Storytime

Yes, it's that time of the year when we all stop mid stride and wonder where the HELL THE YEAR HAS GONE. Surely it can't be July already. What happened to March? I do vaguely remember Easter but did May just slip by unnoticed? It has happened yet again, half a year gone when no one was paying attention. To those that are deadly serious about meeting deadlines and reaching goals (or are forced to reconsider them at a writing retreat) this is the time of year when we look at our goals for the year and ponder on what has happened. Interesting fact, my goals for this year went AWOL. They have to be somewhere, let's face it, I was a good girl and put some down. However, with the tidyness   mess  chaos that is my desk, they have disappeared amongst the pile of crap  stuff that waits my attention. I did write some more whilst on retreat and looking back on them I'm amazed I've got so far through the year without really doing much. But now is NOT the time to ...

Last weekend I went away with my writing group for a retreat. And after all the preparation I had done in readiness (see last post), I was more than eager to get there and get thinking. Every time I go away with this group of writers, I am amazed at how little  much I achieve. Usually I do a lot of walking. After all, isn't that meant to help the creative cogs churn? Some may call it procrastination but I call it 'clearing the head'. Most retreats I do a LOT of 'clearing the head.' But as I was so prepared this time, I actually got a lot done. You may notice pad and pen at the ready. And if you zoom in it actually says 'we solve the world's problems, one sip at a time.' Not that there was a lot of drinking done... This was at a lovely restaurant where we went to help celebrate two milestone birthdays. The food divine...and afterwards a nice 'clearing the head' along the pier. It wasn't all sunshine and clear skies....ther...

What to pack when heading off for a writing retreat. 1. SUSTENANCE. There is nothing worse than being so involved in your work that hours pass and you pause to find your fingers curled into talons, your back needs to be crunched and your stomach growling for food because you have happened to have missed breakfast, lunch and dinner. In truth, this has NEVER happened to me but...I believe for some people, it can, may, and does occur. So when going away, it is always great to have a selection of easy meals and snacks. Healthy snacks such as fruit and nuts, rice cakes and hummus. 2. THAT PIECE TO WORK ON. I mean you have to take your major WIP (work in progress) with you...why else are you going away with a bunch of fellow writers? Surely, some say, you could work on said piece at home. Alone. Or with assorted children/ grandchildren/ pets/ siblings/ parents/ spouses surrounding you. (AS IF) Writing, surely, is easy. Sit down and do it....this is often said by those that do...

Last weekend and daughter and I headed off for another musical (our last in this year's series). We saw Aladdin. The scenery and costumes were amazing...totally stunning. Driving home with 'Friend like Me' going through my head, and staying with me for DAYS. But all worth while, we really enjoyed the show and it was a blast from the past. At times like this I really think I should be concentrating more on my writing for children. For a variety of reasons. I read a lot of children's writing, I work a lot with children and adults finding the right book for a child....and I have yet to grow up. I mean I do love to dress up... whether I'm a slytherin...or... a rabbit for Easter. Face painted and fairy wings ready to roll at work... Growing up, or lack of growing up, I feel helps a lot when working with kids. It keeps everything fresh and new and exciting. Hopefully it keeps you in contact with what kids want to do, to read or to enjoy. Unfortunat...