JUNE MONTHLY MUSE

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

International Women's Day

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.

Don't Think Just Write


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FULL MOON

Werewolves and Genres

Yes, it's a full moon tonight - well over here it is so it got me thinking about werewolves and those kind of things. I've just drafted a small piece for children based on a 'writing spark' which mentioned werewolves and wobgoblins and things. I've never written a piece for kids before, probably prompted by the fact that I've had my granddaughter to stay. Feedback from my fellow writers was surprisingly positive, so I might develop it a little more.

Three Cheers For!

Its been catch up time, but that's what a writer pays for having time out. But what with a trip to the dentist this week and problems with our electricity which has caused disturbed nights I'm amazed I've got anything done. Here goes...

• Completed my writing plan for September - I have big ambitions!
• Published two Suite 101 articles, one on Female Aviators in WWII and the other on Critiquing Fiction - check them out by following the links
• Caught up with my critique partner on our feedback for our novels - seems like we are both on track
• Completed three blogs and tried to update a new theme but failed miserably, will try again
• Drafted a short story for submission to a competition, deadline is approaching so need to get my skates on
• Submitted a full article on Women Aviators ( a lengthier version of the above) to Best of British
• Organsied myself a folder for my second novel WIP The Promise which included a book cover design, very simple but incredibly powerful
• Have uploaded all chapters to date of our joint novel The Good Life onto my software. Currently stands at 30,000 words
• Submitted 9 queries (yes thats nine), 9 follow ups and a short story for Yours Magazine (I own up that I didn't submit during the second half of August...)

So not a bad week all in all... have a good weekend.