tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4994457452983959552024-02-18T20:01:28.032-08:00The Trials of an Unpublished AuthorThese blogs were created to show the ups and downs of being unpublished including the work experience years. lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-15493377726395431042017-07-17T16:30:00.000-07:002017-08-21T10:40:58.732-07:00Literary DNA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzy7QwyowgoYptPGhq3Mb2jMr4iK5sRNEyuqKFKFEFG_Mqi61kEfqRCCdO1sgwR7_oxugum7V7cG2ZLfAzbWwyI5aVdyph9716DxvgqhsMBWA_zPWeXGgHnQTeHcKB3yYhUoaLJT_1SGq/s1600/Men.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="497" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbzy7QwyowgoYptPGhq3Mb2jMr4iK5sRNEyuqKFKFEFG_Mqi61kEfqRCCdO1sgwR7_oxugum7V7cG2ZLfAzbWwyI5aVdyph9716DxvgqhsMBWA_zPWeXGgHnQTeHcKB3yYhUoaLJT_1SGq/s320/Men.PNG" width="312" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Thirteen years ago, I travelled to Fowey in search of the
house that had inspired Daphne Du Maurier to write <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rebecca</i>. On that occasion, I borrowed the novel from a library to compare text with
findings. When I purchased the book several years later, I was surprised to discover
that particular edition didn’t contain a disclaimer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I presumed they had omitted to include this
because the characters were based on real people. Maybe it
wasn’t a coincidence that the protagonist resembled the author herself? Daphne
Du Maurier began writing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rebecca</i> when
she was living in Alexandria, the dutiful yet reluctant wife of an army officer
[1]. Homesick and living in strange surroundings, Du Maurier must have been
suffering the same feelings of inferiority that plagued the new Mrs de Winter
in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rebecca.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Surely, all authors must draw on personal traits and experiences? It
is, after all, the easiest way to write a novel. Agatha Christie, a pharmacist who married an archaeologist, was clearly inspired by both
these subjects. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Similarly, I can not imagine an author's work would not be influenced by a
personal tragedy. The impact of Branwell Bronte’s addictions
is evident throughout his sisters’ work. I remember staring at Branwell’s
portrait of his three sisters and being mesmerised by the
ghostly apparition between Emily and Charlotte. This fuzzy self portrait is now
understood to have been a conscious decision by the artist to remove him self
from the painting. It seems as if he felt unworthy within their company when in
actual fact he was the creative force behind the family. You could argue that Branwell was their greatest
influence. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Every year, thousands of tourists visit Haworth and the
surrounding area in search of Bronte inspirations. There are so many other
writers that we associate with particular locations: Christie’s Devon, Du
Maurier’s Cornwall, Dickensian London... the list is endless. It doesn’t have
to be limited to a county either; for example, when I think of Wilbur Smith, Africa comes to
mind. Whether authors focus on a particular county or continent, the one common
factor seems to be that these places hold some significance in their life. Maybe, the
settings are based on the place where they currently live, have lived, or would like to
live. They may have gone there on vacation? Perhaps it was a childhood
haunt? Whatever is the case, most authors stick to what they know. Why opt for
some random place you’ve never been to before? You might be able to create
authenticity during a one-off research trip, but is it really worth the time and
effort, when you could have chosen somewhere far more familiar? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The sources for the Bronte novels are widely contested. It
seems likely that Shibden Hall near Halifax was the inspiration for Thrushcross
Grange (the Linton’s home in Wuthering Heights) and High Sunderland Hall where
Emily Bronte worked as a Governess is similar to Lockwood’s description of Wuthering Heights. However, there are
other buildings that could have been inspirations for Wuthering Heights<em>,</em> such as Ponden Hall and Top Withens. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ponden Hall also resembles Thrushcross Grange [2].
Sometimes, it makes sense to create a single fictional setting from a mix of real
locations. I amalgamated the view from my window (the woods and snicket) with
another location that was prone to landslides and flooding; both of which were
essential plot requirements. If I had stuck with the view from my window, the corpse would have had to find her own feet and walk through the woods to the
nearest flooded field. You can’t mix up forensic science, but you can play
around with location. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">The de Winter’s home in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rebecca</i>
was a combination of sources. Du Maurier based Manderley on both the estate of
Menabilly (near Fowey) and Milton (near Peterborough) [3]. Following my visit to Cornwall
in June 2004, I was in no doubt that the infamous first lines of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Rebecca</i> were inspired by Du Maurier’s
first visit to Menabilly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I retraced her
footsteps with only the novel and an inadequate map as my guide. The first
encouraging sight was a gatehouse, which resembled the “uninhabited” lodge in
the first paragraph. Beyond this, a long winding driveway that matched the
‘twisting and turning’ drive on page one. [4]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">After consulting the map, I realised that there was a public
footpath leading to the beach and this might allow access to the rear of the
house. We parked on the next turn off and made the rest of the journey by foot.
I recognised Menabilly Woods immediately from Du Maurier’s descriptions and
knew I was on the right path. I saw fields on the edge of a coastline and a
sky full of gulls; a scene reminiscent of Hitchcock’s depiction of Du Maurier’s
short story<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> The Birds</i>. I felt an overwhelming urge to march on ahead. Clinging onto the hope that I might
catch a glimpse of the grounds, perhaps even the house itself. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I stepped out of the woods onto shingle and sand. Rebecca’s boat house was easily
recognisable; perched on a hill to the right of the cove. However, I felt
compelled to walk in the opposite direction, along a grassy verge, towards a
long lawn and Rhododendrons. In the novel, the house had been destroyed by fire.
What I saw at that moment was Manderley rising from the ashes, well tended and
far from dilapidated. Du Maurier’s descriptions had come to life. This place
had her DNA all over it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Bibliography:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">[1] Enchanted Cornwall [Penguin Books Ltd. 1989 p127/8]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">[2] Wuthering Heights, by Emily Bronte [First Published
1847, republished Penguin Popular Classics 1994]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">[3] Enchanted Cornwall [Penguin Books Ltd. 1989 p19]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">[4] Rebecca, by Daphne Du Maurier, [First Published 1938,
republished Virago Press 2003]</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-84896961417451618122016-11-17T17:23:00.000-08:002017-07-28T06:33:59.994-07:00HUNGRY AMBUSH PREDATOR WRITERS<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br />
</span></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9zloWgierhoklhftH_t109s4gdDKCAOOUHDisBfiKMvHLUZyITyUcdIGxabxgnV6TX6EOmwmoTRx_mdG4z01eEEWnV9jvHUvoQ3qNq7Rbp3Xl6Nvgjpgp4tLrH04wybEjeQs53SDbQP-/s1600/242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9zloWgierhoklhftH_t109s4gdDKCAOOUHDisBfiKMvHLUZyITyUcdIGxabxgnV6TX6EOmwmoTRx_mdG4z01eEEWnV9jvHUvoQ3qNq7Rbp3Xl6Nvgjpgp4tLrH04wybEjeQs53SDbQP-/s320/242.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">
</span></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">For this blog I could have used an inanimate object to get
my point across; a submarine with raised periscope and sonar intermittently
pinging. However, a cold blooded living-being is perfect for what I have in
mind. This is no Ladyfish. I’m thinking of slippery eels - the gulper and
swallower types. Perhaps a Large Scale Four-Eyed or the poisonous Toadfish; be
it prickly or pale.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want you to imagine
this creature lurking in the abyss. It feels quite at home in this murky underworld, stooping low, plumbing the depths of desperation. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Patrica Highsmith once said, “I cannot think of anything
worse or more dangerous than to discuss my work with another writer. Their
invisible antennae are out for the same vibrating in the air – or to use a
greedier metaphor, they swim along at the same depth, teeth bared for the same
kind of drifting plankton.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Unfortunately it is not uncommon for both published and
unpublished writers to discover their work has been copied. I know of several published authors who have discovered their novels online, under another person's name. From
what I can gather the best advice is to register publications with </span><a href="http://www.blasty.co/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri";">www.blasty.co</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> . This website claims to, "Monitor Google for illegal
copies of your content and remove them with 1 click." But</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> how can an unpublished author protect their work?
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Ideas and themes are not protected in UK law, so keep extracts on websites to a
minimum. If you don't plan to self-publish you’re in
for the long haul. Offers don't come knocking on your door. Agents and publishers
don’t have the time or inclination to search for the next best thing. It isn't their job to trawl oceans looking for a lucrative catch. You have to tout your next project. But how do you do that without risk? It’s important to fathom who you can trust before sending
submissions. Time-stamp everything, then get out and meet everyone who is
anyone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Networking events are only productive if you have the
courage to approach the professionals in attendance. Competition winners usually benefit from introductions.
Depending on the award, you could meet the right people at ceremonies or book launches.
Don’t miss out on these opportunities. Apply for a travel grant if money is
tight. If an introduction isn’t an option you could attend an intimate
agent/publisher led course. Whether you are sussing out agents or editors, ask
yourself if this person would represent you to the best of their ability and if not, why not? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Don’t discuss your work in public. If an agent/editor asks about your novel, keep the pitch short - no more
than a tantalising blurb. Always be quiet and discrete. You never know how many
writers are homing in on your ideas. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve seen them acting fishy at conferences. You're bound to catch one or two loitering around festivals with their radars on full
alert. Keep your eyes on the look out for hungry ambush predators. Patrica
Highsmith knew what she was talking about.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlYrx8LZdTdwapAnecGfDZC02OBz2sVK0QmcfVqDxQM9NLJN7VTJO8FwtEyy82qaC_tvgHOrZT_dWu-dKa7NpdIBpn-SCG2xVxKf8ueLrx5vOoD6w6dt5UlsFHdak3RnI8_6Kw-X6RpCu/s1600/abyss+1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlYrx8LZdTdwapAnecGfDZC02OBz2sVK0QmcfVqDxQM9NLJN7VTJO8FwtEyy82qaC_tvgHOrZT_dWu-dKa7NpdIBpn-SCG2xVxKf8ueLrx5vOoD6w6dt5UlsFHdak3RnI8_6Kw-X6RpCu/s640/abyss+1.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-89679009140979078842016-09-11T11:38:00.002-07:002016-09-12T12:47:21.894-07:00Book Launches and Reading Events<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><strong>Since my short story made it into the ‘Northern Crime One’
anthology, I’ve been meaning to write a series of blogs about my experiences as a newly
published writer. All three blogs will contain a Patricia Highsmith quote,
because she was far more qualified to teach crime writing than I.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After eight years of working out my niche in
a commercial market and creating a portfolio of ‘domestic noir’ manuscripts, I
realise there’s still a long way to go.....</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span> </h2>
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">POST PUBLICATION BLOG No. 1: BOOK LAUNCHES AND READING EVENTS.</span></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkFM8AEXedMHBOdgHnxxhJgRq0nPbWE1IyVWqYv_TuAgdr8GWRqDerttSnH0TV8sMFZg3TJDyCCE_p8-7oA5Ufbq-lYo6rFGz6DBug7tzjvrCMcSuSdzzVtT5TWyN0LoaLcA3YHvQGq2P/s1600/20160505_173815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFkFM8AEXedMHBOdgHnxxhJgRq0nPbWE1IyVWqYv_TuAgdr8GWRqDerttSnH0TV8sMFZg3TJDyCCE_p8-7oA5Ufbq-lYo6rFGz6DBug7tzjvrCMcSuSdzzVtT5TWyN0LoaLcA3YHvQGq2P/s320/20160505_173815.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Wallsend, Newcastle where the second ‘Northern Crime One’ book reading event was held</h3>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></o:p> </div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">For the first two book readings it was reassuring to know that Moth Publishing and New Writing North were in charge of publicity, ticketing and book sales. The encouragement of new writers at the two venues (Newcastle Central Library and Customer First Centre, Wallsend) was obvious and much appreciated. Both audiences were generous, warm, complementary and forgiving of my nervous performances. At the 'Northern Crime One' launch (my first ever public reading event) I was pleased to meet everyone and honoured to be there, but the sight of the lectern in the middle of a large empty stage filled me with dread. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I stepped onto the stage slowly and carefully, aware that my jelly legs could give way at any moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There I stood in front of a packed house, staring at the anthology that I’d pinned to the lectern in an attempt to maintain control over flapping pages and shaking hands. I must have glanced up because I recall a mass of heads. I didn’t take notice of any expressions for fear of seeing anyone yawning. I stopped myself from doing an exact head count, rounding each row up to 10, multiplying by 10 and fretting because that estimation came to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">quite a lot;</i> much more than I’d expected - a lot of people to disappoint.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did not dare look up again until the end of my reading, otherwise I would have been distracted and lost my place on the page. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Although I’d rehearsed my introduction, I couldn’t help but make a few last minute adjustments. This kept the adrenalin going and my brain alert, which resulted in a better performance out of the two. I had to describe my novels as well as the short story extract that I was about the read, but more than anything else, the introduction had to be succinct and not send anyone to sleep. Suddenly, something came to me: ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">My protagonists are normally unreliable, but this one’s a reliable psychic</i>.’ I heard a few people laugh. This intended reaction broke the ice and settled my nerves - for a few seconds at least. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I made mental notes: keep pausing for breath, pay attention to punctuation, make sure the delivery is not too fast or too slow, hold your head high, don’t slouch and resist the temptation to speed read. I bit my tongue to stop myself from apologising in advance and read on. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the end, I looked up and thanked everyone for listening. I think they might have been applauding at the time...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">What really surprised me was that I felt more nervous at the second event. Maybe it was the sight of the stage: two chairs, a clip-on mic and no lectern to hide behind? I perched on the edge of the chair, unable to hold the anthology; my nervous disposition clearly visible to all in attendance. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reading went as well as could be expected, but when the compere began to ask questions my brain went into overload. Unfortunately all sorts of things were racing through my mind; everything except the correct answer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The question was simple: “When did you attend the Arvon course?” I blurted out the first date that came to me; some random year from the 1980’s. Then to make matters worse I had a stab at another, which happened to be my daughter’s birth year, eighteen years before the aforementioned writing course. I bowed my head in shame and weakly revived the situation by announcing that it<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> was a long time ago.</i> For some reason I felt it was necessary to waffle on about the novel writing course; something on the lines of<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> ‘You cook and eat together, attend workshops and one-to-one tuitions in a beautiful house in beautiful surroundings so you can go on nice walks.’ </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I must take this opportunity to apologise for the poor excuse for an advertisement, so I’ve made up by posting a gorgeous photograph of Lumb Bank. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">My answers didn’t get any better during the Wallsend event.
When I was asked about my stint in the Special Constabulary, I said<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> I’d thought it would be like Charlie’s
Angels, but it wasn’t. I was too soft to make it as a regular, but I was
interested in the whole police procedural thing, which is why I went onto study
criminology</i>....All the while I was
praying that no one would ask when I went to university, because I’d gone
completely date-lexic by then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
ground did not swallow me up as I’d hoped, but it wasn’t all bad. Both events
were invaluable experiences for any newbie. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I informed the audience at Wallsend that I’d spent quite a few years building a ‘domestic noir’ portfolio. My short story had been adapted from my second novel, ‘Ghost
Towns’. I changed the female narrator from the mother of a victim into a
psychic, which allowed me to examine the dead victim’s POV. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoyed playing around with different approaches to writing crime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ideas are precious,
which is why all my work is documented, time-stamped and filed so that I may go back and use them
at a later date. I might decide to rearrange plot
outlines, take something from one novel and transfer it into another medium or
split a manuscript in half - two for the price of one. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as my portfolio is full of decent
material the only thing I need worry about is the next reading event...... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">”In the barren periods, one should browse through the
notebooks. Some ideas may suddenly start to move. Two ideas may combine,
perhaps because they were meant to combine in the first place” <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Patricia Highsmith</b></span></div>
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lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-22927575609541166262016-01-22T06:06:00.000-08:002017-09-06T10:13:06.376-07:00DON'T SHARE YOUR SWEETS! Beware of sending work off for dubious critiques.<span style="font-family: "calibri";">In unpublished circles and the newly published set, writers
have one thing in common - their heads are bulging with ideas. They can’t
imagine such a thing as a published author suffering from creative deficiency; desperately searching for a little spark of inspiration....</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">When I think of being deficient in something I recall a
particular period in my life when I was a stone heavier, off coffee and
consuming dolly mixtures by the truck load. If we are to assume that cravings
in pregnancy are linked to a deficiency in diet then I can only guess I needed a
sugar rush. I have heard that if you get a taste for something in particular
during those long nine months it will turn out to be your child’s favourite
indulgence. Perhaps the foetus is developing a liking for whatever Mum is
devouring?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyhow, sure enough, my son
has a penchant for sweets. He’s not fussy, whether they’re weighed out from
jars, in packets or tubes. I spent most of his early years at Woolworths, scrambling
around, cupping my hands to catch stray <em>Pick 'n Mix</em>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nowadays you don’t need to get them weighed at
the counter - just pay for a cup and fill it to the brim. Some experts choose
carefully, ignoring the spherical gob stoppers and going for the smaller flat
options - cramming as much in as you can get away with. I’ve seen them craftily
holding the lid firmly down, pretending they’ve not stolen more than they
should have - an innocent, childish deception. However, not all deceptions are this endearing.
</span><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I often wonder if some published authors who suddenly offer
to critique work might have an ulterior motive to ‘pick and mix’ someone else’s
ideas?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even if these short-term
editorial services are provided without that intention, it is a sure fire way
of subconsciously plagiarising work. I remember reading a novel that was very atmospheric
and Dickensian. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before long, someone pointed
out that I’d been replacing the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">because</i>
with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for,</i> both in emails and texts. I’d
got no idea I’d been writing ‘ye oldie English’, but it had been going on for
over a month. This is the reason why you shouldn’t read your genre when
writing. Crime writers should choose something comedic during the months
they’re plotting a murder - clear your mind of blood and gore. </span><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I think it’s a good idea to attend talks and lectures when you're working on your next project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s nothing
more productive than a small workshop. If you can afford it, pack yourself off to a writing
retreat. All writers crave solitude.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Many published authors complain about not having the time to write their next novel because of publicity obligations. So alarm bells should ring if a working author suddenly runs a competition
or sets up an auction to critique work. You don't want your work
to end up in their next book! It doesn't matter if this is deliberate or unintentional. It's your baby not theirs!</span><o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Question why a working writer is doing this? What, for
example, is forcing them to ask for a particular theme? Don’t be tempted to
send work off for dubious critiques. Don’t share your sweets! Even if you think
this might be the only road to publication – it isn’t. Pick a reputable editorial
service that comes with a recommendation from The Society of Authors. Mix in a few workshops, talks and
conferences. Be patient. Your day will come. I’m rooting for you. </span></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-10712923658879462232015-12-30T12:52:00.002-08:002016-01-22T14:22:23.342-08:00Be Prepared!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">
"<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I’ve found the best
way to revise your own work is to pretend that someone else wrote it and then
rip the living shit out of it.” Don Roff <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I have recently worked with an editor on my short story, which
won a place in the Northern Crime One anthology. I’m extremely grateful to have
had this experience. For many reasons, this has proved to be the perfect way to
take that first step into publishing. I have come to realise how daunting it would have been if my first contract had been for a novel instead of a short story. I advise everyone mid way through the trials to delay novel submissions. Opt for articles, blogs, and/or a short story in a magazine, then try to get published in an anthology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do not jump head first into novel publication without any other experience.Take a little leap off the spring board rather than diving in from a precarious
height. It might make less of a splash, but it’s better than producing an embarrassing belly flop. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I’ve spent years earning my apprenticeship, overcoming every
trial that ever came my way, so I should have cracked open the Champagne the
minute I became a Northern Crime Competition winner. However, after years of
rejection this news came as such a surprise. I was in a state of shock,
checking and re-checking the congratulatory email, wondering if it was someone’s
idea of a sick joke. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I realised it
was authentic and that my work was finally going to be published, I started to look
over my prize wining entry and (to quote Don Roff) - “rip the living shit out
of it”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I penned my first novel in 2000, but the announcement that a
short story (I’d submitted in 2014) was going to be published before the end of
2015 seemed to come all too suddenly. I’m sure I would have been a physical
wreck if this had been an 80,000 word novel. Imagine, how many hours of sleep I
would have lost going over and over that! And I would have gone over every
single word a zillion times, because I now know how much it means to get your breakthrough
publication right. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">If you are like me, you’ll have been writing since a very
young age, but only a few people will have read your work. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when something of yours is about to get
published, you become really anxious, expecting your work will be subjected to heaps
of criticism instead of praise. Suddenly, someone out there might not like what
you write. Any
Tom, Dick or Harry can post a negative tweet or write a 1 star review. They have the capability to make you the
laughing stock. The world will start to question why you’ve spent so much time
working on pointless reams of shite. And the more you scrutinize your first
published piece of work, the more you begin to believe your imaginary critics. By now you’re convinced your life isn’t worth
living. </span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri";">It is at times like these you might ask yourself that same
old question - W<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ho in their right mind would do this to
themselves? </i>The answer is that we are born writers. This compulsion comes to
us at an early age. Mine began with lengthy notes slipped under my sister’s
bedroom door. I illustrated the prose back then too. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was grateful for 'free
ethos' infant’s education, so I could ignore mathematical subjects to
concentrate on poetry and story writing. By the age of about 9, my work was
leaning towards the crime genre. I’m not sure if it was appropriate, but I submitted
my debut five page ‘horror/suspense’ book for the Girl Guide’s writing badge. I
subsequently revised this for English homework, which showed an early
inclination to edit and revise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
piece of writing moved my teacher so much that she added a little note at the
bottom of my work - something on the lines of, 'extraordinary' and ’inexplicable’! I did have friends
back then - lots of them. I know this might come as a surprise, especially when
you consider how I spent my spare time: burying dead frogs, discovering
abandoned bleaching mills, roaming moors and writing about murder. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">I was a good friend. I pride myself on my ability to
empathise. However, I never once put myself into the situation of waiting for
my short story to be published. I presume I’d resigned myself to thinking it
would never happen. So when the press release arrived with the names of other
writers that were in the anthology, I felt sick,
hoping my contribution wasn’t going to let the side down. The nausea didn’t
subside until my short story received positive feedback. It wasn’t until that
point when the achievement finally sank in and I started to feel really rather
proud. </span></div>
<o:p><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> </span></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";">Readers are going to be subjective. Not everything appeals
to everyone. Learn to accept this and then you can enjoy your writing
achievements. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t feel sick anymore.
My work is finally on the shelves. I have worked hard to get here. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The next step is to get one of my novels published. I
can now categorically state that I'm ready. This time I come prepared......<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-69468437369687128542015-09-08T14:26:00.001-07:002015-09-11T05:36:30.421-07:00THE END OF THE TRIALS OR JUST THE BEGINNING......<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I began to write about the trials in 2013, you could
have been forgiven for thinking it was an excuse for me to have a rant.
However, I put a lot of thought into those early blogs and I’ll have you know
it wasn’t a simple task. In fact, it’s nigh on impossible regularly producing
articles on the ‘joys’ of being an unpublished writer. It proved far easier to
prattle on about being depressed and unrewarded in the hope that this might strike a
chord. To distract a little from the woe, I wrote a few informative blogs. I might have even managed to add the odd positive remark, although most of the time it seemed like someone had been meticulously putting obstacles in my way. Without connections, money and a thick skin it's certainly not an easy journey. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">An unpublished author’s life is far from exciting. The blogs
were in danger of becoming repetitive and dull. What I perceived to be a good day
was nothing to write home about. Of course, there were wonderful days when no
one asked if my work had been published yet, but you can only talk about that
once or twice. No one’s going to enjoy reading about the time you wrote 50,000
words, cleaned the house and still managed to feed the kids. You might feel
very proud of yourself, but it’s not an achievement which justifies a mention
in too many blogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a dreary
existence. Unpublished authors can’t blog about glamorous award ceremonies,
because they don’t get nominated for anything. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you’ll be lucky to get invited to
publishing parties before you’ve made a name for yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one wants a bitter, baggy-eyed, grumpy
unpublished writer for a friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
might not realise it but you’ve got negativity written all over your miserable
face. If you lacked confidence when you set out to get published (and most of
us do) then your self-esteem will be non-existent within months of submitting
your work. You soon forget how to smile, like someone who’s overdone the botox,
except you’ve got deep-set wrinkles and a permanent frown.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The trials not only strip you of a smooth complexion, but they
take away your self-respect. By the end of it all, you’ll hate everything
you’ve ever written. You’ll stop questioning whether it’s worth pursuing the
dream and accept defeat. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">During the trials you’ll have politely thanked millions of
people for kicking you when you’re already down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t be ashamed if you’ve suffered a relapse
and gone back to those critics begging for more. We’re all guilty of grovelling.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every long-term un-published author will
have succumbed to arse licking in various degrees. It’s called desperation. The
memories will make you cringe so adopt a coping mechanism - pretend it was some
other loser who pitched that romantic novel to a crime editor and move on*. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Unnecessarily painful feedback might make you want to cry.
Learn to pick yourself up every time a door is slammed in your face. You’ll be
rejected on a daily basis. Sometimes it might occur in the nicest possible manner.
Never get complacent. In their opinion, your work is a piece of shit
whatever way they choose to inform you of that fact. You’ll soon get to the
point when you couldn’t agree more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve
often wondered what possessed me to submit such excrement, but if you wade
through enough sewage, you’re bound to discover one golden nugget in a turd. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyhow, I am digressing somewhat and must return to the
theme. Like all farewells, I need to steer the subject back on course and break
the news. I was on the verge
of abandoning the trials and packing it in when a miracle occurred. After seven
years of submitting work and three years of blogging I can finally confirm that
I have received an author/publisher contract. Is this the end of the trials or
just the beginning? Maybe it is the beginning of the end? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My advice is to keep reading the blogs - wait
and see :-)</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>*NB:
A fabricated example was used to protect the bloggers pride.</span></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-59174990574386817562015-07-14T14:36:00.001-07:002015-07-16T05:56:29.605-07:00Literary Squatters<span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arabic Transparent"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The literary world
should not be encouraging Squatters to move in before a novel has reached the
final draft. Inevitably, the quality of the product will suffer as a result. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Squatters don’t care about the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">property</i> as much as the owner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have no reason to waste time tidying up.
Why bother making it spick and span? On the other hand, the owner has dedicated several years
of their life to that project. It means a heck of a lot to them to maintain standards and keep the place looking good....</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arabic Transparent"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve recently watched
two articulate women talking about their novels: one was passionately keen to
discuss the writing process while the other didn’t seem to give two hoots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The latter obviously hadn’t put as much work
into her book. It struck me that it might not have even been her idea. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did I make this judgement? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, if her apathy was a sign of her disappointment
then she’d appear to be ashamed, apologise and promise to do better next time.
However, considering this novel was a runaway success you’d expect her to be proud:
enthusiastically talking about the ups and downs,
the late nights working through dilemmas, the puzzles she’s had to resolve, the
darlings she had to kill. There’s no way she’s spent years agonising over
characterisation, concepts and wording.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During
the course of the interview, I gathered that she hadn’t done much in the way of
research either.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arabic Transparent"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In order to get a sense
of what my characters are going through, I’ve become a competent method actress.
I’ve been known to bury my head in a threadbare carpet, before slapping myself
across the face and crying REAL tears. I not only step into my fictional worlds:
I hop, skip, jump, crawl - live and die there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can categorically state that I’ll never have a free-falling, tight
rope walking, motorcycle stuntman in any of my novels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if I did, I’d read a few accounts of
what it’s like to perform these stunts and I’d talk to Adrenalin Junkies to put myself into their shoes. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arabic Transparent"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Latter </i>had finished her interview,
she was asked about the film based on her novel. A movie! How fantastic! I would
be honoured, thrilled, excited. I’d want to make sure the actors are going to
put as much effort into portraying my characters as I put into creating them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, she didn’t seem to give two hoots. I became convinced that she was exhibiting 'Literary Squatter' traits. She must have taken over someone else's novel. What a cheek! A violation! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arabic Transparent"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arabic Transparent"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I stopped and thought about my accusation. Maybe, nothing excites this woman, but surely, after all that success you'd think she'd be a teeny bit happy? </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arabic Transparent"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arabic Transparent"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It can take years to get your work published. Many of us might not even come close to reaching that goal. </span></span><span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arabic Transparent"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The perfect first-draft will
almost certainly never be recognised as a work of genius. Not many people in the
publishing world will see that novel’s true potential. Only the Writer knows
when they’re onto a winner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the third
draft they’ll have produced well rounded characters and relevant dialogue. At this point, anyone could take that book and turn it into a
product worthy of publication. Except,
it belongs to the owner - it’s their manuscript. They’ve spent all
those years developing the groundwork, putting up the scaffolding, cementing
every brick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This has
taken them many years to complete. They’ll know their characters
more than any non-fictional human being. They’ll have struggled with point of
view and tense. They’ll have played around with structure and in many cases they
might have infuriatingly ended up right back at square one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s all worth it, because they get to put on
the roof and make their property water tight. It’s their job to make the final
finishing touches to the interior and landscape the front and the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t allow anyone else to take that
satisfaction away. Believe me, there are people out there who will kick you out
of the way for their own gains. After all the hard work is done, these
squatters will saunter down your garden path and put their key in your front
door.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arabic Transparent"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You’ve
brought several hundred blank pieces of paper to life, not them! You’ve created those
places, concepts, characters and plot. It is your job to turn this project into a commercial product. This novel belongs to you. Enjoy those final tweaks - slip in a few more red herrings and finely tune the denouement. You revise the
prologue and write the perfect hook. Introduce us to a few more characters and reveal their
secrets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> You</span> dug those foundations
with your bare hands. You’ve written so many drafts. You know how your
characters tick. It’ll be easy for Squatters to get mixed up, confuse concepts,
lose their way around a location, forget what day it is - <em>was the sun shining
or not?</em> Don't allow them to make a fool out of themselves....<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arabic Transparent"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My first novel was
prematurely submitted to publishers (for whatever reason), but I’ve just
completed the final stage and I’m overjoyed. It’s so rewarding. I can’t
wait to get to this part of the novel writing process again. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">That's why</span> I’m
starting another book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the end of today, I’ll be on a roll. I’m
very speedy. I won’t be handing the baton over to anyone else. It'll take
many more drafts before I get to that 'fun' bit again, but I’ve got the stamina, the
determination to drive this idea forward. I don’t need any interference along
the way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have my eyes on that final line.
I’m looking forward to the sprint finish – that glorious moment is ALL mine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
copyright. It is my intellectual property. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Squatters keep out or else we might have to seek an eviction order.....</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arabic Transparent"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-31323658575141244482015-05-27T15:10:00.000-07:002016-11-02T04:51:15.942-07:00Criminal Profiling: Fictional and Non-Original Fiction..........<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are quite a few people I’ve had the
displeasure of meeting in my life: people who lack empathy and integrity –
nasty, selfish beings who, quite frankly, deserve to be dead. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Someone else might have killed these creatures a
long time ago, but not me. Luckily for them, something stops me from doing this
deadly deed. I’ll curse and I’ll plot revenge, but I stop at murder. Why? It’s
because I’m made of something different. I’m not predisposed to extreme violence.
I don’t have murder’s genetics. I didn’t have a disruptive childhood that ignited
some deadly genetic make-up. I’ve never received a head injury that caused
specific brain damage, which in theory might have led to a change in
personality. I don’t have low levels of serotonin or high levels of
testosterone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Those of you who have done the dirty on me should be
grateful that I don’t possess murderer’s attributes. However, be warned! I am a
cool, calm, calculated crime writer who takes her time plotting comeuppance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m fascinated by forensics and profiling. I enjoy
building suspense and creating atmosphere. Without drive, passion and ‘weird
twats’ in my life, I wouldn’t feel quite so compelled to write – especially in
first person! Without you, I’d have given up writing a long time ago and I’d
have run out of ideas. I do feel sorry for those sad cases who steal work from aspiring
authors. You are not ‘real’ writers, but great big imposters? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s about time you considered another day
job.....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-5409642217443203392015-04-10T14:48:00.001-07:002015-04-25T18:05:55.415-07:00LET’S TALK ABOUT SLUSH-PILES: Waste Incineration or Manuscript Recycling?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Who oversees the slush-piles? What regulations are
in place? I’ve always been paranoid about unpublished material getting into the
wrong hands - hence, the reason why I’ve only sent out a handful of submissions.
But surely no one would borrow, tweak and/or deliberately steal someone else’s
material? That would be stupid and quite literally CRIMINAL. After all they
could be sent to gaol for this crime. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">At some point during the trials, an unpublished
writer is bound to start believing that something’s a foot, irregularities are
going on and everyone’s out to get them. If a person’s work keeps getting
rejected, it’s only natural for them to feel this way, but are they really
imagining this? They might not be paranoid, but intuitive. I would advise
all unpublished writers to keep your wits about you. There could be more than one bad apple out there. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">However, you must become self critical. Re-read a rejected submission as if you were an agent/editor: learn to spot flaws, delete anything that interferes with the pace, ask questions such as, "How would I market this proposal?" Make the required alterations and send it onto the next agent on the list. Keep improving your submission until agents are fighting over your novel! Don't send mass submissions at any one time. Avoid slush-piles like the plague! </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If an agent expects aspiring writers to abide agency
rules, then agents need to respect every submission they receive. All writers
have to put a certain amount of effort into every submission. If they’ve not
exactly come up with the goods, it is not for any one else’s entertainment. It
is unprofessional to refer to/or discuss rejections even if the author’s
identity remains anonymous, and highly unethical if it isn’t. The author owns that
material. All work has copyright from the minute it is time-stamped. The writer
must give their permission to anyone who wishes to distribute or publish any
aspect of that work. If the writer dies, the unpublished work dies with them. All agencies must incinerate rejections. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">This work is not for recycling.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-43691167546268764412015-03-21T13:29:00.000-07:002015-03-23T04:06:37.411-07:00THE WRITER’S APPRENTICESHIP: STAGE ONE OF THE TRIALS – A SLOW DESCENT INTO HELL.....<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you taken your hobby onto the next level? Are
you embarking on a career in writing? If you want to become a professional
author, decide whether your novel is going to be literary or commercial. Aim to
write 60,000 consecutive words over a short period of time. Increase the word
count and call it ‘First Draft.’ Then sit back, reflect on your wonderful life,
bid friends goodbye, hand over your kids to a sane relative and begin divorce
proceedings.... <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s one hell of an apprenticeship, a life changing
experience, which should come with a health warning. You might opt for the
lucky fast-track option and get an agent straight away, but you’ll probably end
up on the most expensive course: the one that comes with additional training and
usually lasts a lifetime. Only the most dedicated will survive. All students
are expected to study seven days a week/24 hours a day. There will be nothing
else on your mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In preparation for your slow descent into hell I
must advise you to move into a clutter-free house, preferably one with padded
walls. Crash-mat floors will provide protection for when you choose to hurl
yourself around in utter despair. Send your submissions via email. Use texts to
communicate with everyone else. While seeking representation, avoid contact
with human beings - they’ll only keep asking if your work is published. When
you tell them that you’re still working on that task, they’ll give you a look
as if to say, ‘What have you been doing with your time?’ Therefore, I suggest
you adopt a cat to keep you company. Make sure it’s trained and used to temperamental
owners. Don’t get a dog - you won’t have time to take it on walks. It’ll only
join the ever growing list of other ‘beings’ who resent you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You’ll soon realise that you might never get an
agent. This will occur long before you’ve reached the list of agents on page
two of the Writers' & Artists' Yearbook. Don’t have a strop. Eat cake. Drink
wine. Put your dimply hands on your ample hips and shout at the top of your
voice to every agent worldwide, ‘<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">I’m
coming to get you!’</b> Did I mention your minimalist home must also have triple
glazing to dampen emotional outbursts? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It could take anything from twelve months to thirty
years to finish a writer’s apprenticeship. You won’t live any longer than this.
Life expectancy decreases the minute you receive your first rejection.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">By now you’ll be penniless and overcome with
self-doubt. You’ll try to work out why no one wants you on their list. Do they
dislike one aspect of your submission or hate it all? You’ll not consider the
possibility that it just isn’t their cup of tea or that your idea is too
difficult to brand. At this stage of apprenticeship, you are your biggest
critic. Be careful not to go into an editorial frenzy. Please don’t cut ‘First
Draft’ in half. You’re not yourself anymore. In this state you’re likely to
shred all the best bits and completely lose the plot. Seek help! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Join a Writer’s Group to get constructive criticism.
Agents are very good at wining, dining, flirting and smiling, but only if they’re
getting a percentage of your earnings. They don’t have the time to write
wonderful letters of encouragement, even if they’ve been inspired by your
submission. Your work might be brilliant, you could have real potential, but if
it ends up on the slush pile you won’t get any praise. Every ‘reject’ receives the
same standard NO. Agents don’t molly-coddle ‘unknowns’. Their role is to find
something that stands out within a particular genre. They have a fiduciary duty
to represent the authors on their lists (anyone with a client agreement). Once
an author obtains this legal contract they should feel secure, because any
misrepresentation can be fought in court. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, if you wish to avoid a battle, remain
vigilant; expect to come across a few demons - it is HELL after all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-19441319789313353792015-03-16T14:23:00.000-07:002015-03-19T03:57:38.854-07:00FIFTY SHADES OF HYPE....<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Am I the only person who hasn’t read the book, seen
the film or pre-ordered the DVD? I’ve read enough extracts and reviews to know
that this book isn’t for me. I can’t take it seriously. Is it a joke? Am I
right in thinking the author described male genitalia as ‘his essentials’– something
I associate with my weekly shop? That term gets me wondering if my other half’s
got enough bread for his packed lunch. I consider water to be a necessity like milk,
eggs, butter - wine. I don’t expect to find Christian Grey’s meat-and-two-veg in
the refrigeration cabinet when I’ve nipped into Asda for a litre of
semi-skimmed. Perhaps they’d sit comfortably on every Good-For-You aisle, but
in my opinion, the author should have written the word ‘penis’ to avoid confusion.
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Maybe, I should jump on the band wagon, get hold of
some mummy porn and see if I can write it any better? I do wonder why I’ve spent
so much time editing and revising crime plots when I could write about groceries
in a very telling, rather than showing way. As long as there’s enough hype
surrounding a book, you could write about anything from frozen peas to chips -
describe the cut as wrinkle instead of crinkle, if that’s what takes your
fancy, but make sure there’s plenty of sauce. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I can categorically state that originality is a
luxury, and most unpublished authors can’t afford to indulge. If we want our
novels to get on the shelves we must work within the confines of genre and marketing.
This is why I spent the majority of 2014 analysing the best way to adapt my
first novel for crime. I needed to discover whether my ideas were commercial,
so I scrutinised the competition. I didn’t find my work in hundreds of other
books - not even two! It just wasn’t in-vogue. The first-person narrative was perhaps, a
little too experimental. The protagonist had to become perpetrator or victim if
it was ever going to slot into crime. I needed time to think. I’d already written
a conventional police procedural, but I didn’t want this to become my
breakthrough novel. I began work on a domestic noir, but I couldn’t shelve my
first book. I felt compelled to get the story out. So I played around with the protagonist’s
voice, taking the character from the novel and into scripts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve waited this long to become a published author, so I can wait
a bit longer. I’ve been very patient, getting the stories right. Maybe, before
the end of the year, I might be in a position to submit novels again. I’m
looking forward to working with people I can trust, in an environment that
thrives on fresh perspectives, but for the time being, I’m enjoying ‘freedom’ far
too much. I want to indulge in a little uncensored creativity. I’m turned on by
innovation not ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-66042282510957202412015-01-17T14:21:00.000-08:002015-04-18T09:20:59.057-07:00The Long Goodbye.....<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Prior to submitting your work you might want to
consider the phenomenon that is ‘The Long Goodbye’.....<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This devastating rejection can cause severe heartache,
especially if other opportunities were lost during that long wait. In order to
avoid the agony of rejection, in whatever form, I asked successful authors how
they approached their agents. I soon gathered that most had mapped out their careers
before they began work on their first novel. Not one of these subjects rushed into
the submission process. Instead, they spent many years studying their craft,
entering competitions and collecting prizes. Even after they had completed their
first draft, these cunning little foxes didn’t trust an agent to be in receipt of
their work without getting independent editorial advice. While waiting for
feedback, they did a spot of research - staring at profile pictures until they
knew every agent by sight. They learned to sniff out influential people at
parties and conferences, homing in on their favourites, targeting two or three
at a time. Eventually, after years of apprenticeship, they sent off a round of submissions
to a selected few. Excitement ensued. Contracts were signed. Publication agreements
followed......<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A trusting and somewhat impatient person might be tempted
to submit three chapters of an incomplete novel. It is perhaps naive, but not
stupid for an unpublished writer to trust an interested agent from a reputable
agency. No one expects to be published overnight, but what’s the harm in hankering
after a little advice? If an agent voluntarily reads your work, invites you to
their office and/or provides feedback free of charge you could be excused for
thinking that they are committed to developing your career. You might surmise
that they are generous souls who work in an agency that is perhaps a tad too overstaffed?
However, remain vigilant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Be curious if an agent asks you to make changes
without a client agreement. Literary agents don’t usually have the time to
nurture. It’s not the job of publishers either. Publishers rely on established agents
to send them work of a certain standard. So you may be asked to make a few alterations
in preparation for publisher submissions, but surely not before you have signed
a contract? Take another look at their clients. Assess whether your work sits
comfortably on that list. Perhaps it’s time to move on before that long
goodbye?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Remember, if your work isn’t ready for submission the
vast majority of agents will thank you for your interest and bid you a short goodbye.
Be aware that there are some unscrupulous agents who might string an aspiring author
along: either to prevent their premise going to any other agency or to provide
one of their existing clients with that idea? For this reason, I warn everyone
to beware of the long goodbye...... <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
</div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-33404160344947271532014-10-01T14:24:00.000-07:002014-10-20T11:52:58.496-07:00Don't make the same mistake twice..... <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In all probability the simplest error in your
otherwise brilliant submission/competition entry will be drastic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chance of a mistake contributing to your
success isn’t very likely. However, I’ll bet it’ll happen one day. After
weighing up the odds, I’d take a risk and have a flutter. A little whoops-a-daisy could be the gateway to success. It might even make you rich. Intrigued?
Then read on....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Most writers are blinded by the sheer genius of
their work to notice a teeny-weeny error. Their minds are full of complex plots,
stimulating dialogue, murder and espionage. A dedicated author can deliberate for days over a single connective.
They spend hours navigating peaks and troughs. A writer can become so close to their creations that they’ll start talking about
every fictional character as if they actually exist. In this state of
instability we can’t expect them to notice a ‘T-shit’ instead of ‘shirt’. It’s
easy to miss the ‘twat’ that should have been ‘tat’ or that slippery ‘crap’
which was meant to be ‘carp’. Come on – give them a break. The vast majority of
writers need a decent proof-reader. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Not all unpublished authors have the money to pay
for editorial services. Ask a favour from your writing group peers or
a smart friend, but choose someone you trust. You don’t want them blurting out every embarrassing mistake you’ve ever made. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Mind you, I’m not afraid to admit my mistakes. I’ll
be forever indebted to the man who kindly informed me that my main character had
been hovering when I’d created a scene in which she should have been hoovering.
It caused great hilarity when he read that my levitating protagonist had become
irritated by a flyaway fridge which she had somehow managed to flick from her face. </span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Some of my cringing mistakes have come alarmingly close
to publication, but by sheer coincidence, fate stepped in and saved the day. I might
have failed to notice past mistakes, but I’ll never make them again. I’ve come
full circle in my writing career - right back to square one, but I’ve learned many
lessons. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The main lesson is not to rush into finding an agent.
I used to naively think that it was essential to secure representation, even if
you had not perfected your first draft. On the contrary, you must concentrate on
creativity in those early days. You don’t want the menace of conflicting advice
at this stage. Choose a genre that suits you and become an expert in that area.
Retain your positive attributes and work on the negatives. Attend courses and festivals.
Brush shoulders with people in the know. Exchange tweets and share Facebook
posts. Create a substantial portfolio before you begin the submission process. Once
you decide to step into this minefield: get introduced to agents, attend pitch sessions
and read agent profiles to make sure they are right for you. Most importantly,
choose someone you can trust by seeking recommendations from peers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In the New Year, I’ll send my revised novel off to
the third agent on my list. I might even chase up number two. There’s no rush. So
what’s the betting that I’ll get my work published in 2015? I don’t need a pie
chart to demonstrate that the odds are stacked up against me. However, I’m not obsessing
over that probability. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Imagine one giant dessert with plenty of fruit and dollops
of cream - make it clotted – the richer the better. Add several triangular sandwiches
without crusts: cream cheese, cucumber and mint. We’re enjoying afternoon tea
at Betty’s, as opposed to making do with what’s left over in the fridge. I’m taking
my time. I don’t want to get too full, too quick and end up with an agonising stitch.
I’m going to enjoy this moment for as long as it takes to recharge the
batteries. You could say I’m bulking up, in preparation for another fight.
The trials will continue, but I’m all set to take a different path. Mistakes can
make you very rich indeed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-48278947045231343222014-09-03T13:42:00.003-07:002014-09-03T13:59:10.329-07:00#amblogging and #writing, because #Ineedtosellmybook, which is #thebestthingsinceslicedbread....<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">An unpublished author should include hash-tags in every
tweet if they want to get noticed. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">No matter what your day job is, you must set aside
time to ‘strut your stuff’ on social media. It is a good idea to knock a few years off your age and post a photo-shopped
image that was taken decades ago. Practice facial expressions in front of a
mirror. Go for a moody, intellectual pose for your profile picture: choose your
best side, look up and appear thoughtful. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To attract new followers you might
want to fabricate a connection to the Royal Family or add an impressive title
to your name. For wider exposure you could degrade yourself by going on a
reality programme. Perhaps this is not the recommended route for those of you who
are aiming for the Booker prize? But be warned, if that is the case, be prepared for an even
harder slog to the top and expect to be poorer as a result. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">All unpublished writers should tweet several hundred
times a day and still find time to write the next best-seller *raises eye brows*
*positions tongue in cheek*. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You must be professional: set goals, meet
competition deadlines and submit perfectly edited work. Ideally, you could go
without meals to pay for editorial services, which shows commitment and might
work in your favour. Make sure you post a few newsfeeds on Facebook so everyone
is aware of the sacrifices you’re making. Don’t forget to tag ‘friends’ from the
publishing industry. Sod everyone else. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A wise unpublished author of any genre must be
organised. Go to your nearest Ikea store and buy everything listed on pages 228
to 245 in the catalogue. Invest in filing systems for workshop notes. A couple
of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pappis</i> boxes for contacts and
business cards wouldn’t go amiss, the odd <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Tjena,</i>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Maffin</i> basket and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Samla</i> with lid. Buy expandable cases for
the many rejection letters that will be coming your way. Frame all achievements
(no matter how small) because every little bit of recognition can lift your flagging
confidence. Restoring belief in oneself is vital during the long road to
publication. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Back up all your work on memory sticks, which can be
hidden securely in locked safes. Keep hard copies and electronically date stamp
emails to prove copyright. You’ve not spent all these years working hard and
getting nowhere to let some thieving #### steal what’s rightfully yours *winks* *looking at no one in particular* *winks again*.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">At this stage, you might experience battle fatigue.
You’ll be bitter and deflated. So use all that pent up anger and frustration to
your advantage. Release tension by protesting about a good cause, something like
keeping your local library open. Support this worthwhile service by visiting it
daily. Make sure you post photographs to earn brownie points. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Give up on sleep, if need be. Use every minute of
those 24 hours to raise your profile. Word of advice #caffeine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Before you keel over from total exhaustion, make
sure you become an expert in your chosen field by reading at least one novel a
night. Do whatever it takes to acquire an array of books. After years of
receiving no money for all your efforts, you might have to downsize and live in
a caravan or bedsit where there’s no room for shelves. Never fear. There are
other ways to store your ever-increasing collection of other people's books. Stack them
high, preferably in alphabetical order, which shows you care. Name the post, “My leaning
tower of literature” and dust regularly. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Remember peers: remain Resilient, Organised, Positive
and Extrovert #ROPE <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Advice courtesy of unpublishedauthor@battleweary.com.co.net<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-58569339099359568912014-06-27T11:30:00.000-07:002014-06-30T05:24:19.251-07:00A change is as good as a rest.....<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’d like to announce my retirement. I am no longer a
full-time, unpaid novelist obsessively seeking representation. The time has come for me to take a break from the submission's business.
I can not continue submitting novels without A) Going insane. B) Having a heart
attack C) Jumping off a bridge or D) Killing someone else. The pace at
which I’ve been applying for representation is damaging my health. I’ve officially
burnt out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Within weeks of turning over this new leaf, I find
that my poxy skin has become clear and the wine intake decreased. My hair isn’t
limp and lifeless, but vibrant and shiny. I can now swish it about like those
self-assured models in the hair adverts. Most importantly, I’ve stopped yelling
at everyone. My kids can leave gym kits on buses, lose mobile phones, snap
travel passes in half and dirty their clean clothes, because...do you know
what.... it’ll all come out in the wash. I don’t cry uncontrollably in
inappropriate places for hours on end. I’m smiling without an inner frown. I suppose you
could describe it as being normal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It seems like a heavy weight has been lifted from my
shoulders. At last, I’m allowing myself time to appreciate the simple things in
life. I can go out with my family, greet strangers, observe interactions, exchange
expressions and take note of my surroundings. I’m not looking at the floor
minding cracks in pavements, dwelling on injustice and rejection. In a
nutshell, I have become a writer again...to hell with the submission process....for
the time-being.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It makes me ill just thinking about how it takes six
months to write a 100,000 word draft and another ten years to get
representation. I became a submission machine that had lost the ability to be
creative. Therefore, the novels have been put to one side. I’m concentrating my
efforts on writing scripts, short monologues and anthologies. I need to
increase my portfolio. I need to take my time and produce quality work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve been revising the same novel for too long. I’m
in danger of looking back and seeing nothing for all that effort. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel I’ve wasted years
adapting my novels to suit different requirements, second guessing
what the business wants, pleasing individual tastes and taking on board a mish-mash
of requests. I've lost count of the hours spent writing what seems like several hundred different versions
of one synopsis. If I’m not careful, I’ll loose my mind, dumb down the novels and
forget what made me write in the first place. Of course, I will continue to
submit when, and if, a suitable agent comes my way, but I can’t
purely focus on submitting instead of creating. There has
to be balance in an unpublished writer’s life - an equilibrium where you come
out on the other side with your sanity still intact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-43418010893941442312014-04-28T16:15:00.001-07:002014-04-28T22:52:37.439-07:00#mywritingprocess - part of the writing blog tour<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; text-indent: 36pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">This is my
writing process, part of #mywritingprocess blog tour <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I was nominated by Jude Brown: a friend and fellow writer, who
never fails to make me laugh, with or without the aid of Guinness. In fact, she’s
been known to make me cry with laughter after drinking only highly diluted Orangina
– that’s the power of this woman!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Jude is a writer of contemporary fiction, whose short stories have
been widely published. She is also the recipient of many awards: semi finalist for
the Raymond Carver Short Story Prize 2012, short-listed for the Bridport Short
Story Prize 2013 and short-listed for the Fish Short Story Prize 2013. After
completing her MA writing at Sheffield Hallam University, Jude became a winner of
the Northern Writer’s Award 2013 for her novel, ‘The Dangerous Sun’. With this
impressive list of accomplishments, I expect agents will soon be fighting to
represent this talented author. I look forward to seeing, ‘The Dangerous Sun’
on the shelves very soon. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Find out more about Jude on her website: </span><a href="http://www.judebrown.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.judebrown.co.uk</span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">To
read Jude’s blogs and find a delicious recipe for banana curry visit</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">: </span><a href="http://bananacurry.com/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: blue;">http://bananacurry.com</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><strong>So here goes! These are my answers to the #mywritingprocess
questions:<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">What am I working on?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I am touting around ‘Into the Snicket,’ my first crime/thriller novel,
which is about domestic abuse and murder. An early version of this was
submitted to editors via my last agent. At the time, I was flattered to obtain
representation so early in my writing career, although I was naively unaware of
the importance of marketing and genre. In my desire to please, the novel became
a mixed bag of crime, literary and whatever anyone else suggested. Editors
praised it for being atmospheric, utterly compelling and powerful. However, the
consensus was that the pace was too slow for crime. I began to work on the
overhaul, which took six months of re-writing and tinkering until I’d found a
marketable style. It’s taken me a while to understand this business and for my
confidence to grow, but I feel the novel is now ready for crime representation.
In the past, I thought, I’d wasted opportunities. I look back now and realise that
all those other versions of ‘Into the Snicket’ were necessary drafts: a lesson
in writing, the hard way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> 2. How does my work differ? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I’m interested in dissecting the psychology of protagonists and
antagonists. Once I’ve got into their minds, I can hear their voices and for
this reason I prefer to write first person. This enables me to describe their tension
and create atmospheric situations, which is what I enjoy. My novels unravel crimes
via witness, victim and/or murderer’s viewpoints rather than through the
official investigation. However, this doesn’t mean that I don’t love reading great
police procedural novels, such as Denise Mina’s, The End of the Wasp Season AND
who doesn’t have a soft spot for Mark Billingham’s, Tom Thorne? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">My writing combines subjects I studied for my degree: feminism,
criminology, politics, sociology and psychology. Into the Snicket has proved to
be a difficult nut to crack: a crime novel, written in first person, where the
protagonist isn’t cop, forensic investigator, witness, victim or murderer. I
suppose this wasn’t an easy way to begin my writing career and I deserved all
the obstacles that have come my way! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> 3. Why do I write the way I do?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I’m drawn to the crime genre, because I am incensed by a great
deal of things which go on in this world and, on a more personal level, I’ve
been subjected to injustice on far too many occasions. I am an amicable and caring
person (honestly), so for someone as nice as me, crime writing is a great way to
vent fury! Be aware that if you upset me, you’ll become my next fictional criminal
– the one who’s going to be hung, drawn and quartered. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I was a sensitive child who liked to please everyone, but I suffered
speech impediments and was incredibly shy as a result. Writing became a way to
express myself without embarrassment or fear of ridicule. In recent years, fictional
revenge has given me a great boost in confidence. I've finally found my vocation. Now, I'm never lost for words.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I admire Donna Tartt’s work and emulate Andrea Badenoch, whose
novels I’ve recently discovered - I would say these are the closest to mine. In
‘Rush of Blood,’ Mark Billingham interwove the murderer’s pov in between the six
suspects, which is a similar format to the ones I use. I’m inspired by Dickens,
Du Maurier and the Bronte’s who wrote atmospheric novels with memorable
characters. For this reason, I enjoyed, 'Woman in Black' by Susan Hill. I found
the adaptation to stage and screen worked well. My third novel was originally
written as a play and Into the Snicket’s unreliable narrator has the perfect voice for radio. I find scripts easier to write than short stories,
which always become long stories - the reason why I have written more novels than
anything else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"> 4. How does your writing process work?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">It would be nice to start the day with a visit to the gym,
followed by a facial and manicure. Sadly, I have no time for pre-writing
pampering sessions. And anyway, there isn’t any point - by 8.30, I’ve bitten
all my nails and pulled out my hair, because I own an antiquated laptop that’s
slow to start up in a morning. Obviously, I do empathise with this elderly
machine, as it takes me a while to become fully operational too. I require a
pot of tea and several mugs of coffee before I begin. I do wash and get dressed
on writing days, but only because I have to take the kids to school.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">On my return, I’ll have another coffee, taking the opportunity to
check Twitter, Facebook and Emails. I’ll feed the cat and do some ‘bare minimal’
housework. Then me, and the laptop are fired up and raring to go. Once I start,
I have no motivational problems, because I only have a few hours before the
whirlwinds get in from school. If I’m on a roll, I will go back and finish it
off, working well into the night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Now that I’m looking for crime representation, I focus on one of
three things: the next novel, competition entries or agent submissions. If I’m
tired I’ll edit. If I’m feeling creative, I’ll create. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">When I take time out to visit museums, galleries, libraries, or go
for a stroll, I’ll observe people, locations or read, but I can’t write in
public spaces. I’ve become highly protective of my unpublished work and for very
good reason. There’s always a chance that someone’s going to look over my
shoulder and pinch my ideas. Still, I can always get my own
back and turn them into a fictional corpse....</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Thank you for reading
my writing process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For next week’s blog
tour, I would like to introduce Michael Moon and Matt Wingett<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I first met Michael on an Arvon novel writing course in 2008. He had already
published ‘My Camino,’ so he was a great inspiration during our week in Lumb
Bank. This beautiful book is an account of Michael’s 500 mile pilgrimage to
Camino de Santiago, which he completed in 30 days at the age of 67. A few
centuries earlier, his ancestor William de Mohun had undertook the same
pilgrimage, in the year 1280!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After serving in the military as a 2<sup>nd</sup> Lieutenant in the
Royal West African Frontier Force, Michael took on a variety of temporary jobs
which, he affirms rounded out his education. His first fictional novel is described
as a captivating ghost story, based on real and extraordinary experiences of
the writer. ‘Moonshadow’ uncovers a medieval secret that has lain dormant for
seven hundred years.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Michael informs me that he is writing more ‘Moon’ novels, with two in
progress. If that isn’t enough to be getting on with, Michael is looking for an
illustrator as he plans to publish several children’s stories. Anyone
interested? Visit:</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><a href="http://michaelmoonauthor.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://michaelmoonauthor.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Matt Wingett was recommended for this blog tour by fellow writer, Lynne
E Blackwood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Matt writes stories and blog entries about Portsmouth. He
describes his home town as, ‘village-like and extraordinary’. “Every step along
it’s cramped roads has a story attached, or a bizarre piece of history.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Matt used to write episodes for the television series, The Bill
and has crafted a stage production, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sing
Sing Sing,</i> at The New Theatre Royal, Portsmouth. He is the author of
several books including, ‘We’ll Meet Again’, where a real 1940’s singing trio
called The Three Belles, uncover an old wrong that they must put right. This novella
is described as a ghost story with a difference - that will keep you guessing
until the end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">To discover more about
Matt visit: </span><a href="http://www.lifeisamazing.co.uk/about-me/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: blue;">www.lifeisamazing.co.uk/about-me/</span></span></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">NOW OVER TO MY TWO VERY INTERESTING NOMINEES, WHO WILL POST THEIR
WRITING PROCESS AND TWO NOMINATIONS NEXT WEEK.....<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-88146600787826543452014-04-07T12:25:00.000-07:002014-04-07T12:25:55.569-07:00Variety is the spice of life.....
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is frustrating when literary agents ask for
different types of submissions. Most prefer a short synopsis, but some want you
to throw in a chapter-by-chapter summary too. Guidelines give word counts,
which vary from one agency to the next. Some specify the numbers of pages they
require - at the moment ‘two’ seems to be the new ‘one’. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Agents know that for every publisher submission, editors
need to consider how they can market the new author and their product. Therefore,
it makes sense for some agencies to ask that submissions include an outline of
comparable novels. If your proposal is similar to a published novel then your
chance of getting it on the shelves will increase. Not surprisingly, new authors
are encouraged to follow trends. Commercial novels must slot into a genre to aid
marketability. So are we expected to lose our unique styles in order to fit in?
If this is the case, then surely readers are missing out on variety. Miscellaneous
bookshelves in shops should have tantalising headings such as, ‘<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Try something different today</b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">.’ </i>Alas, books will always be pigeon-holed,
but surely writers should maintain a degree of individuality. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It could be argued that the traditional mode of
getting a commercial book published doesn’t encourage creativity. Unpublished
authors are constantly being warned against the dangers of daring to be
original. ‘You’ll get nowhere if you’re unique.’ ‘Follow the tried and tested routes.
Don’t be tempted to wander off the beaten track.’ ‘Choose a genre and stick to
it - even if your work ends up like many others we’ve read before’...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Be wary of plagiarism: “To use another
person’s idea or a part of their work and pretend it is your own.” [Cambridge
Dictionaries online]. Never intentionally use anything that you’ve
read, without attributing it to the author. There are only a few basic stories,
so there’s a chance that most tales have already been told in one way or
another. Most of us have mortgages to pay, but no one should be desperate
enough to ‘borrow’ or tweak someone else’s phrases, plots, endings and/or beginnings.
We should all be inspired by those who have come before us, but be aware that
there is fine line between inspiration and theft. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you try to be original from the start, you’ll develop
an individual style. You’ll reach creative maturity by using this process; at
which point, you can mould your work into a genre and still maintain individuality.
Begin by writing about any moment in your life. There’s nothing to stop you
setting this in a different period, location or universe. Draw on your own
experiences throughout. The result might be that your novel happens to be
similar to another book, but this would be purely coincidental. Think about what
prompted you to write in the first place. Get it all out of your system. Be as
original as you can be, for as long as you can get away with it! Variety is
after all, the spice of life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-11338781915094561072014-02-12T04:02:00.001-08:002014-02-12T04:49:38.878-08:00Great characters live on in afterplays. 'Afterplay,' by Brian Friel, starring Niamh Cusack and Sean Gallagher at The Crucible Studio, Sheffield - until 1March, 2014. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Brian Friel brings together two of Chekhov’s
characters 20 years after their original plays were set. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Afterplay</i> is an affectionate portrayal of two people who suffer unrequited
love. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In a bid to impress his companion, Andrey (from <em>The Three Sisters</em>) exaggerates the truth. As the evening progresses, he timidly confesses to every little fib. A tender bond develops between the
characters, creating an opportunity to fulfil the voids in their lives....<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Chekhov’s characters are so perfectly constructed
that it is no wonder they became the inspiration for an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Afterplay</i>. A great writer makes ordinary people fascinating. We become
compelled by what will become of them, intrigued by the hidden meanings behind
their language and mannerisms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As a crime writer, I need to break down labels such
as Rapist or Psychopath into a list
of traits. An attention seeking self-centred person can also be described as
vain, extrovert and uncommitted. Clearly, this character can be summed up as a narcissist.
Add the word ‘sadistic’ to that, and you’ve got a whole new kettle of fish: depraved,
disturbed and dangerous. The serial killer can be glib, callous, manipulative
and almost certainly unafraid of punishment. They might not be clinically insane,
but capable of reasoning. An organised individual can hold down a job, get
married and provide for children. These offenders treat murder as their work:
making meticulous plans, preparing tools for their trade and going to great
lengths to conceal the crime. They might, however, become rather sloppy and
disorganised towards the end of their killing spree. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Some like to wallow in the glory and might get
slightly annoyed if their victim isn’t discovered. They might choose to point the
police in the right direction by moving the body to a more exposed location.
Then, they’ll sit back to watch the investigation unravel on the news. Perhaps with a cup of
cocoa or a glug of beer - maybe even a glass of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Chianti</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Try to steer clear of stereotyping your murderer. Not
all serial killers live with their widowed mothers, who have a penchant for
black gowns and rocking chairs. While next door’s psycho is stabbing someone in
the shower, his neighbour (the polite mild mannered accountant) might be
hacking his wife to death for an insurance claim. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To make a feasible antagonist, it’s essential to consider
their childhood. To create a murderer’s profile, the crime writer should
examine early signs of deviancy. Don’t presume all would-be murderers are
withdrawn children. Watch out for the reckless ones – those who are surrounded
by followers. Beware of the child that dares others to commit acts that
demonstrate their power. Maybe they’ve suffered neglect and/or abuse. Remember
that not all siblings become sociopaths. Birth order might be a factor. The
‘evil one’ might have endured a different influence along the way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are so many questions that need to be
addressed when creating a monster. Should I make them handsome or creepy - rich
or poor? What tipped them over the edge: humiliation, failure, or some
overbearing urge to kill which is beyond their control? Do they have friends
and family? Where did they go to school? What were their hobbies: did they earn
rosettes for pampering their pets or derive great pleasure out of disembowelling
Tiny Tears? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">How do you make fictional antagonists believable? Try making murderers by
piecing together people who have pissed you off in some way. Play around with this idea: screw
on another head, change the body and rearrange their insides until you’ve blended
them into one nasty piece of work. Then, take great pleasure in dragging the
antagonist towards their sticky end. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Of course, we need to empathise with the murderer before
giving them their comeuppance - just as we sympathise with a tragic protagonist. A
writer has to get inside every inch of every character. Then, our fictional
beings will live on in many ‘afterplays’. It’s an enormous honour for someone to
take inspiration from your published work. Friel does Chekhov proud.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-37399389165399786272014-01-20T09:23:00.000-08:002015-04-08T07:03:29.661-07:00Good Riddance 2013!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve packed away the Christmas decorations, kicked
out relatives who overstayed their welcome, drank
the very last bottle of red wine EVER, shut the sherry away for next year’s
trifle and single-handedly consumed every morsel of fruit cake. The festive period is over! Good
riddance 2013. Here’s to a successful New Year!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My resolution, once more, is to remain positive, but
it doesn’t get any easier. I need to believe in Karma. It’s about time I got
some reward for all my hard work. I’ve been putting
myself under a lot of pressure. I’m not as young as I used to be. I need to
slow down. Perhaps I should give up. I’d like to get out more often. To be
honest, I’ve been wondering what it would be like to be normal again....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Not one of those five-leaved clovers or black cats brought
me any luck last year. And 2014 hasn’t really got off to a great start. The
household budget for the foreseeable future is based on a ‘Robbing Peter to Pay
Paul’ economic model, which I’d hoped would tide us by until a massive advance
came my way. But who am I kidding? We all know that published writers don’t earn
much anymore. Of course, there are the exceptions: JK Rowling, Joanne Rowling, Robert
Galbraith et al. That's not the point. M</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">oney isn’t everything. I’ve
not gone through all these trials to stop now. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m going to send off my submission and apply for a
load of awards, but I’ll not get anywhere on an empty stomach. Times are hard,
so I’ve used festive leftovers to make vegetable soup.
Unfortunately, this festering concoction of sprouts, cabbage and squishy chunks
of turnip resembles a bowl of thick phlegm. It doesn’t taste any better than it
looks - not even with added seasoning and a sprinkling of thyme. Perhaps, my
thrifty tactics have gone a step too far. Maybe, I won’t live to see another
day. What if I die before my novel goes into print? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">If you don’t hear from me again, you know what
became of Lynne Blackwell (impoverished, unpublished writer). In the end, it
wasn’t the arteries that became clogged, but her gullet. ‘Death by Soup’ – a great
title for a biography, don’t you think? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-72288941111460548542013-12-09T13:39:00.001-08:002015-04-08T07:02:30.244-07:00Crisis!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Those of you who are waiting for my submission - it’s
almost done. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I wanted to read the new version of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Into the Snicket</i> several more times to
make certain the chapter by chapter synopsis was up to date and accurate. During
this process, I made sure that the domestic abuse element did not overshadow
the murder. These two elements now drive the plot naturally to the right
conclusion rather than make it seem contrived. The subjects I write about don’t
suit flowery covers, but the sort with daggers soaked in blood. I have achieved
what I set out to achieve. Publishers can’t doubt the genre of this book
anymore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Transforming <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Into
the Snicket</i> from literary/crime (with a dash of romance) into
crime/literary (no bullshit) has required a lot of concentration. I’ve worked
my arse off, rewriting, rethinking and, at times, re-inventing the rules. Fortunately,
my brain has managed to handle the pressure of this rewrite. However it can’t
deal with extra burdens. Christmas, for example, has sent my cerebrum into
overload, forcing me to compartmentalise and prioritise. I did wonder if Santa
could re-schedule it to the 1<sup>st</sup> February 2014, but my kids weren’t
too chuffed about that idea. So something had to give. Not only has my novel
changed, but I have too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I want publishers to buy <em>Into the Snicket</em>, so I’ve
decided not to waste time writing Christmas cards. I’ve adopted a ‘fuck it’
attitude to this tedious task. If anyone should worry that I’ve not sent one this
year, they need to understand that this unpublished author has endured numerous
trials and she’s not going to let anymore chances pass her by.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve produced a novel that I’m proud to submit. I
can’t delay the process any longer. I don’t want it to get into the wrong hands.
This is MY work, which has been five years in the making. MY ideas have been
drawn from aspects of MY life. It means a lot to me to get this right. Don’t
take it personally if you don’t get a Christmas card. My festive spirit might
return next year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-21959205534865293312013-11-20T09:28:00.001-08:002015-04-08T07:00:26.513-07:00Revision, Revision...<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After years of submitting work, I should be cruising
in the fast lane instead of being stuck on the hard shoulder; waiting for recovery
to give me a tow. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Into the Snicket</i>
required methodical attention. If I was going to give the publishers something
they couldn’t refuse, I had to review the beginning, middle and end. </span><br />
<br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Into
the Snicket</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> was always a realistic account of
domestic abuse, but the plot needed to focus on the murder if it was ever going
to become a crime novel. There’s no room for fluffy sentiment in this genre, so
I’m pleased to report that I’ve done what I set out to achieve. The time has
come to get a trustworthy car with a good service history so I can hit the road
once again. </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<br />
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s been tough. I seem to have developed a
permanent grimace on my face; one that’s not too dissimilar to an elderly woman
in excruciating pain. After going through so many ‘trials’ I have come to resemble
someone who needs urgent intervention: an enema, a good curry and several bags
of prunes. You’d think people would take pity on me. Excuse the pun, but no one
seems to give a shit. I might have aged considerably, but I’ve become very
wise. I’ve learnt to be patient. I've worked hard to produce a manuscript that
will take the fickle publishing world by storm. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve been here before, so I’m fastening my seat belt
and getting ready for a bumpy ride.....<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
</span></span><br />lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-64851741117312835462013-11-06T05:10:00.001-08:002015-04-08T06:57:32.978-07:00Time Management<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Into
the Snicket</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> is ready for agent submission. I know
what they are expecting: one synopsis, three chapters, chapter outlines and a
letter. I presumed that I’d have a theme for this week’s blog, but I’ve not made
much progress. Unfortunately, there isn’t an awful lot to report. As you know,
I’m a dedicated unpublished author, so it’s not my fault. The blame very
clearly lies in the hands of Guy Fawkes. Quite simply, the gunpowder plot couldn’t
have come at a worse time for me, just after Halloween and a few weeks before
Christmas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Thankfully, Halloween is over, but I’m still finding
wispy bits of decorative cobwebs, clinging onto plants, over architraves, under
staircases and sofas like sheep’s wool on barbed wire. I had to leave all the authentic
cobwebs in place just to get on with the synopsis. However, I’m not making
headway with the rest of the submission requirements. Five days post Halloween
party and four days after my very bad hangover, I came across a half eaten
apple from a bobbing game. I can’t even remember this ever taking place. The
same goes for my involvement in the dressing up chocolate game. All that
chocolate was probably the cause of my iffy tummy as I can’t recall drinking
that much wine....Suffice to say, I’ve not been able to dispose of the green
jelly that is still blobbing about in our fridge - taking up permanent
residence on the top shelf with gelatine insect-sweets creepy crawly-ing out of
its innards. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’d managed to write the main synopsis, but Bonfire
night was looming. I needed to check the sell-by-date on the black treacle and
set to work making Parkin. The kids were given a gingerbread men baking kit
thinking this wouldn’t require adult supervision. They did a good job really. I
shouldn’t panic so much. They only spilled a bit of flour, onto sticky golden
syrup dollops, which somehow spread all over the work surface, floor, kitchen cupboards - indeed
- the whole house. And, why did I have to worry so much about them eating most of the raisins when they'd already
come up with the ingenious idea of making aliens instead. Creatures from outer space need
only one eye and no buttons – problem solved!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is November 6<sup>th. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></sup>Finally, I’ve got time to do the
submission. Or maybe, I should get the Christmas preparations out of the way?
Why couldn’t Guy Fawkes have done all his plotting around June/July, after Easter
and before the summer holiday? That would have spread out the festivities and given me a break.....
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-27050413810919778042013-10-26T13:04:00.004-07:002015-04-08T06:56:34.212-07:00Mixed Genre Puzzles<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s a difficult task writing a crime/thriller in
first person, especially when the protagonist isn’t the victim, murderer, witness or part of the investigative team. You could argue that the writer who attempts this is rather stupid.
To me, it was a puzzle that needed to be solved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve had to think long and hard about which novel to
take forward for submission. It would have been easier to concentrate on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ghost Towns</i>, because the issues from the
first draft have been resolved and it’s ready to move onto the next stage.
However, I felt compelled to review my first person, crime/thriller novel. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Into the Snicket </i>deserved another
chance. In its original form it received agency representation and was sent to
publishing houses, which is no mean feat. Eight out of sixteen publishers responded,
but the consensus was that it lacked the pace required for a crime/thriller genre.
It required an overhaul and this would take time, but I couldn’t shelf a
project which had got this far. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This task necessitated a certain amount of
determination, but I have all the right attributes. When I couldn’t fathom out how
to complete more than one side of a Rubik’s cube, I wasn’t one of those cheats
who peeled off the stickers to glue them back into the right place. Neither did
I dismantle it, piecing together the same coloured squares - taking the easy
way out. Instead, I made a resolution to keep clicking at that bloody cube
until it was done without the aid of adhesive or a geeky friend. Forty years
later, I’m still working at it. I’ll win in the end, but unpublished writers
don’t have time for trivial games. I’ve had bigger fish to fry, namely, the
mixed genre puzzle, which blighted <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Into
the Snicket. <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The matter was finally resolved. It was simple really.
So bloody simple, I don’t know why I didn’t do these things in the first place!
To create pace, I’ve built up the tension in the first ten chapters. Also, I
deleted characters that were getting in the way of crucial elements - such as the
murder, the body and the murderer’s identity. However, I knew that it lacked a
certain something else. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I couldn’t pinpoint the problem until I attended an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Off <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Shelf</i> event in Sheffield. Here, Mark Billingham said that crime writers
don’t stick cuddly kittens into their books and if they did they’d kill them!
How true! His endearing words made me even more of a fan. Then he spoke about
the importance of dialogue and I realised that this was the missing link. I should
have told him that he’s my hero. Instead, I was star struck, unable to speak,
stuttering and blushing unable to explain that his advice has saved my book. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Into the Snicket</i> was resuscitated with
dialogue. The additional voices allow more perspective: a bigger picture, which
enables the reader to take part in the investigation - ticking the
crime/thriller box. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It was important that my protagonist’s vulnerable voice
doesn’t grate or bore. This isn’t a cute book - it’s about domestic violence
for goodness sake. So I took MB’s advice and added more dialogue, planting subtle
clues within conversation. This enabled me to delete the clunky murderer’s voice,
which had originally made an appearance after every fifth chapter. Now, the murderer’s
viewpoint is in the prologue only – serving as a device to show that there has
been a murder. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Into the Snicket</i> is
ready for agent submission. I know what they are expecting: a synopsis, three
chapters, chapter outlines and a letter. Something tells me that I've got a theme for the
next blog.....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-45366389605710837822013-10-14T13:59:00.002-07:002015-04-08T06:53:23.668-07:00Confusion<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Continuing on the same theme as my last blog, I will
try to demonstrate the daily trials of an unpublished writer using the self-builder
as an allegory. It is no secret that I have amassed a portfolio of unfinished projects
and need to focus on successfully completing one. Therefore, I’ve returned to an
old property with intentions to spruce it up for re-sale. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The revised plans are kept under lock and key in my study,
which for the purpose of this allegory will be referred to as an on-site
caravan. There are days when I sit within those flimsy four walls, frozen to
the bone, wondering if my work will ever manifest into the stuff of dreams. I
often wonder why I’m putting myself through such stress - up to my knees in
rubble and mud, with nothing to show for my labours; except the bags under my
eyes. I’m slightly overwhelmed by the task ahead - losing sleep – worrying
that my grand design might not even pass the building regs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The self-builder can assess their profit margin,
whereas the unpublished author has no way of knowing the value of their work-in-progress.
When and if they get published, they’re expected to work for free while
promoting their book. Quite rightly, Philip Hensher has recently refused to write an introduction
to an academic’s book for free. In the light
of this news, many authors have expressed similar frustrations,
which is understandable considering they have already spent many hours
working for nothing in order to get a book published in the first place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">An unpublished author is required to master their
craft by attending workshops and creative writing classes. Then they will need
to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">copper up</i> more money to pitch their
work at conferences and festivals. It is also highly advisable to enter numerous
competitions, which all require entry fees – of course. And, if the bank has
not already stopped their Mastercard, they will be compelled to increase their
debts by buying other people’s books to check out the competition. In fact, the
unpublished author will build up a vast collection of literature including a ton of guide books and manuals that claim to know the secret of slush pile avoidance. All this expense will be accumulated before they’ve even got
around to sending their first three chapters to literary agents. Inevitably, once
the unpublished author reaches this stage they must be prepared to suffer the heartbreak
of rejection - followed by more rejection - over - and over again. All this
sorrow will inevitably come at a cost, not only to the mental health of that person, but also, a small
fortune will be frittered away on printing ink, stamps, brown envelopes and SAE’s for receipt of bad news. If the unpaid/unpublished author is
fortunate enough to get a contract with an agent, they will have to embark on
the daunting task of attracting an editor. This whole process from idea to final
publisher submission can take years. I’ve notched up a total of five years and haven’t
had a sniff of an advance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Therefore, I return to my cold caravan to wade through
paperwork. I will weigh up the costs that have been incurred against income that may
never come my way. I’m growing weary, sinking into unstable ground – subsiding at
a rate of knots - in urgent need of some serious underpinning and nerves of
steel. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499445745298395955.post-31694264354977400532013-09-06T12:48:00.003-07:002015-04-08T06:51:07.687-07:00Confidence low. Scaffolding in place.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have spent the summer holidays cabbying kids around, clearing their mess, breaking
up fights, packing suitcases, putting up tents and taking them down again. I've fended
off flies on camp sites and suffered sleepless nights in sparse motels situated
directly below flight paths or overlooking the M1. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank goodness I’ve got the house to myself. Now I
can indulge in a little ‘me-time’. Well, actually, there’s no time for any of
that nonsense, not when ‘Ghost Towns’ is far from being complete and in need of
representation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It shouldn’t take long to sort out the first draft.
The hard work has been done. I’m not daunted by the fact that I am working on
this project alone. I am the writer, after all. I know exactly what needs to be
done. The unpublished author has to stay focused. We are used to a bit of
confidence bashing. It happens all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I'm well on the way to completing my second book, which is commendable,
I suppose. I’ve dug the foundations and laid every sodding brick. The
scaffolding has been removed, piece by piece. All I have to do is add a few
final finishing touches, which isn't difficult. I’ll soon brighten the place up with
a lick of paint, flooring and fabrics - nothing that I haven’t
done before. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When I stand back to admire my creation, I’ll feel
like an unkempt self-builder who has been ‘roughing it’ in an on-site caravan
for the past year. However, he’ll be able to sell his work for twice as much as
it cost to make the damn thing. The unpublished author has no way of judging
their valuation until an offer comes their way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
lynneblackwellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02195540052195299148noreply@blogger.com0