Tag Archives: editing

Writing Hub -Books, Writing, Tips & more…

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Writing:

I took a leap of faith this week and submitted a manuscript to a major movie company, requesting manuscripts. It is the first time I have succumbed to this kind of call – so fingers crossed something comes of it!

Have you sent a manuscript for a movie script call? How did it turn out?

I have been asked by an author friend to review her upcoming novel – release date 1st Sept – looking forward to the narrative. It is always such a glimpse into a writer’s mind when you read their work.

My YA story is coming along and the ‘new’ direction that ‘popped’ into my head feels right for the narrative. It will give the young readers a glimpse at what they can do for the environment in a fun way – even though it is set on another planet!

Has an idea emerged for a plot line when you have been writing?

Books:  The intrigue is still captivating me in this story as the characters lives blend in unexpected ways.

The Mermaid Garden

Looking forward to this novel, especially when I have just found out there is a sequel.

Mind of the Phoenix

Writing Tips:

I wrote this post some time ago but it is still relevant. Finding your writers voice isn’t always as easy as it sounds.

https://mandyevebarnett.com/2015/12/07/keeping-your-uniqueness-in-your-writing/

http://www.novel-writing-help.com/writing-voice.html

http://www.well-storied.com/blog/find-writing-voice

Writing Hub -Books, Writing, Tips & more…

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Writing

Although I enjoyed an extra long weekend, Friday through Monday I was not as focused on my writing. I know naughty me but sometimes you have to relax the writing brain for a while. I did manage to complete a couple of tasks I’d been putting off though. One was to attack a shamefully neglected flowerbed below our bay window. I added rocks to the newly cleared area and am quite pleased with the end result.

flowerbed

The next task was to move my writing desk from its home of numerous years – the dining area end of the sitting room – into the smaller bedroom. This is now my study, after waiting years! The best feature? I can close the door and cut out the noise of the TV. Bliss.

new study

I did manage to work on my YA story as well and added approximately 900 words after some editing. So not a complete loss for writing over the weekend. In fact the story took on a new direction, which just popped into my head.

As my second Board meeting of the week is this evening, I can take advantage of the two hours of freedom to sequester myself in the library and write. With the new direction in the narrative, I am excited to see where it leads.

What is your current project?

Is it going to ‘plan’ or changed direction?

Books:

A beautifully written narrative keeping me intrigued and turning the pages.

The Mermaid Garden

Writing Tips

Summer is road trip season and although we have not gone on as many trips this summer, this packing list is still useful. https://mandyevebarnett.com/2016/12/19/packing-tips-for-writers-what-to-take/

What essentials do you take on a trip for your writing?

Writing Hub -Books, Writing, Tips & more…

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Writing:

With a few hours in my local library last night I delved into my current YA story. Set on another planet four friends go on an adventure chasing an intruder and discovering a secret plot in the process. I added 1238 words, which is quite good for a couple of hours uninterrupted writing time. The ‘secret plot’ just came to me as I was writing the narrative. I just love when my Muse takes over and steers me in new directions.

Have you experienced this ‘twist’ on your writing? What changes did it bring about to the final narrative?

The reminder of my evening was spent with a select few at the writing meeting, where we shared our responses to a prompt, discussed publishing smaller stories and the upcoming events. The main two being an author reading on 26th August and Words in the Park on 30th September.

What are your writing plans for this weekend?

Books:

I am enjoying this story cast over a couple of time periods and the countryside of England and Italy. The characters interactions and their possible connections are tantalizingly vague ensuring I turn the page.

The Mermaid Garden

What are you reading at the moment? Care to share your thoughts of review?

I think my next book will be this one – written by a local Edmonton author.

Mind of the Phoenix

Writing tips:

Pay attention to punctuation, especially to the correct use of commas and periods. These two punctuation marks regulate the flow of your thoughts, and they can make your text confusing even if the words are clear.

Don’t sit down in the middle of the woods. If you’re lost in the plot or blocked, retrace your steps to where you went wrong. Then take the other road. And/or change the person. Change the tense. Change the opening page. Margaret Atwood

Description is hard. Remember that all description is an opinion about the world. Find a place to stand. Anne Enright

Writing Hub -Books, Writing, Tips & more…

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Writing:

My weekend was rather unsettled so reading and writing did not become my focus. However, I did edit the 12,000 or so words in Bubble the Gruggle. And finished The Long Walk. To make up for this I have two opportunities this week to escape to the local library to write. One prior to a writing workshop (see below) and the other prior to hosting a seniors writing group. These library sessions are always successful, so I am looking forward to them. On one visit an author friend will be joining me for a while as she is purchasing three of my books!

The workshop I attended last night was so much fun! Wine & Whine.

wine

As you can imagine there are a plethora of subjects and ideas raised from the starting point of alcohol. How it affects a characters life, behavior, social interaction etc. We also looked at how you can write about a drunk person without saying it – movement, attitude, gestures and more. A good exercise in writing techniques.

Books:

The Long Walk

My review:

An excellent insight into the minds of young men under emotional, physical and spiritual duress. As always Richard Bachman/Stephen King delivers strong characters and world building, leaving the reader with empathy for the personalities inhabiting his narrative.

The Mermaid GardenSettled into this narrative quickly, which is always a good sign.

Writing Tips:

While spell-checking programs serve as a good tool, they should not be relied upon to detect all mistakes. Regardless of the length of the article, always read and review what you have written.

Instead of adding tags (he said/she said) to every bit of dialogue, learn to identify the speaker by showing him/her in action. Example: “Pass that sweet-smelling turkey this way.” With knife in one hand and fork in the other, Sam looked eager to pounce.

Writing Hub -Books, Writing, Tips & more…

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I enjoyed continuing to write my newest #YA story, Bubble the Gruggle over the weekend. With an increased word count by 1494 – I am over 12K in total. The narrative has some way to go so I’m not sure if it will be a novella or longer. I will see where the story takes me. The narrative is set on another world, where a fierce intruder is discovered. It’s DNA is unlike that of the inhabitants, making it almost impossible to track it. My protagonist and her three friends decide to capture it in the hope their heroic deed will ensure their place on the security force, a prestigious assignment.

As I was dog sitting all weekend I enjoyed numerous walking breaks, which helped take out the ‘writers cramp’ and clear my head. My companion was more than happy to stay by my side while I wrote.

Cassie

I have made a decision on whom I am dedicating my newest novel, The Twesome Loop  (launch date 30th September) but have to keep it a secret so as not to spoil the surprise! The book club questions have been written and submitted to the publisher as well as an updated bio and author photo. So now I wait on the cover. The initial image is impressive.

With my ghost writing project on hold due to my client’s changed circumstances, I am free to accept new clients. Feel free to contact me at: https://tailoredthemedtosuit.wordpress.com/

The Long Walk by Stephen King- I only have a couple of chapters to go now on this incredible study of character under immense physical and emotional pressure. The interaction between the walkers and their environment is superbly done.

The Long Walk

I’ve decided this is my sequence for my TBR pile. (Subject to change of course!)

The Mermaid Garden

Mind of the Phoenix

11_22_63

A Desperate Fortune

What are you reading at the moment? What’s next?

Writing Tips:

57 senses

This is such a comprehensive list. Writing great characterization means using all the senses.

Did you realize how many there were?