How Far I've Come.

At the weekend I was looking through old DVD'S of data, rootling about for baby photos and other gems, when I came across a file containing the first couple of chapters of a novel I had completely forgotton I had started. Apparantly it is possible to forget things like this. I opened the file named, rather originally 'A Novel Idea' with interest and it all gradually came back to me.

What I read was full of stereotypical characters, contrived dialogue and cliches. Worst of all, what I'm fairly sure was meant to be the introduction to a surreal fantasy horror (definately not my genre anymore (although I love to read them)), read like a Mills and Boon romance (Maybe I should try one of those).

Overall I was satisfied. Either this is an extreme case of time (five years) making you a better editor or maybe, just maybe I'm better at writing than I was then. Either way, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

After the Storm

Golden light shines bright
Piercing through slate grey darkness
Flickers under cloud.

It's Done and Gone

At last my life writing assignment has gone, albeit a week late. I can't pretend I'm happy with it, but writing things that are difficult is probably a good thing to get used to as a writer. Now it's all back to fiction, where I feel cosy. Only two more assignments to go though, and my current course is over. The lovely group of people who have supported me and critiqued my work will next year be replaced. This makes me both sad and a little nervous. Surely I can't have it so good next year as well.

Having got this assignment out of the way, my mind is buzzing with ideas again. Another notebook is almost filled. I love the motivation of starting a new pad with a gorgeous cover. My next one came from Chester Zoo and is covered in furry zebra print. Now I just have to remember where I put it.

So. On to the next project.

How Publishing Really Works

Being short of any real news, I thought I would sing the praises of a certain Blog I visit a lot:- How Publishing Really Works. The blog is written by a prize winning UK Writer/editor (Among other roles) and has mountains of information and advice about writing and publishing.

Although I am nowhere near the stage of being published, I check in here nearly everyday for the great advice and support, written with personality and humour. If you can think of a publishing related subject, it's probably here, even down to advice on writing query letters, (something I'm dreading). If you haven't already, please check this blog out.

My Neglected Blog

I feel awful I haven't posted on here for nearly two weeks but life has been chaos. As I said in my last post I have got a new job, which is fantastic. Lovely people and lovely location plus I get to walk to work through the countryside which means I'm getting a tan in this sunny weather (and putting in practice for the hike in September). However, this has also coincided with the family car dying meaning dashes to town have happened when we have had sporadic use of someone else's car.

The fish have whitespot which I am treating to the letter with no effect whatsoever except that they are dying. I can now also officially state that you cannot get away with putting underwired bras in the washing machine. My flooded kitchen and dead (brand new) machine will testify. Finally today, my little one topped it all off by throwing up everywhere.

All this has culminated in a very unproductive week or so and a late assignment. My writing has been limited to scribbling down story ideas and working on my life writing assignment, but at least I have still been putting pen to paper. On the upside I am now officially registered on Advanced Creative Writing and Children's Literature with the OU for September meaning the end of my degree is in sight.

I Have a Job

After weeks of searching I have been offered a job and it's perfect. It's part time so I'll have plenty of time to spend with my son, and of course time to write. Best of all, I'll be working in my local country pub so I will meet lots of interesting people (as well as working with lovely ones).

So, now I will have lots of writing inspiration, (The view from the pub is amazing), and something to focus my mind. And of course, I still get to feel like a proper Mum and pick my little one up from school. Such a relief

H.A.C.K Hike Against Cruelty To Kids

I have just signed up to a 25 Mile hike in the Llyn Peninsula in September in aid of the NSPCC. It's going to be a big challenge but I'm starting training this weekend. Hopefully it should smooth out some of the lumps and bumps too.

If anyone supports the NSPCC and ChildLine and would like to sponsor me for this event, there is a widget to my fundraising page on the right hand side or alternatively please click here.

I promise to keep you updated on my bruises and blisters.

One for the Easter Holidays

It's very American But here's the link

I hope nothing like that happens this holiday, but then I don't have a ceiling fan.

Round and Round in Circles

I've had a bit of an unproductive week writing wise. My thoughts keep going round in circles. I've yet to finalise a subject for my life writing (although I had a bit of a breakthrough at 11pm last night) and I'm thinking of rewriting the first two chapters of my novel. Meanwhile, ideas for new projects keep popping into my head.

As always, the arrival of Writing magazine and Writers News on my doormat provided some much needed focus and I'm starting to get back on track. I realise that actually, I have written quite a lot in the last week. There just hasn't been many gems in the rubble.

Here's to a more productive writing week (and finishing the Jilly Cooper).