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.

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.

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.

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.

The Child's Creative Bone.

All children have a creative bone, but, all too often it is crushed due to many reasons - issues around them and very little time to experiment with their written work.  I'm considering creating a children's writing club that would meet on a monthly basis and encourage children to discover or rediscover their creative bone.

Would this interest your children? If so, would you encourage them to pursue it? Would you be willing to pay for it?

There would be many facets to the club, which would not only develop your children's writing ability, but would also boost their self esteem.

I'm keen to have feedback from parents.  So if you have thoughts on this please comment.

VWC writers & visitors.

What a fun night at 'The White Hart' public house in St. Albans. The VWC or Verulam Writers' Circle to the uninitiated were holding their biweekly manuscript meeting. There were a some wonderful pieces of work. The readers ranged from visitors to the president himself. The work being produced by the group as a whole is quite amazing, going from strength to strength.

So what is a visitor?

Visitors are writers keen to know more about the VWC. They pop in to see if the writing circle is what they are looking for and they are always welcome. There are two different types of meeting. White Hart meetings are free, but visitors may have to wait for paid up members to read first before they get the chance to read and get their material critiqued. However, if you want to get a "full taster" then paying the £3 visitors fee (£5 if we have a speaker) at St Michaels is the way to go. But becoming a member is the best value of all. As a member you get to read, enjoy critiques and get first dibs on the special events. Always a good thing. 
And here is a gentle reminder about 'GET WRITING 2012' visit the http://www.verulamwriterscircle.org.uk/getwriting2012.php and book your place now.

What a Fantastic Weekend.

I had an amazing weekend at the Festival of Romance.  I was there to run the book stall, which was fascinating on its own, but this also gave me a chance to learn much more about the genre.  I discovered I was very naive and during the process I met some wonderful writers.
I have to at this point mention the food. It was delicious. I have been to many conferences and festivals over the country and the food has been reasonable, but this was in a different league.

©Martin Smith - www.silver-images.net

The Saturday programme, much like the Friday programme was full of interesting sessions, lots of networking, and special events! I was rather partial to the cup cake tasting. Was it because it the cakes were handed around by a fine specimen of a shirtless, well honed, young man. It was a delightful lift towards the end of the day.
At the end of the days events delegates nipped off to put on there evening gowns and together with their partners or husbands strolled down to partake of the Rouge Champagne Party, held in the lobby. From there people moved through to have their photographs taken, the image shown is Heidi and Laura from (Total-E-Bound Publishing), with me, in the middle.  Then everyone took up their seats at the dinner tables for the charity ball.. The fun and games began. Awards were given and photo's taken, the  jazz band struck up and the dancing commenced. And before we knew it the time had raced away and we all headed off to sleep.
Congratulations to the organisers of the first, I'm sure it won't be the last, Festival of Romance. A great success.