I recently attended a Short Story Writing Workshop with Sue Moorcroft
What a great day 
Sue is an excellent teacher!
As per usual, you know me, I made lots of notes
Sue had lots of interesting tips for writing short stories for magazines, so if that is something you’d like to explore, I can highly recommend Sue’s book. But it’s not just for short stories. Sue has published several full length novels too
One of the tips she gave us that I thought was really helpful was the 10 Words/Phrases This really helps with writing description, and if you incorporate those actual words into your story, hopefully, the reader will be more able to picture what you’re describing. Personally, I think it is great for getting to know my characters. I can split it up into 10 personality traits, or 10 physical features. It’s really helping me focus on what my characters look like
Think of 10 words or phrases that relate to your character or your setting. So, for example, when I picture my heroine, Kate, these are the words that immediately come to mind:
Pale skinned
Plain
Clumsy
Chestnut hair
Single
Smartly dressed (suit)
Stubborn
Dog owner
Believes in romance
Friendly
Sue is teaching a writing course in Italy next year, and I’m so tempted to go, no, more than tempted, I really want to go Arte Umbria are doing Creative Writing courses next year, the setting, a country house set in 220 acres of the Umbrian Hills near Tuscany *wistful sigh*
So, dear reader, should I go to Italy? lol 
and anyone fancy joining me?
Now that is a book I’d like to crack open! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on her methods and tips.
I think you should absolutely go to Italy! If you can swing it, go for it! What I wouldn’t give to be there as well..
Thanks for stopping by hon
I can HIGHLY recommend it!
Thanks honey, I think I should go too!
Xx
Italy is never a bad idea (and I so wish I could go!). :-0
Exactly CB
Xx
you should go and take me with you (I plan on winning the lottery this week, so I will pay)
Ha ha ha, that’s a deal!
Xx
Yes!!! Go and I will come too. I’d like to see Italy again
Seriously? You’d consider going CC?
Xx
I’d love to go back. The question is cost.
Ah, yeah, that old kiddie! The bane of our lives *pout*
Xx
I would give my non-writing hand to go to Italy.
Get that book published Ava and you can treat yourself with your first royalties cheque
Xx
Haha, I’m sure my first royalty check will get me as far as Philadelphia, which I live across the bridge from.
Lol
Xx
Italy sounds fabulous… meet you there!
Are you considering it honey?
Xx
Go to Italy, Vikki! And take us all with you in your laptop!
Sue’s workshop sounds great. I’ll be getting the book.
Thank you so much for sharing
You are very welcome
Thanks Dianne, and yes, wherever I go, my laptop is ALWAYS with me
Xx
Vikki, I’ve done this before — write descriptions of my characters. I “see” them in my mind’s eye but I have to remember a reader won’t unless I give clues (not too many) because I think it’s good to let readers kind of have their own visual interpretation.
Writing in Tuscany? For gawd’s sake woman, if you can, that’s a no-brainer. And yeah, I’d love to join you.
.
Thanks Brigitte
Lol, I know, but I do feel bad leaving the family *deep sigh*
xx
Ooooo very tempted
Come on Jayne…you me and Maddie?
Xx
My bags are packed! What time will you be picking me up?
LMAO!
When I’m stinking rich and drop dead famous I’ll hire a HUGE villa and invite all my Bloggy friends, I promise
Xx
Deal!
My favorite detail about your heroine is that her name is Kate.
I love writing workshops. I would attend them all if I could!
Ha ha ha, ooooo, I wonder why?
I LOVE workshops!!!! I always come away soooo inspired and fired up…. Ready to take the publishing world by storm
Xx
Oh, yes, do go to Italy.
Thanks for sharing those great tip – the 10 things idea. Very good!
Thanks honey
Xx
If you have the means then I would by all means say pack up the bags and go to Italy. There shall be no Italy in the near or probable future for me, but I’ll settle for a few days at the beach.
Thanks honey
Ooooo, a few days on the beach sounds lovely!
Xx
You must go to Italy.
Lol, thanks honey
Xx
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Re Italy – heck, yeah!
Re dog loving MC – that won me more than the other plainness
Lol, thanks honey
All my MC’s seem to be dog or cat lovers! I wonder why
Xx