Joe Bloggs

It's NaNoWriMo Time

2011-11-11T17:09:00.001+01:00

So all other things are on hold while I dedicate my time to this years challenge. For details on my progress check out my Writer in Progress Blog where you will find updates of the ups and downs of NaNoWriMo Time!

Don't Think Just Write

Foreign Flavours Anthology

2011-10-25T10:20:00.000+02:00

Foreign Flavours is the second anthology produced by my online writing community, Writers Abroad. All members have given their time freely to this project and have produced a highly professional and entertaining book packed full of stories, articles and recipes from contributors all over the world. The foreword is written by Alexander McCall Smith, acclaimed author of the famous No 1 Ladies Detective Agency and all proceeds will be donated to The Book Bus Charity. Click on the link in the side bar... Now!

Don't Think Just Write

Book Analysis - Sister

2011-09-14T11:55:00.001+02:00

TITLE: Sister

AUTHOR: RosamundLupton

GENRE: Crime/LiteraryBlend

AUDIENCE: Adults

VOICE: Haunting,powerful yet fragile

TONE/MOOD: Gripping, frightening, spooky,

THEMES: Families,Murder, Relationships, Sisterly bonds

FIRST IMPRESSION:

Debut Novel by a script writer whosebackground is very evident in the writing. The cover is intriguing with asolitary figure in a red coat walking in the snow.

PREMISE/PLOT:

Beatrice’s sister goesmissing and she flies back to the UK from her home in the States to try andfind her. Along the journey Beatrice discovers as much about herself as well aslots of things she didn’t know about her sister and her family dynamics.

ORGANISATION:

Twenty-three chapters ofvarying length all readable in one short sitting. Some chapters are set withina time frame e.g. Monday evening which helps to place the time and place of thestory

NARRATION/POV:

First person POV hard tomaintain but author manages this extremely well over 358 pages, this is a longstory. We see the world through the eyes of Beatrice but also through emailsand flashbacks of telephone conversations we see how the other characters seethings particularly the sister, Tess.

SETTING:

Set exclusively I London,although Beatrice lives in the US the story starts with her coming over to tryand find Tess. Some links to famous well-known sights helps to place the storyand make it familiar to read.

STRENGTHS/WEAKNESS:

I was eager to get to theend because I wanted to find out what happened, so lots of hooks and suspense.However, I felt this dragged a little towards the end, almost to drawn out butit did add to the ending which was very unexpected so looking back it wasprobably the right thing. It was beautifully written with a very distinctivevoice.

OVERALL IMPRESSION:

The author’s script writingskills are demonstrated very well in this story, with very clear scenes whichare acted out with a sense of wholeness and distinction. The suspense slowly built up and the sense ofBeatrice’s desperation about the disappearance of her sister is very real.

Don't Think Just Write

NEW BROOM?

2011-09-01T17:38:00.002+02:00

It's the first of a new month and that's when I start to make myself all kinds of promises. But before I can fulfill the actions that just spilled out into my journal I need to do a bit of housekeeping first.
I don't know about you but my desk looks like a war zone. It's got glasses of days old water, a cold cup of tea, pens, pencils and highlighters of all colours, paper some clipped together, dictionaries, books on writing, books for analysis, a calculators, writing magazines, part edited novels, stapler and a box of tissues.
Phew, I'm sure I've missed loads - oh yes a large bankers lamp which is great in the winter but takes up a lot of room right now...
So can I find anything? No, I can't.
Do I have a filing cabinet? Yes I do, last opened... some months ago.
Could I arrange thing so I don't spend the whole day cursing that I'm sure I left it right.... there. Perhaps.
First job on the Action List - Get Organised.
Second job - Start as You Mean to Go On (which I've failed on already as I made a list for today and done just about everything else but what was on the list!)

So tell me, what is your writing desk like?

Don't Think Just Write

Don't Miss It! Closing Date for Foreign Flavours

2011-08-25T16:32:00.000+02:00

Foreign Flavours is the title of the second anthology organised by Writers Abroad. The theme is food, drink and cooking from around the world and submission are welcome from writers who are expats (or repats). We are accepting both fiction and non-fiction alongside recipes if appropriate to the piece.
The acclaimed writer known for his No 1 Detective Agency series, Alexander McCall Smith, has agreed to write our foreword.

The proceeds of the sale of the book (via Lulu) will be donated to The Book Bus, a well deserving charity which promotes the access to books for children in Africa and South America. To maximise these donations there will be no payment to authors who are selected to appear and Writers Abroad members are giving their time to edit, proof and produce the anthology. So a worthy cause all in all!

Deadlines for submission is the 9th September at midnight (Central European Time) and the Anthology will be available for publication at the end of October, making it an ideal Christmas Present, so if you can't submit, put in on your gift list instead!
Visit Writers Abroad for submission guidelines.

Don't Think Just Write

Shatter by Michael Rowbotham

2011-08-12T12:59:00.001+02:00

This is the first of the book analysis I talked about. I'm playing about with format, so it will kind of 'grow' and the system is adopted from Read Better, Write Better Novel Study Workbook.

TITLE: Shatter

AUTHOR: Michael Robotham

GENRE: Crime (Shortlisted for Crime ThrillerAward)

AUDIENCE: Adults

VOICE: Quietly powerful, clear

TONE: Solemn, thrilling, scary

MOOD: Mystery, dark, emotionally disturbing

THEMES: Relationships, death, psychological, goodvs evil

FIRST IMPRESSION:The first thing that struck me was how dark the cover was, after reading thestory, it was a very apt colour to choose. There is an image on the front whichI can’t quite work out, looks like some kind of angel.

PREMISE/PLOT: Theblurb is both intriguing and all encompassing, makes you want to read on. Awoman throws herself, naked apart from a pair of red shoes from a bridge for noobvious reason. Her daughter claims she would not have committed suicide andwas afraid of heights.

ORGANISATION: Seventyshort chapters, which suits my reading style. I like reading from scene toscene and putting the book down after a cling hanger, only to pick it upseconds later because I have to read on! Has an epilogue which is veryappropriate and rounds off the story, because you care about the characters.

NARRATION/POV: Mainly split between the main protagonist,Joseph O’Loughlin and the ‘baddie. Point of View changes only with scenes whichmade it an easy read.

SETTING: Set inBristol, an area which is very familiar to me and a definite pull for selectingit to read. The events take place in areasonably short time frame.

STRENGTH/WEAKNESS The major strength of this novel was theportrayal of evil through a non-physical manner. The author handled the psychologyof evil and portrayed how, when threatened with what people believe to be true,they will and can do things they wouldn’t normally do. I couldn’t find any weaknesses.

OVERALLIMPRESSION: First time reading work of this author and would definitely readanother.

Don't Think Just Write

Multitasking and the Art of Zen

2011-08-02T12:06:00.001+02:00

I like to think that I'm the kind of person who can do more than one thing at any given time. I don't know why, as a child I just could not rub my tummy and pat my head at the same time, why should it be any different now?
I've been thinking this blog could include the activity of learning, a bit of self development. So one of the things I'm going to try and do over the next few weeks is to post some book analysis on the blog. Since I've started to write more seriously I've found that my approach to reading has altered. I am constantly looking at the way a book has been turned out from cover to the last line and am always trying to put into practice some of the things that work and abandon the bad habits I've picked up on the way. It should be a great way to critique a book from writing perspective (and I will make it clear that the analysis is purely a personal view but hopefully a measured one) and help my writing develop at the same time. Who knows! Only time will tell. Hope to get one done by the end of the week, so watch this space....

So it's now officially the Summer season here in Italy. Tools have been put away, notices have been posted on doors and the beaches will be awash with activity of the passagiata - men, women and children will strut along the shore at various paces and then stand, arms akimbo and slowly turn to follow the sun, a little like the large yellow flowers which fill the fields here at this time of year. I shall be keeping away, too many people and not enough private space for my liking. I'm going to go all Zen like and just breathe in my surroundings...

Couldn't find an appropriate quote for August but I was quite taken with this poem...

"August rushes by like desert rainfall,
A flood of frenzied upheaval,
Expected,
But still catching me unprepared.
Like a matchflame
Bursting on the scene,
Heat and haze of crimson sunsets.
Like a dream
Of moon and dark barely recalled,
A moment,
Shadows caught in a blink.
Like a quick kiss;
One wishes for more
But it suddenly turns to leave,
Dragging summer away."
- Elizabeth Maua Taylor

Don't Think Just Write

NATURE KNOWS BEST

2011-07-01T17:07:00.000+02:00

But it's a hard lesson to learn. We live in a rural lane occupied by a number of semi-feral cats and every year a litter or two arrive at my door. Luckily I've managed to find all of the kittens - around 10 in all - homes with lovely cat-loving people. However, some litters have been whisked away by the wretched tomcats wanting to have their 'conjugal rights' back - they come in the middle of the night and carry the babies to the woods where they can't be found. Two large guards in the form of white Italian sheepdog have almost put paid to that.
But this time one wee kitten just lost the will to live. She was a runt, and her two siblings were growing at double the weight she was. We came back one day to find her dead and the mother still cleaning her - strange. But I felt so awful, as if it was something I'd done, even though I knew it isn't in my gift to give and take life.

As writers though, we can give life to characters (and take it away) and that can be a tricky time too. Nature has no part to play in our creation so we can't blame her, and often I find myself killing off characters with gay abandon. I must have a mean streak somewhere, but most of the time my fellow writers at Writers Abroad will point out the error of my ways and insist that someone survives! We nurture, support and sometimes love and hate our characters with equal measure so no wonder we feel some sort of parental responsibility. Still, I can cope with my fictional creations far easier that I found being a new parent.

I couldn't find a specific quote for July, but came across this one which seemed to sum things up...

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.

Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten.

Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.

Give your best anyway.

~Mother Theresa~

Don't Think Just Write

JUNE MONTHLY MUSE

2011-06-03T17:30:00.001+02:00

As you've probably noticed if you are one of the few that actually follow this blog, I have posted since the beginning of last month. It's been a conscious decision. I don't have any excuse. I just set some priorities and this wasn't one of them. As you can see from the Writer in Progress blog I haven't been sat around twiddling my fingers either.

I've had quite a productive May in many ways as well as having my father over to visit for ten days, so overall I'm quite chuffed with myself. I'm hoping that June will be just as fruitful and it probably will particularly in the garden. June is a busy month if you grow your own vegetables like we do but it is one of the most satisfying achievements I could imagine. It's a little like writing (bear with me here). I start off with little seeds (either from a packet or in my head) and plant them in the ground or commit pen to paper. Then I dabble with them, make sure they have enough water, talk to them (yes I do!) and when I see the a tiny little shoot breaking through the compost, I just know that something will happen. Sometimes nothing happens, it just dries up and I don't dwell on it, just go on to the next set of sowings, or tend to the larger seedlings. Writing, a little like gardening is best done daily and in short bursts, that way I don't get out of practice or feel the tug on underused muscles. And daily I see progress, sometimes very small and sometimes not for a long time but when it comes to harvesting, the proof is in the pudding so to speak.
So I'm going to make sure I continue to apply this strategy to both of my passions, with equal zest and hope that the literary harvest is just as tasty!
And I'm into quotes at the moment so here is one for June:

If a June night could talk, it would probably boast that it invented romance.”

Bern Williams

Which actually is quite an apt quote for me and my Man Friday as we celebrate two wedding anniversaries this month, yes two! One on the 11th which is the day of our wedding ceremony in Florence and one on the 21st which is the day we had a humanist blessing back in the UK. Sweet eh?

Don't Think Just Write

READING MATTERS

2011-05-03T18:23:00.000+02:00

As a writer, I know it's important to read, in order to improve my craft. This is not a hard task. I've always loved reading, though my choice and preferred genre has probably moved considerably since the Famous Five series and The Valley of the Dolls. I used to read at the breakfast table, walking to school, helping to dress my younger siblings, and even under the covers by torchlight.

However, reading as a child and as a reader is a much more satisfying experience than reading as a 'writer'.
You don't have any of those little voices in your head which insist on looking for rounded characters, distinctive dialogue which don't need speech tags, consistent point of view, showing not telling, plenty of conflict and of course a good old plot to follow. I'm not saying that readers don't notice these things, they do and will make choices based on these elements about whether a book was a 'good and satisfying' read or not. It's just that they don't particularly label or define their satisfaction or dissatisfaction in detail. Well, not in general anyway. As a writer, learning the craft, I find it so difficult to just sit back and enjoy a story. I'm always deconstructing it to try and uncover why I like a particular character or hate them at first read. Or murmuring into my coffee cup ' that's telling, not showing', or tutting at the scene where numerous 'head hopping' is ruining my concentration. All things, that as a writer, I have to strip down and build up again to ensure that the story is not only technically written well, but has a good chance of pleasing the intended reader.

This tendency I suppose on the one hand must be a good thing, because it shows that I am indeed learning the craft. Maybe one day, it will all become second nature to me and I can return to reading (or not as the case maybe) for the pure pleasure of entering a world of someone else's making.

Don't Think Just Write

PRODUCTIVE PROCRASTINATION OR JUST ANOTHER EXCUSE?

2011-04-21T17:21:00.000+02:00

I've just spent the past couple of days painting. Not in the style of Monet or Rembrandt, I hasten to add. Just walls, kitchen and bathroom walls. I panicked at first, being away from the PC, as once you start these jobs you have to finish, and they seem to have a habit of growing into a full blown spring clean. But actually, on reflection, it's been a good 'writing' time.

For one thing I've not been distracted by the Internet and my inbox. I read a piece by Lorraine Mace in the latest Writers Magazine last week about the perfection of procrastination on 'writing days'. I think it must be a particular affliction for writers, and unfortunately there isn't a magical cure. One thing I have learnt though, is to develop a habit of productive procrastination. Yes, that's right. Productive time wasting. But the fact is you're not. Wasting time that is. If you choose to procrastinate whilst doing something quite banal, it can actually help the writing process.

I probably did more writing in my head, with my tongue sticking out as I edged the window frame than I have done on recent 'writing' days. I sorted out the beginning chapter of my novel in progress, The Promise', something which has alluded me for weeks, I drafted out the outline of a Monday Muse, including the setting and two characters, I had numerous ideas about other potential writing projects, and edited several short story ideas where they had got a bit stuck. So all in all, not a bad time spent. And the kitchen positively sparkles!
So next time you hit the avoidance phase, why not pick up a brush instead of a pen? Try it - you may be surprised!

Don't Think Just Write

Writing Competitions - A Case of Win or Lose?

2011-04-13T19:29:00.000+02:00

The main aim of our writing group at Writers Abroad is to improve our writing through feedback, encouragement, support and to badger each other to seek publication. Part of this obviously means entering competitions. We've all had a bit of a dry period at the moment and the continual 'non-placement' of our stories can be a little daunting on an individual basis. So what are we doing wrong, if anything? We have quite a robust feedback mechanism which includes: characterisation, plot, dialogue, conflict, showing not telling - all the stuff that together should make a good story and we have an agreement to be honest and constructive.
All of our members have had publication of some sort or another so we know that we sometimes get it right and some members have had novels and novellas published, so we have a rich background to pull on.

I know that this writing business is a very 'subjective' one and I suppose that's why some writers give up and opt for something which is maybe a bit more dependable. And perhaps my view of some of the 'winning' entries I read are a bit 'sour grapes' but some of them do seem to break all the rules of short story writing which is a little frustrating.
I've come to the conclusion that there aren't winners or losers in writing competitions but there are only a limited amount of places for stories to be showcased. It's a bit like rolling the dice. That doesn't mean I've written a bad story, just not one that reached out to one or two judges. If my work was read by a whole panel of readers, it might be a different story. So I'm not giving up.
Can't be that certain about my commitment to a daily blog, though!

Don't Think Just Write

Distractions and Temptations

2011-04-08T13:01:00.000+02:00

Having blogged about my ten most guilty pleasures earlier this week, I missed a post yesterday because I was enjoying one of them ! It wasn't a bag of Maltesers or a bath, because we have neither of them here in Italy and are considered two of my most luxurious luxuries. It wasn't a glass of red whilst cooking (but a glass of rose) or a quick nap after lunch - instead braving the heat to walk Bertie. I didn't sing, watch a film, read a mag or write with a fountain pen and Simon simply refuses to let me buy another bag...

After a few weeks of - should we, shouldn't we, no we can't - can we? - sort of debate, we decided to add to our little family of animali and now have 9 week old Freya, a Maremma (Italian Sheepdog) puppy who has lived in the field where she was born until yesterday. At the moment she's learning how to climb steps and stairs (barking when she needs a little help) and following our two year old Maremma dog, Bertie, around like a little lamb. She has also been down to say 'hello' to Na, Wilma and Doris our three hens. We've named her after a Norse Goddess of love and beauty - a little like myself... I wish.

Not that I need more distractions but hey, life is for living in the moment which reminds me of a quote by Oscar Wilde (I think) 'I Can Resist Everything But Temptation'.
Now, must get to work on the purchase of a new item for my bag collection. (Poor Si).

Don't Think Just Write

Inspiration

2011-04-06T18:14:00.000+02:00

There are days when we all could do with a bit of a lift, a hand up or an armful of a cuddles.When things look bad we tend to forget the good things and when things are good we never remember the bad. A stumbled across a quote by Winston Churchill and a poem which says it all for me.

The Don't Quit Poem

Author Unknown

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high,

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about,

When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don't give up though the pace seems slow--

You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,

It seems to a faint and faltering man,

Often the struggler has given up,

When he might have captured the victor's cup,

And he learned too late when the night slipped down,

How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out--

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far,

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

These are going up on my wall above my desk, so tell me, where do you get your inspiration from and the energy to keep going?

Don't Think Just Write

Ten Guilty Pleasures

2011-04-05T18:05:00.000+02:00

Although writing and my loved one are definitely listed as a pleasure, I can hardly admit that I feel guilty about them. What would life be without a little bit of a guilt trip now and again? These are some of mine - I'm sure there are lots more...

Maltesers (or chocolate balls as my granddaughter calls them) as many as I can cram in to my hamster-like cheeks
A glass of something red whilst cooking lunch
A ten minute snooze following lunch
Flicking through a trashy magazine (like Hello) looking at pictures
A long, soapy bath ideally by candlelight and with a good book and a tank of hot water for refills
Any Elvis Presley film
Bags of any kind, preferably leather and made in Italy
Fountain pens and inky fingers
Puppies and kittens - usually ones that no-one else wants
Singing along to 'I will Always Love you' by Whitney Houston (you don't want to be around)

So come on 'fess up. How do you pass your guilty moments?

Don't Think Just Write

Writing Prompts

2011-04-04T19:14:00.000+02:00

Are good for a writers soul. At Writers Abroad we do them regularly - our Monday Muse. The key is to choose a prompt, which can be anything from a first line, an image, a plot scenario and free write (write without punctuation, following your thoughts) for twenty minutes or 500 words. Sometimes we go over time and word count, but that's not important. Writing without the inner critic helps to free the mind and whilst some of it might not make a lot of sense, many of us have gone on to develop these muses into flash fiction and short stories, some of which have been published.

Here are some of the sites that offer some suggestions for prompts. Why not have a go and free your inner writer, the one who is the most creative... it may look a little like alphabet soup to begin with but I can guarantee you that a nugget of a story will be hiding there somewhere.

Don't Think Just Write

Mothers Day

2011-04-03T18:44:00.000+02:00

Is a little over rated if you ask me, and yes I'm a mother! It seems to me just a way for someone (makers of greeting cards, florists for example) to make more money and often out of small children. Why is it that the price of flowers particularly increase just for this one day? I'm of the thought that everyday could be a 'mothers' day because mothers don't only mother on one day, its a year long job for the rest of your life. And if it's the only day that a child recognises the efforts made by their mother, it's a pretty poor show.

So even though my darling son has remembered, he also often remembers me throughout the year, by just saying 'thanks' or 'I love you'. Far more meaningful than going along with the crowd. I'd rather he spend the money from today on something which really counts, perhaps on children who no longer have their mothers or mothers who are in need of help in one way or another. That would at least make a difference to someone.

Don't Think Just Write

Front Page

2011-04-02T20:07:00.000+02:00

If you could be on the front page of any magazine, which would it be? For me it would have to be a writing magazine. I won't choose one here because it feels a bit fatalistic. But to feature on any one of them would be quite a personal scoop. Maybe it would tie in with the publication of the first of a series of historical drama's that I'd been commissioned to writer over the duration of my life - well one has to dream big! Or maybe it would be a series of 'how to' articles from the desk of a published author, a position I hope to have one day.

I don't think I'd like a picture of my phizog though, I take a dreadful picture as my long suffering husband will only tell you. 'Smile naturally' he shouts at me just as the shutter is about to go off rendering a malevolent grin which only looks good on the face of a comic about dogs with big mouths. No, I'd like the cover of my book on the front page, but then that's another dilemma - who would create such a thing of beauty? I love front covers. A front cover is one of the reasons I would pick up a book in the first instance, I may put it back down again having read the blurb, or the first page, or heaven forbid the last page (a habit I'm trying to break). But a front cover is important. It's like any kind of 'front shop'. It needs to draw your audience in, whoever it maybe.

So come on, spill the beans, where would you like to flaunt your stuff?

Don't Think Just Write

Ultimate Blog Challenge

2011-04-01T18:57:00.000+02:00

I've signed up for the Ultimate Blog Challenge for April, in the hope that it might give me the inspiration to blog for the love of it - rather than it being a chore. I love to write and am at my happiest with pen and paper or in front of the PC, thinking of the right word, the perfect phrase, the succinct sentence.
However, with blogging, I've stumbled along a bit lately and I've been thinking over some of the reasons why this may have happened. I think there are several things a blog, or a blogger needs:

A Passion for what you are writing about
So a Theme is probably a good thing
The Commitment to blog regularly and consistently
Which means that you need to Write well and succinctly
To Follow other like-minded blogs and contribute via comments

So, with that in mind, I shall use this month to shape and develop my blog into something I Want to do and hopefully a place where people can come along and enjoy the read...

Don't Think Just Write

FOREIGN FLAVOURS ANTHOLOGY

2011-03-22T18:05:00.000+01:00

Those of you who know me will probably be sick of this call already and it's not even a week since I started the campaign. But anyway, marketing is marketing!

Call For Submissions: Foreign Flavours

Theme: Food, drink and cooking from around the world
Genre: Fiction and Non Fiction
Submissions from ex pats and re pats via the Writers Abroad Site
Deadline - 9th September 2011
Fee/Prize - No Fee, No Prize but all proceeds from publication will go to The Book Bus Charity

And our foreword this year is being written by acclaimed author (famed for his Ladies No 1 Detective Agency Series), Alexander McCall Smith.

Plenty of time to get those creative muses running...

Don't Think Just Write

Unification of Italy

2011-03-17T12:42:00.000+01:00

Today is a bank holiday in Italy as they celebrate 150 years of unification. There is lots being written here about whether Italy is in fact, united or not. Talk of the North and South divide and the kinds of things that I read about most other countries too. But all I can say is that I celebrate the diverse differences within each region; the landscape; the food; the wine; the local culture and celebrations. All this makes Italy a fabulous, rich and diverse country to live in, despite who's in charge. Who cares? Well, I've never been very political as some of you will know, so I don't claim to know what I'm talking about!

What is quite amazing is the fact the Italian language as we know it is fairly young as this wasn't unified until much later. Even today, many of the older people speak with their traditional regional dialects. Which makes it a little hard for us learning the language!

Anyway, Buon Compleanno Italy! For me this is where I have felt most at home, where I can be who I want to be and a place which inspires me to fulfill my passion - living to write.

Don't Think Just Write

New Sun Rising - Stories wanted for Japan

2011-03-15T17:16:00.000+01:00

My blog today will be dedicated to the latest response for writers and writing to help those suffering from natural disasters. Many of us will have been shocked and saddened by the ongoing devastation in Japan, that seems to put most of our worries into perspective. Like Haiti and Queensland, there is always someone who takes up the challenge to do something by using their craft and that of others.

Whilst the idea of putting together an anthology for these issues isn't a new one, for those in Japan, this is more than likely a first experience. So prose writers, budding bards, scribblers of manga and fellow bloggers, please visit the site 'New Sun Rising - Stories for Japan', to find out how you can contribute.

Don't Think Just Write

International Womens Day

2011-03-08T17:16:00.002+01:00

Our Mimosa (before the rain and the snow :)

Today is International Womens Day, 8th March. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, women were suppressed and treated unequally as compared to their male counterparts. This caused instability and fuelled the desires and debates amongst women who wanted and fought for change. Today, the celebration has less of a political message, with men in many countries using it as an opportunity to express their love for their women. However, the origins of the day remain and it is still used to raise awareness about the struggles of women throughout the world. I've written an article about here on Suite 101 about its celebration here in Italy.

For me it has another importance, two of my granddaughters were born on this day to two different families. What are the chances of that happening? I hope that they contribute something to the equality of women and that they don't suffer the struggles of many that instigated the celebration of such a day. Of course without struggles like this I suppose things would never change. And of course such a rich source of writing to be had.

Oh, and I'm not a feminist as such, far from it. I believe in the equality of all for their individual talents and expertise, we all have something to offer. So International Mens Day is in November. Watch out for it...

WHAT IS THE POINT OF BLOGGING?

2011-02-24T15:45:00.000+01:00

I've been asking myself the same question about writing today. One of those 'never get off the starting block' days where I had great plans and they all fizzled out into nothing. It's not writers block, I can write, but it's just not coming together. Which got me thinking about my blogs. I try to make sure I do them regularly and for me they are quite cathartic and a good thing to look back on. I do wonder if they just exist in the ether along with hundreds and thousands of other blogs, gathering a kind of space dust of some kind.

Maybe it's just me. Maybe its because I write a lot and I write a lot about writing.
Maybe I should try something different. A diversion.
But then I have enough of those. Tomorrow will be different...

Don't Think Just Write

WRITING RULES

2011-02-09T17:23:00.000+01:00

Words of Writing Wisdom

'Do it every day. Make a habit of putting your observations into words and gradually this will become instinct. This is the most important rule of all and naturally, I don't follow it '

Geoff Dyer

I like pondering the odd quote or two. Mostly writing quotes, but they could be about anything. It's just words that people have about a particular subject, in this case writing. This one caught my eye because of the last sentence. Writing rules are everywhere; rules about how much, when, how, who with, what with and what on; but the old adage remains true even for writers. Rules are meant to be broken but also rules are a very personal thing. Rules that work for me, may not for any other writer. In fact I don't have many writing rules, apart from one. That is to read and write - perhaps two rules then. Writing isn't instinct.

Writing is tough, writing needs to be worked at and it certainly doesn't come naturally. If it did, everyone would be a winning writer and there wouldn't be any bad writing to compare the good with. At least I feel I'm contributing somehow to the writing process.

Don't Think Just Write

BOOK REVIEW - THE SNOWMAN

2011-02-02T12:23:00.000+01:00

The Snowman by Jo Nesbo
This is not a tale for the faint hearted. If you liked the Stieg Larsson trilogy, you'll probably like this. This is part of the 'Harry Hole' series and the seventh novel by Norwegian writer Jo Nesbo.
It's a thriller and it's about death and of course about snowmen. I loved it the suspense and the twists and turns which make these Norwegian crime thrillers so readable. And scary!

Harry Hole is a guy you can't help but like despite his problems with communication, relationships and alcohol. He is drawn as the typical tall, lean and blonde Norwegian so I suppose he can't have it all. His preference would be to go solo but as part of a detective squad (many of whom he struggles to get on with) he has to sometimes toe the line.
The story begins with a strange and mysterious letter from 'the snowman' which takes us on a journey beginning on the day that the first snow falls and leads us to a number of women who have gone missing over a number of years. Harry soon discovers that the snowman in fact is a serial killer and he has now become part of his deadly game. The race is on before he kills again and Harry realises that he is closer to home than first expected.

It's a great story, a page turner and a good old-fashioned scary experience - in fact so scary that as I'd reached the concluding chapter late one night had to wait until next morning to finish it when I felt safer!
A gifted writer and a great talent, can't wait to read the next. I don't know what it is, but it's a winning formula.

Don't Think Just Write

WRITING SUCCESS

2011-01-26T09:46:00.000+01:00

Never Say Never
Whilst thinking about what to write on my blog this morning, I turned to my desk diary to make a note of the things I needed to do today. It's a Collins diary and there is a note of significance written on each day. For instance yesterday it said 'A group of starlings is called a chattering'. What a useful word to know, especially when you want to describe the noise a group of these bird might make.

Today's entry was even better and it brought a huge grin to my face. Did you know that the oldest début book published was by a lady called Bertha Wood, aged 100? I have stuck to my wall in front of me a similar story about a 93 year old début novelist but it looked like Bertha pipped this writer to the post. Bertha wrote her memoirs, 'Fresh Air and Fun' to coincide with reaching her grand age. So, if like me, you yearn for publication, don't worry you have plenty of time. Though of course I'd like to reach this particular goal before turning 50, my centenary year seems an age away!

Tomorrows entry is not so inspiring, did you know that you are taller in the morning than in the evening because of gravity? No? Well it doesn't inspire me, but I'm looking forward to the next three hundred and forty entries, who knows what they might bring...

Don't Think Just Write

AMATEUR OR PROFESSIONAL WRITER

2011-01-19T17:09:00.000+01:00

Which One are You?
'I take a certain amount of pride in not being a professional novelist, in apparently being a lifelong amateur. I don't want to be slick.' Jonathan Franzen

This quote touched a nerve this week. I've always believed and still do that I'm a 'Writer in Progress'. I doubt if I'll ever truly learn the full craft of writing, because a little like life, I think that there is always something to learn. Even in these dark winter months (for some of us anyway) when if feels like the muse will never return, if indeed it was ever present, I still learn about writing. Whether it be a tiny point, like when to use an apostrophe (though I fear I will never get that one cracked) or writing that perfect synopsis, there is always another way. This week I have learnt the true value of dialogue for moving a story on. I experimented with writing a piece which was mainly monologue, inner thoughts, and it showed so clearly how difficult that is. The point of fact is we don't really live our lives through our thoughts, there has to be some interaction to move things on. If I were more literary, maybe it would be different. But I'm not, I'm just a jobbing writer, so I'll stick to what I know works and put what I've learnt into practice.
So I'm happy to be a lifelong amateur for what would there be for me if I knew it all?

Don't Think Just Write

Book Review - The Little Stranger

2011-01-14T12:41:00.000+01:00

The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters
This is a tale told by the author of Tipping the Velvet and Fingersmith, both of which were published as dramas on the TV sometime ago. The Little Stranger couldn't be any more different in terms of theme, pace and it has to be said, sex. The title really intrigued me and continued to do so throughout the book - more of which later.

The Little Stranger, which is essentially a gothic, ghostly story, is set just after the Second World War. It takes place in Warwickshire, in the decaying country spoils of an upper class family. Hundreds House in fact, could be a character all in its own right, Waters managed to create a place which was so atmospheric that if I closed my eye I could believe I was there, watching the story as it unfolds.
The main character is Dr Faraday and the theme evolves around his developing relationship with the Ayres family, Hundreds House and its' other 'inhabitant'. Dr Faraday narrates the tale in the first person, which is not an easy task, however, Waters pulls it off admirably and not once did I feel that is was choppy or inconsistent. It flowed well albeit if a little slowly, a criticism I have seen in other reviews. But for me, some stories are meant to be savoured slowly, rather like sucking a toffee until it's small enough to swallow. There is a sense of satisfaction as the delicate flavours are released, bit by bit, until they fill your taste buds, tempting yet just enough. I liked the pace of this book, it suited the unfolding mystery of the fears, misunderstandings and the secrets of a family seen from the outside as rather eccentric and behind the times. The Little Stranger shows the struggles that a nation suffered post war, how it touched not just those with nothing, it affected those who had everything - or so it seemed.
My only criticism is that the ending is purported to be 'a revelation' by pundits on the cover. For me it wasn't and that was a little disappointing but I would suggest that you make your own mind up as many would disagree.

Overall a good read with a hint of sinister, enough to make you look behind you every now and again and maybe startle at the odd, unexpected noise.

Don't Think Just Write

WRITING RANT

2011-01-12T10:29:00.000+01:00

The First of the Year
I've decided to write a regular rant. I'm not sure why, I just think it might do some good to get these things of my chest. Keeping things bottled up inside surely can't be good for you and I for one am more inclined to let it all out!
As many of you may know, I'm a writer(sounds like a confession but bear with me) but I'm also an ex-pat writer. I along with some other folk in similar positions am a member of a writing community where we write and amongst other things, enter competitions. Now there comes the rub. I am amazed at the number of competitions which exclude writers on two counts.
Firstly if it is a UK competition (it could be another country but I don't come across others so much) and only UK residents can apply. So without telling some porky pies about my whereabouts I can't submit. I don't understand the reasoning for excluding writers who might not live on this tiny island, thought still are British. Surely it reduces the number of competitors and if a paying competition then also impacts on the profit made or the available prize?
My second niggle concerns those competitions wherever in the world, which only allow postal entries and which usually mean payment by cheque or postal order. These are more common, believe it or not, from my first observation and we are a decade into a new millennieum! All the writing press are talking about the advancement of technology and the impact of e books and here are competitions still working with snails and tablets of stone. Now I'm a Luddite as you know, I like the old pen and paper approach to writing but this is alongside the technology, not instead of it. I don't live in a distant corner of the world, hundreds of miles from civilisation. I don't have a cheque book and neither do I want one. I know the arguments about costs of printing stories and all that blarney but with the increasing costs of postal and bank services I think that excuse is old and invalid.

So if you are going to run a competition, make it via email (using a Google account where the threat of spam and bulging in-box is eradicated), allow on-line payments (Pay Pal is by far the most secure and easiest) and extend the invite to include us struggling ex-pat writers who are looking (and will pay) for the opportunity to enter writing competitions.

Don't Think Just Write

WRITING PLAN

2011-01-05T12:19:00.001+01:00

Or Writing Strategy?
It's that time of year when many of us are thinking of the days and months ahead. For a writer this is a crucial time. Writing doesn't just happen as we all know, often at a cost, and a little time spent thinking about what you want to achieve in the next 12 months is time well spent. Many of you may have been caught up in the notion of making 'resolutions' only to let yourself down by the end of January. I've been reading a lot these past few days about why that just doesn't work. I used to be a resolution maker, thinking that the dreams I had on New Years Day were there for the taking. But the trouble was as with all dreams, is they don't just happen. A little like writing. There is nothing wrong with dreaming and if you're just happy with the thoughts then dream away. But if you want things to work, if you want writing success then there's a little bit of work to do and not just this week, for the other 51 weeks too.

A couple of suggestions struck me when I was thinking about my writing plan this week. The first was about having a strategy, so having a means to an end, rather than thinking about the end. This of course means goals, some small chunks of action that will get you the big dream. I don't know why I'm surprised by this revelation, it's a method I used in my previous life, before I was a writer and it seemed to work then. The trouble is with us writers, we do tend to be a bit dreamy, sucking at the end of our pen, waiting for the muse... and if you're like me and a Pisces, then it's double trouble.
The second thing was about making the goals personal. So putting 'I will' in front of an action is much more active and personal to you that it makes it more obligatory. I know, I know. A lot of this is probably psycho-babble but if it works for you why not? Simon Whaley blogged this week on a similar subject of just getting on with the task in hand, for if you don't 'just do it' - it won't happen. And the results could be quite surprising.

So whichever way you want to play it, repeat after me...
Don't Think Just Write!

SEASONS GREETINGS

2010-12-23T17:47:00.000+01:00

Merry Christmas to you all and A Happy New Year. Taking a week off next week so see you all in 2011!

Don't Think Just Write

WRITING STRUGGLE

2010-12-15T18:11:00.000+01:00

Muse On the Run
My muse has up and left this week. Maybe it' the cold weather, maybe she's just in need of a rest. I know we all get down times and I guess this is mine. I'm determined not to let it get to me so I've been sorting all my writing projects out, updating submissions and re-looking at all my 'works in progress' especially my Monday Muses at Writers Abroad. So sometimes it's good that the Muse goes missing as it gives us time to reflect on what we have done and what we can maybe do. So after a very frustrating three days I'm beginning to smile again even though she hasn't returned. She will, it's just part of a writers life. No point in complaining to you lot anyway, because you all know what its like. Just wanted to tell you, it's OK, I'm OK and I will be back writing. Why? Because I know I want to and therefore I will and I'll take a piece of my own advice which I share on each blog...
Don't Think Just Write!

FIRST EDITIONS

2010-12-08T12:49:00.000+01:00

Emma by Jane Austen
I noted that in the latest edition of Writers News, a first edition of Jane Austen's novel 'Emma' is going up for auction at Sotheby's this month with an estimated £100,000 price tag. By nature, I'm a bit of a researcher so I thought I'd dig around a little on first editions. After all, it's a lot of money for one book, one very old book but one of great standing nevertheless. When I typed my query into Google, the first hit was a link to the Mail on-line dating back to June 2008. A first edition of this novel had then been sold at auction for a staggering £180,000.
I continued to dig and discovered that although there is no record of how many first editions there would have been, it was probably no more than a thousand copies. 'Emma' has been heralded as one of Austen's finest works so it's no wonder that fans of her work would pay a princely sum to get their hands on a copy, even if they could source one at a fifth of the price they go for at auction. It made me wonder who would be paying that kind of money and what did they expect in return? Perhaps nothing. Perhaps if you have that kind of resource available for a book which probably needs some kind of ongoing protection to preserve it, then you don't need to explain your motives.
Why am I pondering the unponderable I hear you asking? Well as Writers Abroad has just published its first edition of short stories, it made me wonder if, in years to come, Sotheby's would be clambering to get hold of a prized copy. After all, to date, only 30 have been published, making them rarer than hens teeth. No? You don't agree? Perhaps not, but one can have dreams you know...

It's good to be back, by the way and I'm looking forward to celebrating the highs of 2010 and planning the future for 2011.

Don't Think Just Write

WRITER TURNED PUBLISHER

2010-12-01T10:00:00.002+01:00

Writers Abroad Anthology in Print
Yes, that's right. The Writers Abroad Anthology of Short Stories can be purchased in hard copy (that's a real book to most of us) from Lulu. Although the Anthology is available for free download as an E book from the Writers Abroad Home Page, we couldn't resist the temptation to produce our very precious production in print. The exercise itself has been very interesting and despite some hair pulling moments a very pleasurable experience and one I wouldn't mind doing again. Lulu offers a 'print on demand' service and therefore doesn't have thousands of copies sat in some warehouse. This can make the end product a little more expensive than normal purchases but not much and we were also provided with a free ISBN number so can put it up on Amazon and other related sites. Lulu allows you to set a profit too, so you can make money out of your publications if you wish to.

This isn't something we wanted to do as our Anthology was produced in support of National Short Story Week but that is food for thought. However, publishing through Lulu does have other issues you need to bear in mind, the biggest being that you have to also be the marketing department as well as the editor, designer and publisher. So if you want to make some return on your efforts (there is no other cost involved and of course Lulu takes a cut from all sales anyway) then you really need to consider this carefully.
So if you want to purchase a copy follow this link to Lulu and please, tell me what you think!

Don't Think Just Write

NATIONAL SHORT STORY WEEK

2010-11-22T13:35:00.000+01:00

Writers Abroad First Anthology Published

Yes, after months of reading stories from all around the world, written by ex-pat writers we have finalised our first Anthology of Short Stories. This has been an experience on many levels. Not only have we at Writers Abroad learnt a lot more about the craft of writing, we have also expanded our knowledge of the other parts of the process, like editing and publishing. Some of them have been painful lessons and the technological learning curve has been immense, but on the whole it has been one satisfying experience and one which I personally, would do all over again.

Overall we had 66 entries and have selected 29 of the finest stories which all went through a selection and editing process. All the stories are fictional but based on real life experiences as an ex pat. The collection total over 45 thousand words and the images for the front cover were supplied by Writers Abroad members. All of this in support of National Short Story Week which launched today. So pop on over to Writers Abroad and download your own PDF copy for free or flip through the whizzy on line version also available on our home page.

Sit Back and Enjoy the Read!

Don't Think Just Write

WRITERS ABROAD

2010-11-02T11:45:00.000+01:00

Is The Place to Be
Sorry all of you who do read this blog on a regular basis but I have been around, just lost my way a little bit. So apologies are in order.
Yesterday was the start of NaNoWriMo and there is a small group of us on Writers Abroad who have got the 'fever'. On the first day between the five of us we managed to pen ten thousand words (yes, 10,000 - that's an awful lot of zeros!) You can check out my progress at my blog, Louise Charles.

One of my main projects at the moment is finalising our Anthology in support of National Short Story Week later this month. We had 66 stories from all corners of the world and have chosen 29 to appear in the final production. We have a total word count of just over 45,000 words and we have 29 super stories by authors at all stages of their writing life. It's been a learning curve to say the least and those that were chosen by our selection groups were for the following reasons;

Attention paid to the guidelines for submission, most importantly that they were short stories of fiction
A tale well told over a short period of time
Stories which made us laugh, cry or other but grabbed our reading attention

My thanks must go to Writers Abroad members who have been unfaltering in their support of this project and particularly the three who help with the overall management of the project. You know who you are! But it is not over yet. I have to produce the Ebook which will be available free to download from various sites. Also there are many of us who just long to hold the printed proper thing in our hands so I'm going to have ago at publishing it through Lulu. Which is a first for me and for that I owe a lot of thanks to a certain WA member who currently lives in Wales.

Finally, Writers Abroad in its on line form, is one year old this week, so its bubbly and cake all round. Happy Birthday Writers Abroad and thanks and good wishes for another year of writing success to all our members.

Don't Think Just Write

HOLD THE FRONT PAGE

2010-10-20T17:33:00.000+02:00

I'll Be Back on Track Soon
Family matters mean I'm a little behind with my blogs and writing projects at the moment so please bear with me. Will be catching up very soon, with lots of news on the writing front...

Don't Think Just Write

EDITING

2010-10-06T11:39:00.001+02:00

The Flip Side of the Coin
As regular readers will know (I like to think that there are some at least...) Writers Abroad is supporting National Short Story Week. We put out a call for submissions of short stories for an anthology that we plan to release in November in conjuction with this event. The theme of the short stories was Expat life, based on the fact that all of us are expat writers. We have had a number of submissions and with the deadline only just over a week away, I am expecting (fingers and toes duly crossed) that we will get a flurry leading upto the 15 October. That's how I work (and many WA members I have learnt), always flying by the seat of my pants.

The one thing this experience has taught me so far is that the life of an editor is not an easy one. I've read this statement more than once and always thought how bad could it be reading stories for a living? Well if the stories are well written, that's fine. And I'm not saying that all of the submissions so far have been bad. But when you've read another submission which you either don't understand, or the story is clearly a ramble of real life and not fictionalised you start to become a little frustrated.

I cringe when I think of the stories I sent out in my early writing life. We've all done it, that's how we learn and develop our craft. I would dare any writer to claim that they were perfect from day one and many of us will never be perfect. That's not the point. Writing is about exploring our style, improving our presentation, learning new ways of saying old things and if we all were so wonderful, it would be a very odd place to be. What is clear is that there is always some good writing and there will always be that which isn't so good. If everyone stopped writing just because an editor thought their submission was crap then there wouldn't be any books or stories to read. The key skill for an editor is to be able to convert 'crap' into some kind of constructive criticism.
So next time I submit something, I'm going to view it from the editors eye before pressing send, in the knowledge that this might be the umpteenth manuscript that they've read that day, and challenge them to find something positive in my words.

Don't Think Just Write

WRITE A NOVEL

2010-10-01T17:53:00.000+02:00

In Just Thirty Days

Can't be done I hear you say? Well, I beg to differ but it can and thousands do every year during November. National Write A Novel in a Month (NaNoWriMo for short) kicks off in four weeks time. This increasingly popular event invites writers to write a first draft (and draft it will be) in a month. They set the word count target at 50,000 which some might challenge its qualification as a novel, but all the same its a heck of a lot of words. This will be the third year I've participated and the second year I've actually joined the site to do so. The first time I used it to complete a story I'd started, then put down and picked up again. I'm still working on it now, check out my progress at my blog 'Writer in Progress' . Last year I wrote in excess of 70,000 words on my second novel. This year I'm planning to a little more preparation in terms of plot and characters, so on Day One I'm ready to dive into my creative pool and immerse myself for the month.
For those of you who throw your hands up in the air and say it can't be done, well, of course it can. If you divide the word count over thirty days it works out at around 1600 words (and a bit) a day. It's like the old project management adage 'you can't eat an elephant in one day' but you can if you break it up into sizeable chunks.
Let me know if you're going to take up the challenge and we can become 'buddies' on site and spur each other on and have a toast at the end - for one thing is for sure - you will have written something at the end of it...
Don't Think Just Write

YOUR WRITING EGO

2010-09-22T17:30:00.008+02:00

And Receiving Feedback
Most writers seek feedback on their writing. Certainly if you are hoping for publication, the biggest feedback you can have is the number of books sold. But this is equally true of articles, short stories and even flash fiction. Having your work read by other writers who can provide succinct and constructive critiques before submission could mean the difference between the slush pile and the coveted letter of acceptance.
But many of us (and I'm talking from a personal perspective here)sometimes find it difficult to accept some of the feedback. I suppose it depends on the way things are going, writing or life wise, but sometimes a comment, meant to help, throws you into a fit of the wobblies and a dip in your confidence as a writer. This is, I would imagine, the same for anyone receiving feedback on their performance. I recall the dreaded day of appraisals when working in the real world, with managers who wouldn't know the meaning of constructive feedback if they fell over it! But if we want to develop ourselves as writers, we need to continue to seek and respond to feedback in a way that benefits our writing. We then may move from being a pedestrian writer to growing into our own writing style and being recognised as such.

Since creating Writers Abroad, a writing community for Ex-pat writers I have grown a thousand fold in terms of my writing. And I will keep repeating this claim because the feedback I have received has resulted in being my work being short listed and published. And it's not just me, other members too. I must say that I am far more gracious with my fellow writers comments as they understand what it feels like, the scrutiny, rather like an audition for a movie but in virtual terms. They understand the hard work; the occupation of your world by characters that may need to be ditched; that perfect description which 'tells' instead of 'shows'; the scene which although funny, adds nothing to the story and has to go. So although their feedback is honest and direct, it is countered with suggestions, thoughts and lots of nitpicks which I happily go along with (though I probably need prodding about cutting that scene).
So for what its worth, here is my advice for taking it on the nose in terms of feedback on your writing...

Accept that it is normal you are going to feel emotional about parts of your story. Having read the feedback, put it aside for a few days and let it stew. You will see the sense.
Keep an open mind about characters, scenes and settings. Listen to the feedback, see it through a readers eye.
Try out the suggestions and see for yourself. Never delete your first drafts, you can always go back if you feel it doesn't really work.
Put the feedback into practice with your other work. Writing critiques can often pick up on areas that you may be weak on. Use it to develop your craft.
Accept that feedback is part of your personal development as a writer. For me it is far more valuable than attending a course or reading a 'how to' book.

So don't banish your writing ego, it's the part which makes you the writer you are. But no ego is perfect and that goes for its writing too.

Don't Think Just Write

Back In (Writing) Business

2010-09-17T19:01:00.000+02:00

And At My Desk

It's been a long and hot summer, as you can see by my absence. I am so glad that autumn is on it's way and am even enjoying the storms and consistent rain we are experiencing at the moment... after temperatures of over 40 degrees, my brain is starting to function a little more as normal (whatever normal maybe).

But I haven't been slacking, promise... I've launched a new website for my fiction persona, Louise Charles along with a new blog. "Why oh Why" I hear you cry? Well, I have a number of fictional pieces all 'works in progress' and not getting much further than that. And I made a decision over the summer to commit myself to getting these WIP's into shape, or rewritten and to make that commitment as public as I possibly can. So the new website has a page dedicated to each novel, with a brief blurb about it and regular weekly progress reports will be posted on the web. I'm not sure I can post up chapters, due to copyright issues, but I may post up the odd edited excerpt for comments, criticism and a careful scrutiny...but I'm not promising. What I have promised to myself, is that I owe it to myself to invest the time in polishing and finishing these pieces. And the other pressing issue is that NaNoWriMo month is not far away and I have another story prickling at the tips of my fingers and so I need a plan... or as I've often been heard to say - JFDI!

So please visit my new website 'Louise Charles - Writer in Progress and the blog 'Writer in Progress' and keep me company on my quest.

*NEWSFLASH*

Don't forget the Writers Abroad is seeking fictional short stories for an anthology of Expat Life. These stories can be drawn from real experience and written into story format of up to 2,500 words. Check out the guidelines on the website....

Have a good weekend...

Don't Think Just Write

SUPERSTITIOUS?

2010-08-13T17:55:00.000+02:00

Or Just Serendipitous?

I'm not generally a superstitious person. And I'm certainly not one of those writes who has to go through some kind of ritual or have a favourite gonk that needs to sit on my desk. My grandmother was extremely superstitious. So much so my mother had to change the month she'd planned her wedding, 'marry in May, rue the day!' As my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary two years ago, she may well have been write.
So where is all this going, I hear you shout. Well, I'll tell you. Today I received a letter from the editor of My Weekly, a magazine for short stories. I'd sent a story to them a very long time ago. So long in fact, that I hadn't recorded it on my submission tracker (don't get too excited - just read index card). Anyway, the editor liked my story and said 'it has a wonderful, romantic yet real atmosphere...' and that she wants to publish it. My third short story to be published. And after a bit of a lull with a couple of short listed pieces that had me checking the results page every five seconds, very welcome news indeed. It is just an indescribable feeling. I know as a writer, I should describe it.... it feels like a large piece of Cadbury's chocolate melting on the tongue - pure bliss (shame we can't get Cadbury's out here in Italy).
And the link to superstitions? Well, I only realised much later today that it is Friday 13th. The day and date many people don't get out of bed for. Well in my book, Friday the Thirteenth is a great day and I'm going to honour it well - I've suddenly become very superstitious.
Have a great writing weekend...

Don't Think Just Write

SUMMERTIME - PERFECT FOR WRITING?

2010-08-06T18:34:00.000+02:00

Well, It Should Be...Shouldn't It?
August is often termed as one of those 'silly months' like Christmas time when nobody is expected to get anything done. Isn't that right? I've been using that excuse about my writing for the last 6 days so it must be right. I think about writing. I think about writing most of the day but manage to do anything but write. I don't know what it is but it's annoying and I'm just going to have go into a corner and give myself a hard time. There are so many things I could be writing about, Christmas for one as now is the time if you want to write something seasonal. But when it's 30 odd degrees and the whole of the country are on holiday from chemists, to newsagents to restaurants (well for Italy that's the case). It is the season when the city folk from Milan, Rome and Florence shake off their D & G (I'm told that's the correct way to refer said designer of 'have to have' clothes) don a sun-dress and shorts and head for their homes in the country. Houses which are empty for eleven months of the year come alive with chatter and laughter and all over the country on Sunday 15th August will be celebrating' Ferragosta', one of the most important catholic holidays. According to those in the know, this is the day that the Virgin was 'assunta in cielo', or in other words, taken to heaven to be with her son Jesus. It's a day for families and for celebration. So there is plenty of scope for a story to be told there in a number of ways. There is always a story to tell, whatever month or season it may be. So next week, I should be reporting on what literary delights I have penned...right?
Don't Think Just Write

Writers Abroad - Connecting Writers All Over the World

NEW TOOLS AND GADGETS

2010-07-30T18:46:00.000+02:00

Are Big Distractions
As many of you who may bother to read my ramblings will know - I've had a very sick computer. Considering it was over 6 years old (which must mean millennia in computing terms) I suppose I've had my penny's worth. So yesterday a lovely new PC arrived and I've (well me and my Man Friday) spent the last how many hours transferring, downloading, getting tetchy and sitting back and marvelling at all the new things. So have I written? Not a lot as you might imagine.

I did manage to upload a piece on 'How To Create an Online Writers Group' the new How To website who are looking for authors. One of my pals, Alyson, on WritersAbroad nudged me about a competition they had. And I have a list of pieces I wanted to submit by the end of the month. What? That's tomorrow you say?! Well, as usual the damn deadlines come around quicker than I can say 'edit' and that's several more opportunities I've missed. How can I fulfil my ambition to get published if I don't submit? Well I can't and neither can you. So what are you doing reading this blog? Get on and get that manuscript polished until it shines and then hit the Send button. Quick, Go On!

Don't Think Just Write

Writers Abroad and National Short Story Week

2010-07-23T18:38:00.000+02:00

Call For Submissions
As I detailed in my previous blog, Writers Abroad - my on-line writing community for ex-pats -are supporting National Short Story Week and are seeking submissions for an anthology. The title of the anthology will simply be 'Writers Abroad' and the them is ex-pat life, the pain and the pleasures. Any length up to 2,500 words is acceptable so we are hoping that we get mixture of flash fiction and short stories which will make it fun and interesting to read. Lorraine Mace has agreed to write our preface and WA member Greg McQueen will be helping with our marketing and publishing.
This is our first anthology and it has just occurred to me that the publication (November 2010) will fall on the first annual 'anniversary' of the Writers Abroad website. So very apt and very fitting I think. We are all very excited at the prospect of this writing adventure and are looking forward to receiving some wonderful stories of ex-pat life. Follow this link to the Call For Submissions and get writing!

Don't Think Just Write

National Short Story Week

2010-07-16T17:17:00.000+02:00

Lets All Shout About Short Stories

Writers Abroad, has agreed to support National Short Story Week in November. We are currently planning an anthology of short stories, written by expats on the theme of expat life.

National Short Story Week is an annual awareness event. Its aim is to focus the attentions of the public and the media on the short story and short story writers, publishers and events. It is intended as a framework for promoting literary events and publications at a national and local level. And we as a virtual group have been encouraged by the supporters to participate.

The aims of National Short Story Week are:

1) to get more people reading and listening to short stories;

2) to get more people writing short stories;

3) to develop creative and commercial opportunities for individuals and organisations involved in the short story form.

We shall be putting out a Call for Submissions next week so check for details on our site 'Writers Abroad' or our Facebook page or email us on expatwritersabroad@gmail.com for further information. Exciting times ahead.

In terms of other work, it has been slow. Partly the heat…it’s hitting 40º most days by 11am and partly my ancient PC. Read my blog on Writers Abroad to find out more. And I had a particular cutting rejection land in my Inbox last night. I still haven’t recovered and it has sort of put out my fire. But like a Phoenix, I shall rise from the ashes and write again. Just let me finish my sulk first.

Don't Think Just Write

EDIT OR REWRITE?

2010-07-09T16:43:00.000+02:00

To Cut or Not to Cut?

Writing, as we all know, is a process of sorts. It needs to follow some kind of order, which for the largest part can be decided by the individual writer. But all writers have to edit. As an apprentice writer of some years standing, I am only just beginning to understand this part of the process.

Like many, I see my first draft as a kind of sacred script which needs gentle handling and the utmost care. Since joining Writers Abroad I have discovered, thanks to the very constructive feedback from members, that the first draft always needs a second re-write, often and third and very occasionally a fourth. I know deep in the recesses of my mind that there isn't a writer out there who can produce a perfect first draft and it is that piece which will end up on the bookshelves and finally on the readers lap. I'm not that stupid. But I suppose what I didn't grasp was the extent to which the first draft very well might change. Huge sections of text, dialogue, back story, imagery and characters may well need to be slashed and burned. My fingers hover nervously over the delete key and I break out into a hot sweat with a wildly beating heart (see what I mean) as I make the decision - 'off with their heads!' Once I've done said deed I panic that I've cut the only bit of the story which was any good. However, I do trust the expertise from my fellow writers and the thing is they don't just glibly pull the story to pieces, they tell you what bits are good, which parts made them laugh or cry, which bits they didn't understand and which bits they think should be carefully put away - somewhere else. And to top all of that, many members are great grammarians (is that the right word?) who can spot a misplaced apostrophe, or a wild adjective or even a pleonasm (I didn't know what that was until a few weeks ago) which all help to shape the story.

So whether it's editing or rewriting, I finally understand that stories whatever length, need a bit of care, attention and sometimes a bit of a beating into shape. And do I have any evidence for my preaching this week? Well, I've just been informed that my story Smiles and Heartaches has just been short-listed for the Flash500 competition, along with a story of another member from Writers Abroad.
So go ahead, Slash and Burn!

Also this week, I've posted a book review Louise Charles' blog on the last book of the Millennium Trilogy, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest. And having now got my editing brain into action I have been setting up a new website to track the progress of the edit...no re-writing process for my four (yes four) novels in progress... watch this space for further details.

Don't Think Just Write

HERE COMES SUMMER...

2010-06-25T18:12:00.000+02:00

I Think!

Finding the time to write has been a little fraught just lately. I don't think I've really got back on track since the wipe out by the thunderstorm. This was followed by a trip to the UK to see loved ones and then a return home to one of the coldest and wettest Summer Solstice (is there a plural I should have used?) I have ever known! But I'm happy to report that we are now basking in some lovely warm sunshine, but on Monday I wondered if we'd ever see light again. What is going on in the world? I blame the Ash Cloud. Last year it was the terramoto (earthquake) in Abruzzo - the earth is a little unbalanced at the moment. My writing world however is levelling out a little, thank goodness.

Anyway I've spent the week catching up with emails, editing, critiquing and proof reading duties which needed to be done. I've also caught up with most of my Writers Abroad pals, many of whom have had interruptions, welcome and not so welcome, so I'm not alone in my struggles. I've just finished editing four short stories for submission by the end of the month (whisper: which is next week!) and now I'm catching up with my blog. I haven't completed a Suite 101 article for ages, to be honest I'm a bit bored with it. However, I was really pleased to receive a comment on the article I did on alternatives to Ning.

I hope your writing endeavours are fruitful and if not... keep on trying!

Don't Think Just Write

WRITING INTERRUPTIONS?

2010-06-08T15:56:00.000+02:00

Storms and Sojourns

A big summer storm wiped out our internet broadband connection (and the surrounding village) last week. So I was back to crusty old dial up. Well I gave in after a few attempts as it was just so slow and I mean, very slow. But it has had its benefits, this enforced spell without the internet. It has meant that I’ve had a little more time (well, okay, a lot) to get some actual writing done. It really struck me how distracting the internet can be and I thought I was fairly good at having my ‘online’ time but now I realise I wasn’t really. If I was stuck on a storyline, or there was something I subconsciously had put in the ‘too difficult’ pile then I would tell myself it is time to do some research on net. Quite a reasonable suggestion given the fact I don’t have access to a library here. However, when an hour or two has passed and my Man Friday knocks on the door with a cup of tea, or even later with a large G&T, I realise that I hadn’t done a spot of writing. Not one paragraph, or teeny-weeny little sentence, not a word, not even a thought. And the research? Well I often can’t recall what it was I had started to research in the first place. So when I next have a day like that, I think I may well just switch the router off and pretend that I can’t connect with the ether, and get on with some writing.

Which reminds me, this morning I started a new journal. Most mornings I try and spend at least 20 minutes free writing in a large A4 hard backed, lined journal. Using a favourite fountain pen, I prop myself up in bed and use a prompt, a first line, a proverb, an image or even a dream or an eavesdropping to start to write. I usually pen about four pages, which for me is about 500 words and I often use some of the entries to develop short stories, or create a character so it’s a very beneficial part of my writing day. There is nothing like opening that new journal and seeing the ink fill the page for the very first time, I love it and with over 10 full journals, I guess I have done for some time.

Before the enforced blackout from the internet, I did manage to upload a new submission to Suite 101 on the Festa Della Repubblica – Republic Day in

Italy

, which is a national holiday, held on 2^nd June. I also blogged a non-fiction book review on ‘Discovering the Writer Within’ on Louise Charles - follow the link on the right hand side of the page.

Happy Writing.

Don't Think Just Write

Check out what we're up to at Writers Abroad - The Writing Community for Expats

TIME OUT

2010-05-28T18:34:00.000+02:00

But It's Great to Be Back
Yes, apologies for my brief absence. Very special friends finally made it over to see us following a false start due to the Ash Cloud. Needless to say my laughter muscles and my liver needs a rest, but it has been a fab week. And our conversations and catch ups have given me plenty of writing fodder for the development of stories, so all I will say to my now absent friends is watch out when a writer is about! Have you ever played a game called Cranium? It is great entertainment, especially after a glass of wine or two, and tends to bring out the performer in everyone and by the morning after they have usually forgotten. So if you do have the opportunity, remember to take notepad and pen to jot down some of the happenings and you'll find that you have some wonderful character sketches to develop.
And finally our fourth grandchild made her appearance today, a little late but very welcome, well done to Charley, Rich and Ivy and welcome to the world, Sukie Ella!

Not had chance to do a book review this week, but check out my latest Suite 101 submission on tasty Italian Soups for Spring and Summer.

Don't Think Just Write

WRITERS ABROAD HAVE MOVED

2010-05-14T16:38:00.001+02:00

To a New and Exciting Home
Yep, if you have been following the saga of our search for a new site you will be pleased to know that it is finally at an end. Our old site (on Ning) is now defunct - well it will be by the end of play today. We have moved to Spruz, a great platform because it has many of the things we liked about Ning and much, much more. I have seen more activity in the last couple of weeks because we are now settled, which is great and means that my fellow writers are writing!

We have some new members, Vanessa and Marit joined us just before the bombshell about finding a new home dropped and have been most supportive. David, Greg and Leanne joined during the move and so will be making their presence felt on the new site.

Many of our members are busy working on projects for the Flash 500 Fiction competition in June and we have had some fantastic, funny, quirky, historical and sorrowful pieces submitted so perhaps Writers Abroad will make an appearance on the short-list again! In the first competition we had three members featured, so it goes to show that feedback and constructive criticism can really shape your writing.

And I have to mention in despatches that Alyson has got through to the next round of the Brit Writers Award, a very prestigious competition which had over twenty-one thousand entries! So we are all willing her on to being placed and if not - it's the taking part that counts!

I have submitted a book review on The Remains of the Day on Louise Charles, uploaded my latest Suite 101 article on Two Takes on Trifles, found an international market to plug my short story (published first by Peoples Friend) and have tidied up four other stories for re-submission later today. So normal service is being resumed, thank goodness!

Don't Think Just Write

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LOST IN THE WRITING WILDERNESS

2010-05-07T18:19:00.001+02:00

But Now Back on Track and On-line
I've been a bit absent lately so many apologies. As some of you may know I have been looking for a new home for my writers community for ex-pats, Writers Abroad. This follows the decision by our current host, Ning, to ditch free sites from July. Well I must admit at first I found the task rather daunting, after three months of finding my way around our site, I was getting used to it. It felt comfortable, not quite like the old armchair next to the fire, but getting there. So after my initial panic and fit of the abdabs, I sat down and decided to approach it like I would any other project. Research, Plan, Review and Get Going! And this week I have opened up our new home to the members of Writers Abroad who are as I speak, having a play and visiting the various rooms, testing out the furniture and generally getting a good feel of the place. I hope we have as much fun, support and success as we have at our previous home and I for one am looking forward to catching up with my very distinguished writing pals there.

So with this and the other things that life throws in the path of a struggling writer, I have found it difficult to find the space to do my writing. It has been a little like the wilderness in terms of words, and what words I did have seemed to get blown away or interrupted by this and other distractions. I had such a plan for May to which I shall return to and see what I can salvage - I've already amended a piece of flash fiction (A Slip of the Tongue - short-listed for the first Flash 500 ) and packed it off to another market. So things are feeling calm again and it's good to be home.
I've also managed to write a book review about The Rain Before it Falls by Jonathon Coe on Louise Charles and just uploaded my latest Suite 101 article on Free Social Networking Sites - well I had to put all that experience down in some kind of writing project!

So onwards and upwards and Buona Fortuna to all my writing pals at Writers Abroad!

Don't Think Just Write

A WRITERS LEARNING CURVE

2010-04-23T16:20:00.000+02:00

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.

Don't Think Just Write

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SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES

2010-04-16T19:18:00.000+02:00

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.

Don't Think Just Write

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Writers Abroad Rocks!

2010-04-09T17:43:00.000+02:00

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.

Don't Think Just Write

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Just A Quickie

2010-04-02T19:00:00.000+02:00

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!

Don't Think Just Write

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FAMILY AND FRIENDS

2010-03-26T18:37:00.000+01:00

Great Support for Writers
What would we do without our family and friends who provide us with their continued support? They pick us up when we are down, tell us how good we really are when we think we couldn't string a word together, never mind a sentence. They wait without toe tapping as you just have to make a note of something that flashed into your head and don't mind your 'absence' as you people watch. They bring you hot tea, cake and a large G and T waits tinkling at the bewitching hour. Well my Man Friday does anyway, so on this Friday I'd like to say thanks. I know that not every writer has such dedicated and committed support.
Also just in case it hits the main news, a little bird tells me that my Dad has been reported by WH Smiths for causing a ruction in his local store - fighting through the crowd of friends he'd ordered to purchase copies of the Peoples Friend. The less said ,better. But thanks Dad too!

This Week
I have submitted two short stories and one chapter of a novel for competitions and one short story to a magazine. I have also uploaded my latest article on Condiments for Curries to Suite 101. The rest of the time I have been editing, it's a slow but necessary job, but my eyes are spinning (and no, I haven't had that drink yet - won't be long yet!

Chin Chin!

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The Lady and The Revamp

2010-03-22T18:14:00.000+01:00

Just a Cheap Publicity Stunt?

I don't know if you watched the Channel 4 programme on the 'modernisation' of The Lady. Now we all know that The Lady is one of the oldest publications and most probably looks it. It has a dwindling but loyal readership (dwindling because I suspect of the grand ages of the readers) and the family which owns the old dowager has decided that they need to make it more business like. So they recruit Rachel Johnson - sister of Boris, London Mayor. Now Ms Johnson doesn't have much of a CV as an editor, she does write a regular column for a Sunday paper and has penned a novel, but I imagine she was probably hired because of her celebrity status and the potential for a sack load of publicity.
It wasn't a pretty programme, the lack of basic human management skills (or even just basic communication skills) were astounding, I sat there with my mouth open for most of the time. I'm not saying that things don't need to change, but there are ways and means and throwing out the baby along with the bathwater has never, ever been effective. And I've read an old mag and the new 'modern' version. Neither really turn my bat at all; the old one was stuffy, vaguely musty and the new one is just full of celebrity women who have it all and yet have very little to offer the reader. And they are doing away with the short story.
To top it all, Ms Johnson accused her employers (oh yes, this was like watching as episode of Big Brother but should have been called Big Business) of not being in the 'real world.' I wonder which world she belongs too? It certainly wasn't familiar to me. But in this day and age of celebrity and five seconds of fame, it wouldn't surprise me if Ms Johnson turns it round in her favour. Rather shallow and rather a shame I feel.
Just a personal opinion I might add.

Don't Think Just Write

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SWEET TASTE OF SUCCESS

2010-03-19T17:33:00.000+01:00

Perseverance Pays...(and with a little help from my friends)

It has been a good week. After my flush of excitement on Monday (received a copy of my short story in The Peoples Friend) the next day I had another welcome surprise. I've begun just lately, to get a little reluctant to open my in-box for 'Louise Charles'. Nothing but rejection ever seems to be sitting there. But on Tuesday the sun shone! A short story of mine has been accepted for an open anthology which will be published by Bridge House Publishing. The email said that there had been many submissions which makes it feel all that bit sweeter, although I did spare a thought for the poor writer, like me who was poised with a finger over the 'open mail' button. All I can say to them is keep on going, keep on writing. If you enjoy it why not? Life is full of good times and not so good times and everyone gets a wee fed up at times. Okay, sometimes we get very fed up. But little steps make a long journey and sometimes its hard to keep focused on the writing. But your time will come, if your'e determined and if you love what you are doing and you do it professionally.
This particular story had been critiqued by the group from Writers Abroad, so a word of thanks must go to them too. And if you can find yourself a writing group or at the very least someone who can comment constructively on your writing. It's worth a weight in gold.

Oh and check out my latest edition to Suite 101,recipes for two lovely spreads for your breakfast table - Three Fruit Marmalade and Peanut Butter

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PUBLICATION

2010-03-15T16:53:00.000+01:00

Feels Soooo Good

Yep, I've just received my copy of Peoples Friend where my first short story 'Friends in High Places' has been published. I'm absolutely chuffed and even though they've changed the title (it was originally called A Room of My Own) but I'm not complaining. This story was actually accepted some time ago last year, lost and then resubmitted. I got paid in January and the story will be published in the March 27 edition of the magazine (under my fiction writing name of Louise Charles - page 47).

This is what makes my gremlin - who I talked about on my last blog - vanish into thin air. I know he'll be back but now I've got something to wave under his nose!

And there are lots of members on Writers Abroad having lots of success so check out their stories at our great site.

Picture Courtesy of WebWeaver

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WRITING WOBBLIES

2010-03-12T17:29:00.000+01:00

The Gremlin on My Shoulder

There have been a few of us on Writers Abroad this week who have had the writing 'wobblies'. You know the feeling? When you've put everything into a submission, a short story or an article and you do so many times, every week, day in and day out. And those weeks pass by without as much as tickle of interest. You check your email box, look in the trash can - just in case - wonder if you really did send that piece off and scroll through your sent list. But nothing. That's when the writing gremlin comes and sits on my shoulder. It (for I can't believe a gremlin has a gender, though I could be wrong and doesn't it look so sweet? Don't be deceived,) whispers in my ear - not good enough... you a writer? Humph... Why did you think that was a good story?.... You will never be published... - at this stage I usually sit back and take a few minutes out. I may sulk a little, maybe even a lot and am probably short and bad tempered with My Man Friday (who always forgives me) and I more than likely utter one or two expletives. But at the end of the week I always look back at what went well. Something must have gone well, because next week, indeed even tomorrow, I will continue to write and hope that this time things will be different...

So my three key highlights this week are:

Completed and edited three short stories for submission for various deadlines this month (a total of around 10,000 words)
Written two book reviews on Louise Charles - check out the link on the right.
Submitted an article on the Battle of Britain to Suite 101

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THE RIGHT WORD MATTERS

2010-03-10T18:22:00.000+01:00

If You Want Your Book to be Read

Have you ever been reading a book and come across a word that makes you want to spit? I'm mean figuratively speaking that is, not wishing to be crude. I had just started a new novel by a very gifted (so I'm told) writer who is sadly now longer with us so I will endeavour to pay some respect. However, I got to about the third or maybe fourth page, just getting into the characters and the style - I've not read any of this particular author's series before but they are raved about. And I came across this word 'waitperson'. It wasn't hyphenated like the spell checker is telling me it should be. Ever heard of that term? Well I Googled it and apparently it was a word much to my disgust. I know that this is all to do with gender and being 'pc' but it's not the right word. It will never be the right word. The 'waitperson' had a gender, so they were either a waitress or a waiter for heaven's sake. Since when did we have to read such clumsy and ridiculous words just in case the alternative offends someone? And how could being a waiter or a waitress offend anyone? This in a book where, apparently, there will be murder and mayhem. I shall never find out, for it's on my blacklist. I shall only pick it up if I'd desperate. And that will be a long time coming.

Forgive my rant, it's now over. Why not check out my latest book review on Louise Charles?

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International Women's Day

2010-03-09T12:31:00.000+01:00

A Celebration
Yesterday was International Women's Day. A day where in many places of the world, the achievements of women and the struggles they face are recognised and debated. Here in Italy it is used as an opportunity for women to be pampered, by their men and fellow women. Husbands will take time of work, look after the kids, cook, and generally make every effort to show their woman how much they love them. Very apt for the Latin man don't you think? Women will go out together for lunch, to chat and gossip and just have a bit of time out, away from their everyday life. Mimosa, is a pretty shrub with yellow flowers like tiny fluffy balls. It is the national symbol of female solidarity here in Italy and whilst out and about, I saw a sprig of it being carried by all women of all ages.

But March 8th is also another special anniversary in our family. It is the birthday of our two grandchildren, Caitlin (5) and Ivy (2). Two girls born on the same day within different but connected families. Some coincidence. I wonder what they will contribute to the life of women as they grow up? Such a blank page waiting to be filled. A journal yet to be written. Exciting.

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MY WRITING WEEK

2010-03-05T18:48:00.000+01:00

Has Been a Good One
I've dedicated most of March to my fiction projects and I'm hoping that as the saying goes for the month that 'it comes in as quiet as a lamb and goes out with the roar of a lion.' So this week I have finally finished the first draft of The Good Life. This story is loosely based on our trials and tribulations which led to our first year here as residents of Italy. It has been co-written with my Man Friday and although has taken us some time and may never see the light of a publication, it provides us with many giggles. So it's a kind of therapeutic thing. I've also started work on a new fairy story having found loads of information about Italian fairies and maybe think I've been bewitched! Having completed my submission for the Writing Magazine Ghost story as this weeks short story target, my fingers are now itching to start on my third novel based in Saxon Times.
But it's not all been fiction. I have just published an article on International Women's Day on Suite 101 and have produced my first book review On Writing by Stephen King on my new blog/website for Louise Charles - my fiction face. All entries on this site can be accessed via the panel on the right, as well as a the feed for Writers Abroad.

Following my grey day on Wednesday, today is bright, but only because we've had about 4" of snow. Roll on Springtime...

He looks a little like our Bertie... the lion that is, not the lamb. And Bertie is a dog, not a lion... time for that G&T methinks...

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WEATHER AND WRITING

2010-03-03T17:03:00.000+01:00

Seasonal Factors?
Does the weather affect your writing? I'm asking the question on yet another unusually grey and wet day here in Le Marche. Like many places around the world at the moment, we seem to be experiencing odd weather systems mixed with the normal play of things. On Friday night /early Saturday morning we had such a storm that it blew open the door on the chicken coop - much to the delight of Mr Fox. We came down to a mass of feathers and no sound nor sight of our beloved 3 Degrees. We've moved on and replaced them rather quickly along with a fortified door that would defy the keenest predator.
What is clear to me is that on a grey day, I feel grey and therefore my writing is grey. On a sunny day, I may battle with the need to be out in the garden, but I'm quite happy to allocate some time to writing and approach it with a much more positive 'tap' of the keyboard. I know that writing is like any other activity. If it needs to be done, it doesn't matter what is going on outside the window. It just seems to take more effort (well, it's always an effort but an enjoyable one), more deliberation and the continual reminder to myself that the sun will shine again and therefore so will my writing. Perhaps I should dig out my 'light box' - a great relief for grey days and stick it by my PC, along with a CD of waves breaking gently over the shore... If I close my eyes, I'm there...

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MISSING DEADLINES

2010-03-01T17:20:00.000+01:00

Is so Frustrating!
I bragged in my blog last Friday how much writing I had achieved that week. I had got one last competition entry to submit to by the end of the month - or so I thought. So I worked on it all day Saturday (so I could have Sunday off) and at around 4pm went on-line to make the necessary arrangements. Only to find out I was too late... the competition had closed the day before - 26th February not the 28th as I had in my head. And I have a lovely leather filofax which I carry about and write all these important dates in. Helpful if you look in it to check then, I hear you say. Yep! What a numpty I am. And only myself to blame. One consolation is that I still have the story to submit to another market. So all is not lost. But deadlines are now going to be written in a week early, so that if I do get the date wrong, I have a bit of leeway... if I check the diary that is.

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A GOOD WRITING WEEK

2010-02-26T17:08:00.000+01:00

Is One of the Best Feelings Ever
I've had a good week and I'm feeling pretty chuffed with myself (now there's the northern girl in me).
I'd made a promise to myself to start balancing out the time I spend writing fiction and non-fiction, with the hidden agenda of tipping it more towards fiction. March I have dedicated to that alone. But this week spurred on by the fast approaching end to a very short month, I have almost... almost met all my targets. By the 28th I hope I will have.
So what can I be proud of this week?

Submitted three short stories for competitions and anthologies (total word count of around 9k words)
Submitted a short descriptive piece of prose to a competition - (200 words)
Submitted two non-fiction articles to the New Writer (accepted!) and Writers Forum (4k words)

And I've been rejigginig my websites/blogs. Both of my website stylers have not lived up to their promises so I've switched to good old faithful blogger. Easy to use and create a good web presence and have a virtual witter with any one who happens to drop by. So check them out below:

Writing Pad

Louise Charles

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PUBLISH AND BE DAMNED

2010-02-24T18:04:00.000+01:00

Having the Courage of your Convictions
As writers we are constantly told to edit, proofread and polish. And good advice it is too. I've been working on a short story submission for an anthology. I buddied up with one of the gang on Writers Abroad - have I told you what a great place ithat is to be? Yes? Oh well, you've been reminded again. Anyway, Alyson and I swapped stories and provided feedback and comments a couple of times. It is so useful having someone else look at your work. Writers get too close to their projects sometimes they can't see even the very blatant errors. Like moving from past into present tense half way through the story, or writing 'would' instead of 'wood' or changing a characters name without realising it. You know the kind of thing I mean. But it could be the difference between acceptance and rejection. With the many thousands of entries that are submitted to anthologies, competitions and magazines, they have to employ some way of sifting through the pile. And this kind of thing is essential. But there also comes a time when you've done all the polishing that you can, when you have to take a deep breath and either press the 'send' button or let go of the envelope. I did just that eventually today, after I'd asked my Man Friday to do 'one last check'. Good job too, the wily little proofreader picked up another couple of errors. But now it's gone and I can't do any more apart from forget about it and move onto the next project.
Thanks Alyson (and my Man Friday)!

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WRITERS ABROAD SEEKS MALES

2010-02-22T18:56:00.001+01:00

Writers Abroad
We had one of our on-line chats this week and we're on the hunt for men. Our membership currently stands at ten, one of which is a man. So if you know any writers who are a)male and b)an ex pat and c) looking for a friendly writing community to find support, advice and inspiration, point them in our direction...SEE LINK AT BOTTOM OF PAGE

Must Do's This Week
I don't know about you but there never seems enough time for writing. And I spend a lot of time thinking that I am writing. Having looked at my 'must do' list this week had me in a panic.
I have three short stories I need to polish, amend and submit to competitions by the end of this month; one short, description piece to submit, two non-fiction articles to finalise and submit; new stories to think about for March (and really I should be planning April); queries to plan (I've been a bit lax lately); continue second draft of novel no 2 and complete first draft of novel no 1 and.... I don't think I'll go on. Not sure whatever happened to February and there's only six days left. So what am I doing here then?

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TECHNOLOGY GRUMPS

2010-02-19T18:34:00.000+01:00

And All That Jazz

I love and hate it with a passion. I've spent my week trying to sort out my blogs and domain names but I must admit that the process has beaten me. I've had very nice emails from my web support but you can hear a certain amount of patronisation in their reply. I've decided that the KISS principle is the best way for me to manage this beast that threatens to overtake me. Keep It Simple Stupid. And spend less time worrying about it. Use whatever makes my life simple and allows me the time to write. Which isn't I've discovered, messing about with CNames, A lists and HTML. It just leaves me cold.

And to top it all, I amended a story to submit to My Weekly following a recent blog posts where they were asking for submissions. I had to cut the original down by around 150 words, spent a lot of time making sure it reflected their style requirements, hummed and aarghed and pressed the sent button. And five minutes later had a response saying that due to the volume of submissions they weren't accepting any more! Never mind, all in the weeks work of a jobbing writer.

Check out my latest recipe on Suite 101, Chickpea and Mushroom Curry, even if you're not a veggie (and I am not) it's a great alternative to its meaty cousin.

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WRITING SYSTEMS

2010-02-17T17:04:00.000+01:00

Organising Writing Projects
When I first started writing I didn't think I needed a system. Going out to work every day seemed systematic enough and I wanted to just write. Which is fine. But if you are like me you may suddenly remember something you wrote aeons ago but have an idea about how you can develop it, or you need to find that particular bit of information that is critical to a particular place in your novel, or you have a deadline approaching (last minute of course) and can't remember where you 'filed' your ideas - it all becomes a bit stressful.
After I had completed my first novel (an achievement in itself) I wrote an article which was published in Writers Forum about the 7 (and a half) things I would do differently. Organising my information, sources, ideas, notes, thoughts, links and anything else that related to the story, was one of those things. Having finished my second novel (well the first draft) I have put some of that into practice through a simple system of manual filing in one place. It still took me time to sift through the info to find what I wanted, so now I have made sections for particular pieces of information so I can access it quickly. It speeds the process up but better than that, it reminds me of things that I'd forgotten to include and prompts me to ask if they were important. For example, I made pages of notes about Red Cross parcels when researching prisoner of war camps. There is a significant part in the story which highlights the importance of these deliveries for my main character but I have skipped through it. But now I have the information at my fingertips (more or less) I can re-write that section and improve that particular scene for the reader - well that's the theory.
I know , like the best time for writing, that there isn't a 'right' answer. We writers have to test out what works for us. That might be an index card system, or a dedicated journal or a box of paper napkins with scribbles on (it would have been a fag packet not so long ago) but whatever your preference, however loose it may be, I'm willing to bet that it works for you.

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WRITING BOOKSHELF

2010-02-15T18:37:00.000+01:00

Current Work: My main aim this week is to get a Faerie story out of my head and onto paper (and if I have to on the screen)
On My Bedside Table: Assegai By Wilbur Smith - his latest, just finished it...
Listening to: The ice starting to form around my ears - my office is freezing!

What's On Yours?
Bookshelf that is. And I mean books on writing. I can't tell you how many I've got. I'm just putting together an inventory out of pure interest. I can tell you how many I've read. Very few. So one of my 'goals' this year is to work my way through them. Last week I read Stephen King's On Writing and I've just skipped through one on 'Novel Writing' - skip being the operative word. I'm not going to go into any in-depth reviews here as I'm planning to start a new blog just dedicated to book reviews but today it really struck me. Whilst these books are interesting, informative, even educative, they only tell us about one writers way of going about 'their writing'. Whilst, I know that there isn't anywhere on this great earth that holds the 'writing secret' I do believe that we can always improve our craft and I suppose what better way than to read how other writers 'do it'. Some writers are very technical, with gadgets, widgets and all sorts of techy little programs which help them to get the words down somewhere. Others are more organic, more freestyle and allow themselves to be taken along on the shirt tails of their characters. Others are very organised, methodical and pedantic with their rituals, their lucky charms and their routines. I'm a blend of the last two. Which ever way a writer writes - it's the right way for them and in that way it is unique. I enjoy reading about the 'how to' but am always reminded of the dog eared familiar words that ' a writer has to write...' So I'm going to keep on flicking through my bookshelf, but I've made another promise, that every book I read, I'll write about it. Hence the new blog, so watch this space.

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WHEN DO YOU WRITE BEST?

2010-02-12T18:12:00.000+01:00

Morning, Afternoon or Evening?
This is a question often asked of writers. Its a strange question I think. Not one asked in a job interview for instance. Who would own up to only being effective or at their best at one particular time of the day? It just wouldn't earn any brownie points would it? But on the other hand, it's common knowledge that we all have our 'dips' where we don't do certain things well. I'm not into all that right brain, left brain stuff - too intellectual for me. I do believe however, in making my day work for me. And, I do get frustrated if I haven't had my daily dose of writing, real writing, the making it up kind of stuff. I have lived most of my life thinking I was an evening person - or a best an afternoon one. Never good at getting up in the morning, particularly in the winter. Then I found the wonders of a light box (I suffered from SAD syndrome) and since moving to Italy haven't even needed that to get me going. So now I try to do all my creative writing in the morning, if I leave it later it won't get done. That often means trying to ignore the strange magnetic pull I have to fire up the PC, check emails and the sites I like to just in case the world has changed overnight. I can do editing stuff in the afternoon and even type up drafts (those of you who know me will know I'm a longhand girl) but the making it up is more difficult post pranzo. And evening, well I find it difficult to keep my eyes open after 10pm and if I do its because I've got my nose stuck in a boom.So what's your best time? This isn't just a writer thing surely, but some of us are lucky enough to have the ability to work to our strengths and preference easier than others maybe...mustn't take if for granted.

Three Cheers For! - The ups and downs of my writing life
It's been a slow week, it's February and some lurgy thing has been hanging around so I've felt a little washed out this week. But some highlights.

Finally finished the first edit of The Promise and now hope to tidy it up and get it critiqued
Have almost reached the end of the first draft of The Good Life - hoorah!
Published one article on Suite 101 another recipe, Italian Baked Sea Bass
Sold another article on Constant Content.
Have drafted, editied and played about with three short stories I'm hoping to get submitted by the end of the month
Have submitted four queries, one of which relates turning my first novel into a serial for a women's magazine.
Successfully achieved the copy deadline for the current issue of Leadership in Health Services. Although we have more articles than we ever had, it was still all of a rush to get them reviewed and ready for publication.

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A WRITERS CHOICE

2010-02-10T17:59:00.000+01:00

As many of you know I have been contributing to a content site, Suite 101, for some time now. This has benefited my writing in many ways. Firstly, it gave me a goal to work towards - submit one article a month, then one a week and for the last few months, two a week. So - something I could tick of my action list. Very satisfying. Secondly, it taught me how to write 'tight' articles suitable to be read on-line in a maximum of 600 words. That isn't a lot of words but it was a good lesson in how to cut out all the unnecessary ones. Thirdly, but less importantly (she says very nonchalantly - eeks an adjective!) I got paid for the articles I submitted. Not pounds (well dollars as the site is based in Canada) but every cent adds up and it has paid for things like competition entries and other non-writing based luxuries. I have to date published over 100 articles and made...not a fortune. So eighteen months later I've developed my craft, regularly submitted articles and been published (and paid). Not a bad choice then. But it does take time and I want to do other things, so I'm thinking of letting go and choosing something else.
Ideas on a postcard please...

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MY WRITING SPACE

2010-02-08T17:38:00.000+01:00

Is great in the summer..
It's large and cool but bright and with easy access to the garden where I can wander about for a bit of inspiration. But in the winter it is freezing and despite the many layers I put on, I just cannot keep myself warm. I have a tiny radiator under the desk but it's my hands that suffer, not good for a writer! So with a little skip to my step, I'm just going to have to retire to the fireside with pen and paper. Glorious!
Roll on Spring...

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SUBMITTING QUERIES

2010-02-05T17:53:00.000+01:00

Is Like Going for an Audition
Every week, I try and submit three non-fiction queries. Some of these are new, some have been rejected elsewhere and some have been accepted, article published and I'm looking for a new home (copyright allowing that is).
Writing a query letter for me, is a bit like going for an audition. Well, what I think an audition would be like having never been for one, but you get my drift? I take quite a lot of time thinking about the market I'm pitching to, taking care to create a good catchy title and putting together just enough information to wet the editors appetite and then I 'perform' virtually when I press the send button. Of course mostly my performance is never seen it hits the trash can as quick as you can say 'query' and rarely I get a 'thanks but no thanks' and once in a blue moon I get a 'yes!'. Its not a great return on investment in quantitative terms (though you know I'm not good at maths) but this week I've had two blue moons and it feels great. So the time spent pays off in some kind of way and it is confirmation that I hit the right buttons for someone.

Three Cheers for...The ups and downs of my writing life
I didn't manage to blog last Friday, so this week is a fortnights worth.

Submitted four articles to Suite 101 - two book reviews on The French Gardener by Santa Montefiore and The Ice House by Minette Walters and two delicious Italian recipes - Italian Sausage Stew and Vincisgrassi a speciality of Le Marche region
Submitted and had accepted two articles on Constant Content,
Submitted a short story to 100 Short Stories for Haiti but alas not short-listed
Finalised and published the Writers Abroad website (see link below)
Wrote around 3 thousand words on WIP The Good Life only to discover that my co-writer (My Man Friday) had written about the same scene!
Still struggle on with edit for WIP The Promise - its the last little bit which is taking the time...
Put together a new website for Writing Pad using WordPress (a long story)
Submitted an Expat piece to the Oldie and got a rejection back by return (though spurred on by one of my Writer Abroad buddies have submitted this elsewhere, thanks Paola!)
Revised a short story for submission to the Brit Awards, still very unpolished
Submitted a short story for the Writers Abroad challenge and the feedback has encouraged me to submit it
Had two queries accepted for writing articles - watch this space!

I'm sure that there's more but I've run out of breath!

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A WRITING COMMUNITY

2010-02-03T17:29:00.000+01:00

Is A Good Place To Go
As you will know if you regularly visit this site, I am part of a new writing community called Writers Abroad. (See link at the end of this post). It's not so much of a new community, some of us have actually been in contact for at least 12 months now, but that's not the point of this post. We agreed that we, as a group of writers and as individuals needed to promote our on-line presence. Some of us already have blogs and/or websites but it feels good to be part of a community. It is this community, this group of people who I have never met face-to-face, who provide me with the support and motivation to keep on writing. So when I've had yet another rejection, these are the people who pick me up, dust me down and make suggestions of where else to pitch the piece. These are the people who suggest how I might enliven a character a bit more, where my point of view is becoming a bit schizophrenic and where I have not dotted my i's or crossed my t's. So this blog post is dedicated to this group and our continued future on Writers Abroad!

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WRITERS ABROAD GOES LIVE!

2010-02-01T12:23:00.002+01:00

New Website Launched!

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This blog post is dedicated to the launch of our new website 'Writers Abroad ' a community which connects writers around the world. As a writer living in the UK I found the support of a local writing group invaluable and it is the one thing I missed most when I moved here to Italy (families and friends apart that is!). So I decided to find out if there was anyone else out in the writing wilderness feeling like me - and that is how Writers Abroad was born. We meet every fortnight on Windows Live Messenger and are a diverse bunch with members in Europe, America, Thailand and Australia. Despite the obvious time difficulties this provides we manage to get together and talk about writing. The site is has been developed to shout about our work, provide the group and individual members with a presence and hopefully be an interesting and informative place to be. Check it out... and let me know what you think.
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EDITING

2010-01-27T10:26:00.001+01:00

Is A Little Like Taking a Slow Walk
I'm afraid I can't claim the credit for this simile (is it a simile or something else, I never know...but my Man Friday will bust a gut laughing if I've made yet another Mrs Malaprop!). But whatever the fancy word maybe, the sentiment is so right. I've been editing my second novel, this is the first edit where you think 'what on earth was I thinking about when I wrote that?' I have more red pen marks than words printed and the toner on the poor printer has given up on life. But it is quite an exciting part, however tortuous it may be. For me, it is the real writing bit (though I love the freedom of just writing without thinking), the part where you really start to shape the story, kill off some characters who just don't fit (well never kill them off, put them away and bring them to life in another story) and the time when you actually read the story from start to finish. The advice I've read is to edit in big chunks of time. I don't know about you but I find that really difficult because I'm thinking so much about all the red pen marks! So small and often is my preferred method - what's yours?
Although it feels like an insurmountable task, it actually is just part of the process but also a huge step towards the goal of publication. (I wish!).

Oh and due to the extended deadline, I had to just get something submitted for the Haiti cause. So I cut down a long story submission down to 1000 words and have just submitted it. It's not the result that matters, it's the taking part...

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WRITING SCHEDULES

2010-01-25T16:15:00.002+01:00

On My Desk: 1 novel first edit, drafts of 3 short stories,1 novel in progress, two non-fiction pieces and a list of must do's for the Writers Abroad Website!

On My Reading Table: Strip Jack Naked - a Rebus novel by Ian Rankin

Listening to: Nada, the noise in my head is enough

Getting Things Done

We can be our own worst enemies sometimes. Well I can. I'm all for setting myself pretty tough targets, though I'm not so sure it is always the best way. I think the more busy I (think I) am the slopppier I become and the more sloppier I become, the more agitated. So a promise to myself. Leave a bit of breathing space and... breathe. Hence this is a small post and to be fair, its freezing in my office, the mist has obscured most of the view from the window and I can hear My Man Friday lighting the fire... so writer will travel upwards where it's warmer with a pile of paper editing. Much more sense methinks and I'll soon be able to feel my fingers!
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FOLLOWING UP QUERIES

2010-01-22T16:51:00.000+01:00

Is Essential
I regularly diarise and follow up queries I have sent but haven't received a 'yes' or a 'no thank you' to. Sometimes I still get nothing back which is fine and I leave it at that. But sometimes it pays off and you hit the inbox at just the right time. I followed up a submission I made last July (yes that's July 2009). First the piece was delayed because the editor got swine flu and quite understandably so. I followed up in October but hadn't heard anything and in my January, New Year Brush Sweeps Clean kind of way, followed up again last week. She had lost everything pre Christmas on her PC and was desperate for copy! Well, not that desperate it is a good article (I say bravely!).

Three Cheers For - The Ups and Downs of My Writing Week

Another rejection for All Will Be Well. I've decided to shelve finding it a home for now. Having gone through the editing process with my second novel has provided me with some insight which I didn't have for the first one. So maybe I'll dust it down later in the year.
An article accepted for Country Kitchen on Wartime Diet
On target with completing Work in Progress the Good Life - have put the Saxon piece on hold as I've been finishing this one for the last 12 months! About 5000 words written this week
Almost finished editing The Promise...
A third article submitted to Constant Content and the second one has been sold!
Two articles submitted to Suite 101, a book review on The Street Lawyer by John Grisham and a recipe, Thai Chicken Curry - a favourite in this household!
Draft article for submission to the Oldie - being checked out by one of my Writers Abroad mates, thanks Paola!
Searching for a piece that might be suitable for the Haiti Appeal for 100 short stories. The deadline is on Monday so its pretty tight
Three queries submitted to The New Writer, Natural Health and Overseas Living
Editing of academic papers for Leadership in Health Services - things are looking good with submissions for this year!

Well, that's all for now folks, need to fly as my young Italian boy is due for help with his English homework.

Ciao for Now!

Don't Think Just Write

RECYCLING OLD ARTICLES

2010-01-20T11:59:00.001+01:00

Could Pay Off
I have written to date over 100 articles which have been published on Suite 101. The pay isn't fantastic, but it helped to structure my non-fiction writing and I'm not in the position of turning my nose up to a few extra Euros in the coffers. Some of these articles are now two years old, so I have picked four of the most popular, which by the way are management type articles, and have set myself the task of revamping them and submitting them to Constant Content. This site accepts articles, you set a price and condition of use and then you wait for someone to buy them. I've read quite a bit about this site and the main message seemed to be that it took forever to get a purchase but that persistence would pay off. And this week after only my second submission of copy, I received an email to say that someone had purchased it! Well, I was chuffed as you can imagine, so its given me the motivation to keep trying. Again, its not big bucks but as they say 'look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves'. (or the Euro's will).
So never write off an article, brush it down, tart it up and seek an alternative place for it to rest for a while.

Don't Think Just Write

FLASH FICTION

2010-01-18T15:30:00.002+01:00

Current Work: Still Editing - never an easy job
On My Bedside Table: Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett and On Writing by Stephen King
Listening to: Cats licking their dinner plates clean...

Economical Words
Our next writing challenge for Writers Abroad is a piece of flash fiction of just 500 words for submission to a competition. Now the theme is an open one, so the world is the writers oyster, so to speak. I've not done a lot of 'short' writing before. And flash is a lot shorter than short. However, it is, as always providing me with a few morsels of learning which I'm sure is good for my writing soul. Firstly it really is showing me how every little word counts. I don't think my style is flowery but I know that I often use words I don't need. Secondly and probably related to the first point, is that it makes you jump right into the action. No time for background or what was happening last Sunday. It's wham, bam!. Thirdly I think it helps with the beginning, middle and end thing. If you can't tie up the ends by the five hundredth word - cut off the ends! Finally I think flash fiction can really help with developing skills of short sentences and specifically when writing dialogue. I'm not saying that I've cracked it, but it made me think about all of these things. Having said all that, it's not my preferred style but then comfort zones are made to be invaded. Aren't they?
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A READERS RESPONSE

2010-01-15T15:50:00.000+01:00

Is Great For The Writing Soul!
I've just found out that one of my articles published in Writers Forum in October has had a response published in their Letters Section (February). The reader wanted to thank me for providing her with the inspiration and the confidence to write and I feel very touched that she took the time and effort. It made me think about the reasons I write. It's not just getting the words down on paper, or battling with a character or thinking of some new way to spice up some old thoughts. It is about being read, about sharing your experience, whether fact or fiction, and when you receive positive feedback on your work instead of the slap of rejection, it's good for the confidence. So thank you.

Three Cheers For - The Ups and Downs of My Writing Week
After a slow beginning, I got tough with myself and set some daily deadlines and targets. And I think they have paid off... see what you think.

Websites and Blogs all given a bit of a New Year dusting - have a look at Writing Pad and Louise Charles. Though I'm thinking of ditching the WP site and going for a Wordpress blog instead. Watch this space for further details.
Major editing and revamping of two academic articles for my Leadership in Health Services journal
Two Suite 101 submissions made one a book review on Charlotte Gray (a particular favourite of mine even better on the second reading) and a recipe (or two actually) Alternative Bangers and Mash.
A second article submitted to Constant Content which has been accepted, on Performance Management
Submitted the Writers Abroad challenge - 'We sat patiently...' 250 words for the Writing Magazine Win a Book Competition
Drafted my 500 words for the next Writers Abroad challenge for feedback, but not ready to submit it yet!
Submitted short story 'Summer Hat' to the Bridgehouse Open Anthology competition
Reviewed two other short stories for submission to competitions
Submitted three queries to Saga Magazine, My Weekly (Gardening) and Writers Forum
Blogged three times
Research completed (for now) on third novel set in Saxon times and character briefs completed. Hope to start the draft next week
Third of the way through my first edit of second novel and running out of time on my deadline...
Received rejection from The Oldie on my first submission for the Expat section but at least they got back to me

Phew, I'm all worn out... now back to the editing

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A WRITING ROUTINE

2010-01-13T11:54:00.000+01:00

For Me - Is Essential
As much as I dream of myself as this eccentric author locked away in her tower, scribbling madly away, words falling onto my page... I'm not. Not at all. On Monday I became a little agitated at the end of the day when I realised I'd not achieved much. I wrote in my diary 'just messed about'. Only I can do anything about that so yesterday, I wrote my list of 'to do's, allocated a certain chunk of time to each action and despite the many earth tremors (visit our blog to find out more here) I managed to achieve almost all of my planned activities. And I wrote! So I have to despatch with the dreams and get on with reality. Shame but that's life. A writers life.

Book Review
Patrick Parker's Progress by Mavis Cheek
Well, its not really a book review, because I didn't complete the book. I got about half way through and had been struggling for some time. Now, I used to be one of those readers who pressed on despite my reluctance to. I felt I owed it to the writer to finish what they had started. But now I don't. I will persevere but if it goes on for too long (or as in this case, another book is calling out to be read) I give up. I may go back it, but to be quite frank, I didn't like Patrick Parker, I didn't understand his fascination with bridges (though I'm a keen admirer of the works of Brunel) and I thought he was a bit of an arrogant, little upstart. Gosh, that sounds quite strong, but he really annoyed me and every time I picked up the book I could feel the muscles in my neck tense. So if you have read this book and had a different experience, please let me know and I'll try to pick it up again. If I have nothing else calling that is...

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MARKETING FOR WRITERS

2010-01-11T15:08:00.000+01:00

Current Work: Well marketing... websites, blogs, Facebook etc.. etc.. etc.
Listening to: Cats and kittens miaowing, its nearly tea time
Reading: Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

You Can Never Do Enough...
Marketing that is. To add to the writing projects, writers must market themselves for if they don't who the hell will? Its a lesson I'm beginning to learn but it doesn't get any easier and chatting with members of Writers Abroad yesterday I realised that I'm not the only one. So that's a little consolation. We all find it hard, most of all to commit the time, but we all know that we must if we want to be recognised as serious writers. So I'm going to finish off updating and refreshing my blogs and websites, make them easier for people to follow and perhaps (by the end of the week) have linked them to Facebook so I can annoy everyone of my friends. And for those nephews and nieces who might be surprised that I have removed you from my list of Facebook 'friends' you still are, my friend of course, but I felt a little overwhelmed by the daily insights to your life. And anyway you didn't want your old crabby aunt knowing everything you were up to did you? But thanks for all the great story ideas, watch this space if you want to know more!!

Don't Think Just Write

FINDING THE WRITING GROOVE

2010-01-08T16:25:00.000+01:00

Well, its hard to get back to some kind of routine when you've had some time out, however eager you may be. I'm finding this week a little hard going and keep telling myself 'next week I'll feel more normal'. Well, that's if I ever have been normal. But its been a good week for some of the group from Writers Abroad. Jill - France -(who was featured in Writers News before Xmas) has had stories accepted for a couple of markets recommended by the group and Susan - Minnesota - has had a full page in Writers Market (Feb 2010) along side the great and the good - Stephen King no less! So congratulations to them and soon hopefully, you'll be reading all about them on our site.

Three Cheers For

So what has my difficult writing week produced?

A half baked short story about a witch - but I couldn't find my groove so I'm letting it stew
Two articles submitted to Suite 101. I've changed my tack a little this year as I want to try some other markets so am concentrating on book reviews - Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier and recipes - Spinach and Ricotta Pancakes. Enjoy!
One article submitted to Constant Content and accepted, now all I have to do is get it sold
One article submitted to The Oldie and awaiting feedback
Two queries submitted - non-fiction
All Will Be Well submitted to a literary agent who requested to see it after a short email....
This blog has been updated and have almost finished refreshing my websites
Filing for 2009 all completed and new files for this year made
Writing Plan for 2010 completed

And My Man Friday is currently doing the first edit of WIP The Promise - my NaNoWriMo end product ready for me to start tearing it to pieces! So a fine start once I put it all down on 'paper'.

Don't Think Just Write

WRITING IDEAS

2010-01-06T11:02:00.000+01:00

Thought for the Day

Writing is no trouble: you just jot down ideas

as they occur to you. The jotting is simplicity

itself - it is the occurring which is difficult."

~ Stephen Leacock

Where do you find your inspiration from? My thoughts turned this morning to one of the most troubled part of a writers life. Coming up with the ideas in the first place. I know many of my fellow writers struggle and for some of us it takes an age to come up with something that seems to be 'original'. But of course there are very few original ideas left. But there are original ways to tell them and to share them with your readers. So next time you are stuck for an idea, think of one that's already been done. Then turn it on its head, turn it inside out, ask 'what if' and chuck it in a bag and shake it all about. What appears on the paper could just be something worth publishing.

Book Review

The French Gardener by Santa Montefiore

When I first started reading this I almost put it down again. I just thought it was going to be one of those light chick lit books with cardboard characters and unbelievable lives. But I'm glad I continued reading. The French Gardener is actually quite a delightful read and I have to admit, I wiped a wee tear away at the end.

The French Gardener is about the lives of two women who are miles apart in terms of time of life but who are connected by one house, it's gardens and a French man.

Miranda Claybourne is a modern wife who has moved to the countryside to Hartington House. She has left her bright city life behind her with great reluctance and feels she will never fit in to the countryside and country folk. Miranda is a writer who dreams of being a novelist but can never find the inspiration. In fact when we first meet Miranda she comes across as a spoilt and immature woman of two children who quite frankly deserve better. David her husband is the City banker playing at Lord of the Manor and who begins to play away and nearly loses it all.

Things start to change in Mirandas life when she discovers a run down cottage in the grounds of the house. Here she discovers a scrapbook which had been compiled by the previous owner Ava Lightly and tell of her secret love affair with a mysterious gardener. When Jean Paul turns up on her doorstep, Miranda struggles with her feelings for this handsome mysterious Frenchman and immediately takes him on to help her restore the neglected gardens. As Jean Paul weaves his magic he not only reels in Miranda, but her two children and most of the women in the village. But there is a sadness about Jean Paul that Miranda cannot describe. She starts to find her writing muse as she starts to read the tale told through beautiful prose and the garden, the legacy left by Ada.

Miranda realises what things are important to her just as her husband David is risking their relationship for a quick and dirty fling with her 'best' friend. And then she realised who her French gardener actually is and that he has not only returned to restore the garden. The garden he first shared with Ava nearly thirty years previously. And that Ava has kept a secret from him. So does Miranda tell all or not? Well I advise you to read the tale, it is told with humour, compassion and a hint of derision for the lives of some probably on the guest list of the author. I loved it. And with regard to my first post today about ideas, I wouldn't be surprised if this story originally started out with a real Lady and her gardener and given a bit of a shake.

Don't Think Just Write

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010

2010-01-04T15:53:00.000+01:00

Don't Think Just Write

Current Work in Progress: Writing Plan for 2010

On My Bedside Table: The French Gardener by Santa Montefiore

Listening to: Steve Wright going on about the snow in the UK!

New Year New Look

Yes, if you have decided to stick with me in 2010 you will see I've had a bit of a makeover. Just wanted to try something difficult. My first attempt was not good, it was a fancy template and looked great but I'm just not technical enough to pull it off. So stick with simple, and eccolaqua! here we have it. So tell me what you think, how it feels to the eye and whatever comes into your head.

So my priority this week is tying my Writing Plan down for this year and I'm feeling very excited. Some think planning is not what a writer should do. Well, this writer does, because if I don't it won't get done, lots of empty promises and wistful thoughts. And for me, part of my writing is a business, so I can't afford not to plan. So Wednesday, I'll let you know what I've done.

Happy Writing!

GOODBYE 2009

2009-12-31T11:36:00.004+01:00

Don't Think Just Write

Happy New Year
My last blog of the year is going to be a short one. I've had a week away writing which has been incredibly difficult. I've spent the time reading, clearing out cupboards, my desk, email folders and generally slouching about completing crosswords and sudoku puzzles. But I'm feeling refreshed and now ready to hit the New Year rocking and even more determined than ever.
One small thing I have done is publish my 100th article on Suite 101. I wanted to get that particular target accomplished before the advent of 2010, so check it out. Its my favourite vegetarian recipe, Mixed Nut Roast and I'm a committed meat eater!
See you next year!

Happy Writing

FESTIVE WISHES

2009-12-23T14:43:00.001+01:00

Don't Think Just Write

Just a quick entry to wish you all a Merry Festive Season whatever you are doing and where ever you may be.

Happy Writing

EVERY WORD COUNTS

2009-12-21T13:05:00.002+01:00

Don't Think Just Write

Flash Fiction or Novel
It doesn't matter how long a piece is, every word counts. I've just been responding to our latest Writers Challenge with my friends on Writers Abroad. This time we have been given the first line and a word count of 250 words. I can't tell you how difficult I found it and I'm used to writing short. But it made me realise how I waffle on, sometimes, say the same thing but use different words, so each and every word of those 250 had to say something. I tried, not sure I pulled it off, but wait with anticipation.

Three Cheers for!
Well, I didn't make it last week. Its been strange, since I completed my target on my novel, I've sort of just drifted about. I'm usually very organised and I've still planned my days but haven;t really maintained the momentum to keep going. I don;t know what it is. My Man Friday, says not to be so hard on myself, that I deserve a break. Maybe he's right. So after tidying a few things up I'm going to switch off for a while, enjoy the peace and quiet which will descend as everyone stuffs themselves silly, sit and read and read and watch TV and have some time out. A change is as good as a rest so they say. Will do all the good wishy kind of stuff later.
Check out my two latest articles on Suite 101 (99 so far, want to reach 100 before 2010 appears) . One on Finishing Your Novel (this is kind of post NaNoWriMo) and one on setting up a Ning Social Network for writers Groups.

Happy Writing!

RUNNING OUT OF TIME

2009-12-19T12:58:00.001+01:00

Don't Think Just Write
Happens to me a lot...
Sorry didn't have time to blog. Making Xmas gifts for neighbours and stocking up for the snowy festivities. Will be back next week...

Happy Writing!

READING MATTERS

2009-12-16T10:23:00.007+01:00

Don't Think Just Write
Bedside Books
Having just received a yummy order from Amazon, I'm looking forward to the dark, cold days of Christmas - yes, changed my tune since Monday. But I haven't changed how I feel about it. When you live abroad you value the written word in your mother tongue even more. I do love the Italian language - oh if only I could speak it better, but it is quite an effort to read, listen and converse in a language that does not come naturally. So I have a mixture of new reading material, because I like to experiment with different styles. So I have a Ken Follett (never read any of his), Santa Montefiore and the first of Stephenie Myers' Twilight Saga. With those and a shelf full still to read I am feeling a sense of peace descending. By the way, I stumbled across another book selling site that may be an alternative to Amazon. The Book Depositary - I've tried to do a comparison, but its difficult, they don't charge for delivery but obviously add some cost to the book. Check it out...

Book Review

The Secret River by Kate Grenville

This is an historical novel set in the early 19th century. It centres around the life of an Englishman who does not have the best start in life but works hard on the river as a boatman. He marries the daughter of his boss, and life is feeling rosy. But of course, this doesn't last and William Thornhill had to resort to desperate measures to keep his family fed. By now he has a small child and another on the way. He is caught thieving and sentenced to death by hanging. Now his crime doesn't seem to fit the punishment and his wife, Sal, writes to a man who pleads for a change of heart on Will's behalf. The upshot is that he is given a one way ticket to Australia, along with boardage for his wife and child.

It's amazing that Will and Sal survive the journey which takes almost 9 months and during this time Will's second son is born. Once in Australia, they wonder what they have exchanged their life (and the loss of Will's life) for. The majority of the story takes place here in Australia and displays the desire of man to measure success by the amount of land he owns. The story gently unfolds, showing us the lengths that the white man will go to secure this what is seen as a personal right. But of course they are disrupting the lives of the Aborigines and their land. At times, its quite difficult to comprehend how a bunch of criminals think they might have such a right, but these men could effectively wipe clean their slate and therefore start again. Some do it -like Will - with some respect, but others are no more than thugs. However, even Will is tested in terms of what actions he will take to secure his 'home'. And all through this time, wife Sal is having more babies and counting the days when she can go home to London.

It's a well told story, based a little on the true experiences of the authors ancestors. It is full of wonderful descriptions of Australia and its contrast with grey London. The dialogue is written in italics, which I found a little distracting, but it is a wonderful, simple tale, well told. I'm not sure about the title, I found it a little misleading but you make your own mind up. A great read.

Happy Writing (and Reading!)

BAH HUMBUG

2009-12-14T16:01:00.003+01:00

Don't Think Just Write
Current Work: Trying to find myself again, post NaNoWriMo and NaNoFiMo
Listening to: My Man Friday making a cuppa!
Reading: The Italian Quarter

Monday Blues
Well, I have spent the day in a kind of daze, not really knowing what to do first. It has been really odd not having the pressure of my writing target to reach and it feels almost like I'm missing a part of me. I guess what I should do is start on the next project. Can't be doing with all this 'spare time' on my hands...hah!

Festive Meltdown
I don't like Christmas, well, I don't like all the commercial nonsense that it brings and all that madness and stress associated with one day. So I'm pleased to be here in rural Italy where they have a more sedate way. The decorations have only just gone up in the streets and the supermarkets stocking their shelves (well maybe one) with Xmas goodies. The kids don't break up until the 23rd and go back just after Befana (the real Mother Xmas) on 6th January. Home-made cakes, biscuits and chutneys are preferred to the jazzy wrapping and glitz from M&S and they don't send cards.
Humbug? Me? Nah. I think Christmas is the time for giving, so my money (what little I would have spent on family) is going to buy a goat or two for children and their families who won't know what all the fuss is about.