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.
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.
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, 7 January 2014
A New Year
Happy New Year to you all.
This year I have decided on less dreaming and wishing and more action. More of a positive attitude towards my work.
'A Different Corner' the novel I wrote originally for NaNoWriMo has been sent of to Richard & Judy's search for a bestseller. I could fib and say it was my first submission of 2014 but it had to be submitted by 31 December 2013 - so I won't. I won't hear anything if at all until later in the year so at least the postman is safe for a while.
I have my eye on a few lesser known short story competitions and an idea for another novel. Plenty to keep me busy. NaNo was such a great experience for me and has indeed helped me find my writing mojo again.
Of course any offers, wins you will be the first to know.
This year I have decided on less dreaming and wishing and more action. More of a positive attitude towards my work.
'A Different Corner' the novel I wrote originally for NaNoWriMo has been sent of to Richard & Judy's search for a bestseller. I could fib and say it was my first submission of 2014 but it had to be submitted by 31 December 2013 - so I won't. I won't hear anything if at all until later in the year so at least the postman is safe for a while.
I have my eye on a few lesser known short story competitions and an idea for another novel. Plenty to keep me busy. NaNo was such a great experience for me and has indeed helped me find my writing mojo again.
Of course any offers, wins you will be the first to know.
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
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".
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".
Monday, 4 November 2013
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.
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.
Monday, 7 October 2013
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!
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!
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