C is for Capote

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Vikki Thompson

Truman Capote was born in New Orleans in 1924 and is best known for his novel Breakfast at Tiffany’s and “nonfiction novel” In Cold Blood.

He taught himself how to read and write and having discovered his passion for writing when he was 11, spent the rest of his childhood honing his craft. He started by writing short stories, the first of which was published when he was 21.

A close friend of Harper Lee’s, both Capote and Lee have characters based on each other feature in their work and Lee worked along side Capote as he researched In Cold Blood.

Capote embraced being a celebrity and would seek out the company of authors, critics, business tycoons and Hollywood A listers. But, after years of drug and alcohol dependency, rehab clinics and break downs he died of liver cancer at the age of 59.

My Favourite Truman Capote Quotes:

“I write my first version in longhand (pencil). Then I do a complete revision, also in longhand.”

“Everything a writer writes is in some way autobiographical.”

“Finishing a book is just like you took a child out in the back yard and shot it.”

“All literature is gossip.”

“Writing has laws of perspective, of light and shade, just as a painting does, or music. If you are born knowing them, fine. If not, learn them. Then rearrange the rules to suit yourself.”

I love this whole idea of literature being gossip. The stories we tell each other, going right back to the days round the campfire. I picture two women in their back yards, hanging their washing and discussing the recent events of the street where they live. I think we’ve kinda lost that nowadays, probably because, here in the UK, I think we’ve lost a sense of community. People are too busy now to stop and chat in the street don’t you think?

When was the last time you sat down to have a chat? (Or as we say here, a natter lol)

Theatre Bosses Wanted Truman Capote’s Ashes For Breakfast At Tiffany’s Opening (contactmusic.com)
Review Roundup: BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S Opens on Broadway – Updating LIVE! (broadwayworld.com)
New doubts over facts in Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood (telegraph.co.uk)
‘God, Let Me Be Loved’: The Tragedy of Truman Capote (themillions.com)
What Capote Looks Like to Capote: Famous Authors’ Self-Portraits (theatlantic.com)
Breakast at Tiffany’s Seeks Broadway Redeption in 2013 (vividseats.com)
Book of the Week: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote #amreading (jayfingers.com)

B is for Bronte

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Vikki Thompson

Emily Bronte was born in 1818 in Yorkshire, England and is best known for writing my favourite novel of all time, Wuthering Heights. Although published in 1847, it wasn’t until 1850 that her name appeared on it.

With her siblings Anne, Charlotte and Bramwell, she spent her childhood writing stories and creating fantasy worlds, inspired by Bramwell’s toy soldiers.

Wuthering Heights is a classic piece of English Literature, but when it was initially published it was controversial because of its subject matter (mental and physical cruelty) and hence received mixed reviews at the time.

Just like Austen, Emily died young, at the age of 30 and it was rumoured that she was working on a second novel. Unfortunately, no trace of it has ever been found.

My favourite Emily Bronte quotes:

“If I could, I would always work in silence and obscurity, and let my efforts be known by their results.”

“I have dreamed in my life, dreams that have stayed with me ever after, and changed my ideas; they have gone through and through me, like wine through water and altered the colour of my mind.”

“A person who has not done one half of his days work by 10 o’clock, runs a chance of leaving the other half undone.”

Because I’m a true romantic, I love Emily Bronte’s passion for her characters and her setting. The Yorkshire moors became a character itself under her touch. It wouldn’t surprise me if there had been a part of Emily that was in love with Heathcliff herself, I know I am 🙂 *sighs* How I would so love to write like that!

My Favourite film adaptation of Wuthering Heights with Timothy Dalton as Heathcliff (PHWOA!)

So do you think it helps to be a tiny bit in love with your hero?

Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights (representativebritishwriters.wordpress.com)
Wuthering Heights- Emily Bronte (pageturnerblog.wordpress.com)
The characters of “Wuthering Heights” (gjungle.wordpress.com)
Review: Wuthering Heights (theliteraryomnivore.wordpress.com)
From Wuthering Heights (writewelldaily.wordpress.com)

A is for Austen

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Vikki Thompson

It’s the start of the A-Z Challenge today. If you’re not quite sure what that is click the link above 🙂

I thought id start off with a great writer who everyone knows…. Jane Austen

Born in 1775 in Hampshire England, she is the earliest of the writers I’ll be looking at over the course of April. With no real formal education, Austen started to write poems and short stories when she was 12 and published her first piece of work at the age of 19.

Its incredible to think that at the age of 36 she would have had no idea that by publishing Sense and Sensibility she was about to become one of the most well known and widely read writers of English Literature, ever!

Her observation on social behaviour features heavily in her work and has meant that she has become an important writer amongst critics and historians. Her novels are witty observations of the lives of the middle and upper classes of Georgian Britain.

Sadly, she died at the age of 42, but fortunately for the world with 6 timeless novels for us to enjoy.

My Favourite Jane Austen Quotes:

“An artist cannot be slovenly.”

“The person, whether it be a gentleman or a lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.” OUCH!

“Life is a quick succession of busy nothings.”

“Nothing ever fatigues me, but doing what I do not like.”

“For my own part, if a book is well written, I always find it too short.”

In my opinion, Jane Austen was, is, the mother of chick lit, so I find myself asking…why the hell have I never read any of her work? The problem is that I feel I know it so well already, from the numerous TV adaptations and films that already exist. There have even been books and films written about people reading Austen! 😉

So are you an Austen fan? Or do you wonder what all the fuss is about?

Review: Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility (Marvel Illustrated) by Nancy Butler and Sonny Liew (diaryofaneccentric.wordpress.com)
Jane Austen Fans Rejoice, Jane is BACKKKK… Jane Austen and Ghosts (thethingsthatcatchmyeye.wordpress.com)
Mark Your Calendars! A JANE AUSTEN DAYDREAM Will Be Released on April 30! (sdsouthard.com)
Jane Austen 2013 – But back as a Ghost (thethingsthatcatchmyeye.wordpress.com)
The 5 Silliest Books Inspired by Jane Austen (flavorwire.com)

Desperate Dan

Posted on March 22, 2013 by Vikki Thompson

Photo from Wikipedia

So here’s the final character from Still, Daniel…and no, he looks nothing like Desperate above 😉

Daniel was born in November 1953 to middle class parents who lived in a semi-detached house they owned on the outskirts of Blackheath in South East London. Daniels father was an accountant, his mother a housewife. He had a younger sister who his father adored. The Hopwood’s happy family home looked from the outside perfection itself, but Daniels father was cold towards his son. He often became violent when he was drunk and used a belt to punish Daniel, often for no reason, on a regular basis.

Intelligent but introverted, Daniel didn’t mix well at school, and was often bullied. At secondary school he met Ronnie, who intervened when an older boy was picking on him and the two struck up a friendship. As an adult Daniel had convinced himself that the only reason Ronnie had rescued him was to make himself look good. Daniel would often do Ronnies homework and in return Daniel spent most of his time at Ronnies house, preferring that to being at home around his father.

With mousy hair and grey eyes he was rugged in his looks and awkward around girls. He lacked social skills and preferred his own company to that of others.

After leaving school he trained under his father as an accountant, his father’s choice, not his, and when he was 16 he was with Ronnie when they met Laura. Daniel thought at the time she was beautiful, but unfortunately, it was Ronnie who had the guts to ask her out. Daniel prayed that their relationship wouldn’t last and during the year that it did he found himself falling in love with Laura, trying to keep his distance and his feelings from Ronnie.

When Laura and Ronnie broke up Daniel began to start visiting Laura, as a shoulder to cry on, and it was Daniel she confided in when she discovered she was pregnant. With no hope of reconciliation between Laura and Ronnie, Daniel began to worm his way into Laura’s affections, and became her rock. He stood by her when she gave birth to her daughter and when he finally found the courage to ask Laura to marry him she accepted. He promised that he would treat Laura’s daughter Ruby as if she was his own, and at the time, he meant it.

When Laura became pregnant with Daniels child he began to resent Ruby’s presence. As far as he was concerned Ruby was ruining the happy life he wanted with Laura and taking up Laura’s time…time that she should be spending with him, and of course, she looked so like Ronnie. A huge argument resulted in Daniel lashing out and Laura losing the baby. They were later told that Laura would be unable to have more children. Daniel was ashamed and wracked with guilt but became even angrier with Laura, believing that she was still in love with Ronnie.

He became spiteful, aggressive and domineering, to the point where even though he knew the way he was behaving was wrong he couldn’t help himself.

Laura had a break down and was sent to hospital. Daniel was relieved that Ruby had gone to stay with Laura’s mother and during Laura’s absence he started drinking heavily and sleeping with other women. When Laura returned he tried to make amends but then his father died and all the hurt and pain of his childhood came crashing down on is shoulders.

Laura left him but he persuaded her to come back, truly believing that he would, could, change and that Laura was the only person who understood him. He tried to be kind, gentle and loving. The man he had been all those years ago, but the strain was too great. Believing that Laura didn’t love him, and wondering why she had come back, he found himself attracted to a woman at work and was making plans to leave. But Laura found out and by the time Daniel realized what a huge mistake he was making it was too late.

Laura packed her bags and Daniel knew it was the final straw and that Laura meant it. In his anger he told her that he didn’t need her and had never loved her as she left, but inside his heart was breaking and he knew that he didn’t deserve the woman he had destroyed.

So now you’ve seen all 4 sides of the story. These 4 characters have been part of my life for 2.5 years, and I just can’t let go of them. They don’t talk to me like I know some writers say their characters do, but I’m so attached to them lol

For some reason The Hubster isn’t gelling with our Daniel, but can’t say why. Is there something missing? Should he be more dislikable?

Tomorrows post will be a little bit late….as I’m up at Faber all day 🙂

Bedtime For Bonzo? (the-view-outside.com)
Goodbye Ruby Tuesday (the-view-outside.com)

Bedtime For Bonzo?

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Vikki Thompson

I bet that title has confused you *snigger* 😉

The third (and probably my favourite) character from “Still” let me introduce you to Ronnie, but I guess he could have been a Ronald 😉 Please excuse any errors, this is taken from my note book.

Ronnie was born in February 1953 to an Irish father and English mother who were never actually married. His parents lived on a Council Estate in Lee, South East London. The youngest son of 4 boys he was a tear away (so his mother Liz said) from the moment he could walk.

Curly auburn hair when he was a toddler (which, as an adult only begins to curl when he needs a haircut) and deep blue eyes like his fathers, his ruddy complexion meant that he always looked like he’d been dashing around, but then, most of the time he had. He always had an abundance of energy that continued into adulthood.

Not doing well in school he preferred to play truant and found himself in detention frequently. His mother despaired, but he was her favourite. When he was 12 his father Patrick left the family and went back to Ireland because he couldn’t find work, leaving his mother to bring up the four boys on her own. At secondary school he met Daniel and they became best friends. Although from very different backgrounds the boys shared a love of fishing. It was the only thing he could really remember doing with his father.

At 15 he left school and got himself an apprenticeship with a local builder. He enjoyed being outside, the manual work and the banter with the other workers. But with two of his older brothers involved in petty crime it wasn’t long before he found himself with a police caution.

At 17 he met Laura, a girl who served him in a local café where he and Daniel often met. He asked her out and within weeks they become “a couple” spending a lot of time at the local pub and having a weekend away at his aunts caravan. They were inseparable for a year.

Ronnie started to get friendly with a group who knew his brothers and they introduced him to drugs. His relationship with Laura suffered, and Ronnie moved out of home and into a squat. He and Laura split up and his is mother Liz contacted his father because she was worried.

His father Patrick returned to London in 1972 and with their parents back together the whole family moved back to Ireland, his mother agreeing as she wanted to get Ronnie away from the drug culture he had become embroiled in.

Ronnies father was a struggling builder, but with the help of his sons they made a success of the business and it thrived. He often thought about Laura and Daniel, wondered what happened to them, but as the years went by he put them to the back of his mind.

With a huge zest for life he likes to play practical jokes and to be the center of attention. In his early 20’s he married an Irish girl, but they divorced after only 3 years with no children. Ronnie threw himself into work and with 7 nieces and nephews he was content to stay single and still play the field.

He still walks with the arrogant swagger he had as a teenager, but at 45 he is lonely, realising that he can no longer chat up women like he used to. One of his brothers has suggested he use a dating agency, but he is too embarrassed. Loyal, attractive for his age (although grey and balding) and with a successful business, he is still hot headed. He plays golf with his brothers.

He receives a letter from a young woman in Kent called Ruby, who thinks she may be his daughter and they speak on the telephone. The old memories of Laura and Daniel come flooding back and he immediately makes plans to travel to Kent. He is excited at the prospect of being a father, but even more so about seeing Laura. He regrets the way he treated her and wants to make amends.

So what has my character Ronnie got to do with Bedtime for Bonzo? I’m kinda thinking that Ronnie’s mum had a bit of a thing for Ronald Reagan 😉

Tales From A Notebook (part 1)

Posted on October 5, 2012 by Vikki Thompson

A few weeks ago (or was it months?) someone asked me if I could share some pages from my note books. I have 14 now that are completely full up, and another 7 currently on the go.

So here are a few pages 🙂

As you can see, I collect crap lol….anything I think might help or inspire me at a later date goes in my note books 🙂 I love flicking back through them when I’m stuck for a title idea, or need inspiration on a story.

so the question is…..do you want me to do a regular post, sharing the contents? Or shall I just leave it there because you’re yawning?

Does Your WIP Need A Bible?

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Vikki Thompson

One of my favourite bloggers, Hunter over at Hunters Writings recently included a link in one of her posts to a very interesting article:

Making A Writing Bible is an article that appeared on The Write Thing’s web site.
Edited to add: This link appears to be down 😦

Hunter has also been talking about The Novel Journal

So that’s what I’ve been working on, in preparation for Nano, my WIP Bible 🙂

I’ve decided to use a notebook rather than my Netbook as I can add things as and when I think of them. Even carry it around in my bag if inspiration strikes.

So, I’ve got the hero (although he’s changed a bit since you last heard about him….thank you for all your comments and suggestions!!!!). His name is now Daminano Moretti 😉 harry is still knocking about, and I’m sure i’ll find a use for him later 😉 Kate Walker suggested that we find a photo of what we envisage our hero to look like. So after some extensive Googling I have a couple of pics!

Then this section is for notes on my heroine, who is still Kate 🙂 I’ve also found a couple of pics of what I imagine her to look like.

I have a section for the minor characters. There won’t be many, as, in a Mills & Boon, its all about the hero and heroine.

The setting…..ahhhhh…. *day dreams wistfully* It’s Sorrento in Italy. So I’m collecting pics and info.

Chapter breakdown is a suggestion made by Sharon Kendrick at Swanwick. Because Mills & Boon books generally have a pattern, it’s a good idea to have an outline of where things need to happen, such as “the black moment” and that way you know where you are 😉

Notes and ideas is basically the section for everything else….title ideas, ideas for scenes, back story etc…..

I’ve never worked like this before (I was a pantster lol) but I can really see the benefits. And now, I have 2 whole months to collect all the info I need before I actually start writing on the 1st November! And I have to say….I’m loving it! 😉

Have you ever created a WIP Bible? And if not, would you consider it?

A Return To Journalling

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Vikki Thompson

I stumbled across a great web site a couple of days ago. Create Write Now which has a free e book download and loads of info on the joy of journal writing.

And then, I came across a post, Keeping A Journal over on The Change Blog, and then another at Writability and at this stage I’m thinking, is somebody trying to tell me something? Lol

So BAM I’m back journalling lol, and I lay the blame right at the feet of Diana M. Raab 🙂 For my birthday treat, hubby took me to Foyles in London on a book buying spree, where I picked up this…..(I won’t tell you how many times I have attempted to pick up that pen on the front cover LMAO!)

What can I say? Loved it loved it loved it! Read the back and tell me you’re not interested lol

Ok, so it says “Notebook” but, the chapters inside refer to “Journal” and include sections like The Journal as Tool & The Journal as Muse so the writers who have contributed don’t seem to place a distinction between a “writers note book” and a “writers journal”.

For me, the difference is that my notebook, I would be fairly happy for anyone to read (so long as they don’t pinch my ideas lol), but my journal? *sharp intake of breath* I’ll cut your hands off if you read all that personal stuff without my permission 😉

Anyway, so I’ve started journalling again, and it’s been good, yeah, really good, I’m trying not to whine see 😉 Trying to be a bit more constructive lol.

So, dear reader, do you journal? Do you think there’s a difference between a writers notebook and a writers journal?

Champers Darling?

Posted on June 17, 2012 by Vikki Thompson

Today’s picture is one I took last year…

So who’s celebrating what?

Looking forward to hearing your ideas….will share mine on Tuesday 🙂

Is My Writing Improving? Part 1

Posted on June 14, 2012 by Vikki Thompson

Since the first of January I have been using The Writers Book Of Days by Judy Reeves to encourage me to write every day. It’s been hard at times, to the point where I’ve wanted to give up, but I haven’t, and I’m determined to see it through until the 31st of December.

As I’m kind of half way in the book (and because Judy provides a checklist), I thought I’d do the exercise How Can I Tell If My Writing Is Improving here on my blog 🙂

Soooo, after 6 months of daily prompts, let’s see shall we…..This is part 1….part 2 will follow 🙂

1. Do I easily fall into writing from the prompt and begin writing without hesitation (not stopping to think or consider & keeping the pen moving)?
Hmmmm, no, not all the time, but, that really depends on whether I find the prompt inspiring or not. Some of them I could write for hours, others, I just about manage a page. But either way, I find it easy to start now 🙂 There are very few times that I actually hesitate.

2. Do I stay with the image inspired by the prompt long enough to explore it, rather than verging off in all directions that go nowhere or jumping from one point to the next? Am I a more patient writer?
Oh definitely a resounding yes! But, I’ve often had to stop mid flow because of time constraints 😦

3. Are my verbs lively and diverse?
Hmmmmm…..i think so lol. But I’ll have to re-read the first month or so’s prompts to compare.

4. Are my images fresh?
Again, I think so, I’m definitely more aware of imagery than I was say 8 months ago. A lot of that has to do with watching films. I never really saw them as anything other than a story on the screen. But now, I’m more aware of what is actually being portrayed. The emotion on people’s faces and the atmosphere.

5. Do I write with fewer cliched words and images?
Ummmm….*blush* nope lol. I do love a cliche lol. I must get out of the habit 😦

6. Do my sentences vary in length and structure?
Yes, this is definitely something I am more aware of 🙂

7. Do I write more naturally, with less self consciousness?
OMG yes! I don’t even think about how crap something is anymore, because all practice is good. I don’t over analyse anymore 🙂

8. Adverbs have all but disappeared from my writing?
Ummmm, nope lol. I’m finding this really hard to be honest 😦

9. Is my writing truthful and honest, am I holding back?
Yes, it’s truthful and honest to a point, but, there are certain things I hold back on definitely. I don’t think that will ever change. There are events in my life that are too painful to write about, maybe one day they won’t be 😉

10. Am I including more detail?
Yes, definitely. I’m more aware of all my senses now 🙂 I love adding tiny little details to things, it makes my writing much more interesting!

Hmmmmm, so there are a couple of things I still need to work on, mainly Verbs and Adverbs. I have to admit, I keep getting the two confused lol *blush*. It’s the technical side of writing that I don’t enjoy 😦 I didn’t pay much attention in my English classes….I wish I had now lol

My husband reads all my prompts and the other day, he said he could see a definite improvement, so I’ll take his word for that lol 🙂

So how are you with Verbs and Adverbs? Or am I alone in not always being aware of them? Lol. Is it really that important in the scheme of things?