Can Sometimes be a Steep One!
As you know, I am looking for a new home for Writers Abroad. Which is a bit of a shame as I was just getting my way around the first one, adding gadgets, learning HTML (it's the code that lets you do all the formatting bit like bullet points, bold, font styles and wasn't always automatic on the site) and all sorts of techie stuff I never thought I could do. I suppose it is all linked to writing in a vague sort of way and now this week I've been researching some of the alternatives we might reconsider for our relocation.
Some are very similar to what we have now and have been quick to jump aboard the 'offer a Ning alternative' wagon with migration packages to ease the pain. Others are very different all together with a whole load of tricks, tasters and teasers to entice someone looking for a new community. I have learnt a whole load of computer-related technical terms (most of which I can't remember) and have eye strain from peering at the small print about the charges for all those little 'extra's. My main aim is to keep it simple.
So my learning ability has been tested to its very extremes in terms of the technical age we writers operate within. Don't get me wrong, its the technology which has enabled our group of writers to connect and share from places all over the world; you don't get that opportunity in your traditional writing group! And I have always claimed that I like to step out of my comfort zone once in a while. A (small) part of me is actually quite enjoying it if were to be honest, it's a challenge, a problem to be overcome and overcome it we shall, but I can't wait to sit down with my pad and pen and just scribble. B
I have been doing some writing so check out my latest book review on Suite Francaise by Irene Nemiroskvy and my latest edition to Suite 101 on the Italian Liberation Day which takes place on Sunday. A day off in remembrance of all those in Italian Resistance Movement, whose heroics in such difficult times puts everything into perspective.
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There is No Such Thing as A Free Lunch
Unfortunately for us poor, impoverished writers. Ning, the social networking site and home of Writers Abroad, is apparently pulling the plug on its 'free' option and concentrating on 'premium services'. I'm gutted having spent a large amount of my life trying to get the site looking half way professional and easy to use. But it's Friday and it's not 5 o'clock but seven here in Italy so I'm off for a large G&T or two! I'll get over it and pick my self up, like all kinds of bad news on the writing front you can't stay down for long. 'Onwards and Upwards!' as one of my fellow Writers Abroad said.
Anyway check out my latest book review on The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruis Zafon on Louise Charles and my latest recipe on Suite 101 - Marinated Lamb with Fig Salsa - another Italian delight.
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Sweet Success for Members
The week started off well on Sunday when we had our on-line Writers Abroad meeting chaired by Jany who set an interesting writing exercise on characterisation - using the Easter Bunny for our inspiration! Although none of us have yet dared to share our thoughts, I'm sure we've had many ranging from the pure loony to the very dark and mysterious.
Then three of us were notified that we had been short-listed for the Flash Fiction 500 competition run by writer Lorraine Mace. Alyson, Jill and myself have been selected amongst twenty five for the next stage. All of these stories had been critiqued by Writers Abroad members.
Then today we end the week of just perfectly, with Nicola winning the Writelink 'Lighten the Dark' competition followed by Jill who came second!
Other recent member news includes Rob who has had a short story published in the latest Jam publication, Jany won a 'best in Germany' poem accolade and Lynne has had two queries accepted for Writing Magazine.
All in all not a bad success rate, so rock on Writers Abroad!
What a great end to what I had thought was a slow week. Also, don't forget to check out my latest article on Home-made Chutneys for Suite 101 and a book review on Louise Charles All He Ever Wanted by Anita Shreve.
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Happy Easter!
It's not a bank holiday over here in Italy - only Sunday and Monday are and no they don't have an extra day if the holiday falls on the weekend. Tough stuff you know! But anyway I've been busy but not sure what I've achieved. I have been learning HTML - clever stuff if you know how - and updating the Writers Abroad website today. Otherwise it's been a slow writing week unfortunately, but I have written every day. Which is something.
Anyway check out my latest addition to Suite 101 - An Italian Easter Cake with a difference! And my latest book review on The Girl with Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson on Louise Charles.
Have a lovely weekend and hope you all take some time out to do something enjoyable! Go on. Treat Yourself!
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