Slacking

 I'm not going to look at how long it is since I last came on here. It's too embarrassing. I think it was before my cruise.

Over the past month, I've written ten short stories and sent them off to My Weekly and People's Friend. I've been enjoying the PF's Writer's Hour on Tuesdays on X (still think that's ridiculous!) where I get to virtually chat with the other writers. This is fantastic as, up until now, they have just been bylines on a page. My 3 part serial has been and gone in PF and I've had some wonderful feedback from that. I've been asked to think about writing another one but haven't yet come up with a plot. 

Not much has been happening apart from having discovered I have a half brother in Orlando and a cousin (once removed) in this country, neither of which I knew about a few weeks back! Jon and I actually met my cousin and his wife and we had the most wonderful time together. I felt a huge connection. There is a huge story to all this and I am thinking that, one day, it has to be in a novel.

Just got back from the cinema, having seen The Blackening. A sort of 'black' humour horror. Very good. One of the characters was hilarious.

Yes, I have seen Barbie twice, and I've seen Oppenheimer, plus many other movies since last I blogged. We have just watched 'Collision' on TV, which aired in 2009 (probably when we were still in Bahrain the first time and missed it).  It really was excellent and I loved the ending. ITVX.

A busy day with the grandkids tomorrow but back to writing on Friday. Whenever Ant rings and I eventually say I have to go because I'm working, without fail I get back 'Work? What do you mean 'working'?"

A writer's lot. 😬

Quote for today"

'Description should begin in the writer's imagination and end in the reader's'

Stephen King.

My sister reminded me that my blog does actually exist and wasn't it time I wrote something? I'd actually forgotten all about it so, yes, it definitely was time. Thank you, Annette!

I need to do something about my profile where it mentions my 'daily blog'. I think I must change that to 'monthly' - far more realistic!

Since last writing, we have hosted the marriage of our lovely daughter Tasha to the wonderful Reece. They've been away on their camping week in Weymouth and are home again. We still have the odd thing about the house to remind us of the wedding, which was the most beautiful day, but it is now, of course, a wonderful memory. That's the thing about weddings. You just want to do them over again and savour the moments that seemed to rush past. There are so many people to thank, for coming and being part of the celebrations, for helping set it all up in our garden, and dismantling it all the next day. The young people were a joy and it was fantastic to see family and friends from near and far.

Eventually, after 12 loads of washing (many people slept here for a week and more), life returned to normal and I got down to some writing. I, oddly, ended up writing a sci-fi story, which is very unusual for me. It finished at 3,500 words - not much use for the mags I write for, regardless of the genre - so I'm thinking perhaps I will save it for a competition, or maybe use it at at some point for a kindle book of short stories. I also had a serial proposal rejected because it was not quite the right tone for PF. I'm toying with the idea of writing that anyway, in a one-er, because if I did make a book of short stories, they could be any length and any genre, really. There's another story I started too, around the novel Rebecca. If I had no limit on word count for that, it could work.

Something to think about, but I need to get my new thumb joint first. I was accepted for the procedure, went for the blood test, and then received a letter saying they can't go ahead until my potassium levels have been elevated. They are too low to be safe, apparently. Nothing from the doctor about this so I've just gone ahead and ordered some high strength potassium tablets. I'll have to contact the doctor at some point about how long I will have to wait until I'm retested. Arrrgggh. I thought the letter, when it arrived, was the op date!

I also had to delay my dental procedure to have my crown fitted due to out of control hayfever/allergies. Frustrating, but I suppose at least, now, that delay won't impact upon my joint operation as a certain amount of time must elapse between each due to possible infection from the dental work.

Lately, I have been in a reading mood and am now reading 'The Remains of the Day'. It has been on my shelf for decades and, finally, I got around to it. What an unusual book! I am really excited about the ending because I know he is an unreliable narrator and can't wait to find out the truth. I will also, then, watch the film starring Anthony Hopkins (when we get back from our cruise).

So, my books are packed for our holiday and I am so looking forward to reading uninterrupted! I've also downloaded some onto my kindle, so I won't run out. I'm just not sure how I'm going to decide what to read after I've finished this one.

I need a quote. Here's Zachary Petit, former Writers' Digest managing editor...

'...don’t ever really give up. Writers write. It’s what we do. It’s what we have to do. Sure, we can all say over a half-empty bottle of wine that we’re going to throw the towel in this time, but let’s be honest: Very few of us ever do. And none of us are ever really all that surprised when we find ourselves back at our computers, tapping away, and waiting for that electric, amazing moment when the pebble of a story shakes loose and begins to skitter down that great hill …'

Genius

 I think it's possible that the locale might think I've entirely lost my mind. Recently, I've 'reread' Rebecca, but this time on audible, and it was every bit as brilliant as I remembered. Now I'm reading 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd' on Kindle. More genius. I'd forgotten how Agatha Christie's writing is so sharp you could cut yourself, and she was a force to be reckoned with. Her life story is fascinating. But, now, having gone through Audible and downloaded a bucketful of classics (all included in the subscription so you don't lose any credits), I decided to have a go at 'Jeeves and Wooster'. It's years since I've seen it onscreen. This morning I've been listening to it whilst walking Leia and Molly with one earbud in, probably unseen by passersby as it's hidden by my hair. I've been laughing aloud like someone possessed, apparently at nothing. 

Friday night, I went to see The Civic Players perform 'Dracula' at our local AmDram theatre. I read that they usually do comedies but the director had a sudden turn and decided to attempt a horror. What an amazing job they did! Each part of the stage was used for various scenes, and they switched from present to past and back again. The guy playing Renfield was as bendy as rubber and very convincing! I love the local dramas. These people have so much talent it can only be luck as to who makes it onto the TV and cinema screens. 

This weather is amazing, even if my eyes are streaming all day long and driving me nuts. I need to pop off to Tesco shortly, though, and might even feel a bit relieved to be in the chilled section, if I'm honest, and away from the pollen. 

I did manage to write a 2000 word story last week, aimed at Bonfire Night. I had an idea for another story, which I thought might run to 3000, but that turned out to be way off the mark. I'm on 1800 and have barely begun, so the only other option is to aim for 9500. That's another type of story altogether and I will have to find a number of twists and turns so I've moved away from it to have a think. I don't want to get too far in and then tie myself up in knots. I need a better idea of where I'm going with it. I've quite enjoyed what I've written so far, though, because, being longer, I can take my time and write it in a more novel-like manner.

Ok, better go shopping. I will finish with a fantastic quote from a book called 'Art & Fear' by David Bayles and Ted Orland. 

Artists don't get down

to work until the pain of

working is exceeded by the

pain of not working.

I'm sure many people will relate! I certainly can lol.

Truth

 It's been a month, according to the date on my last blog. My consistency apparently leaves much to be desired.

Writing news...I sold a story two days ago. It was a story set on Weston Super Mare pier. I wrote it after a day trip there about five months ago, so if you are an impatient person, don't bother submitting stories. Or, if you want to, it's a great way to develop more patience! It can take as much as (in my experience) two years to get a yea or nay. So, good news there. The not-so-good news was PF don't want the Hindu serial Daughters that I'd been working on. I'd written character analyses, a synopsis and the first instalment of 5000 so that's very disappointing. The editor felt it was too 'downbeat'. A character with Alzeimers might make readers uncomfortable about what could be around the corner, but the editor loved the family members and felt that a different story using the same characters could work.

So, back to the drawing board, but not right now. I've been working hard on my Hillsborough novel. I tend to have bouts of revisiting it as it is a tough subject and I worry that it is somehow 'untouchable' via fiction. However, I have courted some opinions, including someone who was there and someone else whose cousin was too, and the unanimous vote was to go ahead. They would welcome it. I have had a long-term interest in the idea of keeping up awareness of one of the most despicable cover-ups in this country's history. I came to realise that much of the younger generation have heard of the Hillsborough Disaster, but don't really know much about it. The details are somehow irrelevant, but we all know that they are not and never should be. I feel strongly that it is something that should stay in the public consciousness as a warning. Don't believe the newspapers. Don't take what the authorities tell us as gospel. Don't ever give up searching for the truth. So, I am back in the depths of the story again, dipping in and out. It is the most strangely-written story I've ever attempted as it is from four points of view and visits many different timelines. It sort of blows my brain up - I have various chapters written and am often writing extra ones to slot in after or before something I've already written. I am constantly rewriting a list of whose POV each chapter is from and when it takes place. I'm on about 28-29000 words at the moment, so there's still a LONG way to go.

Better get on with it, really. I'm off to the cinema in less than an hour and have been distracted this afternoon by trying to book a holiday for after the wedding. So, let's have a quote from someone clever...

“The freelance writer is a man who is paid per piece or per word or perhaps.” —Robert Benchley

Oh, how apt!

PS Just been to see The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry. I read the book years ago when it came out. Written by Rachel Joyce (as was the screenplay), it is a beautiful, heart-wrenching story, so if you are looking for something to read or watch, don't miss out.

Over-indulgence

Apologies if I'm repeating anything I wrote in the last blog. I can't remember which day I wrote it...

 Last week was INDULGENT. I went to the cinema four times and the theatre once! (Don't judge me too harshly - I do have my Unlimited Card for Cineworld lol).

On Monday, my grandson and I went to the Octagon Theatre to see a local production 'Anything Goes'. As I always seem to be when I come out from seeing a local production, I was speechless. The talent! And how do these people do it, when they have to rehearse around work and family commitments? They are every bit as good as actors on the TV.

Tuesday, Ruth and I went to see Heathers: The Musical, a live production from a London Theatre. I knew nothing about it before I went. It was darker than I expected, but so funny too. Brilliant.

On Wednesday, Jon and I went to see John Wick Chapter 4. Not my scene. I'd forgotten it wasn't my scene, even though I'd watched the other three films in the past😬. Just another reminder as to why I'm also known as Dory.😩 I might just as well have stayed home and watched Ant on his Xbox.

On Thursday, I was at the cinema with Nikki and Jamie to see 'Life of Pi' beamed live from a London Theatre. There are no superlatives impressive enough to describe how incredible this was. If you get the chance to see this at the theatre, go. You won't regret it. We clapped at the end, even though we were in the cinema. The guy who played Pi was astounding. I can't believe how clever and innovative the whole production was.

On Friday, I went again to the cinema because it seemed it would probably be my last chance to catch 'A Good Person' (Morgan Freeman). I really liked the sound of it, and was not disappointed. It was very moving and thought-provoking, about guilt and forgiveness.

On Saturday, Yeovil Town played Southend. It was an important game. We needed to win really as we are desperately close to definite relegation. Unfortunately, we lost 2-0, and our striker suffered a horrific injury very close to where we sat so, all in all, it wasn't the best match we'd ever been to and, to add insult to injury (literally) it was televised on BT Sport 1. Less said the better, I think.

We've just finished watched 'Unforgotten' tonight, as have many people, I'm sure. Chris Lang is a genius. That's all.

All this input. Was there any output? Yes, a bit during the week. I've been working on my novel. Added a new first chapter and slotted another chapter in between chapters two and three. I feel like I need to expand on the younger characters at the start of the novel before the big dramatic scenes that affect their futures. I enjoy writing about them, although it's a bit weird going backwards and adding to their earlier relationship. I definitely enjoyed writing the new first chapter. Tomorrow, I am going to use the template that I use for serials to flesh out some of the lesser characters and develop some aspects of the plot (well, I hope I am!). I don't know what I hadn't thought of using that before, really.

Quote of the day:

“There are three rules for writing the novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.” —W. Somerset Maugham

Just as well, because I probably wouldn't be able to stick to them anyway.

Revision cards

 This week, I learnt something about myself that I long since suspected. I CANNOT write about myself. I decided to send what I'd written under 'autobiography' to myself on my kindle. The first part of this was writing I'd worked on for a module in my MA. It was actually quite engaging and I enjoyed rereading it. It was based on my adoptive parents. I had written their story, fictionalising the dialogue, of course. Then came the part based on me, from my own POV. Oh dear. I didn't even finish reading it. Totally different! I've tried to do this in the past, but never managed it. Perhaps I never will.

After this, I decided it was time to revisit the novel I've been toying with for a couple of years or more. It has changed dramatically from the original concept. Only one character remains from the seed of an idea I had probably five years ago. It is a bit complicated in its construction. I've only written 20,000 words so far, but it is from four POV and is set during different years/decades. I have had to date each chapter very clearly because of this. I have a corkboard which had revision cards marking the chapters and where in the story everything is, but I have taken these down and started again. I've moved chapters around, removed a couple that were 'present day' and that I felt took the story in a direction that I couldn't quite satisfy. I was sad about that because that chapter was the germ of this novel, but perhaps that is why it no longer worked. Instead, I used it recently for a 9000 word story for PF - a sort of light-hearted mystery. I don't know if the PF want it, but I narrated it for Nikki to listen to and she seems to be loving it, so I hope they like it. It takes a while for the mags to say yay or nay, especially if it is a story for the Specials. The PF have an 8 page mystery in some of the Specials, so it is more likely to be put aside until the time comes when they need to address content.

At the moment, I'm listening to Sam Neill's memoir 'Did I Ever Tell You This?' I haven't laughed so much in a long time. It is thoroughly entertaining and I have decided that Sam is now top of my 'dinner guest' list. I shall be sending an invite out next week. I'm sure he'll respond 😎.

I have had an amazing week at the cinema and theatre, but will save that for the next blog.

Quote of the day:

“Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.” —Dalai Lama.

This is one that Jon is often vocal about. I have to remind myself of it, but I'm sure we've all found that it is certainly true!

Proposals and Padlocks

 Phew. What a week! The Butlins 70s was so much fun. We always know it'll be good with Ruth and Dave as our fellow weekenders lol. Mind you, I wasn't so sure the night that Ruth dressed as a punk. Talk about terrifying! David Essex was unrecognisable and not very mobile, but he still had a glint in his eye and a great voice. Many of the singers and musicians had seen younger days (lol haven't we all?) but the talent. Wow. Each time I go, I am blown away. I think, out of all of them, I lost my head most at the Bee Gees tribute band. 

We picked Anthony up from Taunton on the way back from Minehead and then he and I went to a meeting at A2A in Yeovil. From there, the manager showed us a property in Yeovil that has a vacancy. They appear willing to support him, but we are now trying to set up a time to view another facility of theirs in Yeovil but they seem very busy and it's hard to get hold of anyone. Once we know where Ant feels he would best fit in, we can get the ball rolling (although, from past experience, the ball rolls at the speed of a boulder going uphill...).

'The Hollow' at the Swan last Wednesday was brilliant. Their productions always are. I was obsessed with reading Christie's books when I was a teenager, but it's been decades. I really need to pick up another one. There just aren't enough hours in the day! I've just downloaded Sam Neill's new autobiography on Audible for when I'm out walking Leia, or out in the car. I can tell already that I'm going to enjoy it. 

Tuesday, I finally completed the serial proposal and first instalment for The People's Friend. I was so relieved, I looked at my watch, looked at the Cineworld app and thought 'sod it. I'm off to the cinema.'  Quickly booked online and off I went. Once I was at the desk, they seemed to be taking some time. The screen number didn't match up. Not surprising really, as I 'd booked for the following day by mistake. 😬 Had to rectify it at the counter and got into the auditorium just as the titles came up. It was a good film, actually. Rye Lane. I think it was one of those films that was funded by Lottery money etc. I thought it was well done, even if quite short at 1hr 22mins, and was very surprised when the credits rolled as I hadn't seen how long the film was before I went.

What else have I done this week? I can't remember what I did yesterday lol. Took Molly out. Had Albie after school, then fed him and Jamie for tea. Got no writing done. Watched the movie 'Luther' on Netflix. Good, but credibility was definitely stretched in a few places😂. Tasha had another laparoscopy so Reece brought her home from the hospital in the evening. Poor thing. She is struggling today. 

We had a lovely surprise this morning! Jon's sister Lucy and her husband Ian called in as they were passing from Exeter to their home in Farnborough. We hadn't seen them for ages (Jon hadn't seen them for about 5 years!) so it was fantastic to catch up. Things like that make your day, don't they?

Need to get my brain in gear now - I have half an idea for a story, due to some padlocks we saw on the seafront in Minehead. I'm not convinced that I can make a full short story plot from my flicker, but I'm going to try. 

Today's quote: 

“Rarely are opportunities presented to you in a perfect way. In a nice little box with a yellow bow on top. ‘Here, open it, it’s perfect. You’ll love it.’ Opportunities – the good ones – are messy, confusing and hard to recognize. They’re risky. They challenge you.” —Susan Wojcicki, CEO of Youtube