Storytime

One of my goals for this year is to finish the YA novel that I began last year. I blithely stated - to my writing group- TO FINISH YA NOVEL. That was it. No word limit to hit, no date when to finish - nothing. Hmm perhaps you see the problem? With nothing definite I could write 10,000 words (is that really called a novel) and have it finished- first draft- by the 31st December. So, with the help of a writing buddy, we sat down and managed to cut this goal into biteable chunks. It was decided that because I write 'other stuff' as well as work on the novel- that a goal of between 700 - 1000 words a week was do-able.  And at first I thought, wow that's a lot of words. I mean I'm not solely focusing on the novel. I also write-  Poetry - short story- spoken word - book reviews (for work) - reinvent nursery rhymes and songs (for work) - non-fiction - not to mention editing, re-editing, final editing in the preparation for sending stuff out into the ether - and other s...

Hmmm - the idea of poetry before midday was an interesting one. I must admit the majority of poetry events I have been to have been either in the afternoon or the evening (ending often in the late hours) - in a bar, pub, or at least a cafe where a quick glass or two of 'courage' can be obtained. But poetry with your bacon and eggs? Swapping a beer for coffee? Could it be done? Should it be done? The poet's breakfast was part of the The Basin Music Festival  - and a wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning. With over twenty poets and musicians performing - yes not just poetry - it showcased a variety of performance styles. Considering the hour, most of the work was light and humorous - everything from the frustration of getting a new gadget out of its plastic casing - to the joys of growing older. Yet there was serious work as well - dealing with a new born and all the fear and joy that brings with it- to saying goodbye to a mother. It was fun and inspiring (as all s...

It makes sense to begin at the beginning but how to start? I'm afraid I'm one of those that procrastinate. I want to write, know that when I have the time available I should write but starting....starting is the problem. First I'll check my emails, just in case something vital has popped up in the minute or two since I last checked. Then I venture onto FB- wander aimlessly, sometimes led astray by news items or youtube videos.... then I look at my list (yes I'm a list girl) to see what I should work on and open the folder. You would think I would start writing then but now... now I either take something out of the freezer for dinner, or put on a load of washing... then once I feel I have done something 'useful' I begin... How do others begin? I know of some that 'allow' themselves a certain amount of time surfing the internet...a warmup if you will. Others play a few games on the computer, some like myself check emails, then the news, then email...

I ventured out on Saturday, ignored the towering grass pretending to be lawn and the call of the lawn mower, and went to the Word Tree , the first for the year. And what a way for the Word Tree to begin with both features Ross Gillett and Ross Donlon delivering a variety of poetry that made the audience ooh, aah, nod in agreement then squirm in their seats, at the appropriate moments. I do enjoy listening to feature poets...some are new to me and I get a 'wow' moment, others are favourites that I will listen to time after time, after time. But I also really enjoy the open mic. To me it's a bit like a potplant potted up with a variety of colours and textures. The pot is the venue, the place where this all comes together. And then you have the plants. Often there will be a larger one in the centre, the feature, but to add that extra touch there are the surrounding plants, those that enhance and help to bring out the best in the feature plant. And to me these are the ...

I'm always interested in how other writers write. Have they set up their own study, do they sit at the kitchen table amongst the toast crumbs and coffee cups? Do they write in the early hours when no one else is stirring, or do they pound the keys late at night (often after a long day at work). Always very interesting, often inspiring but sometimes... One of the hardest lessons to learn when writing is to never compare yourself to anyone else. It is hard when you read about an author that says while she worked full time, looked after three small children, was the leader of her local girl guide group, walked the dog twice a day, went to dance lessons and managed to write a 50,000 word novel in just eight weeks. That of course was snatched up by a publisher, became a best seller and is now being made into a movie. Well if often leads me to think 'hmmm so what am I doing with my spare time?' Some people can sit at the computer screen and have 1000 words within an hour- some...