About Me

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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.

Wednesday 19 February 2014

Getting There

So to date I am working on three short stories.

Not the way I usually work as I easily confuse myself but after speaking to a fellow writer who offered me a few tips, it isn't working out too badly for me.  As I mentioned before I have three competitions to submit to, hence the multiple stories.  All three are new to me, in fact I'd not heard of them before.  It just goes to show just how brilliant the Internet can be.  Talking of which, I was struggling to describe something today so on the off chance I used Google images - hey presto I found heaps of images which brought my description to life and added more depth to my story.

Talking of short story competitions I may have a shot at the Mslexia competition this year.  For reasons unknown, even to me, its a competition I have avoided before.  So what's changed? I don't know but I do know I am enjoying getting my teeth well and truly stuck into my writing once more.

Did I tell you that booking was open for Swanwick Writers Summer School?  No, well it has.  Get those bookings in fast guys.  It's something you will never regret.

Sunday 16 February 2014

Thank You Dr

I don't usually include aspects of my private (intimate) life on here as I like to keep to the subject of writing - but I didn't want you to think I'd left you again.

On Monday 10 February I had an operation to remove my gallbladder.  Thankfully it went very well with no complications and it was key hole surgery too.  As much as I wanted to last week I couldn't muster up the energy to post here.  But now I am feeling so much better (just a little sore) I can't wait to get back to my writing and to share my news with you all.  Don't panic, the postman is safe for another week or so.

I've had a few short stories on the go ready to submit to competitions of which I hope I haven't missed the deadline and I also have an outline for another novel.  So plenty to be getting on with over this coming week.

As ever, wish me luck.

Monday 3 February 2014

I'm Home !!

So sorry to have neglected you once again but I had problems getting into my blog.  Although it appears I was the only one.  After wrestling with the problem myself for several weeks I eventually gave in and asked Hubby for help.  And guess what?  Within a minute, yes a minute, he'd fixed the issue.  How does he do that?

So, where are we?  2014 submissions do far is 2.  Doesn't sound a lot does it but compared to this time last year I'm miles ahead.  As you know I submitted my novel 'A Different Corner' to the Richard & Judy Search for a Bestseller and have entered a short story competition too.  As I am not expecting any results until next month I have left a note for the postman to assure him I won't be stalking him for a while yet.

Today booking for Swanwick opened and already I have completed my booking form and I'm ready to run down to the post box.  It's so exciting.  For those of you who are not familiar with the school the website address is www.swanwickwritersschool.org.uk - have a look, try it out I can assure you it won't be something you will ever regret.  New to writing or not, published or not there is something at Swanwick for everybody.  Go on...give it a chance.  It opened up so many doors for me and I met so many fantastic people I cannot recommend it highly enough.  If finance is an issue there is a competition to 'Win your way to Swanwick' - details are also on the website.