'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.
About Me
- Rae Argent
- A fiction writer and mum to three great kids, also lucky enough to be married to the man of my dreams. In spite of that mushy comment I do not write flowery romance - I like a nice helping of real life grit in my work. I have a Diploma in Literature & Creative Writing from The Open University and remain a member of the wonderful Watford Writers, despite moving on several times. I am a big fan of Swanwick Writers Summer School which has taught me a great deal and where I have made many great friends. I have yet to reach the dizzy heights of becoming a published superstar but will continue to send my work out into the world.
Thursday, 25 October 2012
Monday, 22 October 2012
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.
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.
Monday, 15 October 2012
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.
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.
Thursday, 4 October 2012
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.
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.
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