Tuesday 25 December 2018
Saturday 1 December 2018
Finish That Novel!!
We had a little chat afterwards and there was only one thing Rebecca could really say to me:
"Running Out of Time"
Miss Marley - Rebecca Mascull at Lindum Books
This year we attended Lindum Books (very) Special Christmas event, which included 10% discount from 6-7pm. Me, Yvonne and Michelle have had our tickets since Val McDermid in September!
The shopping was then followed with a talk by Rebecca Mascull in the Ice Cream Parlour next door, where we enjoyed festive refreshments and Rebecca signed copies of 'Miss Marley' - a spellbinding Dickensian tale of ghosts, goodwill and hope (it says here), a perfect prequel to 'A Christmas Carol' with a fantastic cast of characters both familiar and utterly original.
'Miss Marley' was the last book written by Rebecca's friend; the late Vanessa Lafaye, and was lovingly completed by Rebecca after her death. https://vanessalafaye.wordpress.com/ A truly magical evening.
The shopping was then followed with a talk by Rebecca Mascull in the Ice Cream Parlour next door, where we enjoyed festive refreshments and Rebecca signed copies of 'Miss Marley' - a spellbinding Dickensian tale of ghosts, goodwill and hope (it says here), a perfect prequel to 'A Christmas Carol' with a fantastic cast of characters both familiar and utterly original.
'Miss Marley' was the last book written by Rebecca's friend; the late Vanessa Lafaye, and was lovingly completed by Rebecca after her death. https://vanessalafaye.wordpress.com/ A truly magical evening.
Monday 5 November 2018
Monday 29 October 2018
Saturday 20 October 2018
George Mann at Lindum Books
This time last year (https://theonlyconsequence.blogspot.com/2017/11/georga-mann-wynchwood.html) we went to see George at Lindum Books and we enjoyed the evening (and his books) so much we decided to see him again. It was great night and a lovely crowd; including myself and Yvonne and we got sat next to Tim which is always interesting.
I loved listening to George and where he gets his ideas / research from for each novel It was fascinating to hear about the Witches of Belvoir; supposedly hung in Lincoln. (See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witches_of_Belvoir). It's interesting to think about the consequences of old decisions, the choices people make and the repercussions of history. On the surface all appears normal but no one is addressing the undercurrent - what lies beneath. He also talked about the hand of glory at Whitby Museum (See: https://whitbymuseum.org.uk/whats-here/collections/special-collections/hand-of-glory/) a mummified severed hand of a man who has been hanged.
A year ago I bought Wychwood by George, as well as one of his Dr Who graphic novels for Jamie. Wychwood was his first book featuring journalist Elspeth Reeves and DS Peter Shaw. Hallowdene is the second. I have to say I love them both - Hallowdene being especially fitting for this time of year with its witches stone, murder and black magic.
George discussed both novels and how going back to Elspeth and DS Shaw was like meeting old friends and asking 'what's next?' Writing about a Witch Stone being moved from a grave was like the unearthing in Quatermass.
He also mentioned the Witchcraft museum in Cornwall (Boscastle) See:
https://museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk/ so that's a few more places on my 'To Visit' list for next year.
George talked of the supernatural elements in his books, but what I enjoy about them is that they are everyday crime novel with a hint of the supernatural thrown in. You can choose to believe or not to believe. There is room for doubt as to what exactly has gone on. And although there are hints to the past, instances such as a dead phone battery bring us right up to date! I do think both novels; although not necessarily explained in terms of the supernatural, both have a satisfying reveal.
We were all pleased for him when he said that he was currently in talks with a TV production company who are looking at perhaps doing three stories for the Sunday night viewers (think Vera / Endeavour) that was a bit darker. I do hope it happens for him.
We were all pleased for him when he said that he was currently in talks with a TV production company who are looking at perhaps doing three stories for the Sunday night viewers (think Vera / Endeavour) that was a bit darker. I do hope it happens for him.
George discussed his writing process. He stated he has been a full time freelance writer since November 2015. He has a file card for each character with all their details on, including motives and considerations. He also has a web of relationships which shows how close each character is to the others in the novel and who loves / hates who. He always has a timeline and a scene plan made up of 1/2 lines of what happens in each scene. His outline is made up of a paragraph per chapter and includes characters and red herrings. It is this he sends initially to his editor. He is luck enough to have a 'writing' and a 'reading' room; although one used to be the garage!
I also bought Sherlock Holmes: The Spirit Box, which is one of George's novels writing as John H. Watson. Loved it!!
Wednesday 12 September 2018
Val McDermid at The Collection - 12th September 2018
The three of us (Me, Michelle and Yvonne) all went to see Val McDermid talking about her new novel; Broken Ground. It was Sold Out so we all arrived super early so that we would not make the same mistake as last time (Ann Cleeves) when we ended up sitting right at the back! This strategy paid off, not only did we get a space in the car park but also front row seats!!
Broken Ground is the latest novel in her Karen Pirie series. When a body is discovered in the remote depths of the highlands (it says here), DCI Karen Pirie finds herself in the right place at the right time. Unearthed with someone's long-buried inheritance, the victim seems to belong to the distant past - until new evidence suggests otherwise, and Karen is called in to unravel a case where nothing is as it seems. Val told us that the story had come from an anecdote - a "Wee Glimmer" - that a bookseller had told her.
Val was an excellent speaker and told us how she ended up as a crime writer. She was born in a small town in Fife and her family lived opposite a library. This meant Val could pop across the road and borrow books whenever she wanted. She developed a habit of reading crime stories early on and was reading 'Murder at the Vicarage' when she was 8/9 years old.
She said before she was a full time writer she would think about her novel all week and was very productive when she had her 'writing' time. You need to pencil in that writing time and stick to it! She was eventually able to leave her job, aged 35, after she had sold the first two Kate Brannigan novels. She states she made a loss in her first two years but hasn't looked back and in 1995 was awarded the Gold Dagger for 'The Mermaids Singing'; the first Tony Hill and Carol Jordan novel. This novel she said, dropped fully formed; although she knew nothing about psychological profiling initially.
Although Val does feel you need: Talent / Hard Work / Luck to be successful, she still feels energised herself to write, as its the only thing she has ever wanted to do. The ideas / stories still keep coming. Although currently she is reading the Booker Prize Short List as she is on the judging panel. She has had recent appearances on the Radio - Any Questions, and on the TV; including Have I Got news For You? and Mastermind
Val was an excellent speaker and told us how she ended up as a crime writer. She was born in a small town in Fife and her family lived opposite a library. This meant Val could pop across the road and borrow books whenever she wanted. She developed a habit of reading crime stories early on and was reading 'Murder at the Vicarage' when she was 8/9 years old.
She said before she was a full time writer she would think about her novel all week and was very productive when she had her 'writing' time. You need to pencil in that writing time and stick to it! She was eventually able to leave her job, aged 35, after she had sold the first two Kate Brannigan novels. She states she made a loss in her first two years but hasn't looked back and in 1995 was awarded the Gold Dagger for 'The Mermaids Singing'; the first Tony Hill and Carol Jordan novel. This novel she said, dropped fully formed; although she knew nothing about psychological profiling initially.
Although Val does feel you need: Talent / Hard Work / Luck to be successful, she still feels energised herself to write, as its the only thing she has ever wanted to do. The ideas / stories still keep coming. Although currently she is reading the Booker Prize Short List as she is on the judging panel. She has had recent appearances on the Radio - Any Questions, and on the TV; including Have I Got news For You? and Mastermind
As I have yet to read any other novels in the Karen Pirie series (Broken Ground is the 5th) I bought the first novel as well as the latest. Here is Michelle getting her copy signed:
Saturday 28 July 2018
Friday 27 July 2018
Whitby
Had a lovely few days in Scarborough and Whitby. An opportunity to take some photos and an excuse to finally read DRACULA!!
Thursday 19 July 2018
Linwood Barclay at Waterstones, Lincoln
What a brilliant night. Linwood is a truly brilliant speaker. He told us all about his background and how he became a writer after being a journalist in Peterborough, Ontario. He would ring the police every morning to source anything interesting that had happened. Of course, he always wanted to be a writer! He discussed his novel 'No Time For Goodbye' which was a Richard and Judy Read in the UK, and is about someone waking up to find everyone has disappeared!!
Me and Linwood:
Of course he described his latest novel - of which I got a signed copy - A Noise Downstairs, and stated he thinks it is his best since No Time for Goodbye.
Octobers Writing Magazine (www.writers-online.co.uk) have an interview with Linwood in which they say of A Noise Downstairs that it is (arguably) his darkest novel to date. I have to say I loved it. A psychological thriller with a little bit of murder and supernatural thrown in!!
Questions from those attending at Waterstones included the obligatory 'How's' of being a writer. Linwood discussed the need for a serious work ethic and the need to treat being an author as you would being a plumber. You get on with it! If you write 10,000 words a week, you will have a first draft in two and a half months. Linwood writes a book a year and has never missed a deadline. He added, 'It beats working in a bank. I can't think of any other job I would rather do'.
He discussed the difficulty of being an author when you are not just competing against other authors, but also with the Internet, TV, Netflix, Boxsets, Phones etc. There is a need therefore to grab the readers attention very quickly. They way he plots is to keep asking 'What If?' He starts with the bare bones and has an idea of the end. He doesn't always know the 'big mushy' middle. He just starts writing.
GET ON WITH IT (I have written here!)
See: www.linwoodbarclay.com
Me and Linwood:
Of course he described his latest novel - of which I got a signed copy - A Noise Downstairs, and stated he thinks it is his best since No Time for Goodbye.
Octobers Writing Magazine (www.writers-online.co.uk) have an interview with Linwood in which they say of A Noise Downstairs that it is (arguably) his darkest novel to date. I have to say I loved it. A psychological thriller with a little bit of murder and supernatural thrown in!!
Questions from those attending at Waterstones included the obligatory 'How's' of being a writer. Linwood discussed the need for a serious work ethic and the need to treat being an author as you would being a plumber. You get on with it! If you write 10,000 words a week, you will have a first draft in two and a half months. Linwood writes a book a year and has never missed a deadline. He added, 'It beats working in a bank. I can't think of any other job I would rather do'.
He discussed the difficulty of being an author when you are not just competing against other authors, but also with the Internet, TV, Netflix, Boxsets, Phones etc. There is a need therefore to grab the readers attention very quickly. They way he plots is to keep asking 'What If?' He starts with the bare bones and has an idea of the end. He doesn't always know the 'big mushy' middle. He just starts writing.
GET ON WITH IT (I have written here!)
See: www.linwoodbarclay.com
Saturday 14 July 2018
Matt Haig at Newark Book Festival: Notes on Nervous Planet
Myself and Michelle had a fantastic afternoon at Newark Book Festival. We visited all of the bookshops and chatted to lots of like minded people. It was very hot though!!
We discovered that we both have a desire to publish a book; me - writing one, and Michelle - illustrating one. We planned our future over scones and lemonade.
In the evening we went along to see Matt Haig at Newark Theatre. This had been an idea of Michelle's as she has a book by him. While speaking to one of the writers in the market square, she was good enough to tell us that Matt would be signing copies before the event, so we got there early and were very lucky indeed. Here I am with my signed copy (Matt wrote 'Calm Reading') of Notes On A Nervous Planet with Matt and Michelle:
Matt was a great speaker - especially when you realised his latest book is about dealing with panic attacks and anxiety. It's a discussion of the links between what he felt and the world around him. I love him just for having been blocked by Piers Morgan on Twitter. He discussed the anxiety inducing effects of social media, and how he dealt with it. One of the later chapters (in Notes on A...) says; 'Be aware of how much time you are spending on your phone, of how much the news is messing with your mind, of how your attitudes to work are changing, of how many pressures you feel, and how many of them stem from problems of modern life, of being connected into the world's nervous system.'
Notes On A Nervous Planet is exactly that. Very short chapters highlighting things we need to focus on / think about. His two page chapter entitled; 'We need the time we already have', finishes; 'we often find ourselves wishing for more hours in the day, but that wouldn't help anything. The problem, clearly, isn't that we have a shortage of time. Its more that we have an overload of everything else'.
See: http://www.matthaig.com/
We discovered that we both have a desire to publish a book; me - writing one, and Michelle - illustrating one. We planned our future over scones and lemonade.
In the evening we went along to see Matt Haig at Newark Theatre. This had been an idea of Michelle's as she has a book by him. While speaking to one of the writers in the market square, she was good enough to tell us that Matt would be signing copies before the event, so we got there early and were very lucky indeed. Here I am with my signed copy (Matt wrote 'Calm Reading') of Notes On A Nervous Planet with Matt and Michelle:
When we got into the venue itself, we were lucky enough to have front row seats and to see Tim Rideout in the interviewers seat. Tim recently interviewed Ann Cleeves when we went to see her at The Collection.
Notes On A Nervous Planet is exactly that. Very short chapters highlighting things we need to focus on / think about. His two page chapter entitled; 'We need the time we already have', finishes; 'we often find ourselves wishing for more hours in the day, but that wouldn't help anything. The problem, clearly, isn't that we have a shortage of time. Its more that we have an overload of everything else'.
He also discussed his love of Emily Dickinson poems and the metaphors and similes' of Graham Greene, and he told us all about his recent partnership - working on an album - with ex-Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows (Matt writing the lyrics) https://andyburrows.co.uk/#html-page The album is entitled 'Reasons To Stay Alive' - the title of another one of Matt's books.
Wednesday 13 June 2018
Should I Bother?
I was sad to read 'The Last Hurrah' by the Gumpy old Bookman (Michael Allen) in May's edition of Writing Magazine but it was his parting words that really made me think:
For goodness sake try to have fun while you're writing. Publishing a book will not impress nearly as many people as you think; and you are very unlikely to make any serious money. So if your writing isn't a pleasure to do, why bother?
For goodness sake try to have fun while you're writing. Publishing a book will not impress nearly as many people as you think; and you are very unlikely to make any serious money. So if your writing isn't a pleasure to do, why bother?
Monday 4 June 2018
Anyone Can Be A Critic...
Loved this quote in Writing Magazine May 2018 from Anne Rice (The Vampire Chronicles);
Writing is what makes a writer, nothing more and nothing less. Ignore critics. Critics are a dime a dozen. Anybody can be a critic. Writers are priceless.
Writing is what makes a writer, nothing more and nothing less. Ignore critics. Critics are a dime a dozen. Anybody can be a critic. Writers are priceless.
Thursday 12 April 2018
Nick Sharratt
Sunday 18 March 2018
Week Three / Week Four
God only knows what happened these last two weeks. I was struck down with something, but I am still not sure what it was. Hopefully it has now passed and all I can do is look back and wonder what caused the extreme hedaches and tiredness that I experienced. I am just grateful that I am finally feeling almost back to my self.
We did get to see Rick Wakeman at Lincoln Cathedral (although we were very close to not going!). This was a recording of 'Live Portraits' so it was very interesting from the part of production etc. See: www.pledgemusic.com/projects/rick-wakeman-live-portraits/updates/94917 Can't wait for the DVD to be released...
We did get to see Rick Wakeman at Lincoln Cathedral (although we were very close to not going!). This was a recording of 'Live Portraits' so it was very interesting from the part of production etc. See: www.pledgemusic.com/projects/rick-wakeman-live-portraits/updates/94917 Can't wait for the DVD to be released...
Sunday 4 March 2018
Week Two
Continued to sort out the 'Creative Space'. Now all I have is a number of piles that need my attention, but the room itself is looking fit for purpose.
Sorted all my favourite Internet sites from the Dell computer and passed on those only that are current to the new computer. Also reduced the emails from over 200 to a smaller 30 to be dealt with.
Went to the library to pick up 5 books I had ordered. In the week I read 4 of them. Two of them were by Shaa Wasmund (www.shaa.com/) Do Less, Get More and Stop Talking, Start Doing Action Book. Both books I had read last year, but it didn't hurt to give them both a skim read to remind me how brilliant they were. They both emphasise the need to declutter; mental as well as physical clutter, to slow down and to take time to pause and reflect. They also mention the need to control the paperwork! Highly recommended!
Another book was Diet Rehab by Dr Mike Dow (www.DrMikeDow.com). Interesting as he discusses how stress can make you fat and how junk food is not a reward but an addiction! He also discusses the need to find the time for our passions for the good of our health. Point taken!
There was another book but it wasn't really 'me' so I skim read it. I still can't NOT read a book but at least I can read it quickly....
My trouble is that as soon as I get a 'new' book or magazine I want to read it there and then. This means that I may have pushed aside other jobs in order to do the reading. However, it gives me satisfaction to return the books; making space once more in the creative room for more creativity.
I managed to file all recent information away into my Careers File and also applied for one job after ensuring my CV was up to date. I applied for a position of 'Pet Carer' which involved writing a letter to sell myself. We shall see how good it was....
The end of the week was taken up with three days off school due to SNOW!!
The end of the week was taken up with three days off school due to SNOW!!
Thursday 1 March 2018
Sunday 25 February 2018
Week One as Full Time Writer / Unemployed
So, first week..... I thought it would be helpful to do a 'Done List' as opposed to a 'To Do List'.
(Of course I have got a number of 'To Do' Lists, but these can be de-motivating if they are too long!)
Firstly, I proved that I was 'Supermummy' (and earning my keep) by giving a thorough clean and sort out of my sons bedroom. I also sorted out his Karate classes, ordered his World Book Day costume and volunteered for a trip at school. Oh, and I also sewed his badges on his Cubs uniform as well as sewed a cushion cover in our room.
Other rooms that got the clean and declutter this week were the bathroom, the hall and porch, and my creative space. I have not finished the space as yet but it is clean! While decluttering and cleaning I have been working on a 'Spring Clean' article, as well as finding items to possibly sell to increase my current savings. Of course a spring clean also adds to the 'To Do' list with regards to the house but that is where those jobs will stay for the time being.
As part of the declutter I also went through a number of magazines I had saved. Two have been moved into the 'Non Fiction' basket as possible markets. The other one I am still reading. Following our visit to Ann Cleeves I also read the second book that I purchased that evening. I also managed to read an Agatha Christie.
On Thursday night I went to the theatre to see psychic medium Tony Stockwell (http://tonystockwell.com/) with two friends. Not only was it a brilliant evening full of laughter (my friends also gave me a good boost with regards to my recent job upset!) but it also gave me an idea for a short story that I am hoping to write for a competition.
This week I also made time to visit a sick friend. When I got there she had a huge favour to ask of me and we ended up visiting a local primary school as she wants to move her son from his present school. This could be the start of an article if I feel so inclined, so not 4 hours entirely wasted. This week, I also took my mother to the hospital; which took up another 4 hours of my week. I could not believe how absolutely shattered I was at the end of the day after all we did was sit about waiting. I think this confirms that rest is not always a good thing!
Finally, Saturday was a girly day shopping and then in the evening we went to see Icons of the 80's. It was a fantastic night with lots of laughs; another reminder that its not always a good thing to shut yourself away. We need to get out there in order to wet the creative juices!! However, I was totally out of action on the Sunday as every bit of me hurt from shopping, clapping, singing and dancing.
(Of course I have got a number of 'To Do' Lists, but these can be de-motivating if they are too long!)
Firstly, I proved that I was 'Supermummy' (and earning my keep) by giving a thorough clean and sort out of my sons bedroom. I also sorted out his Karate classes, ordered his World Book Day costume and volunteered for a trip at school. Oh, and I also sewed his badges on his Cubs uniform as well as sewed a cushion cover in our room.
Other rooms that got the clean and declutter this week were the bathroom, the hall and porch, and my creative space. I have not finished the space as yet but it is clean! While decluttering and cleaning I have been working on a 'Spring Clean' article, as well as finding items to possibly sell to increase my current savings. Of course a spring clean also adds to the 'To Do' list with regards to the house but that is where those jobs will stay for the time being.
As part of the declutter I also went through a number of magazines I had saved. Two have been moved into the 'Non Fiction' basket as possible markets. The other one I am still reading. Following our visit to Ann Cleeves I also read the second book that I purchased that evening. I also managed to read an Agatha Christie.
On Thursday night I went to the theatre to see psychic medium Tony Stockwell (http://tonystockwell.com/) with two friends. Not only was it a brilliant evening full of laughter (my friends also gave me a good boost with regards to my recent job upset!) but it also gave me an idea for a short story that I am hoping to write for a competition.
This week I also made time to visit a sick friend. When I got there she had a huge favour to ask of me and we ended up visiting a local primary school as she wants to move her son from his present school. This could be the start of an article if I feel so inclined, so not 4 hours entirely wasted. This week, I also took my mother to the hospital; which took up another 4 hours of my week. I could not believe how absolutely shattered I was at the end of the day after all we did was sit about waiting. I think this confirms that rest is not always a good thing!
Finally, Saturday was a girly day shopping and then in the evening we went to see Icons of the 80's. It was a fantastic night with lots of laughs; another reminder that its not always a good thing to shut yourself away. We need to get out there in order to wet the creative juices!! However, I was totally out of action on the Sunday as every bit of me hurt from shopping, clapping, singing and dancing.
We Love The 80's
The lyrics were so much better.....
Go West and Nik Kershaw - what more can I say? Fan - Bloody - Tastic!!
Saturday 10 February 2018
Don't Read The Hype!
Recently I made the mistake of choosing a book purely based on the reviews and ravings from other people. The book was IQ by Joe Ide
Conan Doyle as channelled through Martin Scorsese says Stephen Hunter (author of G-Man), nominated for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel, One of the best books of 2016 according to the New York Times. Need I go on?
I liked the book. I thought it was (trying to be) clever in parts, but I really think I would have thought more of it had I not read all the wonderful stuff about it before hand. I was left feeling disappointed. I wonder if I had just picked it up and started reading it whether I might have rated it higher than I do.
There is a sequel apparently - IQ is BACK! Sherlock Holmes meets The Wire in this fast-paced crime thriller from Edgar-shortlisted Joe Ide…. Should I try again?
I liked the book. I thought it was (trying to be) clever in parts, but I really think I would have thought more of it had I not read all the wonderful stuff about it before hand. I was left feeling disappointed. I wonder if I had just picked it up and started reading it whether I might have rated it higher than I do.
There is a sequel apparently - IQ is BACK! Sherlock Holmes meets The Wire in this fast-paced crime thriller from Edgar-shortlisted Joe Ide…. Should I try again?
Wednesday 31 January 2018
Anne Cleeves at The Collection, Lincoln
Had a fantastic evening as usual with Ann Cleeves at The Collection in Lincoln.
Came away with two (signed) books; The Crow Trap and The Seagull (her latest Vera). The Seagull is her 8th Vera novel and as with previous events with Ann she gave a wonderful talk.
The novel is based in 1995 Whitley Bay (the North East); which I remember having a few nights out in around 1992/3. I hope it wasn't based on any of our outings...
I think I have heard Ann say before that she never plots. I always think that is the way I will do it, but usually end up running out of steam after a few chapters. The personality of Vera came quickly to her and, although Ann says she has little in common with Vera, she notes how each of us are carrying baggage of one sort or another around with us.
She told us that although she writes without too much plotting as she goes along, she will go back and add hints and extras to the story once it is finished.
Someone asked about 'Writers Block', which she admitted to occasionally suffering from. She said you just need to accept that the bad days will pass and suggests going for a walk to forget about it for a while, or take long train journeys. She also gave the (usual) suggestions of reading a lot and reading widely!! And finishing (writing) the novel once you start it!
Why Crime Novels? Because there is a sense of order being restored at the end, of justice having been done. Murder / Suspects / Resolution. Ann feels they are the social novels of our time.
She was asked about writing Shetland and the Vera novels and she replied she always has a rest in between them and then going back is like meeting old friends.
She compared writing to riding a wall of death - its fine until you think about it!
I came away more determined than ever to finish that novel this year before the big 50 and I have pinned the above photo to my noticeboard in the (so called) Creative Room!
Sunday 28 January 2018
Science of The Time Lords
A very interesting day with lots of photo opportunities and meeting creative people.
My son has made his first YouTube video. So Proud.
Monday 15 January 2018
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