SIZING UP THE COMPETITION

Current Work: Non-Fiction, Editorials and Drafting
Listening to: The Saturday Play - Ripley Underground (Listen Again R4)
Reading: Its a Simon Brett, but I can't remember the title at this time!

Developing My Style
As you know I like to plan. I have a yearly writing plan which I review every month, with targets, actions and probably some pretty unattainable stuff. Entering competitions is one of these said targets. Not because I think I can win, but usually because it provides some inspiration (as well as a time nudge) to develop my writing style. For instance I've never really thought about writing for children. The influence of becoming a grandparent has probably softened my stance and today I submitted a story for the Wind in the Willows Short Story Competition. Not that my writing could be compared for one nano second with Wind in the Willows. I wouldn't want you to get the wrong idea. But writing for a different age group does help you look at your style, differently. I suppose that should go for any genre, but particularly so for children. Language for certain, the faddish words of the day, things they definitily wouldn't say that trip from your lips like members of the family. Imagery is another, the world they live in isn't the same as ours. So I imagine that to attract a young reader you need to enter their world but make it a little different. As I'm writing this, I'm sure I haven't done any of those things. But as you know, I do like a good 'post mortem' on my writing endeavours. I did enjoy the experience, in fact I spent a good part of my weekend working on it to meet the deadline, so...

Finding a Critical Voice
I always read my writing out loud, which really shows up the lumps and bumps. But there is nothing like a second voice. One that can be critical but helpful, one that can spot the inconsistencies of character and time, those who have not a care about the writing but care about your craft. I have that second voice and unusually it is my Man Friday. I don't suppose many relationships could withstand the expectations of either, but for us it works. Perhaps working together and now writing together helps. It is also essential.

Here is to a good week for the written word.

CATCHING UP

Current Work: Editorial and writing blog.

Listening to: My horoscope

Reading: Rosalin Franklin, The Interpretation of Murder, and the UK

papers sent in a ‘red cross’ parcel from my father!

Thought for the Day
Memories are interpreted like dreams. -Leo Longanesi, journalist and editor (1905-1957)

Monday Mumblings
Got lots of plans for my writing this week just hope I’m going to be able to fit it all in! I have my writing plan now proudly printed and on file so I can look at what I’ve promised every day… sometimes it can be motivating, sometimes a bit threatening, but as Alice in Wonderland once said ‘If you don’t know where you’re going, how do you know when you get there?’ Well, actually, I think it was the Cheshire Cat who said it, but all the same, its true isn’t it.

On Saturday I was busy trying to finish off a short story before I went to the post office in our nearest village. One of the disadvantages of living abroad and entering competitions by post is that it shortens the time you have to submit. Which gets even shorter still if the publication you submit to also arrives much later than its publication date. I keep telling myself that time pressure is good and should make me more organised but on Saturday I wouldn’t have thanked you to remind me. I must get next months sorted well before otherwise my poor Man Friday will have another flea in his ear!

Memories and Mugshots
The provision of a professional looking photo with a piece (as long as it is relevant) is becoming much sought after. I am learning to take my camera with me every time I go out. Usually however, the only time I forget to, you can bet it’s the time that the perfect setting or scene presents itself. The other morning out with the dog at some unearthly hour was so beautiful, I can hardly describe it… a kind of purply, pink almost bruised sky with the outline of the next village in the distance.

My son also bought us one of the best Christmas presents I’ve ever received. I had said that we didn’t want presents, to donate the money somewhere, but he’s never listened to me! Anyway it was a digital photo frame, where you can put a photo card in with all your favourite piccies and set it to slide show. It’s like a moving photo board but with regular updates. And it means we can have our favourite subjects constantly in our view, five sons, two granddaughters and a divine collection of dogs throughout the years. I’d recommend it.

And Finally the Last Word of the Day:

pneuma

PRONUNCIATION:
(NOO-muh, NYOO-)

MEANING:
noun: Spirit, soul.

ETYMOLOGY:
From Greek pneuma (breath, wind, spirit). Ultimately from the Indo-European root pneu- (to breathe) that is also the source of pneumatic, pneumonia,