Meg Davis | The View Outside

Up at 6.15 this morning, which was shocking, because I didn’t go to bed until 12.30 (went to the buskers night) so I’ve spent most of today feeling like a zombie lol…but, it was nice sitting doing some writing this morning, so peaceful….

The day started with a class on Editing with agent Meg Davis. Really interesting, as Meg went through all the processes you need to take to get your novel up to the stage where it’s ready to submit to an agent/publisher. She used the analogy that your novel is like bringing up a child, from conception, birth and onto being 18 where you let it out into the world. I learnt a lot.

Next it was back to Literary Novels with Alexa, where I partnered Kate McCormick (aka Elizabeth Ducie….who is also blogging daily on her Swanwick experience) for interviewing our characters. Pretty difficult for me, as the character I had created was in a hospital bed and could only move her eyes LOL 😉

After lunch I went to Katherine Boltons talk on Nano which was interesting. Katherine covered everything I would have done in the hour and even had time for an exercise where we had to write down 3 Nano ideas (which I did). Haven’t changed my mind though for what I’ll be working on this year!

A walk round the Lake…

Then dinner and a talk by Michael O’Byrne. Michael was a Chief Inspector for the Metropolitan Police in London and was full of funny stories and anecdotes.

Last event of the evening…Writers Quiz….we scored 26 out of 40, thanks to Kate, Carol, and Jayne, although I did know a few of the answers, it’s just a shame I talked Carol out of a couple of right answers lol.

They’re all off now partying in the disco, while I’m back in my room. I’m bloody exhausted!

A more relaxed day tomorrow, hopefully, so I should get time to catch up online….HA HA HA! 😉

Tired, homesick, but happy, and hey, I’ve got my one to one with Meg tomorrow *gulp* Wish me luck!

Swanwick Day 3 – #swanwick65 (the-view-outside.com)
Swanwick Day 6 – #Swanwick65 (the-view-outside.com)
Swanwick Day 5 – #Swanwick65 (the-view-outside.com)
Swanwick Day 2 – #swanwick65 (the-view-outside.com)
Swanwick Day 4 – #swanwick65 (the-view-outside.com)

Yep, it’s that time of the month again (no wise cracks please lol) and for some reason, I feel it’s come around really quick this time….weird lol

So it’s IWSG Day and this will be the 6th consecutive month that I’ve participated. If you haven’t joined, please do (see the tab above) as I can’t recommend it highly enough. It’s been great, and I’ve met some lovely bloggers 🙂

Sooooo, where do I start? What am I feeling insecure about this month? Actually, wait for it, nothing! Lol. Yep, you heard right, zilch, nada lol 😉 Well, ok, there is something but more on that later 😉

I think I know the reason why I’m feeling so good…. SWANWICK! I enjoyed it last year, which was when I attended the first time. But I came home feeling totally inadequate and out of my depth. Come on, who wouldn’t! Sitting in the bar, having a drink with Iain Banks and feeling in awe of Meg Davis and Emma Darwin as they mingled.

This year was different. This year I still had respect for all these authors, agents and tutors, but, I didn’t feel so inadequate or intimidated. I didn’t feel that they were somehow “better” than me. I even spent a couple of early mornings sitting on a bench chatting to Meg while we both smoked lol.

So what changed? I dunno….lol…..I have a couple of theories 🙂

1. I’m more confident in my own work.
2. I’ve got used to mixing with these people and realise they’re “ordinary”?
and
3. Blogging, connecting with other writers, forming a support network, and feeling that I’m part of a huge family of writers that spreads across the globe.

*grins stupidly and is filled with a warm fuzzy feeling*

So I came away with a sense of support. I came away with a smile on my face, and a determination to succeed 🙂

Then, last Wednesday, I had an e mail from The Faber Academy (who are part of Faber & Faber the publishers in London) to say that I was being offered a place on their Novel Writing course. When I applied back in early July I had to submit 1000 words as an example of my work. They had 52 places on their London courses for 2012 so they decide who gets a place based on your writing. I sent them the prologue and first couple of pages of But Not Forgotten. So I guess they liked it lol. I’m excited, but bloody terrified!!!!!! I’m worried that there will be high standards, that my work won’t be up to the calibre of the other students. Silly really, because Faber obviously see something in my work that I don’t lol.

Sooooo, my advice to anyone who is feeling insecure today? DON’T GIVE UP! KEEP WRITING, NEVER STOP! Even if it’s only 1 sentence a day. Mistakes and crap writing is what we learn from. If its not working, put it aside and try something else. Don’t bin it, it’s part of your journey. And if you ever get chance, do try to go to one of these Writers Summer Schools. Over the last 2 years I’ve met people who have been attending Swanwick for years! I can see me being one of those, definitely 🙂

And if you don’t believe me, read what writer/tutor Simon Whaley has to say about these events 🙂

I’m away from home today (I’m in Birmingham lol) so I may be a little late visiting other IWSG members, but I’ll get to as many of you as I can later 🙂

So what are you feeling insecure about today? I’m all ears, and available for hugs and finger wagging if required 😉