And Breathe

I did it!  NaNoWriMo - I write a complete novel (50,000) in a month.

God it was really hard work but I loved every minute of it.  No really every minute.  It was a great challenge and I am very proud of myself to have risen to it.  I am looking forward to next November to do it all over again.

Of course my novel isn't perfect and will need a lot of work but it's done, imagine that.  Imagine the feeling of achievement for me.  Earlier this year I was on my knees trying to get myself back into writing now just months later I've written a novel.

Sex?  I wrote several sex scenes which I usually find quite difficult to do.  Not only do I blush badly but its the words you use as well.  Obviously if your work is ultimately an erotic fiction your choice of words is more than if your writing romance with a bit of sex in it.  But I was pleased with it on the whole - yes as other parts of the novel does, it will need revisiting and revising but it's actually there, not just in my head.  Yes.  Alright I promise to shut up and NaNoWriMo now.

So, what now?

I'll update you when I know exactly where I am going with the Novel "Different Corner".

NaNoWriMo

Wow - not enjoyed my writing this much in a good long while.  For those of you who have never heard of NaNo, I will give you a brief summary of what it is.  Basically you write a novel in a month - yes a month!  Roughly 2000 words a day will take you up to around 50,000 words by the end of November.  Impossible?  No.  The key is to just write (or type in my case) no editing just go with the flow.  Its great fun.  I'm up to just over 6,500 words and I am loving it. 

Ok so eventually I will have one massive tasks editing a whole novel but - I would have written it.  Such a brilliant idea.  Over the years I think I may have become a little OTT with editing as I am finding it so very hard not to edit along the way or after I've finished for the day.  As I say I've not has so much fun writing in a long time.

Other than that things on a day to basis are much the same and my health is much improved.  I apologise, once again, for not blogging in so long but I hope you can understand why.

It was nice to sign in today and find a message waiting for me.  Thank you for that it cheered me up and made me feel I really am not alone.

Where Have I Been?

Well not to London to see the Queen that's for sure.

These past few weeks have been a health nightmare and not surprisingly my writing output has been zilch!

It started off with a head-cold.  Yes I know, we all get them and they are yukky, but we cope.  But in the background my Hashimoto's Disease must have been ready to pounce on my system during a weak spot.  For those of you you don't know Hashimoto's is an anti-immune disease a form of under active thyroid.  I won't bother you with the details but I was drained of energy, my body hurt, most days I had a nasty headache basically it just floored me.  The worst part is that I didn't even have the energy to write and due to my brain fog couldn't think clearly anyway.

So, no output for roughly 4 weeks.  That is not good.  A friend of mine suggested jotting down a few small fillers, which, I still have in the back of my mind to do.  But I know that wont be enough for me so I have signed up for NaNoWriMo (?).  I have never done this before and have yet to navigate my way around the website but it will be a well needed kick to get me going again.  I know I made plans, new schedules etc a few months back but obviously, for one reason or another they haven't worked.  NaNoWriMo will be a big boost and get me back to where I want to be.  Writing everyday with a healthy word count at the end of the day.

I know I am not making a speech but there are a few people I would like to mention who have shown patience and kindness over the past few weeks.  Carl, my husband for looking after me, Linda my dear friend who always lifts my spirits and Vikki for all her information on NaNoWri Mo.

As ever, if you forgive me for my long absence, watch this space!

Just Checking In...

Ho-Hum. 

So far my new plans have not been out of the cupboard for more than a few days - as you can tell from my lack of posts. BUT, plans are plans and they are there until I use them or change them.  I have my reasons of course. 

Cerys started Secondary School this week.  It knocked me off my feet a bit.  There she was looking smart and lovely in her blazer and tie (et al) and all I wanted to do was have a little cry.  We bring kids into this world with a view to helping to make responsible and considerate adults out of them.  We want them to grow, be healthy and make their own choices - but sometimes it's painful.  Having raised three children you would think I would be used to this but it suddenly struck me that, this is the first time in sixteen years I haven't had a child in primary school.  It brought me up a bit sharp I can tell you.  All too soon she will be off to college, university etc...

Enough emotion.  I still have a story under construction aimed at TABFF and I am considering entering the NAWG competition as well.  I can't deny the prize money would come in handy especially as last week I filled the car up with unleaded petrol instead of diesel - need I go on.

So don't lose heart, pop in and see me from time to time I may have some good news!  Watch this space.

A Good Week

So what been happening since my last post on Tuesday?

I have been hard at work and even managed to implement some of the small changes I wanted to make to my daily routine too.  I have managed to read for at least an hour every day and have now finished "10 Things I've Learnt About Love" Have you read it?  I really enjoyed it and am so glad reading is now part of my day again.  I didn't realise how much I missed it. What to pick next?

My short story?  Coming along nicely.  I sent it to my Guru (I love her) and she came back with some great feedback which I hope, I have managed to put into my story.  I will let you know what she says next.

I had a surprise this afternoon.  A fellow writer friend of mine asked me to guest blog on her own blog about Swanwick.  After I'd finished leaping around with glee, I agreed.  Details next week if you are interested.

Thank Goodness For Swanwick

It worked!

I have returned from The Swanwick Writers Summer School feeling more positive than I have in a long time.  I have already dashed off one new short story.  If you have never been to Swanwick I highly recommend that you give it a go at some stage, it is just amazing.  My favourite evenings speaker this year was the wonderfully talented James Moran.  Scriptwriter for Spooks, Primeval, Dr Who, Torchwood and countless others.  Not only is he talented he is actually very funny although in person, a little shy. 

Anyway back to me.  As well as meeting up again with old friends I also established new friendships.  Swanwick friendships are special, they are not subject to the usual pressures as most of the time we only see each other once a year.  The Internet is a fantastic tool for staying in touch.

As already mentioned I have already dashed off one story.  Dash means its written but needs a little more work, but the foundations are there.  I took lots of advice from other writers which if I put into practise should stand me in good stead for future work.

The projects I was fiddling with before I have shelved in favour of new thinking and new ideas.  I would really like to say special thanks for their friendship at Swanwick (no surnames) Linda, Vikki, Jayne, Beryl, Tiggy, Veronica, The Bill twins - thank you.

I am aiming to update my blog at least twice a week, any more will be a bonus.  If you'd like to keep me company I'd be delighted.

Swanwick

Swanwick starts on Saturday.  I am hoping that it will work its magic and have me bursting with new ideas and enthusiasm on my return.  Wish me luck.

Well It's Monday

...and guess what?  Not a bit of writing done.

I had a sick little jelly bean home from school today and the ironing basket was screaming for my attention.  I have lots of new ideas and many new hopes if I could just make the time to get down to some serious writing.  Of course it's all down to me, I know that so tonight I will have another word with myself, a firm one, and hopefully tomorrow I will have some output.

There are only a few weeks left until Swanwick Summer Writers School and I cannot express just how excited I am.  I heard a whisper that there a few places left so if you want to give it a go - check out the website.

A Bumpy Ride

The past three or four weeks have been a bit of a nightmare on the domestic front which accounts for my lack of blogging.  However, I am pleased to tell you that as from Monday normal service will be resumed.  I can't convey just how much I have missed my writing and blogging.  But it's a double edged sword isn't it, no writing nothing to blog about as I try to keep anything personal away from here.

No news on any competitions or submissions but Monday heralds the start of a new week.

A Little Bit Of Everything

Spent a good few hours writing yesterday, I'd forgotten how could it feels to lose yourself in your writing - ah bliss.  This morning I was looking for jobs and found a gem of one on line and very local to me.  After a mammoth battle with the printer and the router, I eventually managed to get all the info printed (with hubby's help of course).  So the plan for tonight is to complete the standard bits of the application and to work on the more personal parts tomorrow. 

Well of course that wont happen because Wednesday is my day in the shop!  So why didn't I do it this afternoon?  Because I took Lisa to her hospital appointment which lasted over 2 hours!! So  a new plan then?  Write, until I collect Cerys from her friends house, eat dinner, watch my twp favourite TV programs - then off to bed.  You see how time slips away from you.  Of course I could write on through the evening but I would also like to cuddle up with hubby in front of the TV for a while.  The application form will have to wait until tomorrow afternoon, and the writing?  Squeezed into the few hours between the school run and dinner.  There that's tomorrow all sorted!

They Seek Him Here...

Well, what to say?  As some of you may remember I was finding it hard to find the time to sit down and write due to extended family issues.  I don't like to discuss my personal issues on here so all I will say is that things are no longer as fraught as they were.  Time to write then?  Unfortunately not.  Hubby and I have decided that I should go out to work, its only fair.  In September Cerys will be going up to secondary school and although Hubby has doe a wonderful job in supporting us all for many years, I would really like to contribute.

Now, searching for a job is no easy feat - some of the websites are more complicated that those logic puzzles you used to see years ago on "The Krypton Factor" (for those who can remember it).  Why make it so difficult?  Still I'm not one to give up at the first hurdle and have already applied for a few jobs.  Although initially I was scared at losing my writing time on reflection I think it may give me a more structured routine.  Sometimes the more time you have the less you actually do with it, or maybe that's just me.

No news yet on any submissions or competition entries but I live in hope and have a new idea which is in such an early stage of its development, I won't share it with you yet.

I am counting down the days until Swanwick Writers Summer School in August and looking forward to seeing some well loved and familiar faces.  If you fancy it look it up on line, I'm sure there is still time to book yourself a place.

Things Not Going My Way

Everybody has to deal with issues which pop up in their private life and occasionally problems spill over into our working lives.  This is exactly what has been happening to me bat the moment.  My total word output for this week is 2,453 !! Not that great is it.  I am away from my desk tomorrow and next week is half term, doesn't seem that long since Easter.  I am feeling very sorry for myself at the moment and long for a few hours to myself, meaning no interruptions.  Fat Chance !!

I know it cannot be that difficult to find a balance as plenty of other people manage to juggle busier lives than me.  Tips anybody?

Mind Over Matter

Fresh from having the courage to send out a short story to TLFF Australia, I intended to sit down and address any half written stories and sketch out ideas which were demanding my attention.  But that's not what happened.  I caught sight of a competition requesting a memoir based around or in a garden.  And there it was, it formed in my head before I'd even finished reading the rules and reg's.  So far I have a 1,000 words.  For something I have only just discovered it is coming along very nicely and I'm enjoying being able to create imagery, in my opinion colourful imagery.  In the words of the cheeky Della Galton "Don't say green when you can say emerald" - very good advice.

I have a few errands to run this morning but the afternoon is clear - so memoir, here I come.

Button Pressed

I've done it.  I have pressed send - at last.  Now, I cannot believe I have done it and I still feel a little scared.  Time fora  cup of tea to calm myself.

Finger Poised

Some of you may remember I was in the process of sending a couple of stories out to a magazine in Australia.  Well, as we speak my finger is poised over the send button.  What's stopping me?  Fear. 

But fear of what?  I'm no stranger to rejection, so why this feel so different I have no idea.  After the school run this morning I sat down at my desk determined to put in a good few hours on my writing.  I checked the above mentioned stories (time out over the last few weeks has left me dithering) and discarded one, feeling it needed a little more work.  The second one is ready.  Spell checked, revised, edited and polished within an inch of it's life.  I have the email address and the guidelines all I need to do know is press 'SEND' - please wish me luck!!

Elsewhere in my brain ideas are forming for other short stories and are demanding my attention.  Perhaps I will sit down with the good old fashioned pen and paper and just write.

Where For Art Thou?

 It's seems so long since my last blog I hardly know where to start.  Obviously I haven't been around for a bit.  What with bank holidays, SATS, A Levels and extended family issues, I am all over the place.  I cannot remember when I last sat down at my desk and put in a good days work!  How I ever hope to attain publication or any form of success by doing zilch, is beyond me.  But that's just it isn't it?  Life gets in the way of what you really want to do.  Now lets not get carried away.  My life is a very happy one, if not a bit overfull at present.  Things will work themselves out, they always do.  Okay, little whine over.

On a more positive note, my absence from writing has niggled and niggled and I am more convinced than ever that it is what I was born to do.  Not in a boastful way but I've always wanted to write and always have - although my earlier attempts would have you doubled up with laughter.  I keep those hidden away.  I should throw them away really but I always  feel they could be revived at some stage. 

My goal for tomorrow is to sit down at my desk and not get up again until I am happy with my output - wish me luck.

The Bristol Short Story Prize

It's done.  I am just about to send it.  Well, in a minute anyway.

Its my longest story to date.  The limit was 4,000 words and although my story doesn't hit the maximum word count, I feel good about it.  After all 4,000 words is the limit not the target and I cannot see the point in adding words or padding out just for the sake of it.  It wouldn't be my story then.  Its going to be a long wait though - results, well the long list, will be published on the website around mid-July.  At this moment that seems so long to wait.

The story which was rejected from TABFF last week I have tweaked and changed a few things and have decided to send it to That's Life Fast Fiction (Australia).  Along with another short story which I crafted with that magazine in mind.  It's quite scary though.  Sending something to Australia.  Okay I send them via email so that's not the problem I just hope they are accepted.  Its no different to submitting to TABFF, it just feels different somehow.

Once that is done I have my eye on a few minor short story competitions but need to get my skates on as  both the deadlines are mid-May.  I am feeling very positive at the moment and wish there were more hours in the day to write.

Oh, almost forgot to thank my talented proof reader for all her time; thank you Helen.

Crying

Should your own stories make you cry? and is it a good thing or a bad thing?  The story I'm working on at the moment is almost completed.  Ok, it's quite emotional and very sad in places but when I was reading it through this morning I actually had a little cry.  Now either that means it is so bad it doesn't deserve to see the light of day, which I'm sure cannot be the case or I have managed to insert just enough emotion into it without is being gushy, slushy etc.  But seriously, that's never happened to me before.  I mean I know exactly what happens and when so its hardly a surprise for me.  It's actually for a competition so fingers crossed and who knows?

I have moved out of the conservatory because of the heat.  I actually felt quite sick this morning with the sun beating down on my head.  So I am now back in the lounge - nice and shady.  I know I've spent weeks moaning about the damp dark weather but honestly its stifling in the conservatory like working in a small green house - yukk! 

As usual I have several stories on the go, so once this competition entry is done and dusted I really must get on and finish some of those who have been calling me from deep within the desk drawer.

It's Good To Be Back

Wow, that must have been the longest Easter holiday ever!  The kids went back to school/college yesterday and normality has returned, well, almost.

Over the holiday's everybody at sometime or other (in this house) was ill i.e sore throats, colds, sticky eyes.  I had a nasty flare up of tendonitis which inhibited me from getting much work done.  At one stage I was convinced I had broken my wrist, which of course was me just letting my imagination run away with me.  Well, hey I'm a writer - I'm allowed to.

Anyway, so my 4000 word story is behind schedule now so I need to get on with it.  I suppose not being able to type much made my brain work harder and I do have some fresh ideas which should bring my story to life a little more and get rid of any wooliness(?).

The sun is shining despite the showers and I'm ready to get down to it !!

Loving It

My new story mentioned in my last post is coming along better than I expected.  Its a longer story up to 4,000 words and I think this has allowed me to open up and use masses of detail I usually would have omitted.  I have also opted for a far off destination, also something I haven't done before.  Thus I have been up to my eyes in factual research which I have really enjoyed.

It's often easier to stay in your comfort zone for various reasons but to step out of it occasionally can also be exhilarating,  this story is so different for me and honestly, I can picture each detail in my head and feel I know my two main characters very well.  Some of you may say, that should be the case anyway but that depends on how short the story is and what genre you are writing for.  I know some writers refer to 'the rules' but the rebel still living inside me. tells me that rules are there to be bent and broken !!  After all, if nobody had ever challenged them all out literature could have been very dull.  Now that's not to say that out classics are dull after all didn't we have some female rebels then?  I'm sure we did, just think about it.

Again, I suppose it's a matter of choice but for me, paddling away from the safety of my comfort zone feels good and very liberating - wish me luck.

Strange Inspiration

It is often said that a writers inspiration hits them at the most unexpected times.  On a bus, standing in a que or even in the shower.  I will spare you the details but my hubby suggested I enter a competition for which the word count is 4000 words.  I've not written anything that long, well not one long story anyway.  So, I was wracking my brains for an idea, having read an anthology of the previous winners and runners-up I knew I had to come up with something very different from my usual style.  Fed up I slumped on the sofa and put a Primeval DVD on - and there it was!  I would write a 'what happened after' about two characters from the show.  For those of you unfamiliar with Primeval Abby and Connor are both members of a secret government department, over time and many near death experience they confess their love for each other (awwww).  Yes, its quite soppy amongst dinosaurs and scary creatures from the future!!

So I had my idea.  Due to copyright I couldn't use their character names or anything relating to Primeval so more thinking was required.  Now I have an good outline for my story, have changed names, disregarded secret government departments and  dinosaurs - but in my head I see Abby and Connor.  How soppy I am, I admit I do love a bit of romance.  Okay so my initial idea had to be shelved but I still have what I hope will be a great story and if Im honest, a little out of my comfort zone but a change i8s as good as a rest, or so I'm told.

Please forgive any typos my spellcheck function on here is not happy and is refusing to come out and play !!

I've Made Up My Mind

Cerys is much better after her Tonsillitis and has gone back to school today.

So, the story I was debating where to send, either TABFF or the Australian magazine That's Life Fast Fiction.  I have decided, after much deliberation, to submit to TABFF.  I haven't ruled out the Australian market but I need to do a little more research and write a new story tailored specifically for them.  That's not to say it will be full of Australian cliche's (G'day Mate) but there are certain things that have a different name/meaning there.  I want to create a good impression.  I have read comments from magazine editors commenting on writers (not by name) who obviously haven't bothered to research their market.  I am not going to be one of those.

Anyhow, on the back boiler there a three more stories waiting to be shaped, moulded and twisted into shape.  It's not a simple case of choosing one to get on with - the story chooses its time.  In other words it stomps around in my head demanding I spend time with it.

Little Steps

Well, today I have managed an hour and a half of writing, bearing in mind I have a poorly 10 year old at home I don't think that's too bad.  Good news in the post this morning, I have been invited for an interview for one of the jobs I applied for.  Yay - fingers crossed, I've been told it's unlucky to say too much but inside I am jumping up and down.

I am still tinkering with two stories, one is ready to go but I'm not sure where to send it - what I mean in TABFF or That's Life Fast Fiction (Australia).  I already have a story with TABFF awaiting a decision so maybe I should give our Ozzie cousins a try.  Problem is I just cannot make up my mind.

Also, I need to be working on a story for the Swanwick Writers School competition.  The theme is '65 not out' which celebrates the 65th years of the school.  Idea keep popping up but I have been unable to grab one and develop it into a real idea.  Ho-hum.  Tomorrow I am hoping for a longer expanse of time to write maybe then I can pin down and idea for Swanwick AND decide which market I will send my latest story to.

Chickens, Eggs and Counting

Where to begin?  What a messed up week or so I've had since my last post here.  It's like the world has gone bonkers and it wants to include me in every aspect.  Well, it can push off because I have my own agenda!!

The only typing I have done since last week is job applications and CV's - you know it's really tough out there these days.  I heard, on the news, that over 2000 people applied for a General Assistant job at Starbucks.  How on earth do you read that many CV's?  Lord knows if they even get read or a chance to see daylight.

Today is the third day Cerys hasn't been to school due to a nasty case of Tonsilitis and yesterday I stopped smoking!!  I am trying out the e-cigs and to try and rid myself of the tobacco taste I have chosen 'grape' flavoured filters - honestly, the water vapour you inhale taste likes grapes.  Other flavours are vanilla, strawberry, banana, bubble-gum, menthol and blueberry.  So far so good, yes, it is early days but as we all know Rome wasn't built in a day.   After my hairdressing appointment tomorrow I intend to lock myself in the conservantory for the afternoon and write - but then, perhaps I shouldn' count my chickens before they hatch.  Alas, the spell-checker on here is still not playing ball so please pretend not to notice the typos.

Getting On

Well, yesterday I had a bit of a disaster.  My computer wasn't saving any changes I made to my current stories.  Of course living with a genius helps and Carl came to my rescue.  He giggled things around and pulled faces but within half an hour the problem was resolved.  It was as well I had a hard copy of the story I was amending.

With one story submitted to TABFF and another entered for the choc-lit short story competition I still have lots to be getting on with.  I have one story almost ready to go out, just a bit more brewing time I think.  I really want to try my luck with the Australian market and I might test the water with that story.  Its a style I've not tried before so why not? 

I have another two on the go and one which is still in draft mode.  So as I say, plenty to keep me busy!  I'm just hoping the gremlins in my laptop don't start to play me up again, its very frustrating.  Its seem I may have wished too soon as the spell check seems to be hiding somewhere, so please forgive any typos.

It's Done

After a hectic few days my revised, edited and sometimes enough to drive you mad story for the choc-lit competition is finished and completed.  It has been a rough ride but I have enjoyed it.  In all my years of writing this story is the one I have spent the most time on.  A lesson there I think!!  I am hesitant to attempt to tot up just how much time and I'm just glad it is complete and I feel it is the best it can be.  Strange feeling, a feeling I hope to have a lot more.

No news from TABFF but then it is early days yet.  I have a couple of stories on the back burner and I'm very tempted to try my luck with the Australian market.  Thanks to two very kind ladies I now have a wealth of examples of the type of stories they publish in 'That Life Fast Fiction'.  I Know other British writers have had success across the water so why not me?

Always Something To Learn

Well, my completely revised story for the Choc-Lit competition has really come on.  I have been working on and off with the story since January.  What have I learnt?  A good story need time and effort spent on it, as much time as you can give it.  It sounds obvious doesn't it, but up until this point I have often rushed my work and not given it the consideration it deserves.  With any luck it should be ready by the end of the weekend to send out in time for the competition deadline.  If not, then I have learnt an invaluable lesson - nothing is wasted.

I wrote four new stories in January which was a good start to the year but in February I have only produced one.  I am not about to beat myself up about it though because not only is February a short month but you cannot force creativity.

On the hole I am pleased with my progress this year and positive about the coming months and whatever they may bring along with them.

A Little Faith

Despite it being half term this week, so far, I've had a good couple of days.  Last week I decided my Choc-Lit competition entry wasn't actually going anywhere.  I decided to rewrite the whole thing even though I knew there would be only a small chance of it being read for the competition deadline - 28.02.13.  Well, I have completely rejigged the whole thing, changed character names, deleted some darlings and the framework is looking really good.  I am hoping that if my run of luck continue then it will be ready to be submitted to the comp.

I am still playing with two other stories which are aimed at WOMAG market, I might even try my luck with the Australian market.  As ever, my favourite proof reader has cleaned the needless commas etc away for me, so they are almost ready.

I'd like to say Thank you to Carl (Hubby) for his time and patience over the past few weeks, I know I am not always easy to work with.

I probably won't get around to posting tomorrow as it is my morning in the shop and I may be lucky enough to grab a coffee and a cream tea afterwards with a friend.

Honesty

A head cold has knocked me off my feet for the last couple of days, we all suffer from the common cold and some stage so I will spare you details.

As some of you will already know, I have been working on a story for a Chic-Lit competition aptly called Choc-Lit, as the theme is Hot Chocolate.  Anyway, Over the past three weeks I have been putting a story together, editing, revising and all those time consuming things we do only to discover today, that due to some rigorous editing and constructive criticism, the story actually isn't going anywhere at all.  Too much of this and to little of that has left me with a mismatch.  What now?  Well, back to the drawing board I'm afraid - don't get me wring the story isn't completely lost I'm just not sure I can turn it around in time for the competition deadline (28.02).  If not, I will adjust it slightly and perhaps look at submitting it to WWFS (woman's weekly fiction special).

Onwards and upwards, so the saying goes.  Getting where you want to be is never going to be a walk in the park, for me, more like a walk from London to Cornwall.  But then every steps has it's rewards to offer, if you stop to notice them.

Getting A Grip

Feeling sorry for yourself never is a good idea.  I gave myself a shake and told myself that If I don't try, I will never know - and if I want to stop trying then I don't really want to be a writer.  Which of course I do.  So, here I am getting on with it.

Today I was reading the Australian stories my friend sent to me.  I'm not sure what I expected but really they aren't that different to ours.  Obviously, I was being a touch naive, not a Kylie, Bruce or Shelia to be seen!

I finished a story I had been playing with, it's an attempt at humour - and I must admit is rather daft in places but I like it.  In due course I will send it out to TABFF or even That's Life (Australia) and see what happens.

I still have a few more stories on the boil, one is chic-lit and the other a twist-in-tale.  So, there really is no excuse to me wallow in self-pity why there is work to be done.

Doubt

After such a wonderful and positive start to the week the last few days have found me doubting myself.  Nobody said, and I have never believed, that writing and being published was easy but once you let that seed of doubt into your mind it's incredibly hard to get it out again.  Criticism can be hard to take but there is usually something constructive in it which you can turn to your advantage.  As I say of late, I feel as though I am making a huge effort only to hit a brick wall at the finish.

I wanted to try writing for the Australian magazine "That's Life (fast fiction)" and an on-line friend of mine sent me a back copy of the mag and copies of some of the stories.  I was so excited and delved in straight away.  Then doubt crept in again, if I wasn't cracking the British magazine market why did I think I stood a chance with the Australians?  My mind is like a see-saw at the moment and it's driving me crackers.

When I don't write I feel as though I am missing something very dear to me.  The thought of giving up feels me with horror but as I keep saying, I really am not sure where I am going at the moment.  I am hoping that the weekend will sort me out and put me back on course.

Scribbling

I'm not sure what's happened to me.  I have stories coming out of my ears.  The other night, while watching TV, I suddenly thought of a storyline.  I grabbed the first sheet of paper I could find and scribbled it down quickly it was something of Carl's, but let's not tell him that).  It had nothing to do with what we were watching.  Don't think I'm complaining because I'm not, quite the opposite in fact.  I feel like a "real" writer at last, having to delve for paper, or my notebook, it's quite fun.

I sent my story for TABFF off today.  I feel good about it and anxious to hear back from them, which probably won't be for a few weeks yet!  My story for the choc-lit competition is almost complete and my third story of the month is also simmering away nicely.  So all in all I am feeling positive about my work.  It's a good feeling which I hope will last.

Of course, I will keep you up to date with things and as ever, my fingers are crossed.

Still working hard and giving it my all not to be distracted by PRIMEVAL (love it).

I have drafted my third story this year so far.  That's my new habit, to catch the idea and, if possible, draft it before the idea flies away.  That's happened so many times and it doesn't matter how hard you try, the idea never visits you again.  I am trying my hand at humour having read that it's very popular in the world of womag (woman's magazines).  At the moment I have 900 (ish) words and think my story line is credible.  One problem.  I can't decided on the ending.  I know it will come to me, it's just a matter of when.

Choc-Lit Competition entry is going well although I am still changes parts of it - better that than to send out "almost finished" work.

Story for TABFF is finished, edited, corrected and waiting until next week for what I hope will be it's final read.  That will be my first submission for 2013 and I can't wait to get the ball rolling.

Something Sweet

My story for the choclit competition is coming along really well.  I have such a good feeling about it now.  Last night I flicked my notes on writing short stories, notes from last years Swanwick Writers Summer School.  I did because although my story was building - there was something not quite right with it.  I read it a few times over but it wasn't any clearer to me.  After going through my notes, paying special attention to "plot and structure" my problem  was obvious.  My plot was weak and the structure  flimsy, to say the least.

So, today I took a good look and re-write a big chunk of the story, which now looks and reads so much better.  My characters are rounder and my main character is defiantly in control.  Just as it should be.  Now I am on my 6th draft but it has been worth every word and spending today sitting at my desk.  Just goes to show any notes you have taken, are never a waste of time.

The weather is still bad here, in Milton Keynes and we had more snow today.  Thankfully it didn't settle but it's still very cold.  Roll on Spring.

The Cleaners Have Been In

My short story I have written for TABFF is 99% finished so I sent it out to my favourite proof reader.  She really is very good and her rates a wonderfully reasonable (she is my mum-in-law).  I made all the amendments she suggested and the story does look and read much better, so once again a big thank you to Helen.

I heard back from one of the competitions I entered just before Christmas.  The requirement was to include the name "Agatha Christie" at least twice in a 2000 max story.  As far as I can make out my story wasn't placed at all but as they haven't updated their website to show the results, it's hard to say for sure.  They sent me an email revealing who the winner was but I'm sure there should have been 2nd and 3rd place too.  Oh well, time will tell, or not.

I drafted a story last week and today I have been building on that and padding it out a bit.  I have decided to have a bash at  the Choc Lit short story competition and my new story is being written for it.  I have plenty of time as the deadline for entries is 25th February.  So I need to stay focused and keep my bottom glued to this chair.

Too Much Thinking...

I've come to the conclusion that too much thinking is bad for you.  Yesterday I hardly got any writing done at all due to considering Degrees/MA's.  So today I have broken it down.  Before I could consider an MA I would need to finish my degree, I'm looking at 2-3 years for that.  I can do nothing this year as I need to put some money by.  As we all now tuition fees are horrendous.  So, getting bogged down by too much thinking was counteractive for me.

I have decided to make a rough plan of where I want to be and when - nothing concrete mind, I am a woman and may change my mind.  So, in the meantime I will carry on with my fiction writing.  I have drafted a new story this week too - so I am managing to keep to my new regime.

I suppose the big question is - what do I want more?  To learn about creative writing or to be doing it?

The Seed Is Sewn

Oh dear, it's not really happening for me today.  This morning Hubby suggested maybe I should consider doing an MA in creative writing BUT first, I would need a degree.  Wonderful.  We had a brief chat about it all and I insisted I was happy with what I was doing at the moment.

The issue is, now I'm not so sure.  I do have UCAS points as I studied with The Open University a few years ago.  The big question is, do I want to go back into study, or do I want to write and hope for the best.  There is no doubt that gaining a degree to enable me to go to further study would be wonderful.  I'm just not sure it's me.  I have done some research and found places which offer and Degree/MA in creative writing and the courses look great.  Unless I can do it by long distance learning I am stuck.  How can I just up and go to Uni and leave the family behind?  Would that even be necessary?  Do I stick with what I'm doing now, or should I look at fresh alternatives?  I just don't know.  See one of the most annoying things about Carl, my Hubby, is that he's usually right.

Such a muddle and so much to think about.

Feeling Good

Well, my story for TABFF is finished, it just needs a week or so to grow into itself before I do my final checks and send it out.  I am really pleased with it actually hopefully TABFF will be too.

I'm having lunch out today with an old friend I used to work with years ago.  It will be great to catch up and hopefully giggle as much as we did back then.  Who knows, there could be a story there.

I have three competitions on my short list at the moment but I can't resist trawling the net trying to find others, it's no wonder I tie myself up in knots !!  No, I just need to be firm and not juggle so much that nothing is finished in a rush.

I have been on The Swanwick Writers Summer School website and am already getting excited at what's being offered and the program isn't even completed yet.  It's a wonderful week at Swanwick.  If any of you are curious or fancy giving it a go look it up on the web - it's FAB.

Old Habits

...die hard, or so the saying goes.  Oh, how true.  This weekend I found myself writing a memoir for the Fish Short Memoir competition (deadline 31/1).  It suddenly struck me that I had left it much too late, what was I doing?  This is exactly the sort of thing I'd told myself I would stop doing.  I had a word with myself and picked a small short story competition (deadline 22/2) instead.  See how easy it is to revert to bad habits - I could kick myself but onwards and upwards.

I am on draft 5 of the story I started last week and having managed, eventually, to obtain a copy of TABFF (take-a-break fiction feast) feel I am heading in the right direction.  This may sound rather arrogant but many times I have closed my eyes and imagined seeing my name included on their pages.  Imagination is wonderful but there is nothing like hard work and making it happen for yourself.  My day will come.

It's started to snow again here in Milton Keynes.  It looks very peaceful and calm snow don't you think?  It's great when your indoors and warm but come 'school run' time I may well have changed my mind.

We're Off

My new outlook on my writing has started well.  I wrote and completed a brand new story on Tuesday, that's not to say it's finished though.  The English language is a funny one don't you think?  Completed and finished should really mean the same thing, but to me they do not.  Yes, the story is completed, as in the story is there, but it needs fiddling with before I can even consider putting it on the back burner for a week or so.  Are you with me?

There are a few small competitions which I quite fancy entering so at the moment I am trying to narrow it down to just one.  Both deadlines are 31st January, before I would have tried to do both.  But, now I feel it better to enter just one with a good polished story rather than two with 'nearly there' stories.  Oh, this new regime does feel good. 

Yesterday I received a rejection from WWFS (woman's weekly fiction special) which I have to admit I was expecting.  Rather than hiding it away as I usually do I intend to go through it with a thick read pen, be honest with myself to identify why it was rejected.  I may wear a crash helmet to do this as the truth often hurts.

New Year - Fresh Start

What a long absence I have had from writing, not by choice I can assure you.  I will spare you the details as I try not to include personal details on this blog.

Anyhow, here is 2013, a fresh start for us all.  I have decided to take a different stance as regards my writing.  Forget my old work, even re-writing some of it and to make a complete new start.  The manuscript I was fussing over before Christmas has been disregarded and buried away.  I re-read it over the holiday and found it to be flat with far too much narrative.  I wrote it and even I wasn't sure who the story was actually about.  It would be easy to chuck it all in and not to bother at all but deep down inside I know I can produce decent work, it's just a matter of incorporating everything I have learnt, murdering my darlings more frequently and keeping my bottom firmly on this chair!  Luck also plays a part especially where competitions are concerned but that's no excuse - no, when my work gets sent out into the world it will be as polished as it possibly can be.

I won't say wish me luck - my future is in my hands and only I can make it happen, but company along the way is most welcome.