Another busy month! The weekend away at the end of February sparked some new ideas for poems on the car journey down, so very refreshing! Started an idea for a story based on one of the girls and well as notes for my poem postcards. All my friends asked about how my writing was going and that was certainly a huge confidence boost. Got me off to a good start for the month too.
I've taken the decision to try and focus my lunch breaks at work on writing, therefore the book now stays at home! It seems to be working well and I enjoy the time to try and separate myself from the work worries. I've now typed up how far I've got with both my Cornwall and Oxford stories, and it's meant that I know where I am and can now plan where I go next. New research as well as positive feedback from two manuscript evenings for Writers Group have sparked inspiration and visiting the Oxford Literary Festival last week was just as useful! Both myself and my sister made visits to Oxford colleges in order to research our stories more and get a feel for where they are set, mine in Balliol and hers in Hertford, and they were very beneficial visits, so just need to put some of that inspiration down on paper now, can't wait! Writers Group has been influential in getting me going again, when I was just starting to hit a bit of a wall and get stuck. One idea offered was a writing task on the cottage in Cornwall, to get down on paper all the visions in my head, even the smallest details, its certainly been a very useful exercise, and look forward to putting parts into my story. I've also started character profiles and planning maps for both the stories, before I get too carried away and it again has been very useful. A few of the members also commented that based on what they'd already heard of my Cornwall story, that it could be a novel. I'd never really thought of it like that, it started out as a short story, but who knows? Certainly another boost to the confidence at least!
That's what been the most interesting part, when I look back on my original idea and where the stories started, they've already changed so much and I'm still yet to find out where they are going, it's certainly an exciting journey so far, and I'm looking forward to what lies ahead.
I also took some time to type up all the poems I'd started in my notebook, and was surprised with how many were actually in there! I've scribbled a few new ones recently too, and it was good to go back to where I started, as I've been so distracted with stories recently. I've also had my most recent column published as well as working on and finishing the next one, so always something to work on! So that's about all for this month, and I shall expect more of the same in the next four weeks, just happy so long as I'm writing!
Tuesday, 31 March 2015
Wednesday, 25 February 2015
February 2015
Okay, so not quite the end of the month, but going away for the weekend and trying to get everything done! It has been a good month overall I think, and its only as I look back, I realise how much I've actually achieved. I finished typing up my 'Broken Links' story about two best friends who fall out. Its only a short story, but I'm really pleased with it. The idea came from a couple of films that I liked and I incorporated ideas from these into my two main characters. I'd made a few notes from each of the films and this formed most of my research, most of the inspiration just coming from my imagination, which, although a majority of my original stories do come from my thoughts, some require more in depth research, depending on where I want the story to go. I wasn't sure what I would do next once this story was done, but I didn't have long until I was onto the next thing! I have had two or three other ideas for short stories that I've currently started and spent time on researching so looking forward to seeing where they take me. I've had some days where I feel I've hit a bit of a wall, and not written much at all, and I've tried to fill the time instead with reading and research online, trying to spark some inspiration. Other days there just hasn't been enough time to fit in all the writing that I want to do, but I guess that's just the nature of the game.
I submitted two entries for writing competitions this month, so despite that fact that I may not win or even be shortlisted, I feel positive just that I entered. One was a poetry competition, and I have to admit that I didn't write anything new for this as I already had a few finished poems that fitted into the theme. The other competition was for short stories, again under a specific theme, so this involved coming up with a new idea, as well as keeping within the required word count! Following advice from a local and well known author (Rowan Coleman, thank you) I will certainly be looking to enter plenty more competitions (preferably free!) in order to try and get some of my writing noticed. It was a good exercise to work to a deadline as well as exploring new ideas, and out of my comfort zone. I'm really happy to say that some of this has also rubbed off on my sister. After months of feeling stuck and that she had lost her ability to write, she also entered both the competitions, coming up with lots of new ideas for the short story, so finally she is getting her mojo back, so long may it continue. I find that having each other to bounce and share ideas with has helped me and without her I don't think I would be where I am now in my writing.
My next column will be published in the next week, and being given the rota well in advance allowed me to explore a number of ideas before selecting my submission. I have a whole list of ideas already in my notebook, which I keep adding too, and having written up three of them for this next column, my only reason for picking the one that I did was the time of year. Something I want to work on for the column is the voice that I use, and this hasn't come across in a couple of the ideas. Still, I'm reasonably new to this, so I would hope this would come with time and experience,
Only managed one Writers Group meeting this month, but was a good one! It was a workshop with a local author and we were given information on how to get published as well as getting started as a writer. I wasn't sure how much I would take away from this as still not sure I have a novel in me, but has certainly given me a insight and will not give up! One piece of advice that particularly stuck with me was about starting with short stories and keep entering competitions, so at least I know I'm currently in the right place. In regards a novel, I'm still working on my Cornwall story, but have tried to rein in what I'm doing, so I'm clear on the direction I want the story to go. I've been doing more research as well as reading other novels, that include similar themes and ideas that I want to incorporate. I have lots more that I have scribbled over the month to type up and its certainly not finished yet, so not sure how long it will be! I have a feeling that although longer than all the other stories that I've done, it will still come under the short story category, but we will see! I like the fact that I have a number of things that I've started, it means I can put one down and come back to it, but in the meantime, be looking at something else, keeping the mind busy! I've scribbled a few new poems in between other things too, in the hope that I don't lose the one thing that got me writing in the first place, keep all the options open! I have a fun idea of using poems as presents for friends, so looking forward to exploring that further.
So that ends another month.Who knows what I will do and where I will go next, but have plenty to keep busy with in the meantime, so long as I just keep writing!
I submitted two entries for writing competitions this month, so despite that fact that I may not win or even be shortlisted, I feel positive just that I entered. One was a poetry competition, and I have to admit that I didn't write anything new for this as I already had a few finished poems that fitted into the theme. The other competition was for short stories, again under a specific theme, so this involved coming up with a new idea, as well as keeping within the required word count! Following advice from a local and well known author (Rowan Coleman, thank you) I will certainly be looking to enter plenty more competitions (preferably free!) in order to try and get some of my writing noticed. It was a good exercise to work to a deadline as well as exploring new ideas, and out of my comfort zone. I'm really happy to say that some of this has also rubbed off on my sister. After months of feeling stuck and that she had lost her ability to write, she also entered both the competitions, coming up with lots of new ideas for the short story, so finally she is getting her mojo back, so long may it continue. I find that having each other to bounce and share ideas with has helped me and without her I don't think I would be where I am now in my writing.
My next column will be published in the next week, and being given the rota well in advance allowed me to explore a number of ideas before selecting my submission. I have a whole list of ideas already in my notebook, which I keep adding too, and having written up three of them for this next column, my only reason for picking the one that I did was the time of year. Something I want to work on for the column is the voice that I use, and this hasn't come across in a couple of the ideas. Still, I'm reasonably new to this, so I would hope this would come with time and experience,
Only managed one Writers Group meeting this month, but was a good one! It was a workshop with a local author and we were given information on how to get published as well as getting started as a writer. I wasn't sure how much I would take away from this as still not sure I have a novel in me, but has certainly given me a insight and will not give up! One piece of advice that particularly stuck with me was about starting with short stories and keep entering competitions, so at least I know I'm currently in the right place. In regards a novel, I'm still working on my Cornwall story, but have tried to rein in what I'm doing, so I'm clear on the direction I want the story to go. I've been doing more research as well as reading other novels, that include similar themes and ideas that I want to incorporate. I have lots more that I have scribbled over the month to type up and its certainly not finished yet, so not sure how long it will be! I have a feeling that although longer than all the other stories that I've done, it will still come under the short story category, but we will see! I like the fact that I have a number of things that I've started, it means I can put one down and come back to it, but in the meantime, be looking at something else, keeping the mind busy! I've scribbled a few new poems in between other things too, in the hope that I don't lose the one thing that got me writing in the first place, keep all the options open! I have a fun idea of using poems as presents for friends, so looking forward to exploring that further.
So that ends another month.Who knows what I will do and where I will go next, but have plenty to keep busy with in the meantime, so long as I just keep writing!
Saturday, 31 January 2015
January 2015
Happy New Year to you all!
Its been a long month, but feel that I have managed to achieve quite a bit. My second column came out at the start of the month, so that was a good positive at the beginning of the year. I have found out that my next one is not until the start of March, but have already started working on a few new ideas, so will pick from those as to what the next one will be. In order to gain some new inspiration, generally for writing, my sister and I attended a Writing Symposium at the University. It gave us a chance to hear from published writers, 1 author and 2 poets, and was really interesting, lots of notes taken on writing techniques and tips, as well as new ideas, so really pleased that we decided to go. Had a chance to talk to the author and bought one of her books too, and she gave us some lovely comments when we explained what we were doing already. Following that, I have also joined a couple of online book groups, which give people the chance to share ideas and books, as well as Q&A sessions with well known authors- the tips will keep on coming hopefully and I am finding out more all the time.
In regards to my own writing I have been feeling quite inspired. I've finished the short story that was inspired by the film and am in the process of typing it up, I'm not sure about the ending, but I'm sure as I type, new thoughts and ideas will come to light, That's happened with my Cornwall story recently. I'd come to a bit of a wall, so thought I would start to type it up and see where I got to. As I typed, the inspiration and visions started to flow, and I had to keep stopping to scribble things down. So now I am continuing to write the story using some of my new ideas and expanding on what I'd already done, so we will see how it goes.... I've also found that I write well either in the car (if on my own) or on campus, good to have a place where you know you can go and feel that you will be able to achieve something, so long may it continue. Try to write at least every day, even if its only a little, it all helps towards the end product. Because I have spent a lot of time working on the two stories and column ideas, its been a while since I've done much poetry. One done this month, and will continue to scribble ideas as they form. I put all my finished pieces and columns into a file and was amazed at how much I'd done, you forget when they aren't all in one place,
Only able to attend one Writers Group this month and was a Crime Writing Workshop, I wasn't sure beforehand, but took a piece that I had started as part of the fiction course along anyway. As it turned out, I got a lot more out of it than I expected- notes as well as positive feedback on my piece and an idea for another story! So just goes to show that I should always try and make the group, even when I'm not sure as might be pleasantly surprised!
So that's another month done and still much to work and keep busy with. Hoping to enter some writing competitions soon too, seems to be the way to get noticed, as well as getting used to submitting work, so who knows what the next few months will bring.....
Its been a long month, but feel that I have managed to achieve quite a bit. My second column came out at the start of the month, so that was a good positive at the beginning of the year. I have found out that my next one is not until the start of March, but have already started working on a few new ideas, so will pick from those as to what the next one will be. In order to gain some new inspiration, generally for writing, my sister and I attended a Writing Symposium at the University. It gave us a chance to hear from published writers, 1 author and 2 poets, and was really interesting, lots of notes taken on writing techniques and tips, as well as new ideas, so really pleased that we decided to go. Had a chance to talk to the author and bought one of her books too, and she gave us some lovely comments when we explained what we were doing already. Following that, I have also joined a couple of online book groups, which give people the chance to share ideas and books, as well as Q&A sessions with well known authors- the tips will keep on coming hopefully and I am finding out more all the time.
In regards to my own writing I have been feeling quite inspired. I've finished the short story that was inspired by the film and am in the process of typing it up, I'm not sure about the ending, but I'm sure as I type, new thoughts and ideas will come to light, That's happened with my Cornwall story recently. I'd come to a bit of a wall, so thought I would start to type it up and see where I got to. As I typed, the inspiration and visions started to flow, and I had to keep stopping to scribble things down. So now I am continuing to write the story using some of my new ideas and expanding on what I'd already done, so we will see how it goes.... I've also found that I write well either in the car (if on my own) or on campus, good to have a place where you know you can go and feel that you will be able to achieve something, so long may it continue. Try to write at least every day, even if its only a little, it all helps towards the end product. Because I have spent a lot of time working on the two stories and column ideas, its been a while since I've done much poetry. One done this month, and will continue to scribble ideas as they form. I put all my finished pieces and columns into a file and was amazed at how much I'd done, you forget when they aren't all in one place,
Only able to attend one Writers Group this month and was a Crime Writing Workshop, I wasn't sure beforehand, but took a piece that I had started as part of the fiction course along anyway. As it turned out, I got a lot more out of it than I expected- notes as well as positive feedback on my piece and an idea for another story! So just goes to show that I should always try and make the group, even when I'm not sure as might be pleasantly surprised!
So that's another month done and still much to work and keep busy with. Hoping to enter some writing competitions soon too, seems to be the way to get noticed, as well as getting used to submitting work, so who knows what the next few months will bring.....
Wednesday, 31 December 2014
December 2014
I'm sitting enjoying the peace and quiet, a day at home where I can just relax and do my own thing, after all the rush and busyness of the festive period. Don't get me wrong, I've loved it all, the singing and the church services and all the time spent with family, eating, drinking, walking and playing games. Its just nice to have one day and sit and reflect on the past month, and on the last day of 2014, the whole year too. I've been working on my main story over the last month and its coming along well. I read some of it at one of the Writer's Group manuscript evenings and received some positive feedback, so I'm looking forward to coming back to it now after a short break and seeing where the story will take me next. I've also started another story, gaining inspiration and the idea from a few of my favorite films, so will be interesting to see where I go with that one too. I've tried to spend my lunch breaks whilst at work on reading as well as writing, and it seems to be working well, so will carry that routine on into the new year. I find that I also write much better that way, I'm not forcing myself to do just writing, I'm not sure I would like the end results, if there were any, if I was to work like that constantly.
I feel I made the right decision to stop writing this blog on a daily basis, I was spending too much time worrying about what to write and focusing on that, then losing the time to do any other writing. But I did do what I set out to do, which is write more, so a good positive came out of it, and I feel I have much more to say after a month!
Looking back over the year, I'm pleased with how far I've come. I joined the Writers Group back in January and I'm so glad I did. I never thought I'd now be able to say that I've had pieces published in an anthology as well as be contributing to a local newspaper column! I've written two columns now, and after receiving positive comments from the first one, am looking forward to the second coming out in early January. I have lots of ideas for future columns so will see what happens. Who knows what the new year will bring with my writing..... I'm excited to find out!
I feel I made the right decision to stop writing this blog on a daily basis, I was spending too much time worrying about what to write and focusing on that, then losing the time to do any other writing. But I did do what I set out to do, which is write more, so a good positive came out of it, and I feel I have much more to say after a month!
Looking back over the year, I'm pleased with how far I've come. I joined the Writers Group back in January and I'm so glad I did. I never thought I'd now be able to say that I've had pieces published in an anthology as well as be contributing to a local newspaper column! I've written two columns now, and after receiving positive comments from the first one, am looking forward to the second coming out in early January. I have lots of ideas for future columns so will see what happens. Who knows what the new year will bring with my writing..... I'm excited to find out!
Friday, 28 November 2014
Day 35- goodbye for a short while...
Having looked at the number of people actually taking the time to read my blog and also the amount of time its taking me to decide what to write, I've come to a decision in that I will change to just writing once a month. Its not really that I care about the numbers, more about what I'm saying. The last thing I want to do is bore people! I also think I'll have more to say and share. That's not to say that I won't still be writing everyday, I have more than enough to keep me busy! Thank you to all those who have enjoyed the blog so far and I will see you again in a month!
' What is the best way to write? Each of us has to discover her own way of writing. Writing teaches writing. No-one can tell you your own secrets'- Gail Sher
' You write because you need to write, or because you hope someone will listen or because writing will mend something broken inside you or bring something back to life'- Joanne Harris
' Better to write for yourself and have no public than to write for the public and have no self' Cyril Connolly
' Get inspired and write a book'
That is what I will now attempt to do, and look forward to sharing my progress with you in a few weeks.
' What is the best way to write? Each of us has to discover her own way of writing. Writing teaches writing. No-one can tell you your own secrets'- Gail Sher
' You write because you need to write, or because you hope someone will listen or because writing will mend something broken inside you or bring something back to life'- Joanne Harris
' Better to write for yourself and have no public than to write for the public and have no self' Cyril Connolly
' Get inspired and write a book'
That is what I will now attempt to do, and look forward to sharing my progress with you in a few weeks.
Thursday, 27 November 2014
Day 34
'Writing makes me happy'
'We write by the light of every story we have ever read'- Richard Peck
'Books: Enter the unknown and discover something amazing'
Research is all part of the writing process, and I've spent more time recently trying to find out more information and inspiration to make sure that my story is right. Sometimes it's that research that then sparks the next sentence or paragraph, so all very useful, even if you don't realise it. I have so many ideas of different parts of my story now, its just trying to decide how to put it all into words that make sense and fit in with what I've already written. Discovering all these things and where it will take the story is, for me, one of the most exciting parts of putting a story together. However your idea starts, there will always be areas to look at and expand upon.
Work and free time is getting busier and quickly filling up, allowing less and less time to really focus on where my story is going (maybe I have my priorities all wrong?). I'm making the most out of my lunch breaks to try and keep writing, but looking forward to the Christmas break when I have the time to see the story as a whole, try and fit in all the different parts I have written. Have another article that I need to start planning too, so lots to keep busy with, as long as I stay happy too!
'We write by the light of every story we have ever read'- Richard Peck
'Books: Enter the unknown and discover something amazing'
Research is all part of the writing process, and I've spent more time recently trying to find out more information and inspiration to make sure that my story is right. Sometimes it's that research that then sparks the next sentence or paragraph, so all very useful, even if you don't realise it. I have so many ideas of different parts of my story now, its just trying to decide how to put it all into words that make sense and fit in with what I've already written. Discovering all these things and where it will take the story is, for me, one of the most exciting parts of putting a story together. However your idea starts, there will always be areas to look at and expand upon.
Work and free time is getting busier and quickly filling up, allowing less and less time to really focus on where my story is going (maybe I have my priorities all wrong?). I'm making the most out of my lunch breaks to try and keep writing, but looking forward to the Christmas break when I have the time to see the story as a whole, try and fit in all the different parts I have written. Have another article that I need to start planning too, so lots to keep busy with, as long as I stay happy too!
Wednesday, 26 November 2014
Day 33
'It starts with a scribble...'
' We all have a story to tell'
' A writer is simply a photographer of thoughts'- Brendan A. Trean
Another disappointing evening in terms of writing as jobs once again took over. But again, read my book and made notes as I went along. I'm finding that lunchtimes seem to be the best time for me to refocus and get things done, whilst at work, rather than in the evenings. Even if I try and make the time, I find I sometimes just need to relax and can be too tired to find the inspiration that I need. I just need to stop making excuses really and get on with it!
'Writing, like life itself, is a voyage of discovery'- Henry Miller
It certainly has been for me so far. Since I started thinking that I wanted to do more and discovered how much I loved to write, its been a rollercoaster. When I was just scribbling the odd poem and ideas, it didn't seem to matter if I didn't write some days, and that was even the case after doing the university module and online fiction course. But over the last six weeks or so, from deciding to start my blog really, I have felt this strong desire to need to write something everyday, and not just the blog. Maybe that's a small sign that I'm actually starting to feel like a 'real' writer, who knows? I just know that I have all these ideas and want to get them down on paper, and I end up feeling guilty when I don't do that! It's not always that I can't, but sometimes that I just don't have the time,
I think I'm just going to have to be content with what I can physically achieve in a day and accept that life and reality can get in the way of even the best laid plans. I'm only human, and until the day comes (maybe) where I can say that I write for a living, this is how things will be. So for now, its off to find my little space to sit and write, and make the most of it.
' We all have a story to tell'
' A writer is simply a photographer of thoughts'- Brendan A. Trean
Another disappointing evening in terms of writing as jobs once again took over. But again, read my book and made notes as I went along. I'm finding that lunchtimes seem to be the best time for me to refocus and get things done, whilst at work, rather than in the evenings. Even if I try and make the time, I find I sometimes just need to relax and can be too tired to find the inspiration that I need. I just need to stop making excuses really and get on with it!
'Writing, like life itself, is a voyage of discovery'- Henry Miller
It certainly has been for me so far. Since I started thinking that I wanted to do more and discovered how much I loved to write, its been a rollercoaster. When I was just scribbling the odd poem and ideas, it didn't seem to matter if I didn't write some days, and that was even the case after doing the university module and online fiction course. But over the last six weeks or so, from deciding to start my blog really, I have felt this strong desire to need to write something everyday, and not just the blog. Maybe that's a small sign that I'm actually starting to feel like a 'real' writer, who knows? I just know that I have all these ideas and want to get them down on paper, and I end up feeling guilty when I don't do that! It's not always that I can't, but sometimes that I just don't have the time,
I think I'm just going to have to be content with what I can physically achieve in a day and accept that life and reality can get in the way of even the best laid plans. I'm only human, and until the day comes (maybe) where I can say that I write for a living, this is how things will be. So for now, its off to find my little space to sit and write, and make the most of it.
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