Thursday, May 13, 2010 3:21:50 AM
I have had a 6-month break from this, to spruce up my first novel for a competition. I didn't make the short-list, so now I'm making a serious effort ar researching and writing my second novel.
The research involves reading many old newspapers that are available online, and other documents. I want to keep writing while I do this so I don't lose impetus, and if I read anything that would markedly change the plot or detail, I'll deal with it when the time comes.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010 9:56:21 AM
Today was my day for talking to my tutor at the NZIBS. The only thing I had to say was that I didn't get onto the shortlist for the writing competition. She's glad I'm keeping on with novel Two, though. It was good to chat - it's always encouraging, but a meeting first thing at work put it out of mind for most of the day. Oh well. Get up and go on.
Monday, April 5, 2010 8:44:46 AM
writing, submission, competition, three little pigs
I got my submission to a competition posted March 26th. Enclosed were the entry form, synopsis and first two chapters. While I was editing it, I had trouble keeping the sample of writing to 10-15 pages; no way was it going to be only 10 pages. I had already crunched three chapters to make the specified two. It was a good exercise in editing out the unnecessary.
Writing a novel can go like this: you bring it into being (1st draft), then feed it so it grows up (help it to walk and talk, teach it manners and how to dress properly, to make friends and find a career etc - many more drafts). Unfortunately, at maturity it is likely to become overweight and in need of some dieting, so has to lose many superfluous words, perhaps whole chapters. Eventually it should leave home, and like the three little pigs, be sent out to make its fortune (final draft).
Unfortunately, as for the three little pigs, life is tough out there...
Tuesday, March 2, 2010 2:06:53 AM
bio, competition
I've written the bio to go with the novel competition. It's difficult to write about your own writing experience when you haven't had anything published. I have completed two writing courses, so at least that's something to put down.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010 2:12:23 AM
phone, txt, typepad, blog
I am making a blog on Typepad, which for now will most likely duplicate this one, as far as the articles on writing go. If I upgrade to a paid account on typepad, I'll have greater flexibility. As it is now, Typepad lets you submit by email, so short posts can be done from a cell phone that can send txt to an email address. There are only 131 characters possible per post, however...
Saturday, February 20, 2010 4:23:00 AM
write, edit, novel
You can get more done if you get away from all the things that are clamouring for attention. Going somewhere in the car, stopping for a set time, and writing like crazy can achieve heaps.
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