Welcome to my writers blog.

Writing to entertain and encourage other writers. To keep you informed of events, workshops, retreats and conferences available for writers.

The Love of Dance

Sunday 27 November 2011

'Topic Task' Week Four

Sorry for the delay in posting this weeks 'Topic Tasks' but I've been spending some quality time with my grown up son down in Portsmouth. Great chill out time.

1. The night I shouldn't have had.
This could be the opening to a story or just a prompt to kick start a forgotten memory or stimulate a new idea. How you use it is up to you.

2. Rejection - Argue - Babies
Three words to play with. What do they mean to you? How could you use them to create a piece of creative writing?

Don't forget to let me know what you have achieved here on my blog, or on facebook or via twitter. Or if you have written something, submitted it and subsequently had it printed, please let me know. It would be great to pass on your achievements here.

So, go and write.

Tuesday 22 November 2011

When it is working.

I know I'm not the only writer to have times when words don't come out correctly. I've spent days working on various things and have at last succeeded. It is such a wonderful feeling. This has enabled me to get three short stories finished and they will soon be heading out for a new home. Only hope they are well received.
So my tip today is to keep going. Don't worry if you struggle, eventually things come good. If you put in the extra effort the results will be well worth it.  Edit, rewrite, edit and rewrite until you get it right. It also helps to have a bar of chocolate sitting on the side waiting for you to finish each day. The only problem with that is if you don't do the work you don't get the chocolate.

Friday 18 November 2011

Topic Task - Week Three

It is Friday again and time for then next two 'Topic Tasks' for this week.

I've had a few comments from readers and writers, which have all been favourable.  In particular the word vasectomy seemed to get the thumbs up.

1. Three words to inspire. These words should appear in the story, poem or article. CANDLE, FOREST & SCREW.

2. Scorch marks... This could be a title or something that happens within a story.

What you make of these 'Topic Tasks' is up to you. They could all be dark and mysterious, fun and frivolous or down right naughty. It is your choice. What do they conjure up in your imagination? Got the idea,  now go and write.

Friday 11 November 2011

Topic Task - Week Two

I hope you last weeks topics gave you some food for thought. Let me know if you were inspired or not.

Remember these tasks are set to help you focus on something new. To challenge yourself. Of course if you see the tasks through to the end you may well find your work in print.

Topics for week two:

1. Think up a YA book idea - brief draft idea, synopsis and opening paragraph. Then look at it - is it worth completing. How could you improve it?

2. Three words: Vasectomy, Copper Tubing,  Lemon Meringue Pie - Write a short story that includes all these aspects.

I hope these ideas inspire you to set the keyboard light. Have fun.

Friday 4 November 2011

Topic Task - Week One.

I've been speaking to many writers recently and they have expressed an interest in having a writing task set each week. Sometimes, as a writer, you need a distraction to allow your mind to work out a situation that you are struggling with. Taking on a 'topic task' allows the mind to focus on something else whilst the subconscious sorts out the issues with your manuscript. Some people go for a long walk, paint the house or make umpteen cups of tea, but for me a topic works.

The idea of the 'topic task' is to inspire and make you focus on writing something for publication as well as pleasure. Some tasks will need research and it is important to target your market if the task requires it.
So, your first weeks 'topic task' is.

I have given you two options here. Select the one that appeals to you.

1. How many times! - Short story (1000 words) or poem (41 lines max) - target your market and submit.
2. An article for a men's magazine - research requirements and submit.   

I hope one of these will stimulate your creativity. Please let me know if you’ve had a go at one of these and how you found the prompts.

 I will post a new 'topic task' next Friday.