotten swimming kit.

On the writing front I am feeling quite pleased with myself.  My Christmas story is coming along very well.  I have found 'a different angle' and the story is progressing nicely.  Obviously it still needs work but in spite of my earlier doubts I am enjoying writing it.

Last week I met up with an old friend of mine who lives here, in Milton Keynes.  We had a good gossip and probably too many cups of coffee but it did lift my spirits.  It's good to see that some people don't change and are just as you remember them.  This particular lady is fun, sincere and I will always remember a great kindness she did for me many years ago.

Also last week I got a call from the local hospice volunteer co-ordinator telling me she had forwarded my details to one of the shops.  Not twenty minutes later I received an email from the shop manager offering me a Wednesday morning shift.  Needless to say I almost bit her hand off.  Having decided I needed to get out of the house a bit more this will be just the tonic I need.  As some of you will remember I used to work in a local charity shop when I lived in Watford, which I loved and missed so much when we moved.  So, think of me on Wednesday and wish me luck.

A Wonderful Surprise

After a bit of a wonky week I had a wonderful surprise last night.  My nephew arranged to visit me.  Nothing wonderful there you may think but I had not seen him in 13 years.  Now, for anybody that is a hell of a long time.  It was brilliant to see him looking well and getting his life together.  I hope he will visit as often as he is able now.

For those of you who are regular readers you will be familiar with my story 'BILLY' which I am pleased to say has received it's final edit and is ready to be sent on it's way to Dog Horn Publishing.  Also, I began a Christmas story today.  Yes, I know it is too late to submit to any magazine but this one is for a competition.  Today I managed 750 meaningful words.  Mind you they are not easy to write though.  As Christmas is a very commercial these days it's hard to find a different angle on it.  Stories of burnt Turkey's, surprise visits from long lost relatives and seeing the big man in the red coat are all well used themes.  Needless to say I have attempted to avoid these, not because I think any less of them but I really want a new angle, which if I'm lucky, I may just have found.

The Truth Of The Matter

The last week has been a bit of a downer.  Don't worry I shan't go into too much detail as I promised I wouldn't use this blog to vent my personal challenges.  BUT, I have felt so down the last week.  I am feeling lonely here in Milton Keynes as I have yet to make any local friends.  I know it's just a matter of time but in the meantime things are very quiet.

I did that thing which we have all done at times, you know giving out the odd hint that we are not happy, in the hope that a friend will pick up on it and perhaps give us a call.  It certainly hasn't been my week because I haven't heard from a single soul.  Enough whining now and back to my news.

BILLY which is my story for the dark side is almost finished.  I asked my husband to read it but given it's dark nature he said he'd rather not.  I am hoping tomorrow to complete the small polishing tasks and to replace my formatting with the layout which has been requested by the competition hosts.  It's not something I have come across before, so if you are a writer who enjoys entering competitions make a note to check the manuscript layout - it might just catch you out.

Almost There

My monster story is going very well, a little too well as my writing has made my own hair on the back of my neck stand on end!  A friend of mine read a draft last week and was very encouraging.  I really appreciated her time and the fact that she read the whole piece given it's dark content.  All in all I am quite enjoying experimenting with rather taboo subjects.  It felt wrong to begin with.  Not that it seems right now BUT there is a point to it.  It's not just gritty for the sake of it.  It is supposed to be a harrowing tale, dare I say well written not just a collection of words to shock people.

I know I said I was putting my WOMAG writing to one side but ideas keep coming into my head.  So persistent are some that I have had to stop what I'm doing and dive for my notebook.  I do need to look at my recent rejections, perhaps jiggle them around a bit and send them out there again.

On another taboo (ish) subject The Daily Mail are running an erotica short story competition.  I attended an erotica workshop this year at Swanwick.  It was led by the lovely Della Galton which was both funny and thought provoking.  So once I have put my monsters to bed - I intend to give erotica a try.  I will of course keep you posted about my entries and the competitions.  Who knows I could be a guest on the 'Wossy' show yet.

Yes!! Back in the Saddle

What a good day I have had.  I wasn't sure how it would go after such a long absence from writing.  But I'm sure we have all heard the quote 'Life gets in the way of what we want to do.'  Life has been so busy what with moving at the end of July, Swanwick Writers Summer School in August, chasing MK council for a school place for Cerys and Lisa starting her A Levels at college.  If that wasn't enough, my son went through a terrible time during the summer and as a result is back here in the nest for a while.

So, anyway, writing.  I have been dithering with the idea of writing for the NEW Mills & Boon or trying my hand at Erotica, thanks to a wonderful workshop run at Swanwick.  Not being inclined to start either I trawled the net for short story competitions.  I wanted something different.  A topic or genre I had not tackled before and I found a real challenge.  The competition is run by Dog Horn Publishing and is titled 'No Monsters Allowed.  So basically it is a twist on run of the mill horror and asks for submissions on 'human horror' our own monsters if you like.  Now I realise that this may not float everyone's boat but I am keen to give it a good go.  After all a change is as good as a rest so they say!!

I managed about 1300 words today which I was pleased with but I can't afford to rest on my laurels as the cut off date is fast approaching.  Having made such a positive start after a hectic summer I fully intend to meet my obligations with relish. 

I am putting WOMAG writing to the back of my mind for a while and will be exploring the dark side.

So Close But yet So Far...

Back from Swanwick - obviously and straining at the leash to get down to work.  I learnt some new tricks at Swanwick and cannot wait to try some of them out.  I received two rejections from WWFS within a week of each other so I need to pull my socks up and get some work back out there.  The problem?  Cerys hasn't been allocated a school place yet and Lisa doesn't start at college until the 10th.  Not that there is an issue with the girls being home for longer than I expected but some of the information and workshops I attended were, shall we say, a little spicy - not something I would like anybody to come across by accident.  Well, regarding the girls not at all.

The house (we moved at the end of July) is 99% sorted now and there are only two boxes left to unpack and really one of those is full of ornaments which can live in the garage for a while.

Getting back to Swanwick, if anybody reading this is interested in attending next year do it - it's such a wonderful week full of fun and great characters (real people not fictitious ones).  I have made such good friends and hope to be able to go until I am an old lady with a stick who insists on wearing fuchsia pink!!

Tuesday at Swanwick

As some of you may remember on August 11th Swanwick Writers Summer School began - and of course I am here.  I cannot believe it is Tuesday already.  On my arrival I was very excited and felt like an Enid Blyton character from St Clares or Mallory Towers boarding school stories.  As soon as I unpacked I went outside to see who else had arrived.  So many familiar faces, it didn't feel like a year since I had seen my Swanwick buddies.  This is such a relaxed and friendly place, the courses are really informative and the tutors are always brilliant. 

The one downside here is the amount of food you end up eating.  After a cooked breakfast I am sure I will be able to skip lunch and wait until dinner but that never happens.  As luchtime approaches I can feel and sometimes here my tummy demanding to be fed once more.  The food here is so good it would be rude not to appreicate it, by the end of the week I shall be at least a stone heavier.  The only thing to have changed since last year is that the 'smoker's tent' has been renamed the 'smokers gazebo' which I thought sounded rather classy.

Our house move went well and we are 99% settled and unpacked.  If I ever see another brown box again it will be too soon.  The new house is lovely and we are lucky to have more space and several other perks!  The garden is charming and I cannot wait to plant my spring bulbs, Daffodils of course.

Anyway, back to Swanwick.  I have a little homework to do today so I will leave you for now and update again when I can manage to slip away from the excellent company I have.

Bye Bye Watford Writers

Tonight is my last night with Watford Writers as I will be moving on 28th July, which is also why I have not been posting, too busy packing.  As I have mentioned before Watford Writers is the best writing group I have ever known, truly there are some very odd groups out there.  I shall be sorry to leave them although I will pop back from time to time. 

Everything seems to be changing so quickly I'm not sure I am keeping up.  I will miss Watford and the friends I have made, especially the 'L's' - I will fill you in on them one day soon.  Enough for now a it's the first day of the summer holiday I also have a ten year old to entertain.

In a Muddle

So, basically I spent most of last week researching houses, areas, schools and Dr's in Milton Keynes and hopefully as most of that is now done, I can set my mind back into writing mode.  Although last weeks activities did prompt some ideas for short stories.

As I have said before when I'm not able to write I miss it but that said trying to get any meaningful writing done in the midst of planning a house move is a nightmare.  But the real issue is that there is no easy way of moving.  You would think in these modern times with heart transplants, plastic hip joints and even success in sewing limbs back on the process of moving would have become a bit easier and less time consuming.  I'm not saying I have a solution for the problem but I may well start thinking of one to perhaps to present to those lovely dragon on Dragons Den.  I'm sure they'd love it - if it was feasible.  So with my thinking cap on and my brain distracted once more, off I go to either completely and radically change the process of moving house or to actually write something.  As ever, wish me luck.

House Hunting

Oh what a time consuming task!  I was really pleased with myself earlier last week as I had completed the editing AND sent out my short story.  What has happened since?  A small amount of time spent on writing and a huge chunk of my day's spent house hunting in MK.

There is a house out there for us somewhere, in fact, this evening I am viewing two - sounds good doesn't it.  Carl favours one and I favour the other.  Let's just hope that one is more outstanding than the other so the boxing gloves don't need to come out.

All this house hunting has given me an idea for a short story (Yay) watch this space.

Ready, Steady, Go...

Hooray!  The short story 'Blisters and Baskets' I have been working on has finally made it into the postbox.  I have written it with the one page story slot in mind, thus the word count is 940.  I am really pleased with the final piece.  It has certainly been worth all the editing, ink and paper and I have learnt just how important editing and revision is.  In the past I have become too fond of a paragraph or line of dialogue and been reluctant to take it out.  Now, having been ruthless with myself I can see the advantage of not hanging onto prose that doesn't do anything for the story, whether I love it or not.

Good news - Swanwick Writers Summer School is looming and I am becoming quite excited at meeting my swanwick friends again, plus any newbies.  I made so many wonderful friends last year and the experience was just the lift I needed.

Satisfied

Now this is unusual for me - updating my blog in the afternoon rather than the evening.  I have tried a different writing routine this week, suggested by Carl and must admit it has worked wonderfully.  I have managed to catch up with those poor neglected writing projects, revise and 99% complete a short story ready to be sent out into the world of WOMAG and manged to keep the house looking nice.

Some of you may shrug but a comment Carl made last week really got me thinking: 'Are you are writer who also has domestic chores? Or, are you a housewife whose hobby is writing?'  Well, that certainly made me think about where my priorities should lie - and you guessed it, writing came out on top.  Through using my time carefully I have managed both and I'm a lot happier for it.  Now I'm not saying I have become house proud but the way the house looks now I wouldn't be mortified if an unexpected guess turned up.

And as for writing, I love it.  I am feeling so enthusiastic at the moment even the rejection for a 'TAB Readers Tip' which arrived this morning didn't get me down.  Onwards and upwards fellow scribblers.

Feedback

My reading at Watford Writer's went better than I expected.  Although I did blush, a friend said that nobody noticed due to the bad lighting.  How kind he is.  The feedback I received was really insightful, it's good to get constructive comments plus it proves that they were listening!

I have implemented some of the suggested changes and the story does read more fluently now.  I know I should get into the habit of reading my work aloud but I always feel very silly, especially if Carl is at home and overhears me.  Having said it is something I should make myself do regardless of who is in the house.

There are a few interesting competitions around at the moment which I fancy entering but before I start anything new I need to complete my outstanding lesson for my Guru.

The Guru...She Say Yes

I summoned up my courage and spoke to my Guru about my lessons.  I had become so caught up in other issues that I had not paid them the attention they deserved.  Once I realised this I felt awful because in a way I was showing her disrespect which of course I didn't mean.  Anyhow, the long and the short of it is that she has agreed to continue which is great news for me, I can't wait to get started once more.

The short story I have been working on will get an airing tonight at Watford Writers.  I think it is perhaps 95% cooked but it will be interesting to see what others think and to hear their comment, good or bad.  It's a while since I have read anything to them so I'm hoping I shan't stammer or blush - wish me luck.

What A Week

Writing wise I have had  really good week.  I wouldn't want to bore you with all the nitty-gritty but I have been editing again.  It really is quite remarkable how selecting the right words can change a story, from just a bunch of words and sentences to a tight and hopefully, well written piece of work.  Although I'm sure there is still room for improvement.  I am gradually catching up on all the writing tasks I have neglected and no doubt driven my Guru to distraction.  I have a nice weekend to look forward to which should put me in good stead for another fun-filled, hardworking week.

Back on the Wagon

Well, that's the best day's work I have done in a while and I really enjoyed it.  The housework needs doing and I got soaked on the school runs but I am still happy.  I did the final amendments to a short story I have been writing and sent it out into the world.  In spite of the fact that I know shan't hear anything for a number of weeks, I still have that excited feeling and know I will be stalking the postman yet again.

I have begun a rewrite on a story I wrote several years ago.  If I bring it up to date and tweak it a bit here and there it should be ready to be sent out into the world of WOMAG.  Talking of such things I am missing my writing guru very much.  She hasn't been having a good time of it lately but hopefully the worst is behind her.

On a more positive note I am pleased to see some of my blogger friends have been having some success including the lovely Diane Fordham, congratulations and long may it last.  Although I yearn for a success for myself I am always pleased to hear about others who are out there and making it happen.  You are all a great inspiration to me and I hope to follow in your footsteps one day.

Bank Holiday Confusion

I don't know about you but all these bank holiday have put me in a right muddle plus the half term holiday too.  I have done absolutely no writing although I have thought about it plenty.  I am looking forward to the kids going back to school so I can try and get back to so some kind of normality and being able to sit down and get some writing done.  That's not to say I haven't enjoyed the family time I've had but my little routine has been pushed right out of the window.  On a very favourable note it is only 9 weeks until Swanwick Writers Summer School - yipeee.

Sun, Editing and Housework

Phew - what a scorching few days we've had - not that I am complaining.  The housework has suffered a bit as it has been much too hot to dance around with the hoover or hyperventilate over the iron press.  On the plus side it has given me a lot of time to sit and edit a short story I intend to send of to WWFS.  It surprised me just how much I have enjoyed the task.  Obviously parts of the dialogue and imagery have been revised/rewritten too but as I say, seriously I have enjoyed seeing my work take on a better shape than I could have ever imagined.

 The only slightly negative thing is that it takes up quite a lot of time.  Yes, I know that it is well worthwhile, especially if I do manage to get a sale from it.  But as this is a craft I am new to I am inwardly cringing at some of my earlier work that I sent out to a few unsuspecting Fiction Editors - hope I am not the only one.

Weekend Away

I was away at the weekend at my Mum's.  Some of you may remember that she had a bad fall in January.  I'm pleased to say she is now 90% recovered so much so she dragged me around Teddington on Saturday afternoon.  So, no writing done at the weekend but plenty of time spent with Mum.

Im off to Watford Writers tonight, again, I have not been for a few weeks and missed them all dreadfully.  I will also be happy to tell them that our proposed move to Leeds is now off and we will be staying in Watford.

Short But Sweet

I haven't got down to much writing this week but what I have done I am very pleased with.  I have been playing around with a short story which was rejected by TWN.  I sat down and had a real hard look at it before I began to edit it.  It never fails to amaze me how much a good stern editing/revision session can make to a story.  Obviously, at some time I thought the story was ready but on reflection I can see the flaws loud and clear.  A strange admission I know but I find editing and revising a piece of work quite therapeutic at times.  It goes to show that we can always improve our writing however brilliant we thought it once was.

It needs a little more work then my aim is to send it out into the world of WOMAG once more, wish me luck.

These Things We Do...

Well, it's been a funny few days.  Suddenly I have become the clumsiest person in the world together with the silliest.  Yesterday I somehow managed to add myself as a follower of my own blog, after I'd already trodden on and scared the life out of the cat.  Also, don't tell Carl, but I reversed (at 5mph) into a stationary van today too.  Fortunately the driver was around to check for any damage of which there was none but I cannot understand how I managed to do something so silly.  Somebody has suggested I need to wear glasses all the time but it's not that I can't see it's more like I look but don't see.  Does that make any sense?  I hope so.  I am really distracted, walking across the supermarket car park I realised I had walked past the car because I was editing my latest story in my head!  Please tell me I am not alone in these odd episodes.

On the other hand I got a good couple of hours work done today, I feel I made real progress on my story.  I have two on the go at the moment.  The first is intended for magazine submission and the other for a competition which deadline is 31st May, a few weeks yet but I determined NOT to miss the deadline !!

A Good Day

Another good day today.  I posted off a short story to Woman's Weekly which obviously I am excited about.  I keep a record of my submission and was momentarily shocked to see that I had sent nothing off since late January - now that is naughty!!  But enough of looking back from now on I am going to focus on the future.  I have also sent out 'a readers tip' to Take-a-Break so this week (well two days of it) have been quite fruitful.  I am getting back on target which is a good feeling.

I have scheduled work for next week which includes research for stories, competition entries and a play list of music to lift my spirits and keep me tapping away on my laptop.

Good Start

Well straight after the school runs I sat down and got to work.  I really enjoyed myself actually.  I put the finishing touches to a half written story and revised another two which I intend to submit.  I was also able to squeeze in a bit of research on up and coming competitions.  I have missed three deadlines of comps I intended to enter but rather than beat myself up about it I concentrated on what I could plan to enter.

I took a tip from a friend of mine and used music to evoke inspiration and emotion.  Eventually this lead to me singing so loudly that Carl discreetly closed the dining room door.  Writing I am confident about, Britain's Got Talent, I'm not so sure.

Cannot wait to get stuck in again on Friday morning.

Time to pull my socks up

What a weird few weeks I have had.  There have been a few personal issues which have been dominating most of my time.  I have been feeling very low and lethargic.  I suppose that hasn't been helped  by the fact that I fell last week and smashed my nose.  This resulted in a possible hair-line fracture and me looking like I'd been in the ring with Frank Bruno.  Today my face is back to normal as the swelling has gone altogether but despite any grand plans I may have had I have still managed a big fat zero on the writing front!

As a result of the above I have not been following my usual blogs and have a back-log of emails to answer/attend to.  BUT I know I can't continue on this downward spiral and have made up my mind to pull my socks up.  Worrying and over analysing has got me nowhere and I have wasted so much time and energy whittling over issues I have no control over.

I can promise that my next blog will be full of what progress I have made in my writing.  There is plenty to catch up on as it has all been neglected.  Watch this space and bear with me if I have neglected any of you.

Kick Start

Off to Watford Writers tonight to try and kick start my writing again.  I am sorry to say that I haven't been for a good few weeks now, which probably hasn't helped my situation.  Thanks to Diane for the comments, I did focus on other things and I can feel a small spark of enthusiasm growing.

The Starting Block

Really, I'm not moaning but I am finding it so hard to get back into my writing.  The girls went back to school on Tuesday and I had so much planned for Tuesday and Wednesday.  But, alas that's as far as I got, plans.  I lay awake in bed last night reciting a new story in my head in fact I almost got out of bed and came downstairs to write, but decided against it at 02:21.

I knew I wouldn't get much done today as Thursday is my day in the shop and even that was cut short by unforeseen circumstances.  Even as I write this post to assure that I haven't dropped off the planet and I am still here my mind is imitating a pinball machine.  As I say I am not moaning, as I know there are lots of people with bigger issues to deal with but, if anybody reads this and can offer any advice, please leave me a post.  I so want to be back into routine.

Easter Hen?...

In our house Easter starts on Good Friday, well, the eating of chocolate eggs does.  This morning Cerys asked me a question.  Sometimes, at the big age of 9, what she wants to know isn't always age appropriate or takes me some time to think of an answer but this question left me dumbfounded. 

She asked "Why is there an Easter Bunny and not an Easter Hen?  Bunnies don't lay eggs so that's wrong.'

I'm not often lost for words as some of you may know, but I really didn't know how to answer her, then I realised I don't know why we have an 'Easter Bunny'.  Up until this morning I'd never questioned the tradition of a Bunny giving out Easter Eggs.  Having said that the strange image of a waddling hen with a basket of chocolate eggs does raise a smile.  So, how has this story/tradition come about?  If anybody has any theories or indeed knows the answer perhaps you would be so good as to let me know.  It's driving me slightly bonkers not being able to answer one of the most simple questions she has ever asked me.

Come What May

What a long time it feels since I have posted on here.  Time just seems to have run away with me.  But, I have promised myself a mostly writing day tomorrow.  I say mostly because as I am sure most of you will know that the children are on school holidays for Easter.  As I took Cerys swimming today I have a great bribe to buy myself a few hours to get down to work tomorrow.  Here's hoping...

Watford Writer's

It was manuscript night on Monday so I took along the piece I had written about not going to Australia.  I'm really glad that I did.  I got excellent feedback from my fellow scribblers, suggestions about changing from the first person to the third, dialogue, tension basically bringing the piece alive for the reader.  It was so good to have all that feedback mostly because it showed that people had listened and could be bothered to make suggestions.  Watford Writer's, I love you.

I have got over my rush of emotion and self-pity about Australia now, I just needed a few says to absorb it.  All in all everyone seems relieved so it was the right decision to make.  A hard choice but the right choice.

Hooroo Oz

Some of you may know that Carl and I (and the kids) were planning to move to Australia in a year or two.  Australia has always been my dream and it really looked as though it might happen.  But there it is 'My Dream'.  It has transpired that other than the tearful goodbye's we would have faced I have realised that Lisa, is still dreadfully unhappy about it.  I had a terrible image of us at the airport and her becoming distraught and saying she couldn't go.  My son, eighteen who lives with his girlfriend wouldn't commit either way which spoke volumes in itself.  I knew deep down that he wouldn't be coming with us.

Carl?  Well bless him, he tried very hard to fall in love with the idea but the closeness of his relationship with his parents presented many hurdles.  Some of which he didn't want to attempt to jump.  Not that I blame him.  This time last year I wasn't close to my mum at all but since she had her fall in January we have become a lot closer.  When I'm there at the weekends I see her get so upset when it's time for me to leave it upsets me too.  She isn't getting any younger, she's in her late seventies.  What will happen if she becomes ill or falls again?  I won't be much good on the other side of the world will I.  So it's a 'no' I'm afraid.  After much soul searching, tears, doubts and realisations, it a definite 'no'.  I wanted to share this news with you because it hurts and it feels good to unburden to somebody who isn't directly involved.  I appreciate this post might be disjointed but I have allowed my emotion to take control on this post.

Rejection

I used to get terribly upset by rejection letters, in fact at one time I would hide them so Carl wouldn't see them and perhaps ask what they were.  These days however it is a different story.  Thanks to Swanwick Summer Writing School and the good writer friends over the past year I have made, I now realise that rejections are a necessary part of becoming a writer.  A "no thank you" means that you have had the courage to send your work out into the world for other people to read and rejection is just an element of that.  I have read about successful writers you have papered their walls/notice boards with rejection slips.  How gutsy to keep sending writing to publishers, not to give up and to keep believing - that is the kind of courage I would like to have. 

Today's rejection was from The Weekly News and was accompanied by some very kind and encouraging comments and I will try them again at some stage.  So instead of shedding hot tears of embarrassment alone in the bathroom I feel upbeat and I am ready to dust myself off to try again.

A quick update...

My writing files are all safe!!  Just as I knew he would Carl saved the day and found/restored them all for me, yay Carl.

On Friday when I was out in the garden I think I over done it a bit.  It's been such a long winter and so long since I was able to get out there and have a good tidy up I think I went at it like a bull in a china shop.  Result?  Torn rota cuff muscles (shoulder) which is very painful. 

On the good side I had a wonderful Mother's Day with cards and presents from all the children and a flying visit from my son Scott, who doesn't live with us.  At the grand old age of 18 he lives with his girlfriend not wanting to relocate with us when we moved to Hertfordshire.  Short visit or not it was great to have all the kids together again, even if they were noisy. 

For Friday

A bit of a desperate day really.  I sat down ready to start transferring my latest story onto the laptop (without editing as I went along).  Could I find my writing files?  I could not.  After half an hour of poking around and getting nowhere I gave up.  I couldn't decide whether to sit and cry or just scream.  What I decided to do in the end was to go and do something useful in the garden.  Although it was a bit nippy and windy it was also dry.  An hour later I had mowed the lawns, tidied my pots and trimmed my rosemary and lavender bushes.  The trimming was good fun as I had borrowed my dad-in-law's hedgetrimmer, up until then I'd never used one.  It did give me an idea for a short story actually.  So the garden looks much neater and as the compost in my pots have been replenished I can think about what I will plant in them this year.

I know my writing isn't lost but I just cannot find any files at all.  When Carl comes home from work I'm sure he will know just where to look - well, here's hoping.

Something new

My new laptop is ready.  I have amused myself for an hour or so playing around with it.  It is much quicker than the last one and has a few more functions.  Bless Carl for all his hard work, he is such a cup-cake.

Today's writing was still focused on the 'emotional' story I started on yesterday.  I added a few more pages (roughly written) but have not begun to transfer them onto my laptop as yet.  It doesn't matter how many times I tell myself I won't change anything as I type it up, I always end up editing something.  Not such a bad thing I suppose but it would be far quicker for me just to copy type it instead of playing with it as I go.  It takes me a lot longer then I get cross with myself because that playing has cost me writing time.  Mad?  I know.

I am in the shop tomorrow so my writing time will be limited but I do so love my time in the shop (for those of you who are new to my blog I work in a local charity shop on a Thursday).  It is a vibrant little shop and an Aladdin's Cave stuffed with treasures waiting to be discovered.

Things only a friend will tell you...

The day started with a phone call from my Guru, who is also a trusted friend of mine.  I wasn't expecting the call so it was a lovely surprise.  Somewhere in the conversation we found ourselves talking about emotion when it suddenly hit me like a sledge-hammer that emotion was the element that my writing had been missing these last few weeks, to which my Guru agreed.  Looking back it is so obvious but I suppose when you are so close to your own work you sometimes can't see the wood through the trees.

We all have experiences in our lives that involve emotion, whether happy or sad and to draw on those experiences is a valuable asset.  I had lost sight of that fact and couldn't see that I was mostly writing for the sake of writing without actually having anything to say.  However, all is not wasted, the wishy-washy writing of the last few weeks can be archived and re-invented at a later date.  I reviewed my Mslexia competition entry and decided that it wasn't what I wanted my writing to reflect, so back to the drawing board with that one.  The closing date is next week so hopefully I will have re-built it in time to enter it as planned.

After the phone call I discarded what I was originally going to do in favour of scribbling down an emotional account of my relationship, old and new, with my mum.  Before I knew it I had written five sides of A4 paper which I have put aside to review tomorrow and type up onto my new laptop which my wonderful hubby Carl has got for me.  This one is sadly nearing the end of it's life and needs to be plugged in all the time as it has no battery function at all.

All in all a very productive day for me.  A big thank you to my Guru for her as ever sound and honest advice and to Carl for always ensuring I have something to type on and to keep all my writing safe.

La Weekend...

I was up at Mum's this weekend as it was my turn.  I am glad to say she is a lot more mobile which has cheered her up no end.  We have become so close over the recent weeks, I really feel for the first time in thirty years or more that I actually know my mum.  In the past I have had many substitute mothers and as warm and lovely as they all were, they were not 'my mum'.  We have had many frank heart to heart talks about things in the past and I really feel we have found a new understanding and respect for each other.  I suppose that goes to show that it is indeed never too late to start over.

I took her shopping on Saturday and we had a good laugh trying to collapse then re-assemble her wheelchair in order to get it in and out of the car, it must have taken me a good ten minutes each time.  It was good to see her so cheery and let's be honest if you cannot laugh at these situations then life will be very dull.

A slight disappointment was my sister, who is getting married in September has decided that she wants a very small wedding.  Nothing wrong with that I hear you say and of course you are right.  But so small is the wedding going to be that neither myself or my other sister are invited to share the happy event.  I understand that it is her day and respect the fact that she should have everything how she wants it, not a problem with that at all.  But I would have loved to have been there, to be part of it all, but alas it is not to be.

Busy Bee

A warm welcome and 'hello' to my new followers. I hope you like my blog and will become regular visitors.

Carl is still not well so both school runs were my responsibility today BUT I did manage a cup of tea in between.  The shop was very busy today and we sold a lot of clothes as well as some vintage pictures.  I love the shop when it's busy.  It's a friendly little shop and thankfully 99% of our customers treat the shop and us with respect, it is just the odd customer who creates bad feeling but thankfully that doesn't happen too often.  We are in the midst of taking the thicker winter clothes off the rails and replacing them with funky brightly coloured spring items.  It's a lot of humping around but seeing the shop light, bright and splashed with colour is well worth it.

I had to take Lisa to the doctors after school and he confirmed that she has a chest infection and I didn't miss the smile on her face when he told her not to go to school tomorrow.  Cerys has started coughing and I'm hoping that it doesn't develop into anything else.

As I said yesterday, no writing done today but that didn't stop that little inner voice nagging me, telling me that I have not produced enough this week and reminded me of the looming closing dates of the competitions I want to enter.  I will have my work cut out next week, but 'bring it on.'

Sunshine Award

This morning when I logged on to my laptop I was touched to see that a writer friend of mine, Diane Fordham from Australia, had sent me a 'Sunshine Award'.  That kind and thoughtful gesture made my day, in fact for most of the day I had a huge smile on my face.  Thank you Diane.

I had a very strange day today.  I didn't do any writing at all.  Carl is not very well so I did both school runs (one driving, one walking).  By the time I got home I was cold and desperate for a cup of tea.  For some reason I just didn't feel like doing any writing, research, reading or indeed, surfing.  I decided on sewing.  I have a plain grey long sleeved t-shirt which has been hanging around, unworn since before Christmas.  So today I decided I would get on and do something with it, by the way of embellishing.  I attached a denim heart and sewed lilac crystal buttons and silver studs on the heart to give it a bit of vaa vroom !  Next I slit the sleeves and intend to stencil small purple flowers each side of the split to emphasis it.  The point is instead of having a boring plain t-shirt I will have a wonderful unique piece that I will be proud to wear.  Well, that's the theory.  Tomorrow I am in the shop so any writing will have to wait until Friday.

That Annoying Little Voice

It seems like an age since I was last able to post, but here I am, back once more.  I have been working on my entry for the Mslexia competition (amongst other things) but I keep being interrupted by a first line of a completely different story.  The story I outlined as my entry to the Swanwick competition.  A few weeks back  I was struggling for inspiration and some get-up-and-go now I am fighting it off.  Well, why not work on the story which keeps interrupting your thoughts I hear you ask?  The closing date for the Mslexia competition is the end of March whereas the Swanwick competition closes at the end of April.  Unlike some writers I find it difficult to work well on two pieces of writing at a time so if anyone knows of a strategy to quieten my inner voice please let me know.

Another thing I have in the pipeline is my lesson from my guru which I haven't been able to give any attention to as yet. I really need to get my head down and complete it as I don't want my guru to think I am not taking thing seriously.  I am grateful for all her instruction and patience and of course, her continued support.

Less is More

They say that don't they?  Less is more. This was certainly the case for me today.  I started work on my entry for the Mslexia Short Story Competition.  Of late I have lapsed into the very bad habit of looking at a blank laptop screen hoping for inspiration.  But today I remembered a conversation with a lovely lady I met in Swanwick last summer.  She suggested I scribble down a framework of a story in my notepad before even attempting to type it up.  I had begun to do this after our conversation but after Christmas, without realising it, I lapsed into staring into a blank space waiting for that Eureka moment.  How very different it was this morning, I got so carried away I had written, well, scrawled, four pages of A4 before I realised it.  Now as most of us will admit, the final result will no doubt be very different from the finished article but what a great start.  It felt so good to be scribbling away and actually getting words on the paper without being distracted by those wiggly red lines the laptop applies to my writing (when it thinks I have erred) without being asked.

I am out for a coffee morning tomorrow, complete with home-made chocolate cake and as I am so pleased with todays results I have promised myself I will not feel guilty taking a few hours off.

Watford's Got Talent

Tonight the winner was announced of the 'Writers Block' competition (an annual competition) at Watford Writers.  The competition was judged externally and the judges shared their critiques of the stories they read before announcing the final three.  They had obviously put a great deal into the judging and their critiques and comments were worth their weight in gold.  It made such a difference to hear a judge talk about a story that they had obviously read more than once and to highlight the best bits.  There was much chat and speculation amongst the wine, cheese, crisps and nibbles about what the top three would be. 

When the top three were announced it was very difficult to find fault with any of them.  Two of them were not my cup of tea but they were so beautifully written they deserved to be on the podium.  I should point out that the theme for the competition was Ghosts/Supernatural and all the entries were spine tingling or hair raising - what a talented group Watford Writers are!

It is the first time I have attended WW for a month and I wa so glad to be back.  Even as I walked through the door I could feel the excitement return and my imagination began to tick over.  Back in business?  I do hope so, no, I know so.

Preparation is the Key

Well, no actual new writing done today but, a lot of sorting, filing and preparation to give it my best shot next week.  I have been moving files around so that the bits of writing which are not working for me are not under my nose.  I have put a note in my diary to review them again next month.  From now until the second week in March I will be working on my Mslexia Short Story Competition entry, which of course I should have been working on all this week but hey-ho.  I do that you know.  I know a deadline is coming around and despite my best intentions always find myself with my back against the wall a week before the cut-off date.  You'd think I would have learnt by now wouldn't you.

On a brighter note there will be a wedding in the family sometime in September.  My oldest sister proposed to her partner of Valentines Day (a leap year tradition) of course he said yes, so I am already planning what I should wear.  It should be a wonderful day as they are a great couple and tying the knot is just the icing on the cake.  Surely, there has to be a story there.

Getting Back On Track

Sorry for the lack of posts this week but to be honest I have only just managed to keep my head above water.  It has been an awful week if I'm honest.  I have been feeling really blue, almost depressed.  There has been so much going on what with my Mum, the kids and Carl being really busy at work, it's been a nightmare.  I have been so tired and unable to concentrate, which has wound me up, the result being no writing at all done this week.  I have tormented myself over rejections and pieces of work that I just cannot shape the way I want them.  I was on the verge of giving up, throwing in the towel and accepting that I would never be a writer.  Happily for me, I have a writer friend, who despite her own issues, always has time for me and talks a lot of sense.  After an encouraging email from her and a few more hours of feeling sorry for myself I decided there was no way I was going to give up.

So, tomorrow is another day, a fresh day and a fresh start.  Those pieces of work which will not bend to my will I will put aside for a while.  No writing is ever a waste and I'm sure maybe even snippets of old work will come in handy one day.  I have an idea for the Mslexia Short Story Competition (another one) which I feel happy with.  It will give me something to sink my teeth into and stop me mooching around. 

I promise I will post tomorrow and let you know how much progress I have made with the story.

Monday, Monday...

Not a very productive day I'm afraid.  I have had a lot of ideas for competitions entries and new short stories but haven't actually produced anything.

I spent the weekend with my Mum again and she is much better I'm pleased to say.  She has to keep the traction brace on her leg for a further month but her mobility is much better.

The kids are back at school tomorrow so after a speedy clean up operation I plan to get very busy with my pen and pad.  Here's hoping that all goes to plan.

A Wealth of Ideas

Sometimes you read about writer's who sit and stare at a blank screen or sheet of paper until inspiration strikes.  I think doing that would drive me quite mad.  I was having a conversation with my manager today and she was telling me that when she was a child her parents had owned a motorbike and side-car.  These days a large percentage of the population have a car (or two) and wouldn't know a side-car if they fell over one.  She went on to tell me that when they went out as a family her mum, sister, herself and her brother all sat in the side-car together.  Can you imagine that?!  Well, of course we howled with laughter about it and do you know, there is many a story to be grown from an offhand comment. 

Of course I promised her I wouldn't tell a soul about the bunny rabbit hats she and her brother had to wear !  So next time you find yourself lacking in creativity or inspiration cast your mind back to any recent conversation you may have had or even overheard.  It's all there just waiting to be turned into a wonderful read.

A Woman's Work...

Today I spent all morning cleaning and tidying the house, with the girls on half term the mess soon builds up.  I had planned to sit down and get some writing done this afternoon but changed my mind.  Cerys wanted to see a friend so we arranged to go there after lunch.  Actually it was the right thing to do.  Chatting with my friend and cooing over her 8 week old son really lifted my spirits.  Cerys played with her little friend and by the end of the afternoon was suitably tired but happy.

I am in the shop tomorrow so I doubt I will get any writing done then either.  But looking on the bright side by the time Monday arrives I will have plenty to do.  I really need to get on with my Mslexia competition entry and other bits and bobs.

The Day of Love and Romance

I know lots of people think that Valentines Day is too commercial these days but I  love it.  I woke up this morning to a special breakfast and a dozen long stemmed red roses.  Carl is a romantic man  throughout the year and is wonderful and planning special times.  That suits me very well because I am, although I don't often admit to it, a hopeless romantic.  I like a hero, a knight in shining armour and in fact Carl did actually rescue me but not from an ivory tower.

Now having just told you all that why is it that I am unable to write romance?  It's not for the want of trying but my attempts at it are, well lets just say, not how I would want them to be.  Another present for today was Carl writing three post dated cheques so that I can attend the Swanwick Writers' School again this year, which for me is wonderful.  Last year I had a fantastic time, made some great friends including a certain lady who has become a close and trusted friend.  As well as the social side the workshops and courses were fantastic and are just as interesting and thought provoking as last summer.  If you are a writer and have not heard of The Swanwick Writers' Summer School, research it and perhaps give it a go I can guarantee you will love it.

I'm off now to get myself ready for our romantic evening which includes steak, wine a very romantiv DVD and I think I'll leave it there.

Back Home...

I am very sorry, I forgot to tell you all that I was going up to my Mum's at the weekend to look after her as my sister had been there all week.  Having dithered about because of a new snowfall on Friday I eventually left at about 3 o'clock so I arrived at Mum's about 4 (ish).

In spite of Mum's mobility issues since her accident 3 weeks ago, we had a really good time.  I must admit it is the most awful thing in the world to see your own Mum in pain.  But she was in good spirits and we did have a few heart to hearts which was nice, we also had a few vodka's and many, many laughs.  My Mum has always loved films so I took a few films down for her to watch, while I was there I watched one of her films called 'Misery'.  I know the film is pretty old now but it's lost no potency, I was on the edge of my seat and had to cover my eyes in places.  She has asked me to take a few more films down for next weekend, which I will, and I will also take a couple of books for her too.

For me, it was like a healing weekend.  There have been times in my life when I have not liked my Mum very much, although I have always loved her and this weekend I felt her love for me.  Her response to our family possibly heading off for a new start in Australia was very positive, minus the odd tear from us both.  But it was good to know that she understood why we were thinking of making the move and was pleased for us.  As I knew she would she told me she would probably be our first 'over seas' visitor.

Wishful Thinking

Oooh another cold and slippy school run this morning so much so I couldn't wait to get back indoors again.  I checked the Peter Barry blog but they have not announced the winner yet.  As I have read all the short listed stories I am interested to see how they are placed.  It's slightly torturous and curiosity killed the cat and all that, but I want to see regardless.

I worked on my re-invented short story this morning and I am reasonably pleased with the results so far.  I know it needs a lot more work but Rome wasn't built in a day.  As it is slightly different from my usual scribblings I will need to research my market very carefully to give myself the best chance of having it accepted for publication.  There is also the Mslexia Short Story Competition coming up and I have an outline for a story for that too, I just need to do a bit more research for that to make sure I have my facts correct.  Errors can ruin a piece of writing and dull the experience for the reader and make them feel cheated.  So tomorrow it's head down, research (from a book not the net) stop thinking too much and start writing. 

Cosy indoors

After this mornings school run I made myself (and Carl) a nice cup of tea.  I set up my laptop and thanked my lucky stars I was nice and warm indoors and not out in the ice and snow.  After a slow start with the writing I had one of those moments.  You know when somebody passes an innocent remark and for you there's a whole short story forming in your brain.  It was brilliant and the best part was I already had the framework.  Stored away in a folder was a short story I wrote over ten years ago (which I thought was fab at the time).  So I dug it out. typed it onto my laptop and went to work on it - re-writing, editing and changing character names.  Now it resembles an up to date story rather than an old relic.  I am quite enthusiastic about the end result and hope it will be suitable for submission to a magazine.  I am determined to chase my self pity and blues away.

Ho, Hum

All of the stories which were shortlisted are now on the Peter Barry blog, sadly mine is not amongst them and I have not been placed.  I was upset for 10 minutes or so then gave myself a mental shake.  It is no good, however normal or easy, to allow myself to wallow in self-pity.  As I mentioned yesterday I will read my story through again to assess what magazine I think it would suit.

I need to get something out into the world as all I am waiting on now is a 100 pen portrait for Mslexia magazine.  Oh, I tell a lie.  I sent a short story to the Weekly News in October, I have heard nothing so perhaps I should contact them to see if any decision has been made.  I will leave that to Monday as sending out a query mail late on a Friday afternoon doesn't look good.

On a more positive note I have amended the story I am working on with my Guru.  I am hoping that the changes I have made are taking me in the right direction.  I will not give up, I know it will happen for me I just need to believe in myself and keep going.  When one door closes another one opens.

Busy, Cold but Happy

It was back in the shop today and despite the cold conditions we were quite busy.  We had a record day for donations and the tea was plentiful.  As predicted a day in the shop did me the world of good and made me realise that my troubles from yesterday were really not that bad.

I checked the Peter Barry Blog today and there are now 10 shortlisted stories there, if mine is not there tomorrow then I need to accept I have not been placed.  If that is the case, I promise to pick myself up put it down to experience and maybe even submit the story to a magazine. 

After this afternoon's school run I was looking forward to a quiet and cosy night in, that was until Lisa arrived home.  She reminded me that it was her Six Form Open Evening and would I go with her, of course I said yes and mentally waved bye-bye to my cosy night.  Having said that the subjects that the kids are offered these days are so different from my time in school.  Apart from the usual Maths,Science, English Lit and History they also have the chance to study Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy and even Travel & Tourism.  Such wonderful choices makes me wish I had my time over again.

Is the grass always greener?

Not such a brilliant day today as I have been feeling very sorry for myself.  I have checked the Peter Barry blog (I entered their short story competition) and they have now uploaded 8 of the shortlisted works but mine is still not there.  Not that I expect bells and whistles or even think mine must have been the best story.  I suppose I was too exited and had convinced myself that I would at least be shortlisted.  There are 4 more stories to be revealed yet so I suppose it's not over till the fat lady sings.

There are a few other things which haven't gone my way today and I would love to tell you about them but I am unable to at the moment, perhaps in a week or two.  Thankfully I am blessed with a good friend who lets me rant without judgement - a rare friend indeed.

Tomorrow I am in the shop and that never fails to lift my mood so hopefully then I will stop feeling so hard done by and actually manage to crack a smile AND after my shift get some writing done.  Wish me luck guys.

Rejection and being 16

Before last summer when I went to Swanwick Writer's Summer School I used to get really upset over rejections.  Sometimes I used to hide them, be embarrassed by them and on occasions lie and say I hadn't heard yet.  But you live and learn - that what people say isn't it.  In some ways it's a bit of a relief to have the story back.  At least I know where it is and to be honest it was a long shot that it would be published.  But, on the positive side, it is now mine again and I can re-write, edit and submit elsewhere - so all is not lost.

Peter Barry have now loaded six shortlisted stories onto their blog and alas mine is no there but then there are six more to be posted so fingers still tightly crossed.

My daughter Lisa, is 16 today and for most of the day I have been wondering where the years have gone, am I really that old?  No, she is a lovely girl and I couldn't want for a better daughter, she makes me very proud.  So on with the celebrations then...

Mojo's and Muses

More good news.  This afternoon I managed to do some meaningful writing, probably the most useful this week!  I also managed to catch up some much neglected correspondence and outstanding homework from my Guru.  I am feeling so positive at the moment after a very non-productive few days.  I also have a good idea for the story I want to enter for the Mslexia Short Story Competition and plan to start putting that together on Monday.

The Peter Barry Estate Agents Short Story Competition are loading up 2 shortlisted works entered into the competition a day.  So I guess my fingers will be well and truly crossed hoping to see my own entry there.  I have read a few already and there are some great stories there..

Where have I been? I have been to London to see the Queen...

Well no actually, not the real Queen but to visit my Mum after her fall.  Excuse me for repeating myself but it transpired that due to the fall, the metal plate which was already in her wrist was now bent.  They are doing some wonderful trickery to put that right without surgery.  Her knee, which is fractured just below the joint will also, hopefully, be put right with jiggery pokery.  Due to her age they are reluctant to operate on anything unless it becomes absolutely necessary.

I spent the day with my sister (non fish sister) before we went to visit Mum in the hospital.  I was dreading it, but considering what she had endured, she looked very well.  She is desperate to come though.  She has a walking frame and she is able (kind of) to drag herself up and down the ward but it is a slow process.  We borrowed a wheelchair and took her downstairs for a nice black coffee which she had missed so much.  We had a short meeting with the Occupational Therapist about Mum's care when she comes home.  Mum was so relieved to know that she would be coming home my battered old heart went out to her.  To cut a long story short my sister will move in with Mum (fortunately half a mile up the road) during the week and I will take over at the weekends as much as I can.  This should go on for about 6 weeks.  My aunt and uncle are close by too and are eager to help out as much as they can.

We have a long way to go but on overall the future is bright.  Now all we need to do is to get my older sister to help out (also half a mile up the road but in the opposite direction) - she is very reluctant but if this is to work we must all pull together.  here's hoping.

Not a good one

I have done absolutely nothing useful on the writing front today.  I tried but just couldn't concentrate.  Maybe I've lost my mojo.  My two 300 flash fiction pieces for Watford Writers were not placed.  They were not the pieces there but they neither were they the worst so I was a bit miffed to discover that somebody had awarded me just 2 marks (all work is marked out of 10).  A bit mean if you ask me.

An update on my Mum, she has fractured her knee as well as dislocating her wrist and has been admitted to hospital.  They consultant is not yet sure whether they will operate or not.  I will try to get down to see her as soon as I can.

I hope to have a more positive day tomorrow and maybe even regain my mojo.

Monday - I've had better days...

The day started off ok, alright I was knee deep in housework and hiding things in the loft but that I could handle.  My sister phoned me late afternoon to let me know that our Mum was in hospital.  She'd had a fall and dislocated her wrist.  Also there was a problem with her knee but due to the swelling they were unable to ascertain exactly what was wrong.  Que me ringing our older sister to let her know.  Said older sister was a bit miffed that Mum had promised to feed her fish while she was on holiday now what would she do as that was a bit of an issue.  Now let's talk geography, Older sister (with the fish) lives 2 miles from our Mum.  When I mentioned that could she help my other sister with Mum's care her answer was that we should contact social services.  How nice !!  Now  sister that is caring for our Mum at the moment has her own health issues as well as suffering with fractured ribs after a car accident last week.  I live roughly 40 miles from my family and I'm happy to help out as much as I possibly can but due to still having a primary school child (and only sometimes having access to the car) the time I can give is sadly limited.  When did people become so selfish?  What makes it worse is that my oldest sister (with the fish) was 'The Golden One' for many years leaving my other sister who has always, (even as a child) has a heart of gold out in the cold, so to speak.  I think I should add here that my Mum is in her late 70s and widowed.  I cannot believe that she is being so incredibly selfish.  Or am I being unfair?

Fab Friday

What a great day I have had.  I finished my 300 word flash fiction for Watford Writers (theme is 'Games') on Monday and think it's quite good, even if I do say so myself.  I felt so good having completed it I did another one.  I thought I would try my hand at comedy which is something I have not done before.  I enjoyed it and even read it back to myself, something I often neglect to do (don't let on to my Guru).


After a quick coffee I was rearing to go again.  Obviously I had one too many Weetabix this morning !  Anyway, I trawled through the net looking for a fiction competition to enter.  I found quite an interesting one involving writing a 2,500 words story around a choice of photographs.  So, I thought I might try my hand at something different once again.

I'm looking forward to a quiet weekend and spending time with the family.

Thursday Already

In the shop today.  One of out ladies is on holiday in America for 3 months so we are a body down on a Thursday morning.  We are able to keep up, but only just.  I will be pleased when she is back, she makes a good cup of tea !

My daughter Cerys, passed an audition at school to be able to sing in The Royal Albert Hall in May.  Last night she was bouncing off the walls with excitement and of course I am a very, very proud Mum.  Lisa has also passed another exam which makes me a very, very, very proud Mum indeed.

The writing has been going well and I am pleased with the results so far.  Practise makes perfect so they say.  All being well I should have the whole day tomorrow as I have now caught up with my housework.  I am going to start work on a story I have an outline for ready for the Mslexia Short Story Competition.

Energetic. Let's hope it lasts

I couldn't update this blog last night because there was a problem with the local Virgin Media.  Thankfully this morning it seems to have resolved itself.

Feeling really positive today and I have really enjoyed my writing.  The story I sent to my Guru I have put to one side until I receive feedback.  I am interested to know how she thinks I have improved it, or not but hopefully that won't be the case.  I didn't make it to Watford Writers after all on Monday evening due to unforeseen upset children.  Although all is resolved now.  I did receive an update email from WW outlining the programme for the next four weeks.  A 300 word flash fiction competition on the theme ''Games'' has been set and all stories need to be handed in next Monday. 

I still have two stories which I sent out to two different magazines and a pen portrait sent to Mslexia which I am waiting for a decision on (they were sent tail end of last year).  I am expecting both the stories to be rejected bearing in mind what I have learnt over the past few weeks.  The pen portrait I am more hopeful about.  It's just a case of wait and see, so watch this space.

Seeing things in a new light

Having received a wealth of feedback on my current short story I set to work.  There was masses of editing and rewrites to do but actually I couldn't wait to get started.  My professional tutor really knows what she is talking about and how to put it across in a way which avoids any upset.  The best part of three hours I spent re-jigging, fiddling and , I have to admit to groaning too until I was pleased with the result.  Don't get me wrong, the story is still not the finished article but reads a lot better.  I'll just wait and see what my Guru thinks of the changes I have made.  I have also completed the first lesson she sent me which seemed easy enough but was tougher than I thought it would be.  As I said before if you are ever in a position to seek professional tuition, do it.

On a personal note my cat Ryker is not a happy cat at all.  He had a scratch on his leg which wasn't healing at all so he had a visit to the vet.  Now he is sulking because he has to wear a buster collar (lampshade) to stop him from licking it.  I'm just glad he can't talk. I dread to think what his language would be like.

It's Watford Writers tonight, manuscript night again but we will also be discussing the programme for the next few months.  We often have speakers, workshops and competitions so all that needs to be scheduled in.  I am hoping to persuade my good friend Linda to perhaps give us a talk or even a workshop sometime.  If I ask her very nicely she might agree.

Best laid plans...

Today I was hoping to dedicate the whole morning to writing and organising the competitions I want to enter into date order.  I find it easier to organise my workload if it is organised.  Just after 10 o'clock I received a phone call from Lisa's school.  She was very unwell and could I come and collect her.  Thankfully Carl was at home so I was able to take the car to get her.  Once she was home I popped her into bed and got my work out again.  About half an hour later she called for me (aww bless) so I put my writing away and adopted my Florence Nightingale role, but without the lamp. 

I have been fortunate enough to be able to have some professional tuition and today I received feedback on a story I have been working on and my first lesson.  I can't wait to get started now.  I am finally learning to take feedback on my work rather than taking it personally.  A wise lady once told me that feedback, good or bad, is a valuable tool in the world of writing.

Sock it...

Socks.  Quite innocent items, easy to wash, often necessary to keep your feet warm and very inoffensive.  So why are my socks behaving so badly?  Yesterday when I was out walking I could feel my sock (ankle socks) slipping down under my heel.  When I got home and took off my boots sure enough my sock had made it's way to the sole of my foot.  I couldn't understand why this had happened.  Also the back of my ankle was rather sore having been rubbing on the back of my boot.  Obviously I examined the sock and could see no difference whatsoever compared to the other one. 

Then today, whilst I was working in the shop my foot (the same one as before) began to feel uncomfortable again.  I sat down and took my boot off to see what had happened this time.  This time my sock had twisted itself around so that the heel was sitting on top of my foot !  Before you ask, yes it was a different pair of socks, the same foot and the same boots.  Now, I have been wearing these boots since last Winter and had no problems last year.  The socks?  Just normal socks and purchased from different shops, not too old and not brand new.  So why is this happening?  My foot looks the same as it always has and there isn't anything amiss with my boot, inside or out.

Tomorrow, I am going to wear my new boots Hubby bought me for Christmas to see if anything weird happens.  Watch this space !!

A full nights sleep...please

It's getting to the point where I cannot remember the last time I slept through the night.  What with feeling unwell, kids having bad dreams and the cats, I am starting to flag.  Last night I was up and down about three times, in the end I almost gave up on sleep in favour of the ironing pile.  Ironing isn't my favourite pass time so I opted to try for a bit more sleep.

It is Hubby's birthday today and he treated us all to a Chinese for tea which went down well with everybody.  I am sworn to secrecy on his age, but I will tell you it starts with a 3 !

I am pleased with my finalised 100 word flash fiction piece and I am thinking of expanding into a short story.  I think it has potential and very romantic, usually I don't do romance but there is something there screaming to be played with.

Puss in Boots pt 2 (Please see pt 1)

My laptop seems to have a mind of it's own today and has not published my full post.  I was saying about the 100 words flash fiction piece inspired by a song/video in You Tube, it's harder than it sounds, in this case a 100 words is not a lot.  I have managed it, after a good few attempts and will give it the once over tomorrow before submitting it as it needs to arrive by 11 Jan.  Wish me luck.

Puss in Boots

As some of you may know I own two cats.  Callie is scared of her own shadow and very timid but Ryker is quite the opposite !  He decided to follow me on the school run as he often does but today for some reason he didn't stop and wait by the post box, he came all the way and even ventured into the school playground.  He found a bush to hide in and waited patiently for me to appear.  He quite enjoyed being petted by some of the mum's and walked just behind me all the way home again. He must have canine genes somewhere!

I am gradually getting back into my writing routine but I am getting cross with myself when I haven't allowed myself enough time to really get stuck in.  I am considering making myself an old fashioned 'school-like' timetable but I think about that for a while longer.

I have been working on a flash fiction peice of 100 words inspired by a song of my choice, it is a challenge set by

Tonight is the first Watford Writers meeting of 2012 and I am hoping I will be able to get there.  Carl is in Sussex and is not sure whether he will be back in time or not, fingers crossed.

Not as I planned

I had share the occupancy of the sofa with Cerys today as we were both feeling under the weather.  To be fair she had been coughing most of the night and was complaining her chest was sore.  To be honest I had been in two minds as to whether to venture into the shop or not, but in the end the decision was made for me.

Whilst Cerys was sleeping on the sofa I got stuck into my writing tasks.  I have expanded my new story a little.  It's probably better suited to flash fiction as I don't want to lose the essence of the story.  By padding it out too much I must just do that.  I also researched a few competitions which looked interesting and have jotted the details down.  Time depending I might try my hand at two of them.

I planned to do some reading this afternoon but instead found myself exchanging Z's with Cerys.  I will have to schedule an hour or so tonight to get that done. 

The best thing about today was that I have a new follower (that makes 9), a lovely and very inspiring Australian lady.  It is exciting to see my once lonely solitary writing life getting bigger and being able to converse with other writer.  Which of course includes my very dear friend Linda.

What a day

I up and out of my sick bed after a horrible dose of food poisoning.  Thankfully, Carl looked after me very well so I am feeling better today, just tired is all.

Anyway, before Christmas I composed a short story in my head and by some fluke managed to keep it floating around in there.  Today I typed it up, padded it out a little and am quite pleased with it so far.  It's odd you know, but all of my stories (barr one) have a twist.  I don't set out thinking of a deliberate twist its just the way my brain plans things out.  Its like (well I imagine) creating a joke with the punchline first then adding the start and middle section in order for it to make sense.  Is that the case with any of you?

Also our boiler broke down yesterday and although an engineer came that afternoon he couldn't fix it.  He said he needed to order a couple of parts, which should arrive tomorrow (today) then he would come back and fit them.  Lady Luck must have been looking my way because he returned this afternoon and within half an hour we had heat.

Back to Reality

What a long Christmas break I have had.  For the first time in over ten years Carl (Hubby) has been able to have a good chunk of time away from work over the festive period and it has been great.  However, back to reality for us all tomorrow,  Lisa (daughter no. 1) is back to school, Carl is back to work and Cerys (daughter no. 2) is back at school Wednesday.  I am quite looking forward to picking up the old routine you know regular mothers meetings, a good expanse of time to get in some worthwhile writing and of course that not so loved task of housework.

I have gradually got used to my new phone but it certainly takes a while.  It was a gift from Carl who is keen for me to not get stuck in the past bless him, there are several things I will never change but I will raise to that challenge when I need to.

Three big competitions to get ready for in the next few months so I will have my work cut out so no daytime TV for a while and no Phil & Holly - still, sacrifices need to be made.