Why Do I Write?

I’ve been writing my novel since November 2008. 70,000 moments gathered by time and hidden where they may never see the light of day. And they say 99% of novels are rejected, so I wonder, sometimes, what could possibly make mine feature in the lucky 1%, other than a misplaced dream.

I hate days like this, where I question why I write. And I’ve tried to absorb what my tutor told me. He said, ‘don’t write to sell, write because you love to write.’

Without doubt, I love to write. And I know, even if I never sell another piece, I will continue to write for the rest of my life.

I shouldn't have days like this. I am a writer.

I've Chickened Out

I’ve studied the guidelines of the CBBC script writing competition since my last post, and decided to chicken out.

There were a few things that put me off. And, quite frankly, on the top of the list was my age. I’m no spring chicken as you know. And the first line of the guidelines says ‘we want to find the next generation of CBBC writers.’ Well that’s not me is it? And my theory was concreted, I think, by the fact you have to give your date of birth on the application form. So that’s that idea out of the window. Shame, I was quite excited about that.

So instead, I will do some ironing. No only joking. That can wait ‘til Christmas! Instead I’ll do some work on my novel, post a short story to Woman’s Weekly, and structure an article about my favourite haunted location, Minsden Chapel! Although where to send it once written is quite a mystery. Any ideas?

Hope you all had a lovely bank holiday – wasn’t the sunshine lovely!

CBBC Script Writing Competition.

Since my attempt at writing a play for my A363 course, I've had a little fancy to write and submit a script. And, thanks to Antonia, I’ve learnt of a competition that CBBC are running. It’s an opportunity open to any writer who wants to write Children's drama for the 6-12 age range. I know I am knee deep in my novel at the moment. But I really would like to give this a go, if only for more experience of writing scripts.

And talking of my novel, here it is in the picture! Yep, I’ve printed it off – Crumbs, what a lot of pages! And it is now covered with edits, and I’ve been juggling it about a bit, getting myself in a complete muddle, truth be told.

Oh and just one more thing before I venture out in the lovely sunshine, I read over at Calistro’s, a wonderful post about saving Salt Publishers. Nip over and have a read, if you haven’t already! It brought a lump to my throat. I shall be buying a short story later today.

Website Building and Kaye C Hill

This morning I’m going to give my writer friend Kaye C Hill a little plug. Her first book, Dead Woman’s Shoes, a humorous murder mystery was fab, and her second book, The Fall Girl is out this August. She was clever enough to win a competition with Crème de la Crime publishing house, and since then she’s never looked back. Lucky Kaye.

Anyway, amongst other helpful advice, she suggested I set up my own website. You know, to show I mean business! I was flattered by her faith in me. And the idea grew on me. Putting a website url on submission letters MAY give an illusion of professionalism. Yeah? Well it’s certainly worth a try.

So once son number 3 has finished his ‘A’ Levels, I’m going to ask him to help me set one up! So watch this space!

Any tips on website building greatly received!

I Love Australia

Australia is one of my favourite places ever, ever, ever! I love it! And over the past two weeks I’ve been lucky enough to be in the company of two of the country’s best imports – my Auntie and Uncle. They emigrated to Brisbane from the UK back in 1968, and have been visiting England, staying with us. We’ve had the best of times, lots of family dos, and visits to super places. Weather could have been better, I guess, but then you can’t have it all. Anyway, I’ve just seen them off. And although it was emotional, I’m determined to see them again!

Oh, and just to add to my love of the Aussies – I received an email from 'That’s Life Australia' this morning saying they want to buy one of my stories – Yay!

Blog Warming Party

Welcome to my blog warming party. Help yourself to champagne and caviar.

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