the-writing-ladder

2010-08-28T02:50:00.000-07:00

Yahay!!! The wip has gone off for appraisal - but only by the skin of my teeth, I hasten to add. My only hope is that, as I made a last-dash attempt to finish it, the story didn't suffer. As I said earlier I only intended to have a quick scan to see if I'd dotted the i's and crossed the 't's, as you do, and then the middle bit sat there like misery at a birthdy party - totally out of place - and I knew I had to get rid of it!

I began to cut and shape, chop and change. The story started taking a completely different path altogether.
I worried that I had bitten off more than I could possibly digest in the short space of time I had left. Would I get it done in time? But I did. For better or worse.

It's in the lap of the God (the reader) now and there's nothing I can do about it for the time being.

So what to do now?
Well, there's no point in walking the floor wringing my hands whilst waiting, impatiently, for the esteemed to enlighten me with their expert words of wisdom - I'll just lose myself in a bit of research for the next one.

But, before I could even entertain the idea of starting a new story I had to tidy away the research for the last one. And what a lot of research there was! Boxes of books - I could open a library! But I justify the expense by telling Him Indoors that they will be needed for another book. He's a tolerant soul, though, and only has little moans when he can't find a seat because there is a six feet stack of history books tottering on it.

But would I change it? Never. The only problem I have now is which story I should write next. There are at least three vying for attention at the mo. All different. I have written the outlines of all and will give myself a couple of days off to see which one plays on my mind. But then... No, I must have a few days off and show my family a bit of TLC and catch up with the 21st century. Watch this space...

A smile a day keeps tears at bay...

the-writing-ladder

2010-07-20T04:43:00.000-07:00

http://the-writing-ladder.blogspot.com

Hi Ho.

2010-07-20T04:40:00.000-07:00

Last week was the RNA conference, which I couldn't attend due to family commitments, boo-hoo! I've had a look at the photos on the RNA blog and, as always when writers get together it looks as if everyone is having a fabulous time catching up, and talking about our greatest past-time - writing.

My wip is going through it's final polish before it goes off to the NWS and guess what? It never fails - I cannot refrain from tinkering!

And now the story, from about chapter four has taken a new twist and I didn't see it coming. This has changed the complete wip and I only have about four weeks before my deadline!!!! If I don't eat or sleep I might just manage it - failing that I'll send off what has been done. So, off to work I go. Hi Ho.
Speak soon

2010-05-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day!!!! The Sun-Gods smileth.

Mind you, it's just as well we usually have wet summer days each year because I just love pottering in the garden when the sun is out, and, if I take my laptop out there I find I tend to play the tunes on My Music rather than write.

Yesterday I had lunch with the RNA writers, swapping writing gossip and enjoying a lovely, lunchtime glass of white - my one indulgence (she says paraphrasing the postmistress in Larkrise to Candleford played by Julia Swahala Sp?)

I digress as I am wont to do when offering my freckled skin to the warm elements.

Oh I think I'll go and have something long, cool and maybe slightly (harrumph) alcoholic.

Ta Ta for now.

Hey ho.

2010-05-16T01:25:00.000-07:00

Good morning Blog Spotters, and what a nice A.M it is - through the window, anyway.

I haven't posted for a couple of weeks as I have been busy with the wip and the research - have I mentioned my love of research before? Have I...

I am now the proud owner and wearer of my new 'you-can't-break-them' designer goggles, and I've adopted a shorter new hairstyle and guess what? A young assistant in Asda, on giving me my change said; 'there you go, Chick, thank-you,' Chick???
Chick!!! I am old enough to be her... older sister!

Chick! I was thrilled to little mint balls! I haven't been called Chick since I was about four - a good few years ago. It was much better than being looked upon as Mother Hen, which is what my darling family think of me and - get this - my younger son said they take years off me. Walking on sunshine just didn't cut it!!!

Max, my enormous, two and a half year old German Shepherd is lying quietly by the open door trying to stay cool and my tiny, ancient, female cat is tormenting him by sashaying past him and flicking her tail in his face, he gives her a weary, eye-half-open look of disdain that sent me scurrying to catch the moment, when I find out how to get the photos off my phone - I will post the pics.

Oh well, time for coffee.
speak soon
Ta Ta for now.

The Eyes Have It

2010-05-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

I spent most of the day shopping for new specs; not one of my favourite past times I can tell you. Nothing seemed to suit me, it used to be so easy to choose, pay, wear. But now, it's all... varifocals, lense thinning (for me anyway) scratch resistant finish and on and on...

However, do you ever have one of those moments when you just know that something is for you?

Well, I had one when I wandered over to the designer range. Oh, be still my beating heart!

I told the assistant that I would just try them on for the hell of it... They beckoned me, I swear!

Once on I could not resist. I was sure they would be outrageously expensive and I was right when I saw the escalating numbers the assistant was keying in for the various 'needs' as above.

My heart began to bongo in my chest and I even had thoughts of doing a runner - not a gainly sight for a woman of my age - however, and I do buckle under flattery I can't help it I'm shallow, she said;

'Let me try them on you once more - Look at how they bring out the sparkle in your eyes - They were made for you.' Flannel? Yeah. How could I resist?

And they did knock off nearly a hundred quid for the 'free' sunglasses I didn't want.

I justified the expense by thinking that I need to be kind to myself more often, and because I need them for work, and because I can't see a thing without them and, like a good haircut, a good pair of specs can do the power of good for your confidence - and they were (marginally) cheaper than plastic surgery! ;-)

And, surprise of the century, Him Indoors thought they were great and offered to pay half.
Now what's he after? Suspicious? Moi? You betcha!

speak soon, ta ta.

the-writing-ladder: The great test of endurance.

2010-05-03T14:49:00.000-07:00

the-writing-ladder: The great test of endurance.

The great test of endurance.

2010-05-03T06:27:00.000-07:00

It's me again. I've been working very hard researching my new wip, and I've even written a few thousand words. Some of them are quite usable, I think, but you never know.

I'm in a state of limbo at the moment, not knowing what will happen to the former wip. I know I should just keep writing and forget it, but how can I when I don't know what is happening to it?

It's like waiting for your offspring to come home on a stormy night - you can't rest until you know it is where it belongs. And if it comes in looking a bit wet and bedraggled you can fix it - all nice and new for the next outing.

But short of saying 'Come on, give me a hint! Is it good or is it cr*p and not fit enough to wrap your chips in!' I don't know what else to do. Yes I do... Wait and wait and wait patiently for the next response. The elastic band is stretching.

If patience is a virtue I want a sainthood. It's the 'not knowing' that is the worry.

However, the little; 'we haven't forgotten you...' msgs give you hope!

Onward and upward.
Speak soon...

Procrastination

2010-04-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

I've done so much research I forgot it was 2010 ;-) I thought I had chapter one down, polished and finished for now, but the wip is taking a new turn and chapter one is now wrong. To try and make sense of it I have been doing loads of research, but now I've decided to dump it and just carry on writing.

Haven't blogged for ages, mainly because I've been twittering. I really shouldn't, I suffer from terminal procrastination syndrome and anything but anything can encourage my concentration to wander at the moment, which is especially troublesome when I am trying to work.

Anyway, enough procrastination for one day. I'm off to put my research to (hopeful) good use.

Ta Ta.

A new work in progress

2010-04-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Folks
Have been busy writing the outline, character profiles etc for my new WIP (Work In Progress) it changes from day to day and as it is only the 'dirty' draft - i.e. the first draft of the story it can take any direction but I have a very good idea of the beginning, middle and end.

I know my major characters quite well and as I began writing, a minor character I hadn't even thought of showed up and is beginning to make his presence felt. I like it when that happens at this stage as it makes the story more exciting for me; and if it surprises me then it will surely intrigue my reader - hmm? I think so.

This one was turning over in my imagination even before I finished my last story, and that is the way I like to work - that way, I know what I will be doing this year, and then as this w.i.p comes to an end I will have an idea for the next and so it goes.

Speak soon

Ladies Day

2010-04-09T00:14:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again when the the glad rags and the fancy shoes come out - yes it's Ladies Day at Aintree and it's champagne breakfasts all 'round. The limmos and Rolls(as in Royces) are purring and ready to go - not that I'll be travelliong in one, I don't live far enough to warrent the expense.

It's more than a day at the races, though. It's a chance for the ladies of the land to get dolled up and have a ball. And, at the end of it the sight of hobbling heroines is enough to make your eyes water, so the ballet pumps, saved in a little poly bag, will replace the stillettoes as taxis are being sought in much the same way as the matching peacock blue facinator was the week before. I'm off to back a winner.

Toodle-oo

Pottering

2010-04-07T02:47:00.000-07:00

Started writing at six-thirty, managed two thousand words. It could have been three thousand but I kept to-ing and fro-ing over the story until I was almost dizzy. So now I'm putting it away for a while and going for a potter in the greenhouse. I'm quite a potterer when I put my mind to it.

Laters

2010-04-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

Today I did everything except write, I made huge cup cakes, I re-potted busy lizzies ready for the hanging baskets and tubs I even cleaned out the airing cupboard, but there's nothing else for it I have to settle down and get the words on the page otherwise I cannot relax - it's not fair I never chose to write - it chose me.

I'll try a few hundred words before we sit down for our evening meal - maybe I'll cook, maybe I won't.

More later ;-)

I hate rainy bank holidays

2010-04-05T08:44:00.000-07:00

Why is research sooooo interesting? I should just write and then research - it would save more time. At least I would have words on the page. Procrastination is my one weakness, it drives me nuts. I know I'm doing it but it's magnetic force keeps me glued to Google. It's like one of those times when your thoughts hop from one subject to another and half an hour later you try back-stepping to try and find the original thought. Still with me? Thought not. ;-)

I know the next story inside out, all I have to do now is write the sodding thing. I need a push. I need a deadline. Would I meet it? Mmm. Ponder ponder ponder. I hate bank holidays - especially wet ones. I've twittered and googled and I can't settle. I wish 'my' agent would get in touch to tell me what's going on with the last one.

I'll be back.

Easter Sunday

2010-04-04T04:08:00.000-07:00

Daughter, son in law and ankle biters have now gone to an Easter egg hunt after collecting their chocolate eggs here. Now to look forward to a quiet day with feet up watching telly. Roast beef sizzling nicely, yorkshire pud batter in the fridge waiting to go into the oven with veg and spuds. Bliss.

Jonathan Creek to look forward to this evening. It can't get much better than this - and I've even written my obligatory 2000 words this morning so no guilt either. Perfect? Moi? I doubt it.

Have fun.

2010-04-04T02:44:00.000-07:00

Him Indoors bought me a huge easter egg even though we said we weren't going to buy for each other this year. I think he's trying to kill me with kindness. More later. Happy Easter all.

Natures remedies and garden centres

2010-04-02T07:47:00.000-07:00

Watched 'grow your own drugs' on replay before venturing off to the garden centre to divest them of their herbs. It looks really good when you watch what can be done; all those lovely creams and potions made from stuff growing outside your own back door.

Natures Own remedies for keeping you healthy are very tempting. Him indoors said I do this every year but methinks he exaggerates, because I would be over-run with medicinal concoctions and I can't find so much as a sprig of mint out there.

On the other hand I did give it a good tidy the other day so last years herbs may be merrily growing away on the compost heap, hey-ho.

Off to drool over natural moisturisers and soothing balms.

'Good' Friday

2010-04-02T04:02:00.000-07:00

Up at six a.m did a bit of research, sun was shining brightly and it looked like it was going to be a gorgeous day - now the rain clouds are looming and my hopes of having a lovely day in the garden are dashed so I will toddle off to the garden centre to see what's on offer.

Will write later - when the heavens open. Have a nice day.

new look

2010-04-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

I hope you like my new look blog I think it's fab. All I need to do now is figure out how to do the links. Oh the joys of technology

2010-04-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

The nights are getting lighter and the garden is looking particularly lovely with the late arrival of the daffs swaying gently in the breeze - or at least they were last week - this week they are being battered by the rain, hail and wind - again!

I finished the novel and sent it off six weeks ago. As soon as it had been set free I wished I had not been so hasty as there were various tweaks and twitches that needed ironing out!!!! However, I thought, there's no point lying awake at night worrying, it won't make the story any better, so I started work on the next story with the promise to myself to make sure I PRINT THE BLOODY THING OUT BEFORE I SEND IT OFF NEXT TIME!!!! It's amazing how different it looks in hard copy rather than on the screen.

But it's amazing what a new wip can do to calm your nerves. This story is an historical saga too, set in a different time. I've done the plot outline, the character profiles, the chapter sketches and I'm now in seventh heaven researching.

There is a divided school of thought here; To plot or not to plot? That is the question. I like to plot because I have a memory like a sieve and if I don't, at least, do a sketch that grows into an outline then on to a story etc I feel as if I am fumbling blindly in the dark, and due to the carbon footprint someone has turned off the light at the end of my tunnel!

But there are writers who like to plunge right in and let the story unfold and surprise them as they write. They think that the plotted story doesn't give them the 'zing' (nothing wrong with that) - but it does for me. Something always springs out and surprises me even when I've plotted to the hilt, my characters always do something I didn't expect, however, I know where I'm going when it happens and can then work around it.

This will be my fourth novel, two of them are snuggled down at the bottom of my desk drawer, what I like to call my 'practice runs' -but the one I have just finished and the one I am doing now are the ones I like and have real hope for - But I would say that, wouldn't I?

Happy Easter everyone xx

RNA lunch

2009-11-25T10:44:00.000-08:00

Hi All, I attended the RNA Christmas Lunch today and very nice it was too. Our guest speaker was Jean Fullerton who gave a wonderful talk about her journey to publication after winning the Harry Bowling prize, which interested me greatly as I, too, have entered my novel, 'The Legacy' to this competition - I can only live in hope!

The lunch was attended by thirty two published and pre-published writers including Lynne Andrews, Katie Flynn, Anne Baker, three hugely successful saga writers - I can only live in hope, again! The afternoon was organised by the wonderful June Francis, herself a very successful author, who writes extremely popular family sagas as well as historical romance for Mills and Boon. She is one of the nicest people in the world and is a great writer too.

What I love about the lunch is the way famous authors rub shoulders with yet-to-be published writers and are always willing to give advice and valuable inside information about the publishing world. Priceless.

But now it is time to put the laptop to bed and watch a bit of telly.

speak soon
Sheila

I've joined Twitter!!! Yay!

2009-11-18T02:09:00.000-08:00

Well I've dragged myself into the twenty first century and have started Tweeting. I joined ages ago but didn't contribute as I felt it would waste even more time and I can be easily distracted when the mood takes me. But sometimes I just fancy having a look around at what everyone is up to - or not as the case may be.

Now all I've got to do is find out how to put up links to all the interesting writing people I have come to know over the years on my blog and I'm away - some would say with the fairies, but I'm not one of them. ;0)

speak soon.
Sheila x

2009-11-17T09:53:00.000-08:00

Hey Ho. Doesn't time fly when your writing a book?
It's been about three months since I sent my offering, The Legacy, to the H.B. comp and the deadline is Nov 30th so I'm not sure if I should stop worrying or start worrying on Dec 1st. No matter, I am still writing the bugger!!!!

It's romping along at a cracking pace - I've already written it once and am doing it again (second draft) but I've ripped a lot of the first draft out of it so the second draft will be like a separate book altogether.

I'm not sure how other writers work but I like to plot and plot and plot....And then plot some more. Am I a control freak????

Maybe I just like to know where I'm going as I often think on my feet and one good twist triggers another. If I don't plot I fear I'll go down a lot of dark alleys and waste time. Some writers, I know, prefer to work that way to find out what happens next but I like to know where I'm going.
Anyway, if there's anybody out there, I hope to be back soon.

Wish me luck with the Harry Bowling comp and I'll love you forever!!!!

love Sheila

nights drawing in

2009-10-06T06:27:00.000-07:00

I love that phrase 'The nights are drawing in' it sounds so cosy. It's when you draw your blinds and, as the nights get longer you have more time to do as you please; read a book, write a book, listen to your favourite music, watch the telly, thank 'whoever' that you're not outside in the freezing rain. He He.

And do your edits.

speak soon, Sheila

2009-09-09T12:24:00.000-07:00

Hi All, I went to the North-West chapter of the RNA lunch today and it was lovely to meet up with everybody again. We have a lovely bunch of people at the RNA and The Scarisbrick Hotel where we meet and have lunch is wonderful; the staff are friendly and efficient and the food is superb - there is plenty of it and it doesn't cost the earth. Lovely.

Caught up with all the writing gossip; we have a few famous writers in our group e.g Katy Flynn, Lynne Andrews, Anne Baker, June Francis... and some very talented up and coming writers too. I will have to put links on here when I get time.

Just a short blog tonight as I have had a hectic day and need to wind down with a fine wine and a catch-up of Land Girls, which I have not had time to see yet.

Happy days. Sheila

2009-08-31T03:51:00.000-07:00

Hello all. Just to let you know what is going on in my writing world. I have sent the first chapter and synopsis of my novel 'The Legacy' to The Harry Bowling competition. This competition is for new writers (for 'new' see 'unpublished') who have not had a full length novel published. So I popped it in the post and we will have to wait and see if it gets anywhere. The ms's are being judged in November so I'll get on with the rest of my writing to take my mind off it.

It seems an age since I've been to the North West chapter of the RNA and am pleased to say I will be meeting up with my writer friends in a couple of weeks.

Well, autumn is upon us; the dark nights will soon be drawing in and after another disastrous summer, weather-wise, I can't say I'll be sorry to see the back of it. I'm already looking forward to long night when I can close the blinds and curl up with a good book.

Well back to fiction. Keep smiling;
Sheila

2009-07-11T03:36:00.000-07:00

Meant to say before I got carried away, that I had to stop looking at the 'authonomy' website as it was getting too addictive and eating into my writing time. However, 'The Mainstay' was doing rather well at the time.

There are so many networking sites now that if you looked at all of them you'd never go out!!!!

Keep smiling Sheila

2009-07-11T03:08:00.000-07:00

Hello Ether, no, not Esther - 'ether' as in 'lost in the...'

I digress. Writing a book isn't difficult!!!! Writing a good book isn't difficult - if you are gifted!!!
It's what comes after writing that good book that is the really difficult part - the editing. What do I cut out and what do I leave in??? Whaaa.
Then, there is the marketing and the 'talks' and the book launches, signings - Oh come on...

Given the chance I will do it with a air of quiet - well, maybe not quiet - determination. Until then I'll chop and shape - a bit like hairdressing really. I will take waist-length pile of waffle then cut and style it to a fabulous, must-have creation that everybody wants.

Ooo, I can dream can't I? I'm working hard, killing my darlings, on the latest w.i.p and slicing swathes of story to the ether - there, I knew I'd get that word in somewhere...

A lot of my RNA friends have gone off to the annual conferance and I'm soooo envious. I couldn't make it this year because my son had a major operation and had to sacrifice Penrith - I love that beautiful place. I went there three years ago to the conf and thoroughly enjoyed it.

However, I did take time out to go to the book launch of 'Tilly's Story' written by my good friend June Francis and while I was there bought a copy and also one of her other novels 'A Dream to Share,' - a heartwarming novel from one of our best saga writers. All in all, it was a hugely enjoyable afternoon and I wish her every success.

Well, I must get stuck into my own opus magnum (isn't that an ice-cream?) or I'll never get to best-sellerdom. Be good.
Speak soon Sheila

2009-02-11T11:52:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post today to let you know my novel The Mainstay is published on this website
http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=6310 if anybody wants to have a gander. I'll get back to you all soon.
happy days Sheila

2009-02-02T06:30:00.000-08:00

IT'S SNOWING. How sad am I? I'm like a kid when it comes to snow - I love it. Not too fussed on the slushy black stuff you get when people, cars, animals etc start treading all over it, but that clean virginal stuff is magic to the eyes. It seems so serene, so calming. Unless, of course, you are stuck in a traffic jam, late for work with no hope of getting anywhere soon.

We don't get the real, deep stuff very often around our way. So, when we get a good downpour that actually sticks I'm as bad as the kids. And, as far as the daily quota of thirty-minute walks can sometimes be a bone of contention, give me a bit of crunchy snow underfoot and I'll walk for ever - the imagination running riot; from poor souls lost in the blizzard to ice-maidens comething. Oh well, hope it lasts a while. Not too long though, I don like the sunshine too. But when the weather is like this what else is there to do than snuggle up in your comfie jim-jams and fluffy dressing gown and get stuck into a good book.
speak soon. Sheila

Think positive

2009-01-21T02:17:00.000-08:00

Hi all. Well I've sent 'The Mainstay' off to the publisher and I'll wait and see what happens.
I re-drafted the synopsis about ten times, realised that I'd left my e-mail address off the title page just before it was due to be sealed and sent, and after it was sealed wondered if I should open it and re-check everything again. Mad, I know. But it's like sending your first-born off to school and hoping that everyone will love them as much as you do.

The USA has it's first black president, history is being made as we speak. Wonderful. New year, new ideas, new everything. Anything is possible. I may even become a published author.

Think positive. That's my resolution for 2009. I don't usually make resolutions because I am not very disciplined with myself. If I promise to do something for somebody else I do it, no problem. But when it comes to me I tend to be a bit more flexible - as in - I'll do it later, there's plenty of time, and then have a bit of a mild panic when later comes around so sooooon, although, things still get done, so I tend not to get into a huge tizzy about stuff.

I think that being positive is a good thing and a great resolution to make; it's far easier to keep than giving up wine and chocolate or promising two thousand words EVERY day!

Deep breath. And chill. There, that's better.

Don't worry. Be happy! Sheila

2009-01-11T10:11:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, Happy New Year to you all, I hope you have a fabulously successful 2009. And me too, I hope.

As you can see I haven't been paying enough attention to my blog of late, but I have been snowed under polishing a novel or two. I'm quite the polisher when I set my mind to it - the only problem is - well it's not a problem really - I'm not of the same mind-set when reviewing earlier work as I was when I first wrote it - so the work can turn into something completely different. Hopefully better.

My second novel was read by my RNA reader before Christmas and although this one didn't go for a second read the comments were encouraging and perfectly valid, so I will be working on that as well as my new one any day soon.

Anyway, I'll be off for now, speak soon. Sheila

Winter cometh

2008-09-30T01:36:00.000-07:00

Hello all, and thanks for your reply Debs, it's nice to know someone is actually out there.

Well, it looks like Winter is finally upon us (apart from the nice day we had last Tuesday) and missing out a wonderful golden autumn altogether.

I'm desperately trying to get back into my w.i.p. but I'm conjuring up other stories that have nothing to do with the work I should be doing. So, what I've decided to do is plot and jot. That means I write on things - anything! If it has a blank space and can legibly show the markings of my pen, I fill it with words - then I lose it!

How many times have I written something brilliant and profound only to find it stuck down the back of the sofa and, on re-reading it, discover it is really a load of tosh and I should be committed for having even thought of such drivel. Hey Ho!

Oh well, those long cold nights will soon fly by and hopefully there will be a beautiful work of fiction to show for it.

Time to go and exercise my imagination. Speak soon Sheila

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

2008-08-31T10:06:00.000-07:00

Where did the summer go? Did we have one? What a washout! I'm sure the weatherman said we were going to have a mini heatwave over the week-end. All I can say is if we did I wasn't looking.

Went to a family barbecue yesterday and sat close to the gazebo in case the burgeoning cloud decided to drop it's load, but as it turned out it didn't. We had a lovely time catching up with all the family goss. I was told a fascinating tale, which would have made a great novel - the only thing is, the story was told to me after imbibing a few at the end of the day and I've forgotten half of the story! Blah.

There are Christmas cards in the shops, and some kids haven't even gone back to school after the summer holidays, yet. Do you think a credit crunch makes the retailers more panic stricken than usual, therefore desperate to get their merchandise on the shelves? I do.

Looking forward to watching Martin Clunes tonight. I love dog progs and will be watching with my trusty German Shepherd Max - oh, and him indoors too!

Speak soon Sheila

2008-08-28T02:25:00.000-07:00

Hello again, as you can see I'm not a prolific blogger as it has been ages since I last posted. But here goes. I don't really post in sequence like a diary so anything I think of at the time of writing will go into this.

I've just had my report back form the NWS and, although I have a bit of work to do on the ms I know where I'm going with it. And, as usual when I have to revise my work, it is ripped to shreds and usually ends up being something completely different. I don't intend to do this at the outset - in fact I threaten myself with deprivation of chocolate or the odd (?) glass of wine if I change it too much - but it is a compulsion, or maybe an improvement, who knows.

When I get into the story again it becomes that thing that eats away at you until you are only vaguely aware that somebody (usually human, e.g family, friends, milkman etc) is speaking to you and you have given a vague nod to what they are actually saying. Now, if I were a famous published author that would be viewed as a noble characteristic, as I would be deep in thought for my next bestseller. But, as a humble, albeit long serving apprentice of this genre, I am viewed by all and sundry as a bit of a dreamer - or, in plain terms, an air-head. Hey-ho, back to the grindstone.

Oh, I believe there has just been an Olympic games tournament this year. Hmm, I seem to have missed that one! Must get out more! Speak soon, Sheila.

the writing ladder

2008-07-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

When I decided I wanted to write, at about the age of four, I had all kinds of stories going around in my head. As I grew older, as opposed to wiser, I took up various careers - none had anything to do with writing. They ranged from college, hairdressing, office work, bar work, tenants association chairperson, office work, hairdressing -again! Nothing to do with writing at all. But still the stories kept on floating into my head. I raised my kids and through the ups and downs the bloody stories would not go away so I took myself to the library, not knowing how you go about writing a best-seller whilst waiting for the kettle to boil - and got a few books on the subject of writing a bestseller!

Whilst I was there I saw a poster advertising a writers workshop on a Wednesday night at the local high-school - it wasn't a 'how-to-write-a-bestseller-type-class' - but a nice little workshop where you could go and swap ideas and read your short stories out loud (hell no!) But I decided I would give it a try. I knew what I liked to read, I was the proud keeper of a nice big thesaurus and I could string a sentance ot two together when the need arose - so best sellerdom here I come!

That first meeting was a Wet Wednesday evening in October, just as the nights are drawing in and you put your feet up to watch 'Corrie'. I was sitting alone in a classroom soaked to the skin, shivering. Clutching a small hardbacked notebook containing a few short stories, the outline of a novel I intended to write, and a list of decorating materials alongside a sketch of the new kitchen I'd always dreamed of slaving in, I wondered where everybody else was.

I thought that, maybe, I had mis-read the poster and that I had come on the wrong night when a small, freckled man with a ginger comb-over sauntered into the room. I smiled. Maybe he was the teacher as he sat at the teacher's desk. He did not recipricate the smile. Then the room began to come to life as a group of chattering people of various shapes sizes and ages entered the room.

A woman with a cardboard box filled with files and folders stood by the desk and reminded me of when I was at school preparing to be scolded for some mild misdemeanor. She was the 'tutor' for want of a better title, and the freckled man turned out to be a newbie too - a rather haughty one- I later discovered when he declared that he never read anybody Else's work as he was far too busy writing stuff, and his own imagination was enough for him to make it as a great writer. I thought Yeah! If only it was that easy.

I left my little notebook with Anne, the tutor, a lovely woman whose plays had been performed on national radio and wrote short stories for women's magazines and had wild springy dark hair - I was in the presence of greatness no less! I wondered if she pinched every bodies ideas and wrote everything that we uttered! How conceited was I ? To think anybody would be interested in my pearls of naivety.

Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed my two hours at the workshop -him indoors irritatingly called it the 'night-class' -and at nine o clock it finished. I had discovered that there were all kinds of stuff to do with writing that I never even dreamt of, I found out what a 'genre' was even though I'd never heard the word before, it was bandied about with reckless oblivion and sooner or later, unless you were a plank, you got the gist. I nodded in what I hoped were all the right places; I didn't want to come over as a complete philistine -another word I learned that night, and as we reached the denouement (another) of the evening I was asked to read a little of my work.

I froze like the ice cube that sank the Titanic! But Anne very kindly read for me saying that it was perfectly natural to be nervous on your first night - I never, ever read my own work in the two years I attended - I think I got off with it by complimenting Anne on her truly wonderful story-telling voice, and also by explaining that I could 'hear' my mistakes if somebody else read it out loud. Whatever. It worked.

If I ever do have a best-seller and need to do a public reading I will have to ring Anne and ask her to accompany me - because the stories don't sound half bad when she reads them.

Keep smiling, More Later.