I recently attended a Short Story Writing Workshop with Sue Moorcroft
What a great day π Sue is an excellent teacher!
As per usual, you know me, I made lots of notes π
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 π
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 π
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 π 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* π
So, dear reader, should I go to Italy? lol π and anyone fancy joining me? π
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..
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Thanks for stopping by hon π
I can HIGHLY recommend it! π
Thanks honey, I think I should go too!
Xx
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Italy is never a bad idea (and I so wish I could go!). :-0
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Exactly CB π
Xx
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you should go and take me with you (I plan on winning the lottery this week, so I will pay)
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Ha ha ha, that’s a deal! π
Xx
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Yes!!! Go and I will come too. I’d like to see Italy again
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Seriously? You’d consider going CC?
Xx
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I’d love to go back. The question is cost.
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Ah, yeah, that old kiddie! The bane of our lives *pout* π¦
Xx
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I would give my non-writing hand to go to Italy.
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Get that book published Ava and you can treat yourself with your first royalties cheque π
Xx
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Haha, I’m sure my first royalty check will get me as far as Philadelphia, which I live across the bridge from.
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Lol π
Xx
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Italy sounds fabulous… meet you there! π
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Are you considering it honey?
Xx
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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 π
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You are very welcome π
Thanks Dianne, and yes, wherever I go, my laptop is ALWAYS with me π
Xx
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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. :).
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Thanks Brigitte π
Lol, I know, but I do feel bad leaving the family *deep sigh*
xx
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Ooooo very tempted
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Come on Jayne…you me and Maddie? π
Xx
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My bags are packed! What time will you be picking me up?
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LMAO! π
When I’m stinking rich and drop dead famous I’ll hire a HUGE villa and invite all my Bloggy friends, I promise π
Xx
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Deal!
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My favorite detail about your heroine is that her name is Kate. π I love writing workshops. I would attend them all if I could!
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Ha ha ha, ooooo, I wonder why? π
I LOVE workshops!!!! I always come away soooo inspired and fired up…. Ready to take the publishing world by storm π
Xx
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Oh, yes, do go to Italy.
Thanks for sharing those great tip – the 10 things idea. Very good!
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Thanks honey π
Xx
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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.
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Thanks honey π
Ooooo, a few days on the beach sounds lovely!
Xx
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You must go to Italy. π
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Lol, thanks honey π
Xx
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Pingback: On My Mind | Veronica's Space
Re Italy – heck, yeah!
Re dog loving MC – that won me more than the other plainness
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Lol, thanks honey π
All my MC’s seem to be dog or cat lovers! I wonder why π
Xx
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