I discovered this morning that I hadn't finished reading December's Writing Magazine. I was flicking through it to see what I'd missed and read an article by Michael Gasson in which he says give an editor time to evaluate a story you have sent them before querying their reply. He advises leaving at least a month before conatcting a magazine about your submission. I wonder if a month is long enough. I have only had one positive reply to a short story in a month and that was when Billy Higgins was covering Jill Finlay's maternity leave at The Weekly News. In fact, most of my positive responses have come when an editor has had my story for 3 months or even longer.
There are 2 things I have had to learn as a writer.
1. Patience becuase editors can take a long time to get back to you.
2. Not to take rejection personally, they are rejecting my work not me.
Sunday, 17 February 2008
A small thing
I've spent a lot of time this week thinking about what I'm going to do on my week off but I did manage to submit two things too. One was my novel to a competition and the other was a short story. I also remember writing something, an idea down on a piece of paper but I can't remember what I did with it. I'm sure if I root through my pockets I'll find it.
One thing that I did do this week though was sign up to do Cancer Research UK's Race For Life in July. At the moment there's just me and one volunteer from a Cancer Research UK shop doing it but by the time I've finished badgering them I hope that a few more volunteers will sign up too. It's a cause that I firm;y believe in and am passionate about. It's just a small thing but it's something.
I still haven't decided what to concentrate on this week but I am determined that by the end of it I will feel like I have achieved something.
One thing that I did do this week though was sign up to do Cancer Research UK's Race For Life in July. At the moment there's just me and one volunteer from a Cancer Research UK shop doing it but by the time I've finished badgering them I hope that a few more volunteers will sign up too. It's a cause that I firm;y believe in and am passionate about. It's just a small thing but it's something.
I still haven't decided what to concentrate on this week but I am determined that by the end of it I will feel like I have achieved something.
Tuesday, 12 February 2008
So much to do - so little time
The goulash can wait a minute.
I'm feeling a bit in the same boat as Sally (see her recent post) in that I'm struggling to decide what best to do.
I have next week off work and much as I would like to spend the whole week writing that's just not going to happen because there are so many other things to do. Like I said in my last post there are some short stories that I want to place or polish. I would also like to work on my novel although I haven't totally reconnected with that yet, maybe because I've been neglegting it to write short stories and try to get work published. Then there is the topsy project that filled up so much of my time last autumn. I really feel like I want to work on that because it's time to put it to bed. Oh, and didn't I say that I wanted to sort out the writing drawers. Everytime I pick up a notebook or a piece of paper there's an idea or the start of a story written on it. Oh yes, amd wasn't I going to try and produce one non fiction article each month. AARRRGHHH!!!
What to do - where to start.
I need a plan because otherwise I'm going to spend so much time doing so many things yet doing any of them properly.
HELP!!!
I'm feeling a bit in the same boat as Sally (see her recent post) in that I'm struggling to decide what best to do.
I have next week off work and much as I would like to spend the whole week writing that's just not going to happen because there are so many other things to do. Like I said in my last post there are some short stories that I want to place or polish. I would also like to work on my novel although I haven't totally reconnected with that yet, maybe because I've been neglegting it to write short stories and try to get work published. Then there is the topsy project that filled up so much of my time last autumn. I really feel like I want to work on that because it's time to put it to bed. Oh, and didn't I say that I wanted to sort out the writing drawers. Everytime I pick up a notebook or a piece of paper there's an idea or the start of a story written on it. Oh yes, amd wasn't I going to try and produce one non fiction article each month. AARRRGHHH!!!
What to do - where to start.
I need a plan because otherwise I'm going to spend so much time doing so many things yet doing any of them properly.
HELP!!!
Stewing
It's a stew afternoon but instead of making the aforementioned I've spent the last hour or so checking out a few websites and doing a couple of things on my writing to do list.
I think that I mentioned the other day that I need to do some tidying up and get a bit of structure into my writing so, I decided to look at my short story folder just to see what was hanging around.
In my SS folder there are 22 stories of which 4 are not finished, 14 are submitted to various places and four are just sitting there. Therefore, if I do nothing else next week when I am off I will try to place those four lost souls and maybe finish at least one of the stories.
Must go, it's not quite stew but goulash is calling.
I think that I mentioned the other day that I need to do some tidying up and get a bit of structure into my writing so, I decided to look at my short story folder just to see what was hanging around.
In my SS folder there are 22 stories of which 4 are not finished, 14 are submitted to various places and four are just sitting there. Therefore, if I do nothing else next week when I am off I will try to place those four lost souls and maybe finish at least one of the stories.
Must go, it's not quite stew but goulash is calling.
Sunday, 10 February 2008
First time for everything - so they say.
Just over a year ago I finished my novel BTL and I sent it out to 3 agents last year. I was encouraged by the fact that they all took the time to reply to me personally and a couple of them even said good things about it but none of them offerred representation. I had another agent in mind to send it to but one of the things on my to do list was to check out a competition to find a new novelist. I've never entered a novel into a competition before and I've never won a writing competition but don't they say that there's a first time for everything. I hope this is mine.
Wish me luck, the winner is announced in May.
Wish me luck, the winner is announced in May.
A better week but still more to do.
This week was better than last, writing wise. I made three submissions and chased up a story that has been with a magazine for three months. It's a foreign magazine that I haven't tried before so I'm not sure what their turnaround time is but I think I'm withing my rights to query it after three months. I also spent some time researching an article. It's still in the notes stage at the moment but I'm hoping to work on it this week. I think I mentioned in a previous blog that I'm hoping to write some factual stuff as well as fiction. Fiction is my first love but there are so many more outlets for factual work.
I was about to say that I haven't come up with an ending yet for the story I started two weeks ago, and it's true that I haven't. However that implies that I've actually tried to come up with one and that's not true. To be honest I haven't actually looked at it even though the story is written on three sheets of paper that is still in the pocket of the jacket that I usually wear to work. Okay, here's the deal, I'm going to look at it tomorrow lunch time at least and try to come up with a suitable ending.
When I got home from work yesterday I found out that we had lost the broadband connection. I knew that there would be security information that I would need when I rang up about it and I knew that the piece of paper that said information was on was in one of my writing drawers. It took me a while to find that piece of paper because of all the stuff that is in those drawers. they are full of bits of paper, note books etc. And when I say full, I mean full, choc full to the top, all three of them. I'm on holiday the week after next and I think that one of my projects during that week will be to sort through those drawers and get them into some sort of order.
I'm still working my way through the to do list that I started last Sunday and I have added a few more things to it.
So much to do - so little time to do it.
I was about to say that I haven't come up with an ending yet for the story I started two weeks ago, and it's true that I haven't. However that implies that I've actually tried to come up with one and that's not true. To be honest I haven't actually looked at it even though the story is written on three sheets of paper that is still in the pocket of the jacket that I usually wear to work. Okay, here's the deal, I'm going to look at it tomorrow lunch time at least and try to come up with a suitable ending.
When I got home from work yesterday I found out that we had lost the broadband connection. I knew that there would be security information that I would need when I rang up about it and I knew that the piece of paper that said information was on was in one of my writing drawers. It took me a while to find that piece of paper because of all the stuff that is in those drawers. they are full of bits of paper, note books etc. And when I say full, I mean full, choc full to the top, all three of them. I'm on holiday the week after next and I think that one of my projects during that week will be to sort through those drawers and get them into some sort of order.
I'm still working my way through the to do list that I started last Sunday and I have added a few more things to it.
So much to do - so little time to do it.
Tuesday, 5 February 2008
Five ways I raise my vibrations
Make a list.
I love to make a list becuase there is something very satisfying about ticking things off the list when they have been completed.
Have all my men together.
My boys are men now with lives of their own so we don't spend as much time together as we used to. I love it when we are all in the same room at the same time and I'll do anything I can to make it happen.
Walk my dog.
She is the daughter that I never had (completely spoiled of course) and I love walking with her in the woods or through the feilds.
Curl up with a good book.
This one is possibly a little cliched but I don't get the chance to read as much as I would like so if I get a spare afternoon and can curl up on the sofa with a good book and a cuppa I'm in Heaven.
Have a "stew" afternoon.
One of my work colleagues and I have this thing that if ever we have the afternoon off work we call it a "stew" afternoon i.e. we are going home to make stew. If I do have just the afternoon off I do tend to go home and cook although it's rarely stew. I don't like having the morning off and then working in the afternoon but I do like it the other way round and try to arrange it from time to time. I had a "stew" afternoon last week and it was great. It was like bunking off school early but without the dentists appointment.
Thanks for tagging me Moondreamer. With apologies if you've already been tagged, I tag Sally Q, Womagwriter and Captain Black.
I love to make a list becuase there is something very satisfying about ticking things off the list when they have been completed.
Have all my men together.
My boys are men now with lives of their own so we don't spend as much time together as we used to. I love it when we are all in the same room at the same time and I'll do anything I can to make it happen.
Walk my dog.
She is the daughter that I never had (completely spoiled of course) and I love walking with her in the woods or through the feilds.
Curl up with a good book.
This one is possibly a little cliched but I don't get the chance to read as much as I would like so if I get a spare afternoon and can curl up on the sofa with a good book and a cuppa I'm in Heaven.
Have a "stew" afternoon.
One of my work colleagues and I have this thing that if ever we have the afternoon off work we call it a "stew" afternoon i.e. we are going home to make stew. If I do have just the afternoon off I do tend to go home and cook although it's rarely stew. I don't like having the morning off and then working in the afternoon but I do like it the other way round and try to arrange it from time to time. I had a "stew" afternoon last week and it was great. It was like bunking off school early but without the dentists appointment.
Thanks for tagging me Moondreamer. With apologies if you've already been tagged, I tag Sally Q, Womagwriter and Captain Black.
Sunday, 3 February 2008
An ordinary story
A few months ago I entered a story into a competition. I thought it was a good story and liked it a lot. I was a bit disappointed when it wasn't even shortlisted because like I said I thought it was a good story. This week I read the story that won the competition and I have to say that it made mine look soooooooooooooooooo ordinary. It was fantastic and I really don't mind losing out to it.
Honestly Mr H
After saying how happy I was with my efforts in January I have to be honest and say that I haven't been so good this week. My reason for this (yes Mr H (my former boss) it is a reason not an excuse) is that the person I work with was on holiday last week so I had more to do. I did write one story though. It's not quite finished yet because I need to decide upon the ending, then of course it will need editing and polishing but I'd like to get it submitted before the end of the month. I have prepared a manuscript for submission tomorrow when I buy more stamps so thats a move in the right direction.
I'm desperately trying to get more organised with my writing tasks but I haven't worked out the best method for me yet. This morning I was going through the latest edition of Writers News and making myself a to do list. I didn't get all the way through yet and I've already given myself plenty to do.
I'll let you know how I go.
I'm desperately trying to get more organised with my writing tasks but I haven't worked out the best method for me yet. This morning I was going through the latest edition of Writers News and making myself a to do list. I didn't get all the way through yet and I've already given myself plenty to do.
I'll let you know how I go.
Thursday, 31 January 2008
None starter for 60 word stories
Remember that my 60 word stories were declined the other day? Womagwriter suggested that I try Woman's Weekly. Unfortunately, I heard from Gaynor Davies today that Woman's weekly have decided to drop the 60 word stories from their fiction specials. Not the news that I was hoping for but I appreciated the email.
A look back at January
So it's the end of the month and I thought this would be as good a time as any to evaluate the the first writing month of the year.
I submitted 12 pieces of work to various places which is well above the minimum of 5 a month that I set myself. Not all of them were new things, some were stories that were from the work in progress folder so that was something else that I wanted to do. I did produce at least one new piece of work each week. I also worked on my novel NMBK. By the time I'd edited and deleted what I'd written it was probably only about 1000 words but bearing in mind that I haven't worked on it for ages it was something to build on.
The only thing missing from this month was an acceptance - unfortuanately there was a rejection or two. But you have to risk the latter to get the former so it goes with the territory.
Overall though, I think I am pleased with the way that this month has gone. I think I give myself an 8/10 which is a high score to live up to.
I submitted 12 pieces of work to various places which is well above the minimum of 5 a month that I set myself. Not all of them were new things, some were stories that were from the work in progress folder so that was something else that I wanted to do. I did produce at least one new piece of work each week. I also worked on my novel NMBK. By the time I'd edited and deleted what I'd written it was probably only about 1000 words but bearing in mind that I haven't worked on it for ages it was something to build on.
The only thing missing from this month was an acceptance - unfortuanately there was a rejection or two. But you have to risk the latter to get the former so it goes with the territory.
Overall though, I think I am pleased with the way that this month has gone. I think I give myself an 8/10 which is a high score to live up to.
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Mixed news
remember the delicate problem that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago. Well I'm happy to say that was resolved this morning and I can look forward to a pay day in the very near future. But you know what? I think there might be something in that whole good/bad balance thing because when I checked my email this afternoon I discovered that 4 stories that I sent to My Weekly in October have been declined (Note I didn't use that r word.)
They were four 60 word stories so if My Weekly don't want them I don't quite know what I'll do with them but hey ho. At the time I wrote them 60 word stories were about all that I could manage so I guess they've already served their purpose.
I know it can't be good news all the time and I suppose if the good news and the bad news come in equal measure it won't be so bad.
They were four 60 word stories so if My Weekly don't want them I don't quite know what I'll do with them but hey ho. At the time I wrote them 60 word stories were about all that I could manage so I guess they've already served their purpose.
I know it can't be good news all the time and I suppose if the good news and the bad news come in equal measure it won't be so bad.
Good idea anyone?
I remember Captain Black mentioning that he was going to make himself a writing timetable and I'd love to know how that's working out.
What does anyone else do? Someone else (it might have been Sally) said that they were making themselves a writing calendar and I'm curious about that one too.
I'm not the most organised person writing wise so I'd love to hear some success stories that I might be able to pinch.
What does anyone else do? Someone else (it might have been Sally) said that they were making themselves a writing calendar and I'm curious about that one too.
I'm not the most organised person writing wise so I'd love to hear some success stories that I might be able to pinch.
Monday, 28 January 2008
6 things about me
Thanks to Sally and Moondreamer for tagging me.
The small print: Link to the person that tagged you. Post the rules on your blog. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs. Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on his/her website.
1. When Himself and I were in Prague 2 years ago we were in the Old Town Square when suddenly came round the corner. Bodyguards jumped out of 5 of them and surrounded the little guy who got out of the 6th. We saw the back of the Dalai Lama's head as he walked into the Town Hall.
2. When I was 6 I was hit by a car which left me in a coma for four days and partially paralysed down my left side. I made a full recovery and the only reminder of it is the scar that runs from front to back of my head where they stitched my head back together. Fortunately my hair covers it.
3. Following on from number 2, although the accident was an ordeal for everyone else I have no memory of it. In fact I can only remember 4 things that happened to me before that day.
4. My 2 sons were born in the same room in the same hospital and the same midwife was there at both births. They were also both exactly the same weight.
5. I never wear shoes unless I have to which probably explains why my feet look Fred Flintstone's.
6. I called my first car Jaspar and cried when I drove it to the garage to trade it in.
I tag womagwriter, A Writer and Ginny Swart. I know that's not 6 people but as far as I can see everyone else has been tagged.
I enjoyed this one a lot because it made me remember things that I 'd forgotten.
The small print: Link to the person that tagged you. Post the rules on your blog. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs. Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on his/her website.
1. When Himself and I were in Prague 2 years ago we were in the Old Town Square when suddenly came round the corner. Bodyguards jumped out of 5 of them and surrounded the little guy who got out of the 6th. We saw the back of the Dalai Lama's head as he walked into the Town Hall.
2. When I was 6 I was hit by a car which left me in a coma for four days and partially paralysed down my left side. I made a full recovery and the only reminder of it is the scar that runs from front to back of my head where they stitched my head back together. Fortunately my hair covers it.
3. Following on from number 2, although the accident was an ordeal for everyone else I have no memory of it. In fact I can only remember 4 things that happened to me before that day.
4. My 2 sons were born in the same room in the same hospital and the same midwife was there at both births. They were also both exactly the same weight.
5. I never wear shoes unless I have to which probably explains why my feet look Fred Flintstone's.
6. I called my first car Jaspar and cried when I drove it to the garage to trade it in.
I tag womagwriter, A Writer and Ginny Swart. I know that's not 6 people but as far as I can see everyone else has been tagged.
I enjoyed this one a lot because it made me remember things that I 'd forgotten.
Sunday, 27 January 2008
A short message
Just wanted to stop by as it is Sunday but I don't have a lot of time as Son number 2 wants to borrow the laptop and it's part of the bargain if i want to watch Dancing On Ice.
Just to say to Sally and Moondreamer who both tagged me for a meme. I've been giving it a bit of thought and I'll post tomorrow when I have more time.
I didn't do much writing this week but then I knew that I wouldn't get chance to. I did manage to write one story though. It's not very good yet but its something to work on.
I did get one rejection this week but I also submitted one story so its still 21 things out there.
Okay, I'm getting the evil eye from the child and I did tell him I'd only be 10 minutes about half an hour ago. However I will be back tomorrow.
Just to say to Sally and Moondreamer who both tagged me for a meme. I've been giving it a bit of thought and I'll post tomorrow when I have more time.
I didn't do much writing this week but then I knew that I wouldn't get chance to. I did manage to write one story though. It's not very good yet but its something to work on.
I did get one rejection this week but I also submitted one story so its still 21 things out there.
Okay, I'm getting the evil eye from the child and I did tell him I'd only be 10 minutes about half an hour ago. However I will be back tomorrow.
Sunday, 20 January 2008
All part of the Apprenticeship
After I'd visited here the other day I did some more work on NMBK. In all I probably wrote about 1000 words. This morning I scratched about half of them. I realised that I had one of my characters reacting to a situation in a way that they wouldn't. It wasn't a wasted excerciseethough because these are characters that I haven't worked with for a while so I need to get to know them again.
I wrote a short story yesterday and edited it this morning. I'll give it a couple of days then polish it again and then I'll submit it. I have a magazine in mind but I'll wait until after the final polish to say for certain.
I submitted 5 things this week so that makes 13 this year. If I can get a positive response to a couple of them I'll be happy. Writing, submitting and getting stuff out there is all part of the apprenticeship. I currently have 22 pieces out there but 1 of those I can give up on. It was to a place that only tend to let you know if you have been successful and as it's been so long since I submitted i guess I haven't been. So let's say that I have 21 pieces out there at the moment.
You know what? I have actually started to think of myself as a writer. Before I was just someone who liked to dabble in writing short stories but in the last few weeks I have started to connsider myself a writer. I'm only on the first rung of the ladder I know but I now realise that I am on the ladder.
Got a busy week at work ahead and Tuesday and Wednesday will be write offs as far as writing goes but I'm going to get some done in the rest of the week and I'll make sure that I sub at least one thing.
How much subbing do you guys do in an average week?
A book is calling me so I'm off now. I am reading Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir. It's about Lady Jane Grey and I can barely put it down. That's the kind of book that I want to write.
I wrote a short story yesterday and edited it this morning. I'll give it a couple of days then polish it again and then I'll submit it. I have a magazine in mind but I'll wait until after the final polish to say for certain.
I submitted 5 things this week so that makes 13 this year. If I can get a positive response to a couple of them I'll be happy. Writing, submitting and getting stuff out there is all part of the apprenticeship. I currently have 22 pieces out there but 1 of those I can give up on. It was to a place that only tend to let you know if you have been successful and as it's been so long since I submitted i guess I haven't been. So let's say that I have 21 pieces out there at the moment.
You know what? I have actually started to think of myself as a writer. Before I was just someone who liked to dabble in writing short stories but in the last few weeks I have started to connsider myself a writer. I'm only on the first rung of the ladder I know but I now realise that I am on the ladder.
Got a busy week at work ahead and Tuesday and Wednesday will be write offs as far as writing goes but I'm going to get some done in the rest of the week and I'll make sure that I sub at least one thing.
How much subbing do you guys do in an average week?
A book is calling me so I'm off now. I am reading Innocent Traitor by Alison Weir. It's about Lady Jane Grey and I can barely put it down. That's the kind of book that I want to write.
Friday, 18 January 2008
A Satisfactory day
Today is an extra day off for me, one that is dedicated solely to me. So it was without any guilt about not hoovering or ironing etc that I gave my morning over to writing. What a productive morning I've had. First of all I submitted two stories to a competition (the same one) then I checked out www.helium.com which I read about in Writers News. I'm not quite sure what I'll get out of it but it was worth a look. It looks like they have weekly free to enter competitions so that might be worth keeping an eye on. Then I pitched an idea to an editor for an article I've been working on. Finally I've just spent the last hour re-accquainting myself with NMBK which is the novel that went on the back burner while the ugly stuff was happening. I read through the last part that I wrote probably back in October or sometime like that and then even managed to write some new words. Only a couple of hundred or so but it's a start. I was going to have a look at the BBC Writers Room website because it's a long time since I was there but I didn't get round to that.
Anyway, just thought I would share my satisfaction with you all. I would be really interested to hear about your writing day.
Must go, I'm off to the hairdressers now. Two hours of pampering - yay!!!
Anyway, just thought I would share my satisfaction with you all. I would be really interested to hear about your writing day.
Must go, I'm off to the hairdressers now. Two hours of pampering - yay!!!
Thursday, 17 January 2008
A Meme
I'm off work for a couple of days so I was browsing through a few blogs that I visit on a regular basis and I found that Sally had tagged me. She called it The War and Peace of meme's and she's not wrong.
Here goes
What's the last thing you wrote?
A short story.
Was it any good?
I liked it, but I've liked a lot of things that I couldn't interest a publisher in.
What's the first thing you ever wrote that you still have?
A story that I started on the morning of the day that the Twin Towers were attacked. It was supposed to be a novel but didn't have the legs for it then. I plan on revisiting it sometime.
Write poetry?
Sometimes
Favourite genre of writing?
I don't know what genre my writing falls into (agents have said the same thing.)
Most fun character you ever wrote?
George in BTL.
Most annoying character you ever wrote?
Ellen's mother, also in BTL
Best plot you ever wrote?
It's still in my head.
Coolest plot twist you ever wrote?
I liked the one at the end of BTL (Sorry to be a bit vague but this is something that I hope to sell)
How often do you get Writers block?
At least once a week.
Write fan fiction?
No.
Do you type or write by hand?
The first draft is always done by hand.
Do you save everything you write?
Yes.
Do you ever go back to an old idea long after you abandoned it?
I tend not to abandon work just stuff it in my Work in Progress folder.
What's your favourite thing that you've written?
My personal favourite is Elaine which was published in Sexy Shorts for the Beach in 2006. It was what made me get serious about writing.
What's everyone else's favourite thing that you've written?
No idea, no-one has ever told me.
Do you even show people your work?
Only editors and publishers
Did you ever write a novel?
Yes. That would be BTL
Ever written romance or teen angsty drama?
I've written romance, whi hasn't?
How many writing projects are you working on right now?
Probably about half a dozen.
Do you want to write for a living?
That would be a big yes.
Have you ever won an award for your writing?
I was placed second in a competition when I was 15 if that counts.
Ever written something in script or play format?
Yes.
Do you ever write based on yourself?
All the time. I think you have to put something of yourself into your writing.
What character that you've written most resembles yourself?
Ellen in BTL.
Do you ever write based on your dreams?
Yes, I wrote something recently that was based on a dream. I only wrote the first couple of hundred words so far so it's more of an idea than anything concrete.
Do you favour happy endings, sad endings, or cliff-hangers?
I like an ending that works. Unfortunately life is not full of happy endings so it's wrong that all stories/books should have one.
Have you ever written based on an artwork you've seen?
Yes. I wrote a story last year that was inspired by a greetings card that I'd seen.
Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as you write?
Always. Even in my emails at work which winds some people up.
Ever write something entirely in chatspeak? (How r u?)
No.
Entirely in L337?
Excuse me?
Was that question completely appalling and un-writer like?
Possibly, who knows?
Does music help you write?
It doesn't help, but it doesn't hinder either.
Quote something you've written. The first thing to pop into your mind.
"Her dad had said it was too expensive but Helen had bought it for her anyway." Taken from The Purple Pashmina which I wrote recently so that's why I can remember a quote.
Looks like Sally got there before me with most of the tags. However, I tag Captain Black
Here goes
What's the last thing you wrote?
A short story.
Was it any good?
I liked it, but I've liked a lot of things that I couldn't interest a publisher in.
What's the first thing you ever wrote that you still have?
A story that I started on the morning of the day that the Twin Towers were attacked. It was supposed to be a novel but didn't have the legs for it then. I plan on revisiting it sometime.
Write poetry?
Sometimes
Favourite genre of writing?
I don't know what genre my writing falls into (agents have said the same thing.)
Most fun character you ever wrote?
George in BTL.
Most annoying character you ever wrote?
Ellen's mother, also in BTL
Best plot you ever wrote?
It's still in my head.
Coolest plot twist you ever wrote?
I liked the one at the end of BTL (Sorry to be a bit vague but this is something that I hope to sell)
How often do you get Writers block?
At least once a week.
Write fan fiction?
No.
Do you type or write by hand?
The first draft is always done by hand.
Do you save everything you write?
Yes.
Do you ever go back to an old idea long after you abandoned it?
I tend not to abandon work just stuff it in my Work in Progress folder.
What's your favourite thing that you've written?
My personal favourite is Elaine which was published in Sexy Shorts for the Beach in 2006. It was what made me get serious about writing.
What's everyone else's favourite thing that you've written?
No idea, no-one has ever told me.
Do you even show people your work?
Only editors and publishers
Did you ever write a novel?
Yes. That would be BTL
Ever written romance or teen angsty drama?
I've written romance, whi hasn't?
How many writing projects are you working on right now?
Probably about half a dozen.
Do you want to write for a living?
That would be a big yes.
Have you ever won an award for your writing?
I was placed second in a competition when I was 15 if that counts.
Ever written something in script or play format?
Yes.
Do you ever write based on yourself?
All the time. I think you have to put something of yourself into your writing.
What character that you've written most resembles yourself?
Ellen in BTL.
Do you ever write based on your dreams?
Yes, I wrote something recently that was based on a dream. I only wrote the first couple of hundred words so far so it's more of an idea than anything concrete.
Do you favour happy endings, sad endings, or cliff-hangers?
I like an ending that works. Unfortunately life is not full of happy endings so it's wrong that all stories/books should have one.
Have you ever written based on an artwork you've seen?
Yes. I wrote a story last year that was inspired by a greetings card that I'd seen.
Are you concerned with spelling and grammar as you write?
Always. Even in my emails at work which winds some people up.
Ever write something entirely in chatspeak? (How r u?)
No.
Entirely in L337?
Excuse me?
Was that question completely appalling and un-writer like?
Possibly, who knows?
Does music help you write?
It doesn't help, but it doesn't hinder either.
Quote something you've written. The first thing to pop into your mind.
"Her dad had said it was too expensive but Helen had bought it for her anyway." Taken from The Purple Pashmina which I wrote recently so that's why I can remember a quote.
Looks like Sally got there before me with most of the tags. However, I tag Captain Black
Sunday, 13 January 2008
Missing payments and defunct machinery
Can you believe it's almost the middle of January already. Where is this year going? I was just kidding but in all seriousness time is short, life is short, time does pass quickly, so if there's something you want - go for it now.
The Festive Season is well and truly behind us now and life is back to normal. It was good to get back to doing the day job normally but that meant that there wasn't so much free time to write. I managed to get a fair bit done though. I edited a short story that I'd written the week before and submitted that. I also re-polished an old story and submitted that and entered a competition. And I started working on a non fiction article yesterday.
I've had fun and games with my printer this week. It will print everything but a Word document or more accurately, anything but a saved Word document. That is frustrating because it holds everything up. I've had to send things to myself and then open the attachment somewhere other than home and print it off there. ARRGGGHHH!!!! Himself was going to reload the drivers yesterday while I was at work. I guess I'll see in a minute if that's worked. I fear the thing may be for that place where all defunct printers go which is even more annoying because I've just bought cartridges for it.
Got a bit of a delicate problem which I'm hoping will be sorted this week. I had two stories in magazines in December and as yet I haven't been paid for them. I hope that I hear from them this week because if I don't I'm thinking that I may have to contact them and okay, I accept that they owe me money for a serivice I provided but it's not a problem I've had before so I'm not sure how to deal with it. The thing is that the filters on my mailbox have been sending stuff to the junk file that shouldn't go there so maybe they have tried to contact me and the message has been sent to the wrong place. The payment would be made electronically so they would ask me to provide information. Working on the premise that they probably pay at the end of the month they will be preparing that payment run in the middle of the month which hopefully will be this week.
The Festive Season is well and truly behind us now and life is back to normal. It was good to get back to doing the day job normally but that meant that there wasn't so much free time to write. I managed to get a fair bit done though. I edited a short story that I'd written the week before and submitted that. I also re-polished an old story and submitted that and entered a competition. And I started working on a non fiction article yesterday.
I've had fun and games with my printer this week. It will print everything but a Word document or more accurately, anything but a saved Word document. That is frustrating because it holds everything up. I've had to send things to myself and then open the attachment somewhere other than home and print it off there. ARRGGGHHH!!!! Himself was going to reload the drivers yesterday while I was at work. I guess I'll see in a minute if that's worked. I fear the thing may be for that place where all defunct printers go which is even more annoying because I've just bought cartridges for it.
Got a bit of a delicate problem which I'm hoping will be sorted this week. I had two stories in magazines in December and as yet I haven't been paid for them. I hope that I hear from them this week because if I don't I'm thinking that I may have to contact them and okay, I accept that they owe me money for a serivice I provided but it's not a problem I've had before so I'm not sure how to deal with it. The thing is that the filters on my mailbox have been sending stuff to the junk file that shouldn't go there so maybe they have tried to contact me and the message has been sent to the wrong place. The payment would be made electronically so they would ask me to provide information. Working on the premise that they probably pay at the end of the month they will be preparing that payment run in the middle of the month which hopefully will be this week.
Sunday, 6 January 2008
Life's rich tapestry
Well, what are we now? Six days into the new year? So far so good. I have written every day and have already submitted 3 pieces of work. Two were short stories and one was a letter which probably doesn't count as a piece of work but it was a submission. I also wrote a short story which would have fit the Mother's Day market but as that falls on March 3rd this year I've probably missed the boat on that one. So I adapted it slightly to fit a more general market and I'll give it another edit and submit it either this week or next.
I think I'm going to revisit NMBK this week. I'll maybe edit a bit of what I've already written and read through it. I need to get a feel for it again and then make some progress.
I had a quick count up earlier and found that I have 15 pieces of work out there at the moment though I can discount a couple of those I think. They have been with their relative editors for so long I'm guessing they are "no's." I know editors are busy people but a quick email saying "thanks but no thanks," wouldn't have taken too long to send and would have been appreciated. I guess though that as they were both sent to small press magazines they may have gone out of business now so I'll not worry about it. It's all part of life's rich tapestry.
My alto ego Roxie has started to wake up last week with a couple of ides so maybe she'll do some writing this week.
So all in all I'm pleased with my efforts in week 1 of 2008. Like I said before I've written every day and I've already submitted my monthly quota. Hoever I won't sit back on my laurels and I'll be writing and submitting more this week.
Exactly what will be revealed next week.
I think I'm going to revisit NMBK this week. I'll maybe edit a bit of what I've already written and read through it. I need to get a feel for it again and then make some progress.
I had a quick count up earlier and found that I have 15 pieces of work out there at the moment though I can discount a couple of those I think. They have been with their relative editors for so long I'm guessing they are "no's." I know editors are busy people but a quick email saying "thanks but no thanks," wouldn't have taken too long to send and would have been appreciated. I guess though that as they were both sent to small press magazines they may have gone out of business now so I'll not worry about it. It's all part of life's rich tapestry.
My alto ego Roxie has started to wake up last week with a couple of ides so maybe she'll do some writing this week.
So all in all I'm pleased with my efforts in week 1 of 2008. Like I said before I've written every day and I've already submitted my monthly quota. Hoever I won't sit back on my laurels and I'll be writing and submitting more this week.
Exactly what will be revealed next week.
Sunday, 30 December 2007
New Year and all that
With the New Year just around the corner I guess thoughts turn to plans for the future. I know mine certainly do. Along with all the usual stuff (lose weight, excercise more, be kind to people you can't stand) there are things that I hope to do with my writing. In the past I have been pretty non specific about exactly what. It amounted to "I want to be a writer." But my writing has come on so much in the last year and now I need to be more focused. Or I should probably say that I want to be more focused. In 2007 I had my best year ever in terms of success and although that success is incredibly modest when compared to most people's it was my success and I am proud of it. So what if I only had 6 pieces published in 2007. That's 5 more than in 2006 which was 1 more than any year before that. I submitted 47 pieces of work so 12.7% of them were successful. So okay it's not great but it's a start. The first step.
So in 2008 I aim to
So in 2008 I aim to
- Submit a bare minimum of 5 pieces of work a month. - That would take me to 60 which would represent an increase on 2007's output of 27.6% which any company would be happy with.
- Work on the WIP folder regularly. There are some ideas in there that just need developing.
- Finish the first draft of NMBK. It's been left alone for a while while the other stuff has been going on and I don't need to but would like to get back to it.
- Make a contract with myself to work a minimum number of hours each week on writing. Twelve and a half would take my working week up to 50 hours. That should be achievable especially if I can get a few hours in on Sundays.
- Continue to enjoy writing. Afterall, if the big break doesn't come in 2008 I've still got the day job to fall back on.
So there you have it. In a nutshell they are my New Years writing resoloutions.
Happy New Year everyone!!
Tuesday, 25 December 2007
Merry Christmas
Just wanted to stop by and wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Enjoy your day doing whatever it is that you do with hopefully people that you love. That's what I'll be doing.
Lots of love
Gonna B
x
Lots of love
Gonna B
x
Sunday, 23 December 2007
Santa's on his way
With just 2 more days until Christmas the day job shows no sign of slowing down - at least until 4pm tomorrow. At least the good thing about this time of year is that the public are generally in a good mood, or at least most of the time. However it also means that there's lots of work to do. In fact, I'll be working today and I have to tell you that doing the day job on Sundays is one of my pet hates. The only saving grace is that I work for a charity which does sweeten the pill slightly.
Anyway, my writing week. There wasn't a lot of it to be honest. I looked at a couple of stories from my WIP folder and even tweaked a bit but nothing substantial. I came up with an idea for a short story, or at least a title which I wrote down and shoved in the pocket of my jacket. Must retrieve.
I also finished something this week. I finished the first draft of the project that I've called Topsy. It was such an achievement because it means so much to me personally. Writing it helped me through such a difficult time. I don't think that I will try to get it published in the big wide worldbut I do intend to work it to the end and turn it into some sort of "book" just for me. Not everything I or any of us write has to be for profit or mass publication. Sometimes we need to do stuff just for us. This was/is one of those things.
As I sit here in my living room with my laptop on my knee and the Christmas tree a few feet away with presents under it I feel calm and to be honest a bit warm and fuzzy inside. When I was little I used to dream of writing something that was published and wanted to see my name in print more than anything else. I have achieved that now but the feeling is still there only now the goalposts have moved. Now, I want to see my name in print MORE OFTEN.
Anyway, that's about it really. I'm going to have a cup of coffee and walk the dog before I go to work. Or it would probably be more accurate to say that Himself will walk the dog while I follow him round dropping Christmas cards off at the neighbours' houses. Then after work it's going to be a long hot bath and then cook a ham. Tomorrow won't be so bad because I'll be working with a dear friend and we plan on playing the Chipmunks version of Jingle Bells for the last hour . If you've never heard this particular rendition of this festive classic you should because it is hysterical and the first thing I'll do at work this morning is play it a couple of times. Then on Tuesday I'm going to have a day with my menfolk and the dog and reflect on how blessed I am to be loved by some fab men. What more could a girl want for Christmas?
Hope yours is all you want it to be.
x
Anyway, my writing week. There wasn't a lot of it to be honest. I looked at a couple of stories from my WIP folder and even tweaked a bit but nothing substantial. I came up with an idea for a short story, or at least a title which I wrote down and shoved in the pocket of my jacket. Must retrieve.
I also finished something this week. I finished the first draft of the project that I've called Topsy. It was such an achievement because it means so much to me personally. Writing it helped me through such a difficult time. I don't think that I will try to get it published in the big wide worldbut I do intend to work it to the end and turn it into some sort of "book" just for me. Not everything I or any of us write has to be for profit or mass publication. Sometimes we need to do stuff just for us. This was/is one of those things.
As I sit here in my living room with my laptop on my knee and the Christmas tree a few feet away with presents under it I feel calm and to be honest a bit warm and fuzzy inside. When I was little I used to dream of writing something that was published and wanted to see my name in print more than anything else. I have achieved that now but the feeling is still there only now the goalposts have moved. Now, I want to see my name in print MORE OFTEN.
Anyway, that's about it really. I'm going to have a cup of coffee and walk the dog before I go to work. Or it would probably be more accurate to say that Himself will walk the dog while I follow him round dropping Christmas cards off at the neighbours' houses. Then after work it's going to be a long hot bath and then cook a ham. Tomorrow won't be so bad because I'll be working with a dear friend and we plan on playing the Chipmunks version of Jingle Bells for the last hour . If you've never heard this particular rendition of this festive classic you should because it is hysterical and the first thing I'll do at work this morning is play it a couple of times. Then on Tuesday I'm going to have a day with my menfolk and the dog and reflect on how blessed I am to be loved by some fab men. What more could a girl want for Christmas?
Hope yours is all you want it to be.
x
Sunday, 16 December 2007
This blog and other stuff
as you may know I have been thinking in the past couple of weeks about my writing and where its going etc. I was also thinking about this blog. I love making entries here because it's like catching up with an old friend. But sometimes it'll be Friday night and I'll realise that I haven't visited here all week. Sometimes it's because I've been too busy doing other stuff but other times it's because I've not had anything to say.
Sunday is a day when generally I have the time to blog and so I have decided that each Sunday I will tell you about my week. I know that it works for some people so I'm going to give it a go.
So let me tell you about my week.
As I mentioned the other day I sold a story this week which is always good. Yesterday I received my contributers copy of TL Fast Fiction (Summer Special) I always feel a bit odd seeing my name in print. Maybe I just haven't gotten used to it yet. Ginny Swart had a couple of stories in there and I also saw one from Sue Houghton so I'm in good company.
I'm still editing my Topsy project but that is therapy more than anything else. It doesn't seem like a real writing project any more.
That's my writing week in a nutshell. Not really a lot but it's been that kind of week.
Sunday is a day when generally I have the time to blog and so I have decided that each Sunday I will tell you about my week. I know that it works for some people so I'm going to give it a go.
So let me tell you about my week.
As I mentioned the other day I sold a story this week which is always good. Yesterday I received my contributers copy of TL Fast Fiction (Summer Special) I always feel a bit odd seeing my name in print. Maybe I just haven't gotten used to it yet. Ginny Swart had a couple of stories in there and I also saw one from Sue Houghton so I'm in good company.
I'm still editing my Topsy project but that is therapy more than anything else. It doesn't seem like a real writing project any more.
That's my writing week in a nutshell. Not really a lot but it's been that kind of week.
w/c 16/12/2007 This week I'll..
nothing. Or at least to commit to nothing. In case you hadn't noticed it's Christmas in 9 days. It's the busiest time of the year in my day job and I'm working every hour God sends and then on top of that I haven't bought Himself a present yet. I've no doubt that I will do some writing but I'm not sure what.
Tuesday, 11 December 2007
A second job
I have been thinking about what I want from my writing next year and trying to work out how I am going to achieve that. I have decided that I need to take on another job and that job is freelance writer. I have discovered recently how much can be achieved when someone puts their mind to it so if I'm serious about writing I need to make a serious commitment to it. What I need to do now is work out the minimum amount of time that I can commit to writing and contract myself to that time.
I hope that there'll be plenty of over time available.
I hope that there'll be plenty of over time available.
Twice as nice
I sold another story today which is always a good thing to do. It was one that I wrote couple of months ago when I was writing as a distraction so it has now paid off twice. First there was the distraction value and then the hard cash that I'll be paid for it. Can't be bad.
Monday, 10 December 2007
Christmas
I found these questions on DJ Kirby's blog and thought I'd give it a go. I'd be really interested to know your answers
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Paper
2. Real tree or artificial?
Both The main tree is artificial but we rescued a small real tree a couple of years ago. It’s rooted so has lasted a couple of years but if I’m honest it does look a bit ill this year.
3. When do you put up the tree?
Usually around 10th December
4. When do you take the tree down?
As soon after New Years Day as I can get away with.
5. Do you like eggnog?
Never had it
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
A doll with hair that grew, unfortunately I can’t remember what it was called
7. Do you have a Nativity scene?
Yes
8. Hardest person to buy for?
The mother-in-law
9. Easiest person to buy for?
My other half is pretty easy to buy for. We’ve been together a long time
10. Worst Christmas Gift you ever received?
A jumper bought by someone who shall remain nameless. It was polyester and powder blue, need I say more?
11. Mail or email Christmas cards?
Mail
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Scrooged.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Around October
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Yes
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?The whole roast turkey dinner. It comes as a package so you can’t pick out a single thing. It’s just all yummy.
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
Clear at the moment but there have been coloured
17. Favorite Christmas song?
Silent Night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Yes
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Morning. Himself and I open our stockings in bed and then we open the rest as a family after we’ve walked the dog.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
The greed and commercialism
1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Paper
2. Real tree or artificial?
Both The main tree is artificial but we rescued a small real tree a couple of years ago. It’s rooted so has lasted a couple of years but if I’m honest it does look a bit ill this year.
3. When do you put up the tree?
Usually around 10th December
4. When do you take the tree down?
As soon after New Years Day as I can get away with.
5. Do you like eggnog?
Never had it
6. Favorite gift received as a child?
A doll with hair that grew, unfortunately I can’t remember what it was called
7. Do you have a Nativity scene?
Yes
8. Hardest person to buy for?
The mother-in-law
9. Easiest person to buy for?
My other half is pretty easy to buy for. We’ve been together a long time
10. Worst Christmas Gift you ever received?
A jumper bought by someone who shall remain nameless. It was polyester and powder blue, need I say more?
11. Mail or email Christmas cards?
12. Favorite Christmas Movie?
Scrooged.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Around October
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Yes
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?The whole roast turkey dinner. It comes as a package so you can’t pick out a single thing. It’s just all yummy.
16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?
Clear at the moment but there have been coloured
17. Favorite Christmas song?
Silent Night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Home
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Yes
20. Angel on the tree top or a star?
Star
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
Morning. Himself and I open our stockings in bed and then we open the rest as a family after we’ve walked the dog.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
The greed and commercialism
Sunday, 9 December 2007
w/c 09/12/2007 This week I will...
- Evaluate what it is that I want from my writing and start to form a plan.
- Finish the first draft of Topsy.
- Continue to edit Topsy.
I'm still here
Like I said last Sunday, the week that we have just had was going to be a huge week for me away from writing. As a consequence of that I haven't thought about writing much (other than the short story that I subbed by email). But I am here, I am alive and I am well. A cloud that has been hanging over me for the last few months or so has lifted at least temporarily and at this moment life is good.
Sunday, 2 December 2007
Setting goals
I've given some thought this week to what I want from my writing in 2008. I've come up with a couple of things but one of the things I have to be realistic about the amount of time that I will be able to give to writing. Unless I win the lottery sometime soon or get a call from an editor who thinks that they made a mistake by turning down my novel I'll be earning my living from a full time job. That has to come first of course (unfortunately.) Then there are my family commitments.
I don't want you to think that I'm making excuses already because honestly I'm not. I'm trying to be realistic so that I don't set myself unachievable goals. There would be nothing more disheartening fo rme as a writer if I felt like a failure because I'd set my goals to low. On the other hand though I don't want to set them too low either.
I think I need to give it more thought.
Watch this space.
I don't want you to think that I'm making excuses already because honestly I'm not. I'm trying to be realistic so that I don't set myself unachievable goals. There would be nothing more disheartening fo rme as a writer if I felt like a failure because I'd set my goals to low. On the other hand though I don't want to set them too low either.
I think I need to give it more thought.
Watch this space.
w/c 02/12/2007 This week I will
- Continue to edit Topsy (it's very slow progress)
- Develop another idea from the WIP
Won't commit myself to too much this week as I have a couple of big days pewrsonally this week. On these days especially Wednesday I don't see me doing any writing at all.
Just to add one more thing, I'm going to try and come up with an ending to the story that I worked on from the WIP folder last week.
Thursday, 29 November 2007
Will hopefully hear in March
I submitted another story to Thats Life (Australia) today. Hopefully I won't hear anything (apart from the acknowledgement that Mary sends out) before March. Anything less than that and it will probably be a rejection. I've not subbed much recently so this is another step in the right direction.
Something to ask Santa for
I was just working on my Topsy project which hopefully will be finished in a week or so (fingers crossed.) I was doing actual writing rather than editing and as I've said before, my preferred method for a first draft is with a pen on paper. I was looking at the words as they formed or rather the shapes of the words and I have to say that today I liked my handwriting. Unfortunately that's not always the case, sometimes I think that its scrawl. But today it was really rather pretty. It must be down to the pen I was using. It wasn't mine though, it was one that I borrowed. Maybe I'll have to ask Santa to bring me my own.
The Right Title
I had a story published recently called "What's in a Name?" and when it comes to short stories, the answer is probably a lot.
Finding the right title for a story is a constant challange for me. Afterall the first part of your story that an editor sees is the title and they have to be grabbed by it. The last thing that I want for my story is a bland title. If you see a dull title. If they see dull title they might assume dull story.
The title isn't everything but it is plenty. I have had previously rejected stories accepted and the only thing that I have changed is the title. I guess that speaks for itself.
sally had an entry on her blog about this the other day so if you haven't already seen it pop over there.
Finding the right title for a story is a constant challange for me. Afterall the first part of your story that an editor sees is the title and they have to be grabbed by it. The last thing that I want for my story is a bland title. If you see a dull title. If they see dull title they might assume dull story.
The title isn't everything but it is plenty. I have had previously rejected stories accepted and the only thing that I have changed is the title. I guess that speaks for itself.
sally had an entry on her blog about this the other day so if you haven't already seen it pop over there.
Sunday, 25 November 2007
What happened next?
I chose something from my WIP folder to work on. It's a short story written on the back of some A4 sheets of paper that had sales figures on the back. So clearly I had got this idea when I was at work and grabbed whatever I could to write it on, probably during my lunch break. But that break must have ended too soon because the story is almost finished. Unfortunately it stops mid sentence. I guess the phone must have rung or something and I never got back to it. As first drafts go it's not bad, but what on earth happened next? I don't know how I meant to finish this story. I've just typed it up, trying to get a feel for it again, hoping that the ending would come to me. sadly it didn't. I'll be going to work tomorrow, maybe it will come to me there.
Pitching again
I sent a letter to a publisher trying to sell myself and my novel to them. It's a new approach because for me I thought that if I could get a publisher to agree to look at it, my mss might not sit on the slush pile quite so long.
I'll let you know what happens.
I'll let you know what happens.
Thank you...
to everyone who visits this blog. When I first started it I didn't imagine that anyone would. I don't know what brings you here but I hope that you like what you find. You are very welcome here - and if any of you would like to get a duster out and tidy up a bit please feel free.
w/c 25/11/2007 This week I will...
- Continue to edit Topsy.
- Develop at least one piece from my WIP folder which is now bulging thanks to my clearing out the top drawer of my desk.
- Think about what I want from 2008 and plan how I'm going to get it.
Thursday, 22 November 2007
Old habits don't die
I always write the first draft of anything (apart from emails and this blog) with a pen on paper. I love the way that words form on the paper. I know it's probably a bit old fashioned but I don't see myself changing my habit. The second and any subsequent drafts are written/edited on my lap top but for a first draft it has to be a good old fashioned pen on paper. Sometimes I even like my handwriting - but not often.
The reason I mention this is that I was clearing out that top drawer at last and I came across a zillion bits of paper with the first draft of lots of things written on them. I think I made sense of most of them and as a result my WIP folder is now bulging.
Best get on with it.
The reason I mention this is that I was clearing out that top drawer at last and I came across a zillion bits of paper with the first draft of lots of things written on them. I think I made sense of most of them and as a result my WIP folder is now bulging.
Best get on with it.
The elusive person
I'm going to pitch BTL at a publisher this afternoon. Like I said the other day all three agents that have seen it have said good things about it so I know that it has some merit. I believe in it and not just because it's my baby. I just have to find someone who believes in it as much as I do. I know that they're out there I just hope that I live long enough to find them.
Sunday, 18 November 2007
Targeting Markets
I've been working on non fiction projects more recently. I think that there are two reasons for this. Firstly I tend to write about whatever takes my fancy on any given day and sometimes that is something other than what goes on in the fantasy land that is my brain. And secondly the market is much greater. So if I want to earn a second or better still primary living from writing I have to target that greater market as well. I've only had a couple of successes in the past in non fiction but there was a time when that was all I'd had in fiction. We all have to start somewhere and if you're at the bottom of a ladder there is only one way to go. I don't expect and don't aim to be a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist but it would be nice to be able to see a few bits in print. When I setting myself targets for 2008 (is it really only 6 weeks til Christmas?) I'm going to have a non fiction section for the first time.
w/c 18/11/2007. This week I will...
- Continue to edit Topsy.
- Work on another non fiction idea that I had yesterday when I was at work.
- Clear at least the top drawer of what I euphamistically call my writing desk
Monday, 12 November 2007
Free verse - poetry or not?
You may or may not have noticed the verses that appear on my blog. I am reluctant to call them poetry and don't pretend that they are because I'm afraid I can't get away from the theory that poetry should rhyme. It's probably a generation thing. I read a lot (or see the articles at least) in writing magazines about free verse and it confuses me. Isn't free verse just a series of thoughts written on seperate lines rather than just a normal sentence? That's the way I see the stuff I write anyway. But maybe that's just me.
I'm not saying that its wrong - just that I don't understand it.
I'm not saying that its wrong - just that I don't understand it.
Sunday, 11 November 2007
A crumb of comfort and rave refusals
Remember I said that if I didn't hear from the Australian agency about my book by Thursday tea-time (their time) that meant that they weren't interested in it? Well, like I said I didn't hear from them so that was a bit (lot) disappointing. I did however get this email from the agent on Friday.
"Thanks for your submission.
Though your writing shows many strengths, I wasn't quite captivated enough by the material you sent to proceed any further.
Very best
L T" (she obviously wrote her name but I don't know if I'm allowed to put it on here.)
Okay do I know it's not much but I'm taking some comfort from the fact that she took time out of her day to send me a message.
Sadly she is the third agent who has had at least one good thing to say about my book but didn't feel that they could take iy any further. Relatively speaking, my rejections have been great.
"Thanks for your submission.
Though your writing shows many strengths, I wasn't quite captivated enough by the material you sent to proceed any further.
Very best
L T" (she obviously wrote her name but I don't know if I'm allowed to put it on here.)
Okay do I know it's not much but I'm taking some comfort from the fact that she took time out of her day to send me a message.
Sadly she is the third agent who has had at least one good thing to say about my book but didn't feel that they could take iy any further. Relatively speaking, my rejections have been great.
w/c 11/11/2007 This week I will...
No "Last week I ..." entry because it has just occurred to me that I write everything I have done on here anyway so I would just be repeating myself and run the risk of being boring (me boring? Perish the thought!.) So from now on, or at least for this week because by next week I may have forgotten, there will only be what I plan to do this week. And that is as follows:
- Start to edit the Topsy project.
- Edit and prepare to submit the non fiction piece that I wrote yesterday ( okay I just realised that I didn't mention doing that before.)
Thursday, 8 November 2007
Mixed day
Bad news from Australia, or rather no news which amounts to the same thing. They said that if I hadn't heard from them by Thursday tea time they wouldn't be taking the matter any further. As they were sitting down to tea in Melbourne while I was asleep and there was no email waiting for me this morning I'm guessing that'll be a no. C'est la vie, it's all part of a writers life. However I have just heard from the publishers of the erotic stories that I have written in the past (or rather the one's Roxie wrote) that they are going to be available on audio download. So I will get paid twice. Hoorah!!! If there's one thing better than getting paid once, it's getting paid twice.
I was thinking about what I wrote here yesterday and I thought it was a little depressing. However when I thought about it I realised that I am experiencing things and feeling emotions that I never knew existed so at least when it's all over I'll have lots of new things to write about.
I was thinking about what I wrote here yesterday and I thought it was a little depressing. However when I thought about it I realised that I am experiencing things and feeling emotions that I never knew existed so at least when it's all over I'll have lots of new things to write about.
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
Better things to come?
The ugliness that I've been mentioning for the past few weeks (or is it months?) is at it's ugliest. And let me tell you it is way uglier than I thought life could be. When my life is pretty again maybe I'll explain more. I've been happy with the amount of writing I've produced over the past few weeks but I fear I won't be able to say the same this week. Thank goodness I had a good Sunday.
Last night I dreamt I was looking in a mirror and I liked what I saw (not generally the case when I'm awake.) I'm choosing to take it as a sign that there are better things around the corner.
Last night I dreamt I was looking in a mirror and I liked what I saw (not generally the case when I'm awake.) I'm choosing to take it as a sign that there are better things around the corner.
Sunday, 4 November 2007
Thank God for Sunday
I did about an hour and a half of writing this morning and I've just done the same now. But today is Sunday so I had the time to do that, fitting it around making lunch, washing up etc. But the rest of the week I work 9 - 5.30 so by the time I get home and do the stuff that I need to do there's not a lot of time left for writing and that's assuming that I have the energy. My dream of getting the big break may be some way off given the amount of time that I can give it each week.
It's times like this when I wish that I had spent more time writing when I didn't work. But the kids were little then and they were my priority.
But then, I guess nobody said it would be easy.
It's times like this when I wish that I had spent more time writing when I didn't work. But the kids were little then and they were my priority.
But then, I guess nobody said it would be easy.
Unopened emails
True to my word, I haven't checked my emails before I wrote this (blogging doesn't count does it? No it can't today because setting out my plans for the week here is part of my writing regime.) It was relatively easy though because the chances of THAT email arriving between the hours of 5.40 on a Saturday evening and 6.20 on Sunday morning have to be remote. But hang on a minute, it's been day time in Australia while I was asleep. You can rest assurred That if there is anything of significance in my mailbox you will hear about it later.
w/c 03/11/2007 Next week I will....
focus on the following 2 things.
- Getting the Topsy story to it's present completion point. It will go further but only after more reserach which can't be done for a few weeks.
- Edit and type up Roxie's story.
w/c 28/10/2007 Last week I
- did way over 3000 words on Topsy.
- Sent BTL to Australia
- Submitted a total of 6 pieces out, one of which was accepted.
- Edited and typed a short story written ages ago.
I think that was it but I am happy with what I achieved last week as it was my most productive week in ages.
Friday, 2 November 2007
Easily distracted
Why is it that before I can start doing anything on my computer be it write, edit or anything not connected with writing (I mean literally anything) I check my email. Maybe it's because I'm hoping that there's going to be the email I'm waiting for to be there. From next week I'm going to try and get into the habit of doing what I switched the computer on for in the first place before I check messages. Maybe that way I'll do more work and less chatting/surfing/all the other distractions the internet offers because God knows I take precious little distracting. I don't know how well I'll manage because that email might be there but I'll give it a go.
Thursday, 1 November 2007
New approach a success
I've just emailed my book off to the Australian agency. I figured that there would be nothing lost in trying to pitch it down under. Nothing ventured - nothing gained as they say.
I'm feeling really good about the amount of actual writing that I have done this week rather than just thinking about it. (I think about it a lot.) My new approach to setting myself targets has definately worked for me. I guess that's what it's all about i.e. finding what works for you.
I'm feeling really good about the amount of actual writing that I have done this week rather than just thinking about it. (I think about it a lot.) My new approach to setting myself targets has definately worked for me. I guess that's what it's all about i.e. finding what works for you.
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
A quick update
Thought I'd let you know how I was getting on with my reduced schedule.
I have probably written about 2000 words so far on my Topsy project and my submission for the Australian agency is ready to go and will be emailed tomorrow night. On top of that I have submitted the entry to Gcities which I mentioned in my previous entry and I submitted a short story to a magazine in South Africa. This afternoon I'm also going to submit another short story.
This will be my most productive week in ages so I'm starting to think that less is more if you catch my drift.
I have probably written about 2000 words so far on my Topsy project and my submission for the Australian agency is ready to go and will be emailed tomorrow night. On top of that I have submitted the entry to Gcities which I mentioned in my previous entry and I submitted a short story to a magazine in South Africa. This afternoon I'm also going to submit another short story.
This will be my most productive week in ages so I'm starting to think that less is more if you catch my drift.
Durham Cathedral
I read about the Gcities website in Writers News and thought I'd have a look. I submitted an entry about Durham Cathedral which they accepted. You can see it at http://www.wcities.com/en/record/162,360493/46/record.html
Sunday, 28 October 2007
w/c 28/10/2007 This week I will...
- concentrate on Topsy. It's non fiction and fairly topical, relevant to stuff at the moment so needs to be worked on now. Target - 3000 words (but hopefully more)
- submit BTL to the Australian agency.
That's all I'm going to commit myself to this week. Of course that isn't to say that it is all I will do just that even if I don't do anything else this week I Am going to do these two things. Like I said in a post earlier this week I need to focus on the furure, the bigger picture, call it what you will. I need to get more structure to my writing if I am going to be serious about this thing.
That structure forming starts now.
w/c 20/10/2007 Last week I ...
- wrote 1000 words on Topsy
- wrote 1000 words on NMBK
- submitted 4 very short pieces of fiction
Friday, 26 October 2007
Something to work out
I had a new idea yesterday which has excited me a lot and I started to put some things down onto paper today. It was while I was doing that, that it occurred to me that I really need to learn to concentrate on a particular project. It's ok to have a few things on the go at once but while I'm working on lots of things at once nothing is getting finished. i don't know what the answer is but I know that I need to work it out.
Monday, 22 October 2007
Spring clean - the order of the day
I've just been having a look through my writing cabinet where all my work in progress is stored and realised how much there is. I have masses of stuff that isn't quite finished or needs a final polish. I really need to go through it all. I won't throw any of it away but I need to get it sorted, finish the good stuff and work on the rest.
So even though it's October I think a spring clean is required.
I also really need to go through all the work I've got archived.
Best get the mop and bucket out.
So even though it's October I think a spring clean is required.
I also really need to go through all the work I've got archived.
Best get the mop and bucket out.
Sunday, 21 October 2007
Deadline met hoorah!!!
The deadline for getting the editing done to the piece commissioned last week was Monday Australia time. I didn't want to mess it up by not getting it there on time so I finished it and sent it off on Friday night. It is so important to meet deadlines so the last thing I wanted to do now that I seem to have got a toe in with this magazine is blow it.
The weekly targets that I set myself are not written in stone and when the ugly stuff finishes maybe I should become a stone mason.
The weekly targets that I set myself are not written in stone and when the ugly stuff finishes maybe I should become a stone mason.
w/c 21/10/2007 Next week I'll
- write 1000 words on each of NMBK and Topsy
- Finally submit the steps story.
- Try and clear up a few loose ends.
w/c 14/10/2007 last week I....
- had a story commissioned by Thats Life! Australia.
- Had a story rejected by Woman's Weekly.
- Finished Roxie's story
- Edited the Australian commission.
- wrote 1000 words on Topsy ans NMBK
All in all considering everything else that's going on I'm pretty pleased with this week(apart from the rejection of course.)
Friday, 19 October 2007
Another hit down under
I've had another story commissioned in Australia which is good news. I've been asked to cut it to fit which isn't a problem apart from the fact that the dealine is tight. In fact I really need to get in with it.
I had a story rejected by Womans Weekly today which was disappointing but goes with the territory. Maybe I should try it in Australia. To be honest I was wondering if I should try to get myself an Australian publisher for my book as they seem quite keen on my stuff (well at least two editors are.)
Must get on - I need to lose a couple of hundered words.
I had a story rejected by Womans Weekly today which was disappointing but goes with the territory. Maybe I should try it in Australia. To be honest I was wondering if I should try to get myself an Australian publisher for my book as they seem quite keen on my stuff (well at least two editors are.)
Must get on - I need to lose a couple of hundered words.
An apology in advance
I said that I would submit this week but to be honest I haven't and I won't before this week is out so apologies for that.
I just can't get my head around submitting anything new at the moment because the ugly stuff is starting to get really ugly so the writing is my distraction. I also apologise for not being around much but I want you to know how much I appreciate you dropping by and your good wishes.
Thanks - you are a lovely lot.
I just can't get my head around submitting anything new at the moment because the ugly stuff is starting to get really ugly so the writing is my distraction. I also apologise for not being around much but I want you to know how much I appreciate you dropping by and your good wishes.
Thanks - you are a lovely lot.
Sunday, 14 October 2007
Focus on the plan
I've just checked my list and I only have 7 pieces of work out there in the world which is nowhere near enough. Submitting work has been a problem for me recently. I write it, I edit it, I polish it but then I don't do anything with it. Okay, so I know I've got all that other rubbish going on at the minute but I could submit at least one piece of work a week. The other stuff is actually starting to get a bit harder but I have to look beyond the present to the time when it will be over. I need to focus on the plan and part of that plan is writing.
w/c 14/10/2007 Next week I'll...
do the usual stuff, you know, work on Topsy and NMBK. In addition to that I will
- Finish Roxie's story.
- Polish and submit the steps story (ok I know that was on last week's list too)
- Submit at least one other piece.
- Do anything else that takes my fancy
w/c 07/10/2007 Last week I
- Worked on Roxie's story
- Worked on Topsy
- Worked on NMBK
It doesn't look a lot on paper but considering the week I had I am fairly pleased.
Thursday, 11 October 2007
Thanks to Womagwriter
Womagwriter recently tagged me for a meme. I've taken a few days to have a think about my answers so here goes.
Total number of books
I probably personally own (Himself would want no part of my Auten collection) about 100 books. However we have about 500 books in the house ( at least half of them in boxes because the bookshelves are full) so I'm never short of something to read.
Last book read
A pair of Blue Eyes by Thomas Hardy. It was a present from Himself for no reason other than he saw it and thought of me (that's what he tells me anyway.) Really good book and apparently a bit autobiographical.
Last book bought
Relics - Pip Vaughn Hughes. I've got no idea what it's about but Himself got very excited when I mentioned I'd seen it so I had to buy it for him. I honestly can't remember the last book I bought for myself.
5 Meaningful Books
The Girl with the Pearl Earring - Tracy Chevalier: An incredibly erotic book without any sex.
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee - Dee Dee Williams: The true story of the Native American which is nothing like Hollywood.
Ghosts - Ed McBain: It introduced me to one of the best writers of dialogue that I have ever come across.
Tess of the D'Urbervilles -Thomas Hardy: I identified with Tess so much. I am probably the only person I know who understood her.
The Trial - Franz Kafka - I couldn't help but enjoy it even though I didn't know what was happening.
Now the hard part because every one I read has already been tagged before. But the blogs I read the most are Sally Quilford, Womagwriter, Cally Taylor, A Writer and Leigh Forbes. There are plenty more that I pop into now and again but these are the ones I read the most.
Thanks for the chance Woamgwriter
Total number of books
I probably personally own (Himself would want no part of my Auten collection) about 100 books. However we have about 500 books in the house ( at least half of them in boxes because the bookshelves are full) so I'm never short of something to read.
Last book read
A pair of Blue Eyes by Thomas Hardy. It was a present from Himself for no reason other than he saw it and thought of me (that's what he tells me anyway.) Really good book and apparently a bit autobiographical.
Last book bought
Relics - Pip Vaughn Hughes. I've got no idea what it's about but Himself got very excited when I mentioned I'd seen it so I had to buy it for him. I honestly can't remember the last book I bought for myself.
5 Meaningful Books
The Girl with the Pearl Earring - Tracy Chevalier: An incredibly erotic book without any sex.
Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee - Dee Dee Williams: The true story of the Native American which is nothing like Hollywood.
Ghosts - Ed McBain: It introduced me to one of the best writers of dialogue that I have ever come across.
Tess of the D'Urbervilles -Thomas Hardy: I identified with Tess so much. I am probably the only person I know who understood her.
The Trial - Franz Kafka - I couldn't help but enjoy it even though I didn't know what was happening.
Now the hard part because every one I read has already been tagged before. But the blogs I read the most are Sally Quilford, Womagwriter, Cally Taylor, A Writer and Leigh Forbes. There are plenty more that I pop into now and again but these are the ones I read the most.
Thanks for the chance Woamgwriter
Wednesday, 10 October 2007
Just stopping by
I want to write an entry here but I don't know what to say. It's kind of ironic really because I've just read an article about someone who says that they want to write a book but don't know what to write about.
I've had the afternoon off work to take care of a few bits and bobs and that's done now and I find myself with an hour to spare. Do I clean the bathroom (or any other room you'd care to mention)? Do I attack the mountain of ironing that is officially the highest point above sea level for miles around? No I switch in the computer and write. Okay, well writing might be stretching it a bit. I answered a couple of emails, wrote an entry on the private blog I'm keeping about the rubbish that is still going on in my life, had another look at my fiftybeans story just to make sure it really was there and now I'm here.
Maybe I'll read an old story and see what I can do about/with it. Yes that's what I'm going to do. I'll let you know how I got on.
I've had the afternoon off work to take care of a few bits and bobs and that's done now and I find myself with an hour to spare. Do I clean the bathroom (or any other room you'd care to mention)? Do I attack the mountain of ironing that is officially the highest point above sea level for miles around? No I switch in the computer and write. Okay, well writing might be stretching it a bit. I answered a couple of emails, wrote an entry on the private blog I'm keeping about the rubbish that is still going on in my life, had another look at my fiftybeans story just to make sure it really was there and now I'm here.
Maybe I'll read an old story and see what I can do about/with it. Yes that's what I'm going to do. I'll let you know how I got on.
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
Something else for the CV
A while ago (quite a while ago in fact) I submitted a 50 word story to The Meridian 50 Beans project. I'd given up on it and to be honest forgotten about it. But I heard today that it's been published on the fiftybeans website www.fiftybeans.com It's not a paying piece but it's still an achievement and something else for the CV.
Sunday, 7 October 2007
w/c 07/10/2007 This week I'll...
- work on my Topsy project
- work on NMBK
- work on Roxie's story
- polish the steps story and submit it to the competition it was written for.
- Submit something. I've just had a count and I only have 8 pieces of work out there. That is nowhere near enough. Most people trying to bew serious about this would submit in a week.
- Not be too hard on myself because this is the week that Himself and I should have been in Rome. But the "rubbish" that I refer to from time to time has meant that we have had to cancel. Needless to say I may be a little down this week but by that same token I will be looking for distractions too. I'd got a magazine interested in some photographs of Rome but they say that they'll still look at them when we do go.
w/c 30/09/2007 Last week I
did pretty much what I said I would I think. I...
- worked on NMBK
- worked on the story that Roxie is writing
- wsorked on NMBK
- worked on my Topsy project
I also had an acceptance this week which I enjoyed.
Friday, 5 October 2007
The blog won the raffle
I almost deleted the post I made around midnight because I don't know what it was all about. But one of the things I said to myself at the beginning was that I was going to write as I felt at a particular moment. So last nights nonsense stays.
Like I said I couldn't sleep and I wanted to talk to someone. The blog won the raffle.
Just in case anyone is interested, I went to bed just after I'd posted the blog and went to sleep after about 10 - 15 minutes. I did wake up a couple of times but wasn't too tired this morning.
Like I said I couldn't sleep and I wanted to talk to someone. The blog won the raffle.
Just in case anyone is interested, I went to bed just after I'd posted the blog and went to sleep after about 10 - 15 minutes. I did wake up a couple of times but wasn't too tired this morning.
Watch this space
Roxie did write today and so did I.
Roxie's story is coming along nicely but not progressing as quickly as I would like it to. My work is mainly a distraction from the real world.
I've just remembered a competition I meant to enter. I wrote the story so I need to check that I didn't miss the deadline. I don't think I did, I'm fairly certain that it was November but I need to check that.
maybe I should also go to bed. It's 12.15 (that time may not show on the blog but I assure you it's real) and I've been to bed once but got up again because I couldn't sleep. Maybe I'll give it another go.
Watch this space for any more entries tonight because if I still can't sleep I'll be back.
Roxie's story is coming along nicely but not progressing as quickly as I would like it to. My work is mainly a distraction from the real world.
I've just remembered a competition I meant to enter. I wrote the story so I need to check that I didn't miss the deadline. I don't think I did, I'm fairly certain that it was November but I need to check that.
maybe I should also go to bed. It's 12.15 (that time may not show on the blog but I assure you it's real) and I've been to bed once but got up again because I couldn't sleep. Maybe I'll give it another go.
Watch this space for any more entries tonight because if I still can't sleep I'll be back.
Wednesday, 3 October 2007
Roxie writes again
I'm writing with renewed vigour this week on the back of my success in Australia. Today I worked on the story that Roxie (my erotica writing alto ego) is working on. When I'm scribbling I can see people looking at me and I dare say some of them are wondering what on earth I am writing in my tatty little note book. If only they knew.
I must get around to sending my book out to another agent/publisher ( I haven't decided which one to try yet) I do have another agent to try that an author recommended to me so maybe I'll try them first. Either way I need to stop thinking about it and send it out there again.
Roxie will probably be writing again tomorrow as her book is small and neat and fits discreetly into my handbag.
I must get around to sending my book out to another agent/publisher ( I haven't decided which one to try yet) I do have another agent to try that an author recommended to me so maybe I'll try them first. Either way I need to stop thinking about it and send it out there again.
Roxie will probably be writing again tomorrow as her book is small and neat and fits discreetly into my handbag.
Tuesday, 2 October 2007
Hit me again
I spent a lot of time just hanging around yesterday so I worked on Topsy and wrote probably about 1000 words or so. I tried to work on NMBK but by that time there was another woman hanging around too and she insisted on talking. It was okay though.
Just checked email to see if there was any news on the story shortlisted by the Australian magazine and found that there was a message from them. It wasn't about the shortlisted story though but about one that I sent them about a month after I sent that one. (Are you still with me?) They are going to use it in their Summer Fiction Special. How good is that? I guess that if they're going to use the one that they told me was shortlisted I should be hearing about that fairly soon. Watch this space.
A great big Happy Birthday to Himself who is 50 today.
Just checked email to see if there was any news on the story shortlisted by the Australian magazine and found that there was a message from them. It wasn't about the shortlisted story though but about one that I sent them about a month after I sent that one. (Are you still with me?) They are going to use it in their Summer Fiction Special. How good is that? I guess that if they're going to use the one that they told me was shortlisted I should be hearing about that fairly soon. Watch this space.
A great big Happy Birthday to Himself who is 50 today.
Sunday, 30 September 2007
It's just rubbish
I mentioned in my "This week I'll" post for this week that it's going to be a tough week for me on a personal level. To be honest the next 2 - 3 months could be tough - or maybe not so bad - who knows? Please bear with me if I'm not as dedicated as I would like to be. It's just a temporary blip - I promise. The rubish in my life at the moment isn't going to take it over - I won't let it. It's just rubbish.
w/c 30/09/2007 Next week I'll
- work on and try to finish the erotic story one of my alto ego's is writing.
- work on NMBK
- work on Topsy ( my new pet name for my non fiction project)
- write on this blog at least 4 times.
- not beat myself up if I don't manage these things as this week is going to be tough on a personal level
w/c 23/09/2007 Last week I...
did everything that I said I would although maybe not in the quantities that I would have liked. I also received a rejection late last night which was disappointing but part of the job. I'm sure I'll live, I just need to try harder.
Friday, 28 September 2007
Still here
Just to let you know that I am still here and still writing. It's just that there's a lot of domestic stuff going on this week so I haven't had a chance to blog. A big hello to anyone who's been here. Started a new short story last night. Anyway got to run - need to see a man about a dog (so to speak.)
Tuesday, 25 September 2007
Back in my arms
I worked on NMBK today for the first time in about 7 weeks. It felt good to have my baby back in my arms again (okay in my hands really.)
Sunday, 23 September 2007
First time in a month
If you have read this blog before you may know that there is some stuff going on in my life at the minute that has put writing on the back burner. I have however in the past week or so realised that I should focus on the plan for when it is over and life is back to normal. The plan involves writing so I have tried to get back to it.
So I just want to announce that I have just submitted a piece of work. That's the first time in a month.
So I just want to announce that I have just submitted a piece of work. That's the first time in a month.
A cool idea
My favourite book of all time is "Tess of the D'Urbervilles." I originally read it in school and I have read it over and over again since.
How cool would it be to have someone say that a book you (I) had written was their most favourite book?
Very cool.
How cool would it be to have someone say that a book you (I) had written was their most favourite book?
Very cool.
w/c 23/09/2007 This week I'll...
- Continue with my non fiction project.
- Work on NMBK - even if it's only 100 words. I've ignored that baby too long.
- Polish the stuff that's still a bit dull.
- Submit at least one piece of work.
The bullet points are back. That's a good sign. I did them without really thinking so it must mean that my heads in better shape - for today at least (or is it just this hour?) If it's just going to be for the hour I'd best get on and write something before it goes again.
w/c 16/09/2007 Last week I ....
worked mainly on my non fiction project - the one that's growing like Topsy. I also thought about NMBK for the first time in weeks. I also polished a couple of things (stories not furniture) but not to the standard where I would want anyone else seeing them.
Thursday, 20 September 2007
A mixed batch
I heard yesterday from an agent who has been looking at my book. He said that he had enjoyed it but that he wasn't sure if he could place it in the current tough market. So now I'm looking for another agent to send it to. Or I was thinking maybe I would try a publisher direct. I want to believe that he enjoyed the book so if he did I must be able to find someone else who does.
So that was a little disappointing but then today I heard from a magazine in Australia that a story I sent them some time ago has been shortlisted. The last acceptance I had from them came about 7 months after submission so I wasn't surprised that it had taken them so long to get back to me. In fact it was encouraging because the two stories of mine that they have rejected in the past have been returned quite quickly. That was some good news just when I needed it.
Maybe I should consider trying to get my book published in Australia.
So that was a little disappointing but then today I heard from a magazine in Australia that a story I sent them some time ago has been shortlisted. The last acceptance I had from them came about 7 months after submission so I wasn't surprised that it had taken them so long to get back to me. In fact it was encouraging because the two stories of mine that they have rejected in the past have been returned quite quickly. That was some good news just when I needed it.
Maybe I should consider trying to get my book published in Australia.
Open writing competitions
Today is the first day that was just for me in ages and I was relaxing with a cuppa I flicked through the latest edition of Writing magazine this morning and came across the 2008 writing competition calendar. I noticed that almost all of the story competitions have an open theme. You can write about whatever you want. How on earth do you come up with a winning entry - or any entry come to that? I think I now know why I've never entered a competition that didn't have a theme before.
Monday, 17 September 2007
A bit like Topsy
I've done lots of writing today compared to what I have been managing lately. I wrote a bit more of the short story that I started last week and about 1000 words on my non fiction project.
That particular project started off as what I thought would be an article but it is growing - a bit like Topsy. (I don't know who Topsy was but my mum used to say it a lot)
That particular project started off as what I thought would be an article but it is growing - a bit like Topsy. (I don't know who Topsy was but my mum used to say it a lot)
Sunday, 16 September 2007
w/c 16/09/2007 This week I will...
polish the short story that's in the first draft stage and finish the other one that I started last week. I will also try to find a market for the 60 word stories that I wrote a couple of weeks ago. I will submit at least one piece of work.
w/c 09/09/2007 Last week I....
started 2 short stories. I completed the first draft of one of them but the other one is probably only 100 words or so. I also worked on a non fiction project that will be ongoing for a few months at least.
Thursday, 13 September 2007
Focusing on the plan
I had another rejection today. The editor in question complimented the story, saying that they liked it and that it was beautifully written but just not right for them. It's actually a story that I love so I'm going to find a market for it.
I'm trying to get my mind back on writing more. There's nothing that I can do about the other stuff that's going on but I/we have a plan when the bad stuff finishes and I need to be writing.
Plus when I'm writing the bad stuff disappears temporarily so if I could only get my head to stay in the writing. I need to focus on the plan.
I'm trying to get my mind back on writing more. There's nothing that I can do about the other stuff that's going on but I/we have a plan when the bad stuff finishes and I need to be writing.
Plus when I'm writing the bad stuff disappears temporarily so if I could only get my head to stay in the writing. I need to focus on the plan.
Tuesday, 11 September 2007
Central Fiction Depts
I sent a story to the Central Fiction Department of D C Thomson about six weeks ago. It was submitted by email so you can imagine my surprise when it was returned to me today in the post. It was rejected but they had sent it back to me along with some guidelines for some of there publications.
I'm not sure how the central fiction dept works. I know that it means that your work gets considered for a whole range of magazines rather than just one but it does feel a bit impersonal.
I started a short story - a regular 1000 word plus short story. That's the first one in weeks. I guess it's progress.
The contract came yesterday for the story that's going to be published by Xcite books. I signed it this morning and sent it back. Thats what it's all about.
I'm not sure how the central fiction dept works. I know that it means that your work gets considered for a whole range of magazines rather than just one but it does feel a bit impersonal.
I started a short story - a regular 1000 word plus short story. That's the first one in weeks. I guess it's progress.
The contract came yesterday for the story that's going to be published by Xcite books. I signed it this morning and sent it back. Thats what it's all about.
Sunday, 9 September 2007
w/c 09/09/2007 Next week I will
.... submit at least one piece of work. I will also polish a couple of other pieces that are lieing around gathering dust. It's not a lot but like I said the other day life will be a challange for the next few months and writing has to take a back seat. My dream is important to me but some things have to take precedence.
Saturday, 8 September 2007
Another lesson learned
I had two responses yeterday. One was a negative and the other one was sort of a positive. That is to say that although they are not going to use it at the moment they want to hang onto it for a later date. It was something that I wrote about what I'm going through so I'm okay about it not being published right away because it already served it's purpose by helping me through a moment.
Being honest about myself I'm not too disappointed about the other. Okay, I am disappointed - maybe I should say that I'm not surprised. It was a story that I submitted when I came across a market and thought "that story'll do for that," I have to stop doing that because it doesn't work. So even though it wa not the answer that I wanted it has taught me a valuable lesson.
Being honest about myself I'm not too disappointed about the other. Okay, I am disappointed - maybe I should say that I'm not surprised. It was a story that I submitted when I came across a market and thought "that story'll do for that," I have to stop doing that because it doesn't work. So even though it wa not the answer that I wanted it has taught me a valuable lesson.
Thursday, 6 September 2007
Roll on Christmas
I mentioned the other day that D Day was Wednesday (yesterday.) Lets just say that the next three months are going to be a challange and my "gonna be a writer" attempt will definately be secondary. I will however keep writing and keep you up to date with my progress. Like I said before writing is a distraction.
With God on our side though we are looking forward to a fantastic Christmas.
With God on our side though we are looking forward to a fantastic Christmas.
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
Very short fiction
My concentration span is a bit short at the moment so I've been working on some very short fiction. I know that there are a couple of markets for 60 word stories so maybe I'll submit to those. I got the 250 words competition entry down on paper (figuratively speaking) yesterday only to find that I need to lose 64 words. I guess I'll be pruning again.
Sunday, 2 September 2007
w/c 02/09/2007 Next week I will....
do more. I have realised that there is very little (okay nothing) that I can do personally about the situation that has taken over my mind and my life at the moment. (I will tell you - one of these days - when it's over probably.) That being the case, unless I choose to go mad (which will do no-one any good) I should distract myself. That being the case I am going to try and write more and not just in my private space.
I actually did a bit of NMBK for the first time on weeks today and that felt good. So I will try to do more of that.
Also I will try to polish the piece of flash fiction that I wrote last week and I will try to submit a story to an overseas market that I have in mind.
Note that I said try. That's because D Day is this Wednesday.
I actually did a bit of NMBK for the first time on weeks today and that felt good. So I will try to do more of that.
Also I will try to polish the piece of flash fiction that I wrote last week and I will try to submit a story to an overseas market that I have in mind.
Note that I said try. That's because D Day is this Wednesday.
w/c 26/08/2007 last week I....
didn't do a lot of stuff that can be submitted anywhere. I did write a piece of flash fiction and I did submit a short non fiction piece to an American market.
I think that was it.
I think that was it.
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