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.