Moving on up!

I usually have a good spring clean every new year when I plan all my writing activity but the recent weather conditions, including today has meant that I couldn't get to work for the third time this month.

I wanted to use the time in a positive way so took the drastic action of clearing out the attic to make a new writing den. I previously used a cramped corner of my bedroom and over time I have stuffed writing tasks into places and forgotten them, only to find them months later resulting in missing deadlines for article submissions or competitions.

The attic was converted some time ago, it's a lovely space but over the years like most people, I have used it to store rubbish, spare clothes and Christmas decorations. It felt great to clear out so much stuff and move the things I use all the time in. All my writing help books are now close to me instead of being hidden in various parts of the house. I had forgotten how many useful reference books I had collected over the years and now I have them at arms reach, I can re-visit all the helpful advice immediately.

With a clear tidy desk, organised shelves and printer ready to fire up, I feel that my 'New Year' positive attitude has come early - a bit like an early Christmas present that I found while rummaging around in my attic!

There is something quite magical about climbing the staircase into my new writing den and I am determined to keep all the positive writing vibes stored up there along with all my books!

I am looking forward to 2011 but I am still going to make the last few days of 2010 count!

A Write Christmas!

The above two pictures may look like the typical antics of any Christmas party but this was NOT any party - it was the Wrekin Writers Christmas party!

Angeline and Sue are certainly getting into the mood while they attempt their gurning impression!





I had great pleasure in attending The Buckatree Hall hotel last weekend for our Writers Christmas dinner.

As well as the lovely company, it's a wonderful time to reflect over dinner what we have achieved and what we want to do next year. I felt so positive by talking with everyone about what our writing goals were for 2011

In the photo above (I'm the one with the antlers) I am with Julie Phillips who is a very talented writer and will be our new vice chair next year.

Below is Sue Horder-Mason - Chairperson giving an end of year speech. Sue has decided to step down next year and we all want to thank her for her wonderful contribution as Chairperson, she has done a brilliant job in her role. She has motivated us, inspired us, made us laugh and kept us all in order during our monthly meetings which can get a bit chaotic at times.




The group - after we had scoffed a three course lunch.




Simon Whaley was discussing the length of his novel here with Mike White - Well I guess that was what they were talking about!


I left feeling so happy after spending time with like-minded people. I love being part of this group and feel positive and determined to keep on writing through 2011.

Getting into the Medieval Spirit

I went to the Ludlow Medieval Fayre last weekend and really got into the medieval spirit in more ways than one.



I had an article published last year about the fayre and was surprised to see someone else had done similar this year which is great really as I guess magazine editors usually want to cover annual events like this so it's worth trying again, even if you have seen it done before.






The beautiful birds of prey are always there and you can have a hold for a few pounds




And the whole place takes on a really medieval Christmas atmosphere






Finally, I felt a little scared when I first saw this picture. No idea what that could be on my shoulder. The castle is said to have several ghostly visitors as well as the usual tourists. Perhaps this spirit was awakened by all the authentic sights and sounds of a Medieval castle.

Whatever it is I hope it stayed there. A parrot on the shoulder is one thing but I don't fancy carrying around a spirit!

Commercial Fiction

We had a guest speaker at our Writers Group this week. Alan Mahar - Publishing Director of Tindal Street Press gave a fascinating talk from a publishers point of view, covering how they got started as a company and hints and tips on what they are looking for.

I found his question and answer section very useful. He even covered one of my burning questions - What is commercial fiction?

My novel is constantly getting rejected for not being commercial enough. From all of my rejections I have received great feedback about it being well written, my writing style and that they have enjoyed what they have read but I have obviously chosen a subject that won't sell - or will it?

Tindal Street Press concentrate on writers from the West Midlands, with strong themes set around that particular area. They have enjoyed great success to date with many writers winning major awards or being short listed for them such as the Booker, Costa First Book Award and Orange Prize.

Alan made a great point about how an editor and the rest of the team all have to be passionate with the whole thing, not just like a story, but believe that everyone else will too. He also said that it is difficult if you are trying to break into the top London publishers, especially if your novel is set in a regional area as mine is.

At first I felt a little dis-heartened as I can't change my story or the genre to make it any more 'Commercial'. I truly believe that my characters are fixed and so is the setting, I don't think it would work if it was set anywhere else, even though as he said it, I started to day dream about my novel being set in London or Glasgow but talked myself out of exploring that idea any further.

However, what I can do is to keep on sending it out until I find a publisher who does believe in it. Every one of those editors out there have different feelings and views, I guess I just have to keep searching for one that feels the same as I do.

The Crogen Coach House Writing Project (aka Wrekin Writers Retreat)

Our yearly Wrekin Writers retreat was at the Crogen estate near Llangollen this year.

I was the last to arrive and have to apologise for surging into the house like the mad river Dee above, but I was so excited, I could hardly control myself.

I found other members of the group writing amongst the most wonderful surroundings of this lovely house.



Above Beverley Cherry



Above Julie Phillips



Above Crogen Coach House - our weekend retreat

I had to try and calm down and leave everyone in peace, so left the house for a walk. I was amazed at the beautiful surroundings that would inspire any writer.

It was a magical time, we had so much fun and got so much out of the house which had a grand piano and games room.



Simon Whaley doing a bit of Jazz!



Play it again Bryan, Sue begged him!



Me in my favourite spot!



I discovered this cottage in the daytime, but got some willing members of the group to go and visit at night for our own little 'Blair Witch Project' I found it quite scary to start with as I entered the derelict building and climbed the old ladder in darkeness.



Our gathering - a beautiful lasagna cooked by Darren



The final thing most people want to do is leave a note in the visitors book. After our terrifying walk to the haunted cottage - Bryan came up with this message

Twelve were expected (one member had to drop out at the last moment)

Eleven arrived

None of us would leave.

Although we were trying to be spooky, this little message meant so much more than a creepy scribbling!

We all got so much done on our writing projects that weekend. I arrived with a few notes written by hand and now have the main base for my next non-fiction book.

The whole house was crammed full of creative minds and inspiration for an entire weekend. I think our positive and creative spirits will stay in that house for ever.

Grasp some good luck

This time of year, in particular Samhain or Halloween can be such a magical time of year.

Whether it's children having fun with carving pumpkins, bobbing for apples or telling ghost stories around a fire, it's all part of celebrating the new cycle.

The end of summer for some people may feel horrible, but there are so many wonderful things that we can still enjoy if we embrace this new cycle of long dark nights and short days if we do not let the weather spoil our plans.

We can't do anything about the weather, so I try to think of positive ways to fight back if it becomes extreme, as it did last year in my case with the amount of snow we had where I live.

I shall spend more time writing because if it's dark and cold outside I feel more inclined to stay inside and be creative. I love sitting at my desk with a howling storm outside. I feel that I spend most of the year building up to this point of the year when I can be at my most productive.

In spring I started to sow some seeds, little ideas of what I wanted to write about. During the summer months I sat in the sun with my note pad, cultivating my ideas and helping them to grow.

In September I started to harvest those ideas. I moved them from a notepad onto my computer, keeping them safe for the long dark months ahead.

Now I will start to use my crop. A crop which will last me the whole winter. I hope to be sending a lot of submissions to various publishers in 2011, but I need this time to prepare for it it.

It was thought in ancient times that bobbing for apples would help a person to grasp good fortune - a bit of luck with one bite!

Here goes, my apples are waiting for me!

W H Smiths Author's Events

I got my first book sale in Wellington W H Smiths last week.

Catherine Cooper, Shropshire author of the Golden Acorn and Brit Writers award winner had arranged for many of the Shropshire writers to attend book selling events at the store throughout October. I have attended a few similar events like this in the past but this was the first time I got some sales. Perhaps it was the excellent position that we had been given which was near to the entrance of the store or maybe because we were right next to the chocolate stand, whatever the reason, it worked.

I was very pleased to be sitting next to my Mother who was selling her books and also in the company of Simon Whaley who has had nine of his books published.

As you see Simon pictured below did not really have a big enough table to display all of his publications, he is already working towards his tenth book, so will probably need an entire isle in the future!



It's always a wonderful and fun experience to attend these events, even though I never expect to sell many of my books, it's a great atmosphere and to actually see the people face to face who are interested in your work is such a lovely feeling.

Selling books on-line or any other way is not as special as talking to someone who is actually interested and prepared to hand over money for your work so hope to attend many further events like this.

Get em off!

No, I am not acting in a carry on film, I'm talking about submissions.

After attending the brilliant workshop on Saturday with Lynne Barret-Lee, which was part of the Wellington Literary Festival, I felt so motivated and as though anything is possible if you keep trying.

With three days off work I have spent the whole morning writing. I sent another letter to a Writing magazine and finished a children's story which I have just posted.

It's a lovely feeling to stand in front of a bright shiny red postbox and slip that envelope into it's gaping mouth, feeding it's empty belly with my work. I always feel like that is the first step towards success - just getting stuff out there in the first place and it's a similar feeling when you press the send button for an emailed submission - pure magic!

It was strange as when I had posted my story I saw an elderly gentleman walking towards me. He dropped something and was totally unaware of it. As I got near to him I could see it was a £20 note. I picked it up and called him back and the joy on his face was priceless, he looked at me in almost disbelief that I had handed it to him and not just pocketed it and walked away. I suppose I was his bit of luck today in that I was honest and gave the money back. (even though I could do with it!)

The reason I mention this story is that I believe that having any success in writing or anything else we do depends on two things, firstly yourself and your own actions (sending something off) and then others ( the editor) in reacting to your work and saying yes!

But of course it has to start with you and your submissions by getting them off in the first place!

Carry on writing!

A much needed boost

After the excitement of attending Catherine Cooper's celebration party, my motivation dipped a little when I received another three rejections for my novel and a children's story. I was impressed again with the comments some had given me though as each time, it allows me to take a little comfort that I simply need to find the right place and not that my work isn't good enough. I am still trying to find an Agent, but this is proving just as difficult as finding a publisher.

However, my confidence soared when I found out that my letter had been published in Writers News this month. I was secretly hoping that it would go in as the editor had emailed to say he read it with interest, but never the less, it was a great boost to see my name in print again. It really made me want to write more letters as it's a good way to gain experience too.

My letter was about using friends and family to give feedback on work. I have always found it extremely useful as I am forever passing work to my Mom and Husband for an outside opinion. Of course I would love to produce a perfect piece of work first time without pestering anyone, but unfortunately for me, that is not the case. I find I get so wrapped up in a story that my imagination can sometimes go astray and my attention to detail suffers, so it's great if someone can pull me back and point out what I am doing wrong.

Today is 10/10/10 and supposed to be a very lucky day. I have used it well so far and managed to get my novel and a story ready for posting to another publisher tomorrow and have produced an action plan of submissions for the next month or so.

Fingers crossed I may have some luck in the future.

A Golden Opportunity

I was lucky enough to be invited to Catherine Cooper's celebration party the other day. Catherine has just won the overall Brit Writers award with her magical book The Golden Acorn'

The red carpet was out and many people were trying it out for comfort, but of course it was there for Catherine who is a worthy person to tread it.



The copy below is the one that was printed in advance for when she attended the awards ceremony at the O2 in London.



The room and tables were incredible as Catherine had gone to immense detail to capture the magic of her book. The place names each had a golden acorn for us to take home and many of the characters from the book where on display. A man played a harp as we entered the room and Roman Soldiers mixed with the guests.

I was so inspired by the speeches that friends and family made about Catherine. She had suffered with poor health for years, eventually having to give up her much loved job, but never gave up on her writing.

She began by self-publishing her first three books and taking her wonderful displays into schools to inspire children to read. I was captivated when I first met her at a writers event in Newport earlier this year and had to buy 'The Golden Acorn' out of the money from my own book sales!

She entered the Brit Writing awards and not only won the children's award but was crowned the overall winner.




Catherine Cooper



'Camelin' - one of the characters from her book, carefully guarding Catherine's Awards.



The celebration cake



More characters from the book



Myself and Mom were on a table with other writers which was wonderful and we were spellbound when a Roman Centurion joined us for the whole afternoon. They were dotted around several tables and I had the pleasure of Gaius Longinius sitting right next to me! I even had a go at writing on his roman wax tablet.



I came away feeling so inspired, after such a magical day, and believing that anything is possible if you believe in yourself.

The search is on

I had to pick myself up a little last week after my novel was rejected by another publisher. However, it was still encouraging as I received such positive feedback which has spurred me on to go down the path of trying to find an agent.

My novel Red Kite has only been rejected six times which is not a lot really, based on the fact that 'Gone With The Wind' by Margaret Mitchell was rejected dozens of times before going on to be a best seller. There are of course countless others of writers that have not got there straight away, after all if it was easy, everyone would be doing it!

I have found it difficult with the timescale and that some publishers only want to see it in isolation, they may hang to it on for months only to reject it, leaving me back at a very low square one.

As I am on holiday this week, I shall begin my quest to search for an agent instead as after reading an interview in ALCS News with Stella Duffy, novelist, playwright and actor, I felt that this was the best way forward when writing fiction.

I have found quite a few agents to approach by searching the Writer's Market and Writers' and Artists' Yearbook, and hope it will increase my chances of eventually publishing my novel. I was running out of publishers who will accept submissions without an agent anyway.

There is also a great article on using agents in the October edition of Writers Forum.

Snakes and Ladders

Over the last few days, I feel like I have been playing a mad game of snakes and ladders as far as my writing is concerned.

I was heading up hill with so many ideas and submissions out there. I posted a story on Monday and was full of hope. But then the first snake sent me slithering back a few steps as my novel 'Red Kite' was rejected. It had been with a publisher for six months and so when I received the huge manuscript back, it was a bit of a blow this time. I felt I was so close as they had asked to see so much of it and gave me wonderful comments, they like my style but alas, it was not to be, apparently it is not commercial enough for them.

Then a wonderful ladder appeared in the form of a phone call from a local farm shop who have been stocking my book 'One Hundred Ways For A Chicken to Train Its Human' they said it had sold out and so needed more copies, wonderful news and I have had to order a new supply to give to them.

True to the game my next snake came only a few hours ago when reading a magazine about up-and-coming Children's books. I discovered that a character I had created months ago was already out there and doing very well with a major publisher, I felt deflated to start with but then thought to myself at least it was a great idea! I just didn't get there first.

It's quite magical in a way, I was born in the year of the snake according to the Chinese calender, and I really am fascinated by the creatures.

The picture above is of Sabby, my little wooden snake who sits on my coffee table every day just watching the mad life of a struggling writer who hopes that one day her snake will become a ladder to success.

So what! It's raining!

I know this dreadful weather is getting on every one's nerves, but today it really worked for me. I had originally booked this day off work in January in the hope that I would get a day pottering about in the garden and sunbathing with the chickens, but it was not to be. When I saw the pelting raindrops beating against my window first thing this morning, I decided I would turn it into writing day.

I started by re-working a children's story and getting it ready for submission next week.

I have also had a go at my first 'Writers CV'.

Working in a Jobcentre, I am looking at CV's all the time, but to produce a 'Writers CV' of my own was so hard. It's so different to a work CV but with the much appreciated help of Simon Whaley, I have now come up with something that I hope to use in the future when sending off a submission that requires one.

Most places don't even ask for a CV but I was thrown the other day when I wanted to send an idea to them and they asked for one.

I am quite pleased with my result ( it even went over two pages!) and hope that it will get longer in time if I enjoy more writing success.

So, I guess this post is about using the weather to help our writing. If you enjoy sunshine,snow,wind or even rain - let it inspire you to come up with ideas - on the other hand it may keep you inside to get those ideas onto paper!

Interviewing chickens

I enjoyed a wonderful week off work recently and met up with Robert Green from Talking Newspapers for the blind.

He came to interview the hens and have a chat with me.

It was a wonderful experience and we talked about why I had been inspired to write my book 'One Hundred Ways For A Chicken To Train Its Human'

The reason soon became clear and as soon as I let my hens out, they were more than happy to meet Robert and tell him in their own way why chickens are so inspiring for people to write about.

I was worried that they would not be too vocal or would get shy at being interviewed, but Robert, armed with microphone in one hand and corn in the other soon had them eating out of his hand as you can see in the photo above.

It was a wonderful experience for me too. I am looking forward to hearing the interview on CD at some point as Robert hopes to record extracts from my book along with the interview and put it onto the talking newspapers for the blind as a small humour feature.

It is often said that we should never work with children or animals - but in this case, it certainly went according to plan.

Talking Newspapers

I had a lovely bit of news today which was most welcome after the rejection I received last week for one of my children's stories that has been with a publisher for six months.

I felt very deflated to start with, but at least it was another positive rejection, with very nice comments about the main character and gave me hope for the future.

It's strong competition in the children's book market and sometimes I feel it's almost impossible to break through. However, I am on holiday for a whole week and will be sending it off to many more publishers in the hope of it finding it a home.

The news I had today really lifted my spirits as it was so different from the crazy and competitive world of book publishing.

Talking Newspapers for the blind are coming to interview me next week. They want to include a little humorous bit about chickens and my book on a future CD.

They make an audio CD for the blind with features and news, just like any other newspaper. What a wonderful thing! To give pleasure to those people who are unable see the words of a newspaper, book or a magazine that many of us take for granted. I can't wait to find out more about it. ( It may be a future article for me to write)

The Editor said he would like to hear the chickens talking - I just hope they don't get too nervous being interviewed - unlike me who will probably be a nervous but very excited wreck!

Tears, laughter and a great deal of talent

I went to see 'An evening of One Act Plays' last night, held by Horsehay Amateur Dramatic society. What a fantastic evening! I was captivated throughout the whole evening with such a variety of talent.

The first play 'Chain' reduced me to tears. It was a moving story set in Horsehay and Cradely Heath in the 1800's. It touched on life down the coal pits of Dawley and surrounding areas and then linked to the tragic lives of the women of Cradely Heath who worked as chain makers.

The second play 'Business is Business' was written by Mike White, fellow member of Wrekin Writers and directed by Susan White his wife. I have to use this post to congratulate them both.

It must be an amazing thing as a writer to see your own work brought to life with real people acting out every word you have created.

The whole act was set in a hotel garden at lunchtime. It didn't need any more scenes as it moved with such a wonderful pace that kept the interest of the audience.

The actors were superb and made the characters come to life, but of course those characters were created by Mike in the first place. It was he who made them believable.

He achieved within minutes what I guess was the desired effect for his two first characters Valerie and George.

As the audience enjoyed the opening scene, they recognised instantly what Mike was wanting to show in their characters and chuckles rippled throughout the village hall like a Mexican wave.

The third and final play was a wonderful farce and had everyone laughing once again as the 'Last Tango in Little Dawley' was acted out by yet another brilliant cast.

Good dialogue is so important. It really is the key to the 'show don't tell' motto and Mike along with the other writers certainly achieved this last night, along with the excellent actors who played their parts so wonderfully.

It's really made me think about the characters in my novel Red Kite. I now want to re-visit some of the scenes to make sure if the dialogue shows what I am trying to get across to the reader.

It's great to experience other things like this. I could never hope to achieve what Mike has done, but this was a wonderful experience and one that will hopefully bring a new way of looking at my own writing.

365 days

This rusty old horse shoe has been hanging on the gate post next to my drive for more years than I have known. Through every season, and whatever the day brings, it is there for 365 days of the year, hopefully bringing a little bit of luck to someone.

Last night's football game must have been devastating to the England team. They only have the chance every four years to try and win the World Cup.

I tried to imagine how awful it would feel, if I could only send my novel off every four years if I got a rejection! It certainly made me sympathise with our lads out there in South Africa. And this is true for so many other massive competitions or events that some people have to endure if they want to compete and win. If they fail they have to wait a long time before trying again.

As writers, I think we are the luckiest people of all. You may not think that when you get that horrible envelope back in the post rejecting your work. It may be something you have been working on for years, work that you and others thought may get off the slush pile and get published, but some reason it just didn't happen.

But we have 365 days of the year to try again, send something off and even if we get a knock back, we can try again instantly.

Hope my old horse shoe brings a bit of luck to some of you!

Stepping back to get a wider picture

I want to begin this post by thanking Julie Phillips who has really inspired me to work in a different way with my writing.

She started a forum where writers can analyse a piece of writing and give comments such as title, word length, structure, main character, pace etc, whatever you want to comment on really.

I read several short stories and found one that I particularly liked so had a go and found that I really enjoyed the exercise. Julie then posted my feed back onto her new private blog called 'Analyse this'. (see 'Julie's Quest' for details.)

The wonderful thing is that it made me take a step back and look at my own writing by using the same method. I now feel inspired to dig out some of my rejected stories, re-work them and send them off again.

The right place

I discovered this the other day, and thought it was a real work of art.

An uninvited wasp had decided to make a home by nesting in my bathroom!

It was an unsolicited visit to my house, without any research of what I can offer, or if I would accept it turning up. What a cheek I thought!

However, I did recognise what an amazing work of art it had produced.
Being so busy, I didn't act straight away, I took some time and just closed the doors and windows so it could not get back in, but I had already decided, it was not welcome in my house.

Eventually, I took action by removing the nest. I did not give any feedback on why it was not welcome in my bathroom, despite the talent that may be there.

We all realise, it's not easy to gain success in writing. But if you do the research, choose the right place, at the right time and make some enquiries first, you may be half way there.

Research is vital, along with determination, motivation and some hard work, it could be that you are buzzing with success. (sorry, couldn't resist that one!)

I am sure that the wasp just went away and built another nest somewhere else, despite the knock back of me rejecting the amazing work it had put in. It didn't mean it's work was not good enough, it just didn't fit in.

I shall be sending my entire novel off next week to a publisher, who said they want to read the whole thing, just hope I have found the right place, if not, just like the wasp, I will start again.

Blood, sweat and tears

I had some wonderful news today that 'Dogs Monthly' magazine have accepted an article I submitted in February.

Although I submitted the article in 2010, this article has taken nearly two years to write as I had to travel to so many corners of the country in order to get the material. I wanted to visit each site that I was writing about in order to take my own photographs.

The article is about our ever lasting bond with our dogs, and how even after death, we want an ever lasting memory of them by erecting statues and monuments.

The blood was my blood. It came from a trip to Cardiff when I walked for miles in the most uncomfortable boots that gave me blood blisters. But I got my picture which is part of a lovely sculpture in Cardiff bay of a ordinary dog ( who is very special) with his family.

The sweat and tears came in Cornwall last year. I made it my mission to find the statue of little 'Chalky' who belonged to Rick Stein the famous chef.

I walked through Padstow in the midday sun, it was packed with people looking for his seafood restaurant or his fish and chip shop and it was boiling hot.

When I saw the little bronze statue of the famous Jack Russel outside the restaurant, I burst into tears, it was so moving.

The relationship with our dogs and other animals have touched the human soul throughout the centuries. We seem to have this need to remember them in our own way.

The little grey dog in the picture at the top of this post is Oscar, he was my dog. He does not have a massive monument in his memory, just a tiny Celtic cross in the garden where nature thrives, so to me that is special.

I know I had to wait for this one, but it was worth it because I can share on a smaller scale how people have loved and lost their dogs, but will never forget them.

The magical month of May

I always feel that the month of May is such a magical time.

I went to the Green Man festival in Clun over the Bank Holiday. The Morris Dancers were fantastic, although the male dancers can be a little bit scary sometimes. I was right at the front when one chap who was at least eight foot tall ran straight at me! (OK perhaps not eight foot, but he was tall!)



A fire eater swallowed his flames then blew them out again like a dragon. He was then followed by a Jester on stilts who entertained the crowds as he marched up and down over the bridge, building on the excitement of the audience of what was coming next - The Green Man!



Every year the Green Man has to banish winter by fighting the Ice Queen.

It was so exciting as I waited on the river bank for him to appear. My heart was thumping as I sat next to some modern day Pagans who shared the magical moment with me.

Then from a distance somewhere behind, the crowd started to boo and hiss as the Ice Queen came from the opposite direction. The Green Man joined her as they met on the bridge. The fight began as he battled with the Ice Queen who was determined to keep her icy hold, but he continued to fight and he won!



The crowd screamed with joy as he was joined by the beautiful May Queen to welcome the end of winter. Children danced around the Maypole (so did my hens - see my other blog Inside the chicken coop) and everyone started to celebrate the magical month of May.




It really is a magical time. A time of re-birth, as the garden starts to come alive again. Animals emerge with their young, and everything feels new as the environment springs to life again.

That applies to my writing too. In the last few days I have felt incredibly creative and despite being at work, I made myself do a little bit of writing every day. Even a few notes scribbled here and there have made a difference, in fact I even came up with the title of my next novel while driving to work!

Just hope every coming month has the same effect on me!