WRITING SUCCESS

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

WRITING A SYNOPSIS

Does it Fill you with Dread?

It does for me. But I quite enjoyed it. It was a bit like writing a micro/mini story - I got so carried away with it I almost forgot to make lunch! Lucky my Man Friday was here to remind me. No I'm not having a go, it really was my turn. But back to the synopsis. I know that they are critical to pitching a novel so it's not something we writers can choose to ignore. What I do want to know is - why does it feels so difficult? I have a theory. Well, its a kind of theory. I felt a little like I was writing the story 'out'. I don't know if any of you know what I mean by that? But I was worried that if I wrote a mini version I either wouldn't know how to fill it out because it had been done or that I'd set the story in stone and would not be able to change my mind. Now I know that''s silly but it did make me reluctant to put pen to paper. But I did and actually I'm quite excited about it.

Three Cheers for- The Highs and Lows of My Writing Week

• Have completed a synopsis for a new project set way back in Saxon times - almost 2000 words :)


• Had a short story rejected by Womans Weekly :(


• Submitted two short stories for consideration (yes, I said 2) :)


• Received another rejection letter from WW but don't know what its for :/


• Submitted two articles to Suite 101. One on a Training and Development Policy and the other on Core Competency Frameworks :):)


• Blogged three times :):):)


• Begun to edit my novel in light of the very positive comments received :)


• But now think I need to review the synopsis :(

On balance not a bad week...

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.