(5 maximum)
Develop a House Style for myself by the end of January 2012.
Attend a workshop on writing poetry in 2012.
Enter at least one competition a month in 2012.
Take a new piece of writing to every meeting of The Lindum Scribes in 2012.
Every day write something or do something that moves me towards the writer I want to be.
Friday, 30 December 2011
Exercise One: Imagine yourself as the writer you want to be and write a book blurb on yourself
(5 lines maximum)
Joanne Borrill was made Poet Laureate in January this year after a lifetime of achievements. To date she has had 7 poetry collections published and 14 humorous children’s books. She has recently completed a couple of ‘laugh out loud’ chick-lit novels and hopes to use her residency as Poet Laureate to show poetry doesn’t have to be boring.
Joanne Borrill was made Poet Laureate in January this year after a lifetime of achievements. To date she has had 7 poetry collections published and 14 humorous children’s books. She has recently completed a couple of ‘laugh out loud’ chick-lit novels and hopes to use her residency as Poet Laureate to show poetry doesn’t have to be boring.
Kick Start Your Writing Year Workshop
As I said in November (http://theonlyconsequence.blogspot.com/2011/11/workshop-planning.html) on the 10th January 2012 I have volunteered to run a workshop at The Lindum Scribes (www.lindumscribes.org/) entitled 'Kick Start Your Writing Year'.
Preparing the workshop has been very good for me as it has helped me focus on my plans and resolutions for the new year. I have decided to focus on my poetry this year and as such my resolutions revolve around poetry. While planning the workshop I have re-discovered the many books I have on my shelves and I intend to read and re-read as many as possible this year. I have also treated myself to a book that I have seen on a number of reading lists: 52 Ways of Looking at a Poem by Ruth Padel and a collection of poetry by Carol Ann Duffy: The Bees. I just need to find time to read them all. This is the main focus of my workshop so hopefully all the members - including me - will find more time for writing in 2012!
I have this week sent out the two exercises that I want members to complete before the night.
I have also sent them my attempts!
Preparing the workshop has been very good for me as it has helped me focus on my plans and resolutions for the new year. I have decided to focus on my poetry this year and as such my resolutions revolve around poetry. While planning the workshop I have re-discovered the many books I have on my shelves and I intend to read and re-read as many as possible this year. I have also treated myself to a book that I have seen on a number of reading lists: 52 Ways of Looking at a Poem by Ruth Padel and a collection of poetry by Carol Ann Duffy: The Bees. I just need to find time to read them all. This is the main focus of my workshop so hopefully all the members - including me - will find more time for writing in 2012!
I have this week sent out the two exercises that I want members to complete before the night.
I have also sent them my attempts!
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
The Jam Jar Illustration : Part Two
I have mentioned the Jam Jar Illustration before
http://theonlyconsequence.blogspot.com/2009/05/jam-jar-illustration.html but a few weeks ago I received a forwarded email from my good friend Lucy. I don't usually have time for these emails but I gave this one a few minutes and was glad I did. It takes the Jam Jar Illustration one step further....
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 glasses of wine theory...
A professor stood before his philosophy class with some items on his desk in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "YES."
The professor then produced two glasses of wine from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things; your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions; things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else; the small stuff.
If you put the sand into the jar first", he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the good things that are important to you.
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play with your children. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18 holes. Do one more run down the ski slope. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.
Take care of the golf balls first; the things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the wine represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of glasses of wine with a friend."
http://theonlyconsequence.blogspot.com/2009/05/jam-jar-illustration.html but a few weeks ago I received a forwarded email from my good friend Lucy. I don't usually have time for these emails but I gave this one a few minutes and was glad I did. It takes the Jam Jar Illustration one step further....
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 glasses of wine theory...
A professor stood before his philosophy class with some items on his desk in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous "YES."
The professor then produced two glasses of wine from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things; your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions; things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else; the small stuff.
If you put the sand into the jar first", he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the good things that are important to you.
Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.
Play with your children. Take your partner out to dinner. Play another 18 holes. Do one more run down the ski slope. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal.
Take care of the golf balls first; the things that really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the wine represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of glasses of wine with a friend."
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
It's The Thought That Doesn't Count (Ode to my Mother-In-Law)
Your Christmas card arrived today,
You forgot to add a stamp.
I can see it once said ‘Love Brian,’
So I can tell its second hand.
Every year when Christmas comes,
I know what I’m getting from you.
Presents that are worse than shoddy tat,
Is this really the best you can do?
The socks you gave that were full of holes.
The slippers that had two left feet.
Knickers that don’t appear very clean.
Cut price beef, when I don’t eat meat.
I only have a shower at home.
Thanks a lot for the bubble bath.
My bathroom is white with silver fittings.
So I have no use for gold taps.
A knitted toilet roll holder,
Someone else might think it pretty.
An ugly Scunthorpe United scarf,
When I support Lincoln City.
You bought me once a size eighteen,
But you must know I’m a ten.
One year you bought me a glasses case,
I was wearing contacts by then.
A set of whisky miniatures,
When you know that I never drink.
‘Special Offer’ Eau de Toilette,
Gave off a truly toilet stink.
A big bag of seed potatoes,
Won’t fit in my small window box.
Four big tins of BOGOF cat food,
When I have always had a dog.
Stop buying me video tapes,
I no longer have the machine.
Technology moved on I’m afraid,
And ‘Hitler’s War.’ I don’t want to see.
I thank you for my birthday gift.
A sweater. 50% cashmere.
I know it’s good quality. In fact,
That’s the present I gave you last year.
Please take me off your Christmas list.
Don’t bother spending any amount.
Do you think about those that you buy for?
Yours, is the thought, that doesn’t count.
Joanne Borrill
December 2011
You forgot to add a stamp.
I can see it once said ‘Love Brian,’
So I can tell its second hand.
Every year when Christmas comes,
I know what I’m getting from you.
Presents that are worse than shoddy tat,
Is this really the best you can do?
The socks you gave that were full of holes.
The slippers that had two left feet.
Knickers that don’t appear very clean.
Cut price beef, when I don’t eat meat.
I only have a shower at home.
Thanks a lot for the bubble bath.
My bathroom is white with silver fittings.
So I have no use for gold taps.
A knitted toilet roll holder,
Someone else might think it pretty.
An ugly Scunthorpe United scarf,
When I support Lincoln City.
You bought me once a size eighteen,
But you must know I’m a ten.
One year you bought me a glasses case,
I was wearing contacts by then.
A set of whisky miniatures,
When you know that I never drink.
‘Special Offer’ Eau de Toilette,
Gave off a truly toilet stink.
A big bag of seed potatoes,
Won’t fit in my small window box.
Four big tins of BOGOF cat food,
When I have always had a dog.
Stop buying me video tapes,
I no longer have the machine.
Technology moved on I’m afraid,
And ‘Hitler’s War.’ I don’t want to see.
I thank you for my birthday gift.
A sweater. 50% cashmere.
I know it’s good quality. In fact,
That’s the present I gave you last year.
Please take me off your Christmas list.
Don’t bother spending any amount.
Do you think about those that you buy for?
Yours, is the thought, that doesn’t count.
Joanne Borrill
December 2011
Saturday, 3 December 2011
An Unopened Present
Last year I sent all my writing contacts a poem (see: http://theonlyconsequence.blogspot.com/search?q=unopened&updated-max=2010-12-26T12%3A20%3A00Z&max-results=20 This year I have decided to publish it on my blog.
An unopened present.
For many years too painful
to sneak a peek. Now, with your arrival.
Demands to be opened.
Dust the cobwebs off the tree.
Empty the battered boxes.
A few broken ornaments tumble out like tears.
Fragile reminders of Christmas past.
A crisp crunch under our feet.
Wind reddening your cheeks.
A ruby robin arrives. Fresh footprints lead us,
from the past to the future.
Warming ourselves by the fire.
Memory breaks through the ice.
The departed spirit of Christmas no one sees.
Eyes glisten as candles flicker.
A twinkling tree transformed.
Little fingers wrestle.
Wrapping paper does battle. Eyes full of wonder.
Open to the magic.
Turkey. Enough for sharing.
Joy and laughter fill our home.
A Family at Christmas. ‘Just what I wanted’.
My heart unwrapped once more.
Joanne Borrill
December 2010
An unopened present.
For many years too painful
to sneak a peek. Now, with your arrival.
Demands to be opened.
Dust the cobwebs off the tree.
Empty the battered boxes.
A few broken ornaments tumble out like tears.
Fragile reminders of Christmas past.
A crisp crunch under our feet.
Wind reddening your cheeks.
A ruby robin arrives. Fresh footprints lead us,
from the past to the future.
Warming ourselves by the fire.
Memory breaks through the ice.
The departed spirit of Christmas no one sees.
Eyes glisten as candles flicker.
A twinkling tree transformed.
Little fingers wrestle.
Wrapping paper does battle. Eyes full of wonder.
Open to the magic.
Turkey. Enough for sharing.
Joy and laughter fill our home.
A Family at Christmas. ‘Just what I wanted’.
My heart unwrapped once more.
Joanne Borrill
December 2010
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Nothing quite as satisfying....
.....as people laughing at a poem you have written.
Went to the Lindum Scribes (www.lindumscribes.org/) on Tuesday night and read out a poem (And the band played on) which, although I wrote a few years ago, I don't think I have ever read out. I had been carrying it around in my folder for a few months and the more I looked at it the less funny I thought it was.
But then I read it out and had a great reaction!!
Went to the Lindum Scribes (www.lindumscribes.org/) on Tuesday night and read out a poem (And the band played on) which, although I wrote a few years ago, I don't think I have ever read out. I had been carrying it around in my folder for a few months and the more I looked at it the less funny I thought it was.
But then I read it out and had a great reaction!!
Monday, 21 November 2011
Workshop Planning
I have volunteered to run a workshop at The Lindum Scribes (www.lindumscribes.org/ ) entitled 'KickStart Your Writing New Year.' It will be based on a workshop that I led in 2004 for the then Determined Writers Group.
As part of the planning, I have just been back and read through all of my posts on this blog. Feeling a bit embarrassed that the great novel has still to be written, but at the same time I am quite impressed with some of the little gems I have collected over the past few years.
Starting on the research for the workshop has already begun to make me think about where my writing will be focused in the coming year. As I intend to set the group a couple of exercises, I am (obviously) having to do them for myself and this is making me seriously think about the direction I am going in.
As part of the planning, I have just been back and read through all of my posts on this blog. Feeling a bit embarrassed that the great novel has still to be written, but at the same time I am quite impressed with some of the little gems I have collected over the past few years.
Starting on the research for the workshop has already begun to make me think about where my writing will be focused in the coming year. As I intend to set the group a couple of exercises, I am (obviously) having to do them for myself and this is making me seriously think about the direction I am going in.
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Love Is....
Love.
Can never be.
Permanent.
For a smile,
And a kiss,
One day.
Become.
A tear,
And a goodbye,
The next.
So.
A passionate embrace.
A few stolen kisses.
Means more.
To me.
Than a thousand nights.
Of 'Marital Bliss'.
For.
Love is not eternal.
It is here and now.
In spoken words.
Whispered lies.
'Forever' embraces.
It is never between two.
But between one and many.
Though different people.
At different times.
It is still love.
A feeling of want.
Of needing.
Of care.
Something everyone should share.
All the time!
Altogether.
Forever.
Now.
Not waiting around.
For one true love.
For they will never be found.
Published in Poetry Now Eastern Regional Anthology 1993, edited by Pat Wilson Poetry Now, Peterborough (1993)
The Lincoln Target of October 23rd 1993 wrote; 'Look out for Joanne Borrill's Love Is... '
Can never be.
Permanent.
For a smile,
And a kiss,
One day.
Become.
A tear,
And a goodbye,
The next.
So.
A passionate embrace.
A few stolen kisses.
Means more.
To me.
Than a thousand nights.
Of 'Marital Bliss'.
For.
Love is not eternal.
It is here and now.
In spoken words.
Whispered lies.
'Forever' embraces.
It is never between two.
But between one and many.
Though different people.
At different times.
It is still love.
A feeling of want.
Of needing.
Of care.
Something everyone should share.
All the time!
Altogether.
Forever.
Now.
Not waiting around.
For one true love.
For they will never be found.
Published in Poetry Now Eastern Regional Anthology 1993, edited by Pat Wilson Poetry Now, Peterborough (1993)
The Lincoln Target of October 23rd 1993 wrote; 'Look out for Joanne Borrill's Love Is... '
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
An MA in Creative Writing?
A couple of years ago I enquired about the MA in Creative Writing at Lincoln University. I suppose I thought that if I joined the class it might make me a 'real' writer, as well as provide me with an MA which might shut a few people up!
At the time of enquiring the course fees were £4000 a year (full time) and I thought that was expensive! Since them I am sure the fees have risen and will continue to rise, so I was pleased to read a recent article in Mslexia (www.mslexia.co.uk/) Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 entitled; 'Are You Wasting Your Money?' The conclusion of the article (as I saw it) was a big YES!
Writing can be learned, but that doesn't necessarily mean it can be taught.
The only thing they (students) really need to become better writers is a library card.
So I shall spend my money on something else. Perhaps a specific Arvon course (www.arvonfoundation.org/) would be more suited to me. But first I need to get back to some 'serious' writing....
At the time of enquiring the course fees were £4000 a year (full time) and I thought that was expensive! Since them I am sure the fees have risen and will continue to rise, so I was pleased to read a recent article in Mslexia (www.mslexia.co.uk/) Oct/Nov/Dec 2011 entitled; 'Are You Wasting Your Money?' The conclusion of the article (as I saw it) was a big YES!
Writing can be learned, but that doesn't necessarily mean it can be taught.
The only thing they (students) really need to become better writers is a library card.
So I shall spend my money on something else. Perhaps a specific Arvon course (www.arvonfoundation.org/) would be more suited to me. But first I need to get back to some 'serious' writing....
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Quality is.....
Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.
John Ruskin (1819-1900)
John Ruskin (1819-1900)
Saturday, 22 October 2011
Happy 4th Birthday Blog!!
Today I am still feeling under the weather due to a cold that I seem to have acquired as the temperature outside rapidly drops as winter approaches! I also think this has been brought on as I have been feeling 'run down' lately and trying to do too many things at once. I know I need to be calmer and go with the flow more....
Did I mention that I had joined a book group down the road? Well, I have decided to drop that commitment as I think it is one too many.
And I briefly considered attending to write a novel in a month - 50,000 words in 30 days (see: www.nanowrimo.org/ ) but due to stress levels and time constraints I think I will pass on it this year. While contemplating it however, it did give me an idea for a book, so we shall see!
Since attending the Lindum Scribes in September I have become a member of the group. I feel this is a good thing as the meetings are held locally and the members are a nice bunch. I also continue to attend the Poison Pens who continue to be a great source of inspiration and knowledge. Both groups have a different mix of people so the comments I receive at one regarding a piece may be different from the other group.
I have had a number of ideas lately with regards to themes for poetry and hope to attempt to do some free verse in the near future. Having a toddler means that time has to be found in small amounts and this is more conducive to poetry writing than novel writing (at least for me!).
As I say, time continues to be my main problem. However, I must remember not to push myself so hard, not to try to control everything so much, to use writing as therapy when things get too bad and to Relax!!
Did I mention that I had joined a book group down the road? Well, I have decided to drop that commitment as I think it is one too many.
And I briefly considered attending to write a novel in a month - 50,000 words in 30 days (see: www.nanowrimo.org/ ) but due to stress levels and time constraints I think I will pass on it this year. While contemplating it however, it did give me an idea for a book, so we shall see!
Since attending the Lindum Scribes in September I have become a member of the group. I feel this is a good thing as the meetings are held locally and the members are a nice bunch. I also continue to attend the Poison Pens who continue to be a great source of inspiration and knowledge. Both groups have a different mix of people so the comments I receive at one regarding a piece may be different from the other group.
I have had a number of ideas lately with regards to themes for poetry and hope to attempt to do some free verse in the near future. Having a toddler means that time has to be found in small amounts and this is more conducive to poetry writing than novel writing (at least for me!).
As I say, time continues to be my main problem. However, I must remember not to push myself so hard, not to try to control everything so much, to use writing as therapy when things get too bad and to Relax!!
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
The Saddest Thing
He is everywhere.
He is in my thoughts.
He is everything.
To me.
The reason for existence.
The reason that I breathe.
I need him
Just
To be.
But..
The saddest thing.
Is that I know
He's never noticed
Me.
Published in Winged Words, Edited by Heather Killingray, Poetry Now, Peterborough (2003)
He is in my thoughts.
He is everything.
To me.
The reason for existence.
The reason that I breathe.
I need him
Just
To be.
But..
The saddest thing.
Is that I know
He's never noticed
Me.
Published in Winged Words, Edited by Heather Killingray, Poetry Now, Peterborough (2003)
Wednesday, 14 September 2011
Jude White at Lindum Scribes
Last night I went to see Jude White http://uk.linkedin.com/in/judecwhite at a meeting of the Lindum Scribes. Jude is a freelance proofreader who has worked with Karen Maitland www.karenmaitland.com/ on her books. She was very nervous but gave us a lot of information with regards to being a proofreader, but also what to expect if we ever get published! Her background is in education and she has had experience with designing publications which gave her an understanding of how things are produced. She set up her proofreading business in 1998 and has had many clients since then; including post grad students wanting their dissertations checking, as well as the NHS and the Police Service; which led to other clients. Most of her commissions now come via word of mouth recommendations. She is a member of The Society for Editors and Proofreaders: http://www.sfep.org.uk/
She does not make changes to the plot as this is the Commissioning Editors job, but it is her responsibility to ensure there are no errors in the text. So she does look at punctuation, spelling, clarity of text, consistency within the document, graphs and diagrams, as well as any references. She must look at every single letter and space in a document. She will often be called upon to flag up any legal issues such as copyright or libel infringements. However, she will check with her clients prior to starting, to ensure she knows exactly how much she needs to check and what is expected of her.
She works to a Style Sheet that the commissioning clients give her. Often, she is not given a Style Guide and here she writes one herself to follow. There is a British Standard for Proofreading which she must follow which stipulates corrections must be done in one of 3 colours. Red- Typesetter error, Blue - Author, Copy editor and Green for other queries on the text.
Cost / Payment is usually based on the client and what she is being asked to proof read. She usually charges per 1000 words but she does sometimes charge an hourly rate; again based on client and the local market.
The two reference books she uses are: New Hart's Rules: The Handbook of Style for Writers and Editors R M Ritter (Adapter), Oxford University Press and Butcher's Copy-editing: The Cambridge Handbook for Editors, Copy-editors and Proofreaders, Judith Butcher (Author). She highlighted that it must be the latest editions of these books, as rules regarding text, spelling, punctuation, and what is acceptable, are changing all the time.
She was good enough to bring a couple of handouts. One was a copy of a test she had been set by the Central Office of Information (I think) to establish how good she was; prior to being given a particular job. It was difficult to say the least! The other handout she was good enough to put together specifically for the Lindum Scribes as they are interested in e-publishing.
She does not make changes to the plot as this is the Commissioning Editors job, but it is her responsibility to ensure there are no errors in the text. So she does look at punctuation, spelling, clarity of text, consistency within the document, graphs and diagrams, as well as any references. She must look at every single letter and space in a document. She will often be called upon to flag up any legal issues such as copyright or libel infringements. However, she will check with her clients prior to starting, to ensure she knows exactly how much she needs to check and what is expected of her.
She works to a Style Sheet that the commissioning clients give her. Often, she is not given a Style Guide and here she writes one herself to follow. There is a British Standard for Proofreading which she must follow which stipulates corrections must be done in one of 3 colours. Red- Typesetter error, Blue - Author, Copy editor and Green for other queries on the text.
Cost / Payment is usually based on the client and what she is being asked to proof read. She usually charges per 1000 words but she does sometimes charge an hourly rate; again based on client and the local market.
The two reference books she uses are: New Hart's Rules: The Handbook of Style for Writers and Editors R M Ritter (Adapter), Oxford University Press and Butcher's Copy-editing: The Cambridge Handbook for Editors, Copy-editors and Proofreaders, Judith Butcher (Author). She highlighted that it must be the latest editions of these books, as rules regarding text, spelling, punctuation, and what is acceptable, are changing all the time.
She was good enough to bring a couple of handouts. One was a copy of a test she had been set by the Central Office of Information (I think) to establish how good she was; prior to being given a particular job. It was difficult to say the least! The other handout she was good enough to put together specifically for the Lindum Scribes as they are interested in e-publishing.
Monday, 5 September 2011
250 words....
......is not as much as you think!
Last week at work, instead of going for a walk, I have been sorting out my 'In Progress' writing file. And then on Friday sat in my car and started what I thought would be a 250 piece for a competition in Writing Magazine. When I typed it up it was nearly 400 words!!
Last week at work, instead of going for a walk, I have been sorting out my 'In Progress' writing file. And then on Friday sat in my car and started what I thought would be a 250 piece for a competition in Writing Magazine. When I typed it up it was nearly 400 words!!
Friday, 2 September 2011
Back to the Lindum Scribes
On Tuesday I accompanied Pete to my first meeting of the Lindum Scribes since they had Bead Roberts as a speaker in August 2009 See: http://theonlyconsequence.blogspot.com/2009/08/bead-roberts-at-lindum-scribes.html
I was very impressed with what Julia; the new Chairman, has been doing to re-invigorate the group. There were a few new members and they have been working hard to publicise the group. They have even re-vamped the website at: www.lindumscribes.org/
There is talk of putting on some Christmas entertainment as well as a Christmas meal. The next meeting on the 13th September has a proof reader coming to discuss her work.
I read them my Toddlers Take Over poem which after discussion will probably rename it!
I think they may have acquired another new member....
I was very impressed with what Julia; the new Chairman, has been doing to re-invigorate the group. There were a few new members and they have been working hard to publicise the group. They have even re-vamped the website at: www.lindumscribes.org/
There is talk of putting on some Christmas entertainment as well as a Christmas meal. The next meeting on the 13th September has a proof reader coming to discuss her work.
I read them my Toddlers Take Over poem which after discussion will probably rename it!
I think they may have acquired another new member....
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Drunk on Love
And another one of mine:
I have no memory
Of things that were said.
How did we part?
On what note did it end?
I so wanted to remain a friend.
All I remember are your kisses.
The way I looked into your eyes.
Forgetting the golden rule;
Never pledge undying love
On the first date.
I'm sorry.
I was intoxicated.
With you.
Published in All Sorts, Edited by Helen McNally, Anchor Books, Peterborough (1993)
I have no memory
Of things that were said.
How did we part?
On what note did it end?
I so wanted to remain a friend.
All I remember are your kisses.
The way I looked into your eyes.
Forgetting the golden rule;
Never pledge undying love
On the first date.
I'm sorry.
I was intoxicated.
With you.
Published in All Sorts, Edited by Helen McNally, Anchor Books, Peterborough (1993)
Monday, 15 August 2011
Yellow
This is one of mine:
Once I was a child.
Basking in the warmth of the yellow.
Surrounded by the energy of the yellow,
Spying from within (the yellow).
No one could find us,
Deep in our nest of yellow.
We were not accountable,
As we lay in the life of the yellow.
Only seen from above,
We looked up to the blue.
The birds they fly free.
And that's how we felt; in the yellow.
(pause)
How suddenly the ages shout.
Youth must move on.
No longer to be cocooned;
Within the yellow.
I long to be back, forever there; within the yellow.
But the only reminder, is the straw in my hair,
Now grey, instead of yellow.
Published in Breaking Voices, Edited by Heather Killingray FP 2003 Series...
Poetry Now, Peterborough (2003)
Once I was a child.
Basking in the warmth of the yellow.
Surrounded by the energy of the yellow,
Spying from within (the yellow).
No one could find us,
Deep in our nest of yellow.
We were not accountable,
As we lay in the life of the yellow.
Only seen from above,
We looked up to the blue.
The birds they fly free.
And that's how we felt; in the yellow.
(pause)
How suddenly the ages shout.
Youth must move on.
No longer to be cocooned;
Within the yellow.
I long to be back, forever there; within the yellow.
But the only reminder, is the straw in my hair,
Now grey, instead of yellow.
Published in Breaking Voices, Edited by Heather Killingray FP 2003 Series...
Poetry Now, Peterborough (2003)
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
Charmouth's Revenge
While I was on my holiday I came across a fantastic poem from a local poet.
Here is Charmouth's Revenge by Gordon Judge:
The residents of Charmouth say they’ve seen it all before,
“As soon as chunks of cliff break off and slide down on the shore,
Geologists arrive in hordes. It happens every time,
And all the B&Bs are filled from here along to Lyme.
Our coast erodes at rapid rates each time there’s storms and gales,
But weather’s not the only thing that eats away our shales:
Those rock-hounds come and hack away at landslips that aren’t stable.
We put up signs and cordon off as much as we are able,
And warn ‘em not to risk their lives, but do they listen? No,
They hurry past us to the beach – so we just let ‘em go.
If they get buried, ‘tis their fault; it should be no surprise.
‘Tis not our job to dig ‘em out – we let ‘em fossilise!”
Poem written by Gordon Judge and published in Shoreline (News and Views from Charmouth) Summer 2011 (gordon.judge1@virgin.net) From GeoVerse 2004 and 2009.
Here is Charmouth's Revenge by Gordon Judge:
The residents of Charmouth say they’ve seen it all before,
“As soon as chunks of cliff break off and slide down on the shore,
Geologists arrive in hordes. It happens every time,
And all the B&Bs are filled from here along to Lyme.
Our coast erodes at rapid rates each time there’s storms and gales,
But weather’s not the only thing that eats away our shales:
Those rock-hounds come and hack away at landslips that aren’t stable.
We put up signs and cordon off as much as we are able,
And warn ‘em not to risk their lives, but do they listen? No,
They hurry past us to the beach – so we just let ‘em go.
If they get buried, ‘tis their fault; it should be no surprise.
‘Tis not our job to dig ‘em out – we let ‘em fossilise!”
Poem written by Gordon Judge and published in Shoreline (News and Views from Charmouth) Summer 2011 (gordon.judge1@virgin.net) From GeoVerse 2004 and 2009.
Friday, 5 August 2011
I Won a Runner Up Prize for my poem Vision!!
I recently won a runner up prize in the Lincolnshire Association Of Healers Poetry Competition www.lincolnshirehealers.org/news.html#poetry with my poem Vision, and I am reading September's Writing Magazine and I see my name jump out at me. OK its only small letters, but its a start (WN7). Hope you like.....
Vision
Never sit drowning in your problems
Never let the world push you down
Always keep your dreams as a vision
And never let a nightmare fill your mind
Never let the vision fade away
Never let it die or lose its warmth
Always keep it forward in your being
And always let it be you, one and all
Never let a loved one tell you different
Never let them twist and turn your words
Always keep your vision sharply focused
And never let their words soften yours
Never let a bad thing blur your vision
Never let it stop or slow you down
Always keep looking to the future
Always know your vision is your own
Vision
Never sit drowning in your problems
Never let the world push you down
Always keep your dreams as a vision
And never let a nightmare fill your mind
Never let the vision fade away
Never let it die or lose its warmth
Always keep it forward in your being
And always let it be you, one and all
Never let a loved one tell you different
Never let them twist and turn your words
Always keep your vision sharply focused
And never let their words soften yours
Never let a bad thing blur your vision
Never let it stop or slow you down
Always keep looking to the future
Always know your vision is your own
Monday, 25 July 2011
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Been On Our Holiday-pops
Had a fantastic week in Dorset and then Somerset with Jamie and Daddy and although the bed could have been less hard, I feel rather rested. I did take my writing 'work in progress' file but didn't have chance to look at it. I did however, fill in a few pages in my (new) notebook. Sat on the beach with my pen and paper while the boys were in the amusements, I initially felt a bit odd surrounded by families who probably wondered what I was doing and where my child was, but once I got over the self consciousness I wrote and wrote.....blog entries, poetry and even the start of a short story or novel. It felt great to just have some blank pages and a pen to fill them. My mind felt 'opened' and I even jotted down a number of ideas that came from somewhere in my forgotten past. Oh, and my 'To Do' list got a few additions as well!!
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
Book Recommendation
What with us all being ill – including the car - and then the car needing to have over £400 spent on it, I have been less than creative the last few weeks. Being sick or cleaning up sick can sap all the life out of you….
But I have had time; while lying on my back, to read The Anatomy of Ghosts by Andrew Taylor www.andrew-taylor.co.uk/ It is a beautiful book set in 1786 at Jerusalem College, Cambridge. Was it a ghost he saw or something else? There are some lovely descriptions and even a hint of romance. The only problem was that some of the passages were so well written I had to go back to read them again.
He had become as formless as the fog over the river.
It is strange how soon a life can collapse if the foundations are removed.
Somehow life had to continue. One could not allow the dead to act as a brake on the living.
I do not lightly ignore the ties of friendship. Why should we permit death to sever them?
I can see why it won the CWA Cartier Diamond Dagger in 2009.
But I have had time; while lying on my back, to read The Anatomy of Ghosts by Andrew Taylor www.andrew-taylor.co.uk/ It is a beautiful book set in 1786 at Jerusalem College, Cambridge. Was it a ghost he saw or something else? There are some lovely descriptions and even a hint of romance. The only problem was that some of the passages were so well written I had to go back to read them again.
He had become as formless as the fog over the river.
It is strange how soon a life can collapse if the foundations are removed.
Somehow life had to continue. One could not allow the dead to act as a brake on the living.
I do not lightly ignore the ties of friendship. Why should we permit death to sever them?
I can see why it won the CWA Cartier Diamond Dagger in 2009.
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Apologies to Barbara
www.barbaracoopercareby.co.uk/
Should have been attending the launch party of Barbara's book; 'Forgotten People' today but we have all been so poorly (including the car) over the last week there is no way any of us had the strength!! All the best for a successful launch and best selling book!!
Should have been attending the launch party of Barbara's book; 'Forgotten People' today but we have all been so poorly (including the car) over the last week there is no way any of us had the strength!! All the best for a successful launch and best selling book!!
Friday, 17 June 2011
Swimming about....
Been full of cold the last week or so and so have not really had the energy to do much, but what has been happening is that ideas have been swimming around in my head about where to go from the first initial pages I wrote a few weeks back. And I like them. And they make a lot of sense. So it does sometimes pay to simply leave a piece for a while. Only trouble is, I have the dentist this morning as I have lost a part of my tooth. This could mean it may be a while before I get chance to do anything with these new ideas. Fingers crossed.....
Monday, 6 June 2011
Regrets Of The Dying
Someone sent me this link last week www.inspirationandchai.com/Regrets-of-the-Dying.html - the website of Bronnie Ware. I think it gives us all something to think about.
For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made. It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I didn't work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence. By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result. We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. When you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order, but it is not money or status that holds true importance. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again. When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying. Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.
For many years I worked in palliative care. My patients were those who had gone home to die. When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:
1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
This was the most common regret of all. When people realise that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had not honoured even a half of their dreams and had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made. It is very important to try and honour at least some of your dreams along the way. From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realise, until they no longer have it.
2. I wish I didn't work so hard.
This came from every male patient that I nursed. They missed their children's youth and their partner's companionship. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence. By simplifying your lifestyle and making conscious choices along the way, it is possible to not need the income that you think you do. And by creating more space in your life, you become happier and more open to new opportunities, ones more suited to your new lifestyle.
3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings.
Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result. We cannot control the reactions of others. However, although people may initially react when you change the way you are by speaking honestly, in the end it raises the relationship to a whole new and healthier level. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you win.
4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. When you are faced with your approaching death, the physical details of life fall away. People do want to get their financial affairs in order, but it is not money or status that holds true importance. They want to get things in order more for the benefit of those they love. Usually though, they are too ill and weary. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end.
5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.
This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realise until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again. When you are on your deathbed, what others think of you is a long way from your mind. How wonderful to be able to let go and smile again, long before you are dying. Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.
Sunday, 5 June 2011
The 4 Lists Poem
Here is my attempt at a poem based on the workshop we did with Joel last Saturday:
White coats. Waved goodbye.
As my bed pulled out from Platform Three.
Tired eyes failed to focus on the five a day.
Hands on the station clock were a blur.
And they ticked too loud to hear the microwave.
My escape from excess. My blood drained away.
As white as the fluorescent lights against the leeches.
My sleeping subconscious refused to eat all its greens.
Worried about the dream interpretation.
Perhaps it was the anaesthetic.
How did it come to this in the age of steam?
Performing surgery on the sweet and sore.
I began to fall. Down towards the yellow custard.
Being greedy. A needle got stuck in my bleached white teeth.
I waited for the nurse to bring my fork.
Small cuts were a recipe for disaster.
I spotted a lone doctor with a plate.
‘An improbability’ someone screamed.
I awoke to the sound of the station tannoy.
‘Tickets please.’
White coats. Waved goodbye.
As my bed pulled out from Platform Three.
Tired eyes failed to focus on the five a day.
Hands on the station clock were a blur.
And they ticked too loud to hear the microwave.
My escape from excess. My blood drained away.
As white as the fluorescent lights against the leeches.
My sleeping subconscious refused to eat all its greens.
Worried about the dream interpretation.
Perhaps it was the anaesthetic.
How did it come to this in the age of steam?
Performing surgery on the sweet and sore.
I began to fall. Down towards the yellow custard.
Being greedy. A needle got stuck in my bleached white teeth.
I waited for the nurse to bring my fork.
Small cuts were a recipe for disaster.
I spotted a lone doctor with a plate.
‘An improbability’ someone screamed.
I awoke to the sound of the station tannoy.
‘Tickets please.’
Thursday, 2 June 2011
50 Word Exercise
The smell of my suitcase is making me cry.
I stare at the road in front. My hands wet on the steering wheel. The gearstick stuck in fifth. My mind spinning. I cannot afford to be distracted by emotions. I did what I had to do and now it’s over. Finally it’s all over. I allow myself a smile.
I stare at the road in front. My hands wet on the steering wheel. The gearstick stuck in fifth. My mind spinning. I cannot afford to be distracted by emotions. I did what I had to do and now it’s over. Finally it’s all over. I allow myself a smile.
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Lincoln Hay Day
On Saturday I attended a couple of workshops at The Collection, Lincoln www.thecollectionlincoln.org/ run as part of the Lincoln Hay Day; a 12 hour festival of words.
In the morning Michael Blackburn; poet and writer, and lecturer at Lincoln University (www.artzero.org.uk/ and http://michaelblackburn.posterous.com/ ) ran a workshop entitled 'Creative Writing and the Internet'. It was a refreshing change to be part of a writing workshop where the males outnumbered the females! Michael's workshop was split into two parts. Firstly a creative writing exercise to get us all thinking about the process of writing, and then a tour of the Internet.
For the exercise, we all discussed the line; The Smell Of My Suitcase Is Making Me Cry; what the line made us feel, and what it could mean. We all attempted to write exactly 50 words following on from that first line. This highlighted the need to keep language simple.
If nothing more, the morning started the cogs moving again and I also managed a bit of 'networking'. Following on from the day I have started to think seriously about the direction of my blog....
In the afternoon the Lincolnshire Poet Laureate; Joel Stickley (http://www.joelstickley.com/ and see( http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2011/04/lincolnshire’s-first-poet-laureate-is-named/ ) ran a poetry workshop. Poetry - we learnt - is essentially playing a game with language and rhythm.
In an attempt to produce ideas for a poem, the group agreed 4 very different headings and then produced a list of related words under each. Our 4 words were; Railways, Food, NHS and Dreams. Each attendee then attempted a poem based on the lists. After being moved out of our original room we ended up in a little theatre I had no idea existed - The Collection has some great resources - and this led to an impromptu 'Open Mic' without the mic! What we heard was all of a high standard. I only wish mine had been somewhere near finished!
In the morning Michael Blackburn; poet and writer, and lecturer at Lincoln University (www.artzero.org.uk/ and http://michaelblackburn.posterous.com/ ) ran a workshop entitled 'Creative Writing and the Internet'. It was a refreshing change to be part of a writing workshop where the males outnumbered the females! Michael's workshop was split into two parts. Firstly a creative writing exercise to get us all thinking about the process of writing, and then a tour of the Internet.
For the exercise, we all discussed the line; The Smell Of My Suitcase Is Making Me Cry; what the line made us feel, and what it could mean. We all attempted to write exactly 50 words following on from that first line. This highlighted the need to keep language simple.
If nothing more, the morning started the cogs moving again and I also managed a bit of 'networking'. Following on from the day I have started to think seriously about the direction of my blog....
In the afternoon the Lincolnshire Poet Laureate; Joel Stickley (http://www.joelstickley.com/ and see( http://thelincolnite.co.uk/2011/04/lincolnshire’s-first-poet-laureate-is-named/ ) ran a poetry workshop. Poetry - we learnt - is essentially playing a game with language and rhythm.
In an attempt to produce ideas for a poem, the group agreed 4 very different headings and then produced a list of related words under each. Our 4 words were; Railways, Food, NHS and Dreams. Each attendee then attempted a poem based on the lists. After being moved out of our original room we ended up in a little theatre I had no idea existed - The Collection has some great resources - and this led to an impromptu 'Open Mic' without the mic! What we heard was all of a high standard. I only wish mine had been somewhere near finished!
A fantastic day which left me with a pounding head but loads of ideas...
Friday, 27 May 2011
Making The Most Of Your Time (lessons learnt this week)
* Book an appointment into your diary and just WRITE!
* Treat your writing as a proper job - with a start time and objectives. (I am hoping to be able to set aside a solid 2 hours every week from now on)
* Put together a list of things to complete prior to the start time and make sure these are completed.
* Prepare your writing space before and ensure you have all information and equipment to hand.
* Do all your displacement activities beforehand. If any 'jobs' pop into your head while you are writing simply jot them down for later.
* Start small. Don't get overwhelmed with the thought of the whole project.
* If you are having trouble writing a particular scene, write something else!
* Don't feel guilty. This is your time.
* Two hours is enough if writing solidly, but be prepared for the time to just disappear.
* Don't forget the occassional break to move about or you will seize up!
Thursday, 26 May 2011
A Day for Writing
As I said, I had set aside yesterday for writing. As the day approached it spurred me on to get everything ready for the day so I could just write. In fact, Tuesday night after Jamie had gone to sleep I cleaned both the bathrooms and the front room, so that I would not be tempted to do them before I started writing! At nursery I was given a letter that could have taken up all my morning, but I simply put it to one side and left it until daddy got back.
Did I accomplish anything? YES. I was very proud of myself as I wrote nearly 2000 words, as well as fleshed out a lot of the plotline of the novel and analysed 'What is Chick Lit?' For the first few minutes at my desk I felt overwhelmed with the task in front of me! I had intended to spend most of the morning plotting and asking questions, but I found this quite difficult to start with, so I started to write one of the key scenes in the book. This made me think differently about things and ideas popped into my head as I wrote. OK, so I did visit Facebook a couple of times, but one was to try and find a name for my hero (didn't get it from FB but had a couple of suggestions). After lunch I had given myself back ache with all that sitting at the table, so I lay on the sofa and finished reading my latest edition of Mslexia. I also started watching a couple of things I had on SkyPlus but decided my writing time was too precious and so deleted them. I did however, reward myself with an evening of TV once Jamie was asleep.
Talking of Jamie, I did feel a bit guilty (and distracted) knowing he was at nursery and I was at home writing, but it also felt good to know I had accomplished something for myself.
Did I accomplish anything? YES. I was very proud of myself as I wrote nearly 2000 words, as well as fleshed out a lot of the plotline of the novel and analysed 'What is Chick Lit?' For the first few minutes at my desk I felt overwhelmed with the task in front of me! I had intended to spend most of the morning plotting and asking questions, but I found this quite difficult to start with, so I started to write one of the key scenes in the book. This made me think differently about things and ideas popped into my head as I wrote. OK, so I did visit Facebook a couple of times, but one was to try and find a name for my hero (didn't get it from FB but had a couple of suggestions). After lunch I had given myself back ache with all that sitting at the table, so I lay on the sofa and finished reading my latest edition of Mslexia. I also started watching a couple of things I had on SkyPlus but decided my writing time was too precious and so deleted them. I did however, reward myself with an evening of TV once Jamie was asleep.
Talking of Jamie, I did feel a bit guilty (and distracted) knowing he was at nursery and I was at home writing, but it also felt good to know I had accomplished something for myself.
Monday, 23 May 2011
Chick Lit Novel Started...
Saturday I went to a meeting of the Poison Pens. I have had the beginnings of a chick lit novel running through my head for a number of weeks now and attending the meeting gave me a determination to put something onto paper. We were also lucky that Nanna decided she wanted to take Jamie out and picked him up just after 10.30am, thus giving me a few more hours to catch up and prepare something to take to the meeting. Of course there were a number of other jobs that needed doing as well but I have to say that most of them were writing related!!
As usual I am glad I made the effort to get to the meeting. There were 5 of us and the advice I recieved was brilliant. It certainly got me thinking about the next page. Members helped me to identify what type of book I was writing and what I was trying to achieve. Is it a predictable chick-lit book or something different? I hope something different...
Richard kept asking questions: Why did she go? What does she/he look like? Who is chasing her? What happens next? It certainly made me realise that I had not done enough plotting before putting pen to paper, but I felt this time it was important to get something started. Talking through some of my ideas helped push the good ones to the front and the not so sure ideas out of the way.
Since the meeting I have found that the creative process continues as every so often an idea pops into my head. Lets hope I can continue this momentum. I have a spare day tommorrow and hope to plot and plan a little further...
Points from the meeting:
* Sometimes we need to write ourselves into the novel. Your intiail first line might not be your final first line. You may find it starts better later on.
* Questions, Questions, Questions will flush out the real story.
* Names of charcaters are important.
* Writing should be strong enough without the need for explanation marks!
Sometimes I wonder if I am wasting my time with writing, but attending the meeting always inspires me and pushes me forward. I do enjoy the process of writing and all the related activities, and as www.david-hurst.co.uk/ says in June's edition of Writing Magazine (www.writers-online.co.uk/) "Enjoy it. If you are not enjoying the journey, you're on the wrong road". I intend to walk the road for a whole yet at least.
As usual I am glad I made the effort to get to the meeting. There were 5 of us and the advice I recieved was brilliant. It certainly got me thinking about the next page. Members helped me to identify what type of book I was writing and what I was trying to achieve. Is it a predictable chick-lit book or something different? I hope something different...
Richard kept asking questions: Why did she go? What does she/he look like? Who is chasing her? What happens next? It certainly made me realise that I had not done enough plotting before putting pen to paper, but I felt this time it was important to get something started. Talking through some of my ideas helped push the good ones to the front and the not so sure ideas out of the way.
Since the meeting I have found that the creative process continues as every so often an idea pops into my head. Lets hope I can continue this momentum. I have a spare day tommorrow and hope to plot and plan a little further...
Points from the meeting:
* Sometimes we need to write ourselves into the novel. Your intiail first line might not be your final first line. You may find it starts better later on.
* Questions, Questions, Questions will flush out the real story.
* Names of charcaters are important.
* Writing should be strong enough without the need for explanation marks!
Sometimes I wonder if I am wasting my time with writing, but attending the meeting always inspires me and pushes me forward. I do enjoy the process of writing and all the related activities, and as www.david-hurst.co.uk/ says in June's edition of Writing Magazine (www.writers-online.co.uk/) "Enjoy it. If you are not enjoying the journey, you're on the wrong road". I intend to walk the road for a whole yet at least.
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Always carry a notebook
"Always carry a notebook. And I mean always. The short term memory only retains information for three minutes; unless it is committed to paper you can lose an idea for ever."
Will Self quoted in June's Writers' News www.writers-online.co.uk/
Again this week I did not heed the warnings and just as I was dropping off thought of a fantastic first line for my novel.....too tired to make the effort to grab pen and paper, I told myself I would remember it in the morning. Sadly that line will never make the first draft as (obviously) I forgot by the time morning had arrived!! I shall never know whether it was the incredible opener I imagined at the time or whether I was just dreaming.....
Will Self quoted in June's Writers' News www.writers-online.co.uk/
Again this week I did not heed the warnings and just as I was dropping off thought of a fantastic first line for my novel.....too tired to make the effort to grab pen and paper, I told myself I would remember it in the morning. Sadly that line will never make the first draft as (obviously) I forgot by the time morning had arrived!! I shall never know whether it was the incredible opener I imagined at the time or whether I was just dreaming.....
Saturday, 14 May 2011
A timely email....
There is only one reason for stress. We may tell ourselves that there are many reasons: our job, our children, our partner, our lack of partner, health problems, financial difficulties, and more. But underneath all of these is only one thing: fear. Fear creates stress because it involves the perception of being unsafe, being out of control, being a victim of life’s circumstances.
We see ourselves as unsafe rather than safe when we make two assumptions: first, that in order to be safe we must be in control; and second, that we are not. Fear is tied to the need to control, and it will dog us until our dying day unless we give up that need. If we do give up that need, we realize that we have always been safe, and that the only thing keeping us from that awareness is the fear that we are not.
We can’t become safe by establishing control over anything or anybody (including ourselves) because our control can never be more than temporary. We can control a person’s behavior (a child, a family member or friend) for a while, getting them to do what we think is right, but in the end that person will slip out of our grasp, leaving us upset, disappointed, heartbroken or irritated unless we give up control. We can control our career or finances for a while, but chances are something will come along and ruin our best-laid plans.
We put a lot of energy into controlling ourselves. We discipline ourselves, criticize ourselves, set ourselves endless agendas, and more. This has value, but there are repercussions. The more we control ourselves, the more our subconscious rebels and eventually kicks up such a storm (through resentment, illness, accidents, and so on) that our life really spins out of control.
We have negligible control over the big questions in life. If we try to make it otherwise, we get STRESS. We can’t control life because we are part of it. Trying to control it is being a drop of water trying to control the ocean. If we learn how to become part of life’s ocean instead of reacting to it, however, we can feel supported. To do that is to see what is around us as an integral part of ourselves, instead of as something separate, alien and potentially threatening.
We let go of stress when we relax into being part of what is. If we can be fully present, without resistance, with each passing moment, we find that life is going in exactly the direction it was meant to go, and that everything is perfect.
Stress-Relief: Part Six by Ingrid Bacci http://www.ingridbacci.com/
We see ourselves as unsafe rather than safe when we make two assumptions: first, that in order to be safe we must be in control; and second, that we are not. Fear is tied to the need to control, and it will dog us until our dying day unless we give up that need. If we do give up that need, we realize that we have always been safe, and that the only thing keeping us from that awareness is the fear that we are not.
We can’t become safe by establishing control over anything or anybody (including ourselves) because our control can never be more than temporary. We can control a person’s behavior (a child, a family member or friend) for a while, getting them to do what we think is right, but in the end that person will slip out of our grasp, leaving us upset, disappointed, heartbroken or irritated unless we give up control. We can control our career or finances for a while, but chances are something will come along and ruin our best-laid plans.
We put a lot of energy into controlling ourselves. We discipline ourselves, criticize ourselves, set ourselves endless agendas, and more. This has value, but there are repercussions. The more we control ourselves, the more our subconscious rebels and eventually kicks up such a storm (through resentment, illness, accidents, and so on) that our life really spins out of control.
We have negligible control over the big questions in life. If we try to make it otherwise, we get STRESS. We can’t control life because we are part of it. Trying to control it is being a drop of water trying to control the ocean. If we learn how to become part of life’s ocean instead of reacting to it, however, we can feel supported. To do that is to see what is around us as an integral part of ourselves, instead of as something separate, alien and potentially threatening.
We let go of stress when we relax into being part of what is. If we can be fully present, without resistance, with each passing moment, we find that life is going in exactly the direction it was meant to go, and that everything is perfect.
Stress-Relief: Part Six by Ingrid Bacci http://www.ingridbacci.com/
Friday, 13 May 2011
And Relax.....
This week has been a bit of a nightmare. I have felt quite ill all week; shattered and really not myself at all. Went out with some friends on Wednesday and was so glad I made the effort as they helped put everything into perspective. One commented she thought I was stressed and I had to agree with her. When I thought about it, I have been spending too much time chasing my own tail, and of course doing the extra hours at work has not helped. Jamie is very precious to me and I don't want to neglect him. However, mummy needs to relax and the way I like to relax is to read, and of course write, and writing has always been a great therapy to me. Now, where's that pen? I have a week before the next meeting of the Poison Pens.....
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Bank Holidays
Has been great the last week or so having some extra time to play with. I decided against entering the competition for which I had been writing the New Beginnings poem. Two reasons 1) I thought the prize was a free place at the writing festival but that was only for the winners of the short story or the writing for children competitions, and 2) I felt it had all been written before. I have printed off what I have done and intend to come back to it at a later date. I had wanted to weave the experience of the Psychic Supper into the poem so I might go back to the notes I made that night and see if something else comes out...
Thankfully I have started using my NetBook more, but it is still difficult to use when Jamie is around as he wants to 'play'. Now that Jamie is two I am aware of the need to keep him occupied and stimulated and I do feel a bit guilty if I start writing when he is about. This week I am going to try to write after I have put him to bed. The trouble is, Jamie thinks his bed is the one mummy and daddy share so this may be more difficult than it sounds!!
Thankfully I have started using my NetBook more, but it is still difficult to use when Jamie is around as he wants to 'play'. Now that Jamie is two I am aware of the need to keep him occupied and stimulated and I do feel a bit guilty if I start writing when he is about. This week I am going to try to write after I have put him to bed. The trouble is, Jamie thinks his bed is the one mummy and daddy share so this may be more difficult than it sounds!!
Saturday, 30 April 2011
Christmas Poem
I mentioned in December that I had entered a poem into the Writing Magazine Christmas Poem competition. The winners were published in the May edition of Writing Magazine. Unfortunately I was not one of them.
I read what the adjudicators had to say about the entries they received and they had some very harsh things to say! One of the problems they listed was that poems entered had nothing new to say. The problem I am conscious of with my New Beginnings poem. The two prize winning entries were certainly original and perhaps mine wasn't as original as it could have been (a new baby bringing life back into Christmas) but I am still proud of it!
I read what the adjudicators had to say about the entries they received and they had some very harsh things to say! One of the problems they listed was that poems entered had nothing new to say. The problem I am conscious of with my New Beginnings poem. The two prize winning entries were certainly original and perhaps mine wasn't as original as it could have been (a new baby bringing life back into Christmas) but I am still proud of it!
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Still Struggling....
After my excitement at getting published and treating myself to a new netbook you would have thought it would have been write, write, write but its all been a bit slow....mainly because I have been working nearly full time due to people being on holiday. This has been exhausting - and don't forget a two year old having to be looked after in the equation as well!
I have been trying to write a poem entitled 'New Beginnings' but everything I write seems to be so old hat and been said before. The closing date is this weekend so I have been typing up ideas on the netbook today while Jamie has his nap. I hope to have time tonight to have another look at it!
I have been trying to write a poem entitled 'New Beginnings' but everything I write seems to be so old hat and been said before. The closing date is this weekend so I have been typing up ideas on the netbook today while Jamie has his nap. I hope to have time tonight to have another look at it!
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Published!!
I know its been a week or so since I last uploaded an entry. This is mainly because I have been doing more than my extra 20hours at work. I keep thinking of all the money. I have been able - with a little help from daddy and Jamie for Mothers Day - to treat myself to a little netbook to help me in my quest to get more writing done. I still seem to be overwhelmed with paper most of the time but I do feel I am getting there.... As for the good news; the letter that I sent to Writing Magazine regarding my Induction was published in the May edition. It wasn't the Star Letter (which could have won me a prize) but it was published with my name at the bottom so I am over the moon about that!! Just off to try to get my head around a poem I have been writing for a competition for this years: http://www.swanwickwritersschool.co.uk/ Unfortunately it seems riddled with cliches at the moment - help!!
Sunday, 27 March 2011
Don't just plan to write...
'Don't just plan to write - write. It is only by writing, not dreaming about it, that we develop our own style.' PD James quoted in www.writersnews.co.uk April 2011
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
Latest email from Jurgen Wolff
Did you know that one simple question can help you stop procrastinating? This method comes from time management expert David Allen. First, decide on the outcome you want; for example, "To have a finished report," or "To have an organized office". Then ask, "What is the one next action I can take to get there?" Not all the stuff you need to do, just the next one. It may be finding a file. Or making one phone call. Or making a list. Then do that one thing. Then figure out the next step, and do that one. I've found it can be very helpful to write all this down. At the top of the page, write the desired outcome. Then write down just the first step and do it. Then write down the next step and do that, and so forth, until you get it done, or run out of time. Use the same page - seeing how many steps you have already taken will help motivate you. See http://www.timetowrite.com/
Sunday, 20 March 2011
Letter Written, Competitions Entered...
Busy weekend this weekend - not to mention a busy week - but have managed to find a few minutes to send off a letter to Writing Magazine about my induction day (see post 9th March 2011). Have entered a Writing Magazine competition which asked for a poem inspired by an Alarm Clock and have also entered a poem into the Lincolnshire Association of Healers Poetry Competition: www.lincolnshirehealers.org/events.html Phew!!
Friday night I attended a Psychic Supper and although they did not forsee me earning millions from my wriring, one of my freinds brought along a late birthday presemnt in the form of a hard back notebook. I have decided to use it to plan and write the chick lit novel I have been thinking about lately. Hang on.....the psychic did say ' You have been thinking should I or shouldn't I? Well, You should!!' Whether that referred to this novel we shall have to wait and see.....
Friday night I attended a Psychic Supper and although they did not forsee me earning millions from my wriring, one of my freinds brought along a late birthday presemnt in the form of a hard back notebook. I have decided to use it to plan and write the chick lit novel I have been thinking about lately. Hang on.....the psychic did say ' You have been thinking should I or shouldn't I? Well, You should!!' Whether that referred to this novel we shall have to wait and see.....
Thursday, 17 March 2011
Clear the Clutter
My Cygnus Books www.cygnus-books.co.uk/magazine/ email sent 16th March 2011 had a lovely piece on clearing the clutter:
Spring is here, and with the fresh spring breezes, snatches of sunshine and green shoots in the soil comes the perfect opportunity to spring-clean your own life, brushing away the cobwebs and throwing out the clutter.
If you were de-cluttering your house, you might go through each room and if there’s anything in which you haven’t used or thought of for the last few months, then you can put it in a box, ideally to be thrown away. Do the same with your mind: take a pen and make headings of all the ‘rooms’ in your mind, for example, “Money”, “Family”, “House”, “Things to Do” etc. etc. Write down everything you can think of, then go outside for a few minutes to clear your head. Return to the list: how many things had you remembered? Cross off those points which you have listed unnecessarily until you have reduced the list to the things that really matter. So many of our thoughts are needless worries, it is vital to recognise these thoughts as clutter and either deal with them or throw them out immediately, before they get caught up with the more important considerations.
There’s nothing like the present, so take the opportunity of Spring time, turn over a blank page and only fill it with the things that really matter.
Spring is here, and with the fresh spring breezes, snatches of sunshine and green shoots in the soil comes the perfect opportunity to spring-clean your own life, brushing away the cobwebs and throwing out the clutter.
If you were de-cluttering your house, you might go through each room and if there’s anything in which you haven’t used or thought of for the last few months, then you can put it in a box, ideally to be thrown away. Do the same with your mind: take a pen and make headings of all the ‘rooms’ in your mind, for example, “Money”, “Family”, “House”, “Things to Do” etc. etc. Write down everything you can think of, then go outside for a few minutes to clear your head. Return to the list: how many things had you remembered? Cross off those points which you have listed unnecessarily until you have reduced the list to the things that really matter. So many of our thoughts are needless worries, it is vital to recognise these thoughts as clutter and either deal with them or throw them out immediately, before they get caught up with the more important considerations.
There’s nothing like the present, so take the opportunity of Spring time, turn over a blank page and only fill it with the things that really matter.
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
Ideas are everywhere....
Monday and Tuesday this week I found myself attending a two day Induction for my new job. I was less than looking forward to it, but took along my notebook and a copy of Writing Magazine in case there was chance for a quick read. As it turned out there were only 9 of us on the course so reading my magazine might have been noticed, but during lunch on the first day I made the effort to speak to some of my fellow attendees and was so glad I did!
Turned out that one of them was training to be an embalmer which, in itself, was fascinating but this lead to a conversation - at times quite humorous - about life and death, funerals and even hamsters testicles! I was so glad I had taken my notebook and in the afternoon session made copious notes - not about issues of Diversity as the instructor probably thought - but rather all the ideas I had collected in my lunch hour!
Just goes to show what a smile and 'Hello' can do!!
Turned out that one of them was training to be an embalmer which, in itself, was fascinating but this lead to a conversation - at times quite humorous - about life and death, funerals and even hamsters testicles! I was so glad I had taken my notebook and in the afternoon session made copious notes - not about issues of Diversity as the instructor probably thought - but rather all the ideas I had collected in my lunch hour!
Just goes to show what a smile and 'Hello' can do!!
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Have more than one idea....
Have more than one idea on the go at any one time. If it's a choice between writing a book and doing nothing I will always choose the latter. It's only if I have an idea for two books that I choose one rather than the other.
Geoff Dyer - Quoted in Writers' News March 2011 www.writersnews.co.uk/
Geoff Dyer - Quoted in Writers' News March 2011 www.writersnews.co.uk/
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
Fatigue...
Fatigue is often caused not by work, but by worry, frustration and resentment. We rarely get tired when we are doing something interesting and exciting.
Dale Carnegie; writer of How to Win Friends and Influence People (1937).
Sunday, 20 February 2011
If you don't enjoy it, then Stop!
Had a really good afternoon yesterday at the Poison Pens and came away feeling glad I made the effort. I read out 2 poems; a recent one written for a competition and an older poem I wrote a few years ago but have not done anything with. The comments from those present made the trip worthwhile but also I had a really great time. It's always good to meet up with people who share the same interests; not only writing, but also reading, and we also had a good laugh. We have recently lost one of our members due to illness and Keith made the comment that if you don't enjoy writing then stop. Life has taught me that time is precious and I couldn't agree more, but at the moment I do enjoy my writing and I do feel I benefit from it and attending the group.
There were 8 of us there yesterday and 6 of us shared something. It's great to see what other people are writing and I do feel that listening / reading, and then discussing others writing actually helps with my personal writing. It also spurs me on in a perverse way as well. Congrats to Barbara who has just about completed her non fiction book Forgotten People (see:www.barbaracoopercareby.co.uk/) and will be having a launch party in July which we are all looking forward to.
We also discussed the Lincoln Book Festival taking place in about 12weeks time (see:www.visitlincolnshire.com/site/site/events/festivals/lincoln-book-festival)
Another launch party to attend....
There were 8 of us there yesterday and 6 of us shared something. It's great to see what other people are writing and I do feel that listening / reading, and then discussing others writing actually helps with my personal writing. It also spurs me on in a perverse way as well. Congrats to Barbara who has just about completed her non fiction book Forgotten People (see:www.barbaracoopercareby.co.uk/) and will be having a launch party in July which we are all looking forward to.
We also discussed the Lincoln Book Festival taking place in about 12weeks time (see:www.visitlincolnshire.com/site/site/events/festivals/lincoln-book-festival)
Another launch party to attend....
Thursday, 10 February 2011
When you say Yes, you are saying No...
Loved this from Jurgen Wolff's February Brainstorm and Focus e-bulletin (see: www.timetowrite.blogs.com)
If you're a people pleaser, you find it hard to say no. Most of us hate to disappoint others. The result is that we say 'yes' to too many things. But when you say yes, you're also saying no. Whatever time you devote to the new "yes" activity will mean "no" to anything else you could have done in that time. And there will always be more to do than there is time to do it.
ACTION: Look back over how you've used your time the last few months. Did you make time for the things most important to you? If not, what did you say 'yes' to that took time that could have been better-spent? Would it make sense to say 'no' to that from now on--at least sometimes? If someone else is involved, share your reason: "I've enjoyed spending time working on the committee, and now I'm going to take some time to work on my novel."
If you're a people pleaser, you find it hard to say no. Most of us hate to disappoint others. The result is that we say 'yes' to too many things. But when you say yes, you're also saying no. Whatever time you devote to the new "yes" activity will mean "no" to anything else you could have done in that time. And there will always be more to do than there is time to do it.
ACTION: Look back over how you've used your time the last few months. Did you make time for the things most important to you? If not, what did you say 'yes' to that took time that could have been better-spent? Would it make sense to say 'no' to that from now on--at least sometimes? If someone else is involved, share your reason: "I've enjoyed spending time working on the committee, and now I'm going to take some time to work on my novel."
Sunday, 6 February 2011
Literature....
"Literature is an occupation in which you have to keep proving your talent to people who have none."
Jules Renard
quoted in Writers News www.writersnews.co.uk
November 2010
Saturday, 29 January 2011
Show, Don't Tell
Lindsay Clarke; quoted in Writers Magazine - December 2009, www.writingmagazine.co.uk asks:
Which would you rather do, go to see a movie with your friends, or listen to them describe it at length afterwards? We don’t read fiction for explanations; we want to have our imaginations stirred. Show, Don’t Tell!!
Thursday, 27 January 2011
A kind of order.....
"One of the pleasures of fiction is that it imposes a kind of order on the messy randomness of life."
Sarah Harrison quoted in Wanna be a Writer by Jane Wenham-Jones, Accent Press (2007)
www.wannabeawriter.co.uk/
Sarah Harrison quoted in Wanna be a Writer by Jane Wenham-Jones, Accent Press (2007)
www.wannabeawriter.co.uk/
Tuesday, 25 January 2011
The Unsuccessful Writer....
‘The unsuccessful writer is the one who stops. Believe in yourself, because it’s a tough business and if you don’t believe in yourself, no-one else will.’
Anthony Horowitz
(Writers News: June 2009)
Sunday, 23 January 2011
Poison Pens - January 2011
Had a productive meeting with the Poison Pens yesterday. Readings ranged from poems, plays, and short pieces, to extracts from a non-fiction project. We also discussed where members were with regard to their novels, other writing etc.
I took a piece I have been working on for a competition in Writing Magazine and was told I needed to Show Not Tell - obvious when it is pointed out!! I also took a poem I recently wrote about the joys of motherhood. I received some very useful comments on this as well. Not sure if I will do anything with the poem but its all good practice.
Came away with 3 writing books; kindly donated by Bryan as part of a Writers Library for the group, which I hope to read in the next week or so.
I am glad I have returned to the group and am making the effort to attend; even though it takes me nearly 40minutes to get to the Village Hall where we meet. I was shattered last night and was in bed shortly after Jamie, but it was worth it. I have felt invigorated today and have been planning what's next.....
I took a piece I have been working on for a competition in Writing Magazine and was told I needed to Show Not Tell - obvious when it is pointed out!! I also took a poem I recently wrote about the joys of motherhood. I received some very useful comments on this as well. Not sure if I will do anything with the poem but its all good practice.
Came away with 3 writing books; kindly donated by Bryan as part of a Writers Library for the group, which I hope to read in the next week or so.
I am glad I have returned to the group and am making the effort to attend; even though it takes me nearly 40minutes to get to the Village Hall where we meet. I was shattered last night and was in bed shortly after Jamie, but it was worth it. I have felt invigorated today and have been planning what's next.....
Monday, 10 January 2011
Tanka Competition
In September I reported that I had entered 2 competitions in Writing Magazine. The February edition arrived today and it seems I didn't win either of them....
However, I was particularly proud of my entry for the Tanka competition and so I am including it below. The article described; 'most of the non-winners as suffering from one of these 3 problems: content that offered a slight description with no resonance to it; the tackling of a vast theme in general, abstract terms; and poor use of language, including weak, repetitive vocabulary and punctuation and grammar difficulties.'
My entry was:
Words left unspoken
Hang silently. Surrounding.
Waiting. In the wind.
For thunder to bring courage.
But who will make the first move?
The article went onto say; 'few entries were dismissed easily however, and nobody who entered needs to feel despondent.'
The winning entry was by Averil Farrar; Cry
You died so slowly
mosses grew between each crack
cushioning my grief.
Stemmed tears still wait, hang like leaves
having lost their strength to fall.
However, I was particularly proud of my entry for the Tanka competition and so I am including it below. The article described; 'most of the non-winners as suffering from one of these 3 problems: content that offered a slight description with no resonance to it; the tackling of a vast theme in general, abstract terms; and poor use of language, including weak, repetitive vocabulary and punctuation and grammar difficulties.'
My entry was:
Words left unspoken
Hang silently. Surrounding.
Waiting. In the wind.
For thunder to bring courage.
But who will make the first move?
The article went onto say; 'few entries were dismissed easily however, and nobody who entered needs to feel despondent.'
The winning entry was by Averil Farrar; Cry
You died so slowly
mosses grew between each crack
cushioning my grief.
Stemmed tears still wait, hang like leaves
having lost their strength to fall.
Sunday, 9 January 2011
Tim Wilson at Poison Pens
Before all the coughing started and Christmas and the New Year arrived, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend a workshop led by Tim Wilson who writes under the names of Jude Morgan and Hannah March. More information to be found at: www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/jude-morgan/
According to information from NAWG (for whom he has led workshops) Tim Wilson has an M.A. in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia. His first novel was published when he was 23 and since then he has had 29 novels published which have been translated into 9 languages. He was shortlisted for Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year in 1993, twice shortlisted for the Ellis Peters Crime Writers’ Memorial Dagger, and his novel PASSION was chosen as Book of the Year 2005 by Hilary Mantel, Tracy Chevalier and Joanna Trollope. He has taught Creative Writing for ten years. He lives in Peterborough with his wife and son. www.nawg.co.uk/festival-2010/getting-to-know-your-tutors/
The workshop - entitled MAKE IT VIVID - was fantastic and I spent a few hours yesterday while Jamie was asleep (and when I wasn't preparing for another interview on Wednesday) going over the notes. A lot of the advice I had heard before but he gave his own slant to the workshop which made the concepts easier to grasp. I was particularly proud of a few of my inputs:
Exercises: Locate a significant detail for
- an over-neat living room:
The cushions stood to attention.
- an absent-minded person
Pen etched on the back of her hand: 10.45pm
Next meeting of the writers group is on the 22nd January. I already have a poem to take and am looking at starting something today while Daddy has very kindly given me a couple of hours.....
According to information from NAWG (for whom he has led workshops) Tim Wilson has an M.A. in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia. His first novel was published when he was 23 and since then he has had 29 novels published which have been translated into 9 languages. He was shortlisted for Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year in 1993, twice shortlisted for the Ellis Peters Crime Writers’ Memorial Dagger, and his novel PASSION was chosen as Book of the Year 2005 by Hilary Mantel, Tracy Chevalier and Joanna Trollope. He has taught Creative Writing for ten years. He lives in Peterborough with his wife and son. www.nawg.co.uk/festival-2010/getting-to-know-your-tutors/
The workshop - entitled MAKE IT VIVID - was fantastic and I spent a few hours yesterday while Jamie was asleep (and when I wasn't preparing for another interview on Wednesday) going over the notes. A lot of the advice I had heard before but he gave his own slant to the workshop which made the concepts easier to grasp. I was particularly proud of a few of my inputs:
Exercises: Locate a significant detail for
- an over-neat living room:
The cushions stood to attention.
- an absent-minded person
Pen etched on the back of her hand: 10.45pm
Next meeting of the writers group is on the 22nd January. I already have a poem to take and am looking at starting something today while Daddy has very kindly given me a couple of hours.....
Saturday, 1 January 2011
Summary of 2010 / Resolutions for 2011
In 2010 I entered 4 competitions; which does not sound a lot but I only really started getting into writing again in August so its a start and I am proud of what I have sent off.
I started following my http://theonlyconsequence.blogspot.com/2010/08/other-ways-to-express-your-creativity.html and have a little brown book which is full of little snippets of my life and ideas for future projects perhaps.
I started following my http://theonlyconsequence.blogspot.com/2010/08/other-ways-to-express-your-creativity.html and have a little brown book which is full of little snippets of my life and ideas for future projects perhaps.
I was lucky enough to go back to work for the library services for 6months and was able to take advantage of the easy access to the books. I read 29 books: 22 non-fiction and 7 fiction. Unfortunately I have since been without a job for a further 6 months.
And I have returned to the Poison Pens - even sharing some of my work with them - and was lucky enough to attend a workshop led by Tim Wilson. I have also met regularly with Liz for a coffee which does wonders for my creativity.
Looking through my blog posts there have been far too many goals I have set myself that I have failed to complete. This year I am going to focus on the positive and simply report on my accomplishments. I am also going to try to reduce the To Do lists in order that I can focus on Writing itself..... This years resolutions therefore are the same as last year: http://theonlyconsequence.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-year-resolutions.html
Remember: You only have one life, and you really ought to live life as if you only had a few months left. Make time to do things that will add real value to your life - things that will make you feel like the person you want to be, the person you would like to be remembered when you die.
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