Writing Retreat Day 1

Posted on November 9, 2012 by Vikki Thompson

Hi people 🙂

Have you missed me? He he he!

Well, I have 226 e mails in my inbox that need sorting, but, I’ve managed To get my word count up to 18,163 for Nano! (That’s a lie actually, I’ve managed to get my e mails down to 101 by taking full advantage of the WordPress “like” button).

I’m sorry I’m so behind with all your blogs, will catch up on Sunday I promise 🙂

I was told this place is lovely, and it is! Must be fantastic in the summer that’s for sure!

This place would be ideal for inspiration for a gothic novel 😉

My room is very nice, and I’m going to enjoy walking round the gardens tomorrow 🙂

The only problem is that I’ve finished Sorrento Sunrise, yep, it’s done, at 18,000 words….Oh, dear lol. The question now is whether I try to pad it out with 30,000 words or move onto something else? I can’t believe it! Where have I gone wrong! Lol

So what should I do….add loads of waffle, or start working on something else?

Tales From A Notebook – Part 2

Posted on November 8, 2012 by Vikki Thompson

Some more notebook pages 🙂

Hope you enjoy! 🙂

ps….tomorrows post will be a little late, as I’m off to a Nano Writing Retreat 🙂

I Am Thankful For…..Plus Insecure Writers Support Day

Posted on November 7, 2012 by Vikki Thompson

MY READERS!

Yes, that means you, I see you, even if you never comment 🙂

Vikki at Scribblings of an Aspiring Author and Tara at Tara Tyler Talks are hosting this wonderful Blog Hop, that I just couldn’t resist 🙂

This has actually come at a really good time for me as this blog was created in November 2010, so it is kinda my Blogiversary this month, although, I didn’t start blogging daily until the end of December last year. So I feel a bit like the Queen, The View Outside has two birthdays!

Just for my own curiosity, I had a look back at those first few posts:
November 2010 3 posts
April 2011 1 post (very sad looking blog at this stage!)
November 2011 3 posts (still no comments and I’m not surprised!)
December 2011 10 posts and 3 commentors!!!!!
Ha ha ha….my poor little blog was much neglected in those days 😉

It’s also Insecure Writers Support Day (see the tab above) so I am thankful for that too 🙂 It’s been great being able to moan about my fears on one day every month and I am so grateful for all the IWSG Members who have taken the time to come give me a virtual hug 🙂

I’m doing ok this month, feeling a little bit out of my depth at Faber. My class mates work is sooooo much better than mine, truly…..I have a lot to learn. But I’m enjoying it, and it’s a challenge I’m definitely up for 🙂

Sooooo, as I can’t thank you all individually (and this includes IWSG Members who take the time to offer their support by visiting my blog on the first Wednesday of every month), I hope you’ll accept my thanks via this note…..

Hopefully, one day, I’ll meet up with some of you, at my book launch perhaps? *sniggers* 😉 But until then, you will remain, my wonderful blogging friends, who keep me going.

Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles/freedigitalphotos

p.s if you are one of my readers who has never commented, please come and say hello, I won’t bite and I’d love to chat 🙂 I’m off now to offer support to my fellow Insecure Writers 🙂

Faber Session 5 – Starting A Story….And Ending It

Posted on November 6, 2012 by Vikki Thompson

Went up to Bloomsbury a little bit earlier today as I wanted to buy a present. So it was nice to be able to walk through Bloomsbury Square in the day light! 🙂

A quick stop off in the BM to make my purchase and spotted this…..

There’s a Shakespeare exhibition on at the moment and this display of cut out houses is on the floor in the main court of the museum.

Anyway, back to class 🙂

Tonight’s session was about beginnings and endings. We talked about starting being the hardest part and one of the other students mentioned the “toxic 10” for runners. If you’re into running you’ll know exactly what this means. It’s that first 10 minutes where you’re cussing and cursing and wondering what the hell you’re doing….once you get past that it gets easier. It’s exactly the same for writers, and knowing where to start in your story can be tricky. I don’t think I’m that bad at starting, I just kind of jump in lol. Tim suggested that we play on our writing strengths in the first chapter, whatever aspect of writing we’re good at, make sure we include a lot of it 🙂

But endings….woah! That’s a whole different ball game for me. Endings should be emotionally satisfying, regardless of whether there’s a happy ending or not. Yeah, I’d agree with that! I’m forever moaning about the Anne Tyler book I read earlier this year, where a down trodden woman who’s husband, quite frankly, is a git, walks away, builds a new happy life. But at the end of the book she goes back to her boring mundane life with the husband who treats her like a skivvy….WTF?

I don’t want my book to be the type of book the reader throws across the room at the end. I want them to feel satisfied. So I guess I’ve really got my work cut out. The last chapter is my chance to tie up the loose ends. To have a resolution to the story. My biggest decision is whether to have that ending a happy one, or just a satisfying one. Should the villain turn over a new leaf? Or does the heroine walk off into the sunset, alone, but happy? Decisions decisions *bites finger nails*

Do you prefer a happy ending or don’t you mind as long as its satisfying?

Who’s Afraid Of Copyright?

Posted on November 4, 2012 by Vikki Thompson

Sorry, no Six Sentence Sunday again this week….I’ve just got so much I want to say! Lol

So where was i? oh yes…..I am, and probably more so after reading Debi Gilori’s story. I was alerted to it by Nicola Morgan on Facebook recently. If you have time, please go and read Debi’s story.

If not, I’ll try to give you the gist…..

Basically a publisher approached her asking her to do a children’s book about the Tobermory Cat. But, a guy who created a Facebook page for the cat, wasn’t happy about that, and she has subsequently become the victim of cyber bullying by what appears to be members of the Facebook group.

The cat is a stray, so not owned by anyone and a huge argument has ensued on who actually owns the copyright to The Tobermory Cat. The guy who set up the Facebook page is claiming that his “idea” has been stolen and is taking legal action (according to the Facebook page).

Nicola has recently blogged about this, Copyright, Words & Images so please do go and read it. It’s very important, that you, as a writer, or a blogger, know what you can and can’t do 🙂

I just had to ask Nicola a question that’s been bugging me for a while, regarding all the workshops and classes I attend. Her response was interesting and I will be printing it all off and sticking it on my wall that’s for sure!

Do you worry about what you write on your blog sometimes?

ps – the photo above is not The Tobermory Cat, I wouldn’t dare! It’s my Treacle, who could quite easily be known as The Rochester Cat 😉

Cyber-bullying: The Power of Anonymity (wordsonsergebenhayon.wordpress.com)

My First Nano “Write In” As An ML

Posted on November 3, 2012 by Vikki Thompson

Sorry about the lateness of todays post, its been a busy day. I hosted my first Nano Write In this morning as a Co ML 🙂

There were 11 Wrimo’s all told including me, most of which were newbies so it was great! I cracked the whip and we did 3 sprints and chatted. I enjoyed it, and i hope they did too 🙂

There were quite a few people who were writing by hand in notebooks which was great to see. I love writing by hand, but it’s all that transferring it onto the netbook that I can’t face lol

Do you prefer writing by hand or tapping away at the keyboard?

Today was the day of the sex scene *sharp intake of breath* but there was just something wrong about writing a sex scene sitting in Caffe Nero with a group of Wrimo’s so I chickened out lol

Deciding to just write the words and then I’ll go back to it when I’m more in the mood *snigger* 😉

So today’s word count was 1879 which takes me up to the grand total of 5644 at the end of day three. So I’m slightly ahead of schedule, for now 🙂

so how are my fellow Wrimo’s doing?

How To Turn eBay Into A Writing Tool

Posted on November 2, 2012 by Vikki Thompson

You Can Get Almost Anything on eBay a post recently on Writer Unboxed, got me thinking….. As soon as I saw the title I was inspired lol.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve ever seen on eBay? Come on, there must be something? I once saw an old piece of rope. Well used, a bit manky to be honest, but, it actually sold.

I don’t know about you, but I’m conscious of the fact that every single item on eBay has a story behind it. Like the Wedding Dress – New/Never Worn or, more sadly, a selection of newborn baby clothes, with their tags still attached (ok, let’s not be too morbid there, and pressume the baby grew too quickly….but you get my point).

As I was mulling this idea over, and having a look on eBay (for research of course) I came across an article on List Verse about Bizarre eBay Auctions. Ha ha ha, wow! 😉

The following is an example from the List Verse list, written by Cedric Mandanas.

In 2005, during a live interview with Jodie Marsh, Kerrang’s Tim Shaw told the glamor model he was prepared to leave his wife and their two children for her. His wife Hayley was listening and said her husband’s flirtation was the “last straw” in their relationship. After having a few drinks and while her husband was still live on the radio, she listed his Lotus Espirit Turbo for sale on eBay with a “Buy It Now” option of 77 cents. The description read: “I need to get rid of this car in the next two to three hours before my husband gets home to find it gone and all his belongings in the street.”

The car sold in five minutes. Mrs. Shaw said: ‘When he said he would leave me and the kids for Jodie Marsh, that was it for me. I am sick of him disrespecting this family for the sake of his act. The car is his pride and joy but the idiot put my name on the log book so I just sold it. I didn’t care about the money; I just wanted to get him back. There is no hope for reconciliation.’ A Kerrang spokesperson said the DJ was ‘absolutely gutted.’

I’m asking myself was he gutted about his wife, or the car? Lol

Courtesy of M-Pics/freedigitalphotos.net

Wow! What a story *sniggers* 🙂

Have you ever been inspired by an item for sale on eBay?

10 Bizarre eBay Auctions (listverse.com)

Let The Donkey See The Carrot!

Posted on November 1, 2012 by Vikki Thompson

The donkey…..is me…..the carrot? 50,000 words! (Or rather a nice pretty winners certificate) 😉

It’s the 1st of November!!!!!! And you know what that means don’t you?

NANOWRIMO!!!!!

Yep, today’s the day we all started writing…..and I’ve started Nano 2012 with a stinking cold (all say awwwww….I need sympathy lol) so I feel like complete shit, or rather, an old decrepit donkey that’s on it’s last legs *snigger* 😉

TYPICAL!

I’m going to try not to make every single post this month Nano orientated, so bear with me 🙂

So, I’ve done ok, managed to write 1695 words, so I’m pleased 🙂

Now, I bet you’re wondering what choice I made. Which WIP did I choose to use for Nano? Well, if you want to find out you’ll have to go visit Anushka’s blog Finding My Creature, where i am “Nano Creature Number 1” and will be revealing ALL!

How has Nano Day One been for you?

Will You Be Nano-ing? (the-view-outside.com)
1 more sleep! (findingmycreature.wordpress.com)
NANO Guest Post – Calling on NanoCreatures (findingmycreature.wordpress.com)
NaNoWriMo Time!! (clairegillian.com)

Beautiful Blogger = Beautiful Books

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Vikki Thompson

Happy Halloween by the way 🙂

I’ve been nominated by Pat Wood and by Marina at Writing is Hard Work for the Beautiful Blogger Award 🙂 Thank you both, so much! 🙂

So the rules are that I share 7 things about myself and then pass this award on…. Ok, well, you know me, I do like to break the rules, so, I’m going to recommend 7 books that I think should be on every writers book shelf 🙂

I apologise now that all these links are for the UK.

The Artists Way by Julia Cameron is the book that started me on my writing journey.

The Writers Book of Days has been brilliant. I can’t tell you how much I’ve loved this book! It’s been my bible and constant companion since the 1st January of this year. It has encouraged me to write every single day and I will feel bereft without it come the 1st January 2013

The 5 Minute Writer by Margaret Geraghty was the first ever “writing” book I used. I loved all the exercises, and the concept that you only need 5 minutes.

The Writers Treasury of Ideas by Linda Lewis is fabulous for generating story ideas. Trust me, if you have this book, you will never be stumped for a story idea, ever again!

Writing Down The Bones by Natalie Goldberg. I’m reading it now and loving it! Actually, any Natalie Goldberg you can get your hands on is a great investment.

If you’re into writing romance you can’t go far wrong with Mary Wibberly’s To Writers With Love which, unfortunately is out of print now. It’s a little bit dated, but still very valuable. I love it! We said to Mary at Swanwick in August that she should urge the publishers to republish it. We’ll work on her next year 😉

Last, but by no means least (and for all you Kindle lovers) The Emotion Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi. What can I say about this book….BRILLIANT! I am almost tempted to tell you to buy a Kindle for this book alone! But it’s fine on an iPad, or PC/Laptop. An invaluable guide for all fiction writers 🙂

So there we have it. My top 7 writing books 🙂 I’m sure there are many other great books out there, but these are the ones I own and love 🙂 If you have a favourite writing book that’s not on my list please let me know, I’m always open to recommendations. *whispers* I can hear hubby grinding his teeth and thinking more books…more money he he he 😉

Now, onto the nominations! 🙂

I’m going to nominate…..
Heather James
Marina at Finding Time To Write
Bridget Whelan
Bel Anderson
Debbie at The Wicked Queens Mirror
Katherine at The Intrinsic Writer
Lanise at The Timekeepers Journal

Please check out all these lovely bloggers 🙂

Sooooo, tomorrow is the 1st of November *gulp* and the start of Nano!!!!! Good luck to everyone who’s participating! 🙂

Recommendations For Books On Writing Generally (ask.metafilter.com)
9 Writing Books that Will Inspire You to Write – Today (dailyblogtips.com)

Faber Session 4 – The Psychology of Writing

Posted on October 30, 2012 by Vikki Thompson

Just got back from a cold, wet and dark Bloomsbury.

I took shelter in the BM but eventually had to resort to getting the brolley out lol. Standing at the entrance watching the rain pour down I looked up….

What a fabulous building The British Museum is….but I wonder how many people actually notice as they rush in and out, intent on seeing the Mummies or the Rosetta Stone 😉

Anyway, where was I? Ahhhh, yes, tonight’s class 🙂

Ok, tonight’s session was taken up with Psychology. Interesting stuff about our writing coming from the unconscious mind. We talked about motivation, guilt, support, endurance, confidence, fear and patience.

I guess the two that struck a cord with me most were “guilt” and “support” really, as they kind of go hand in hand IMO.

Support: I feel incredibly lucky that I have the support of my other half with my writing. Now, that maybe because he wants me to hurry up and write a best seller so he can give up work, but we won’t dwell on that 😉 Seriously, does he have a choice? I guess so, he could sulk, make life difficult, moan at me….But perhaps he just knows that for a peaceful life he has to accept my writing time? I’m not the sort of girlie who will stop doing something I love because hubby don’t like it. But then again, he ain’t the kind of guy to stop me doing something I love. Give and take? Definitely! Mutual respect? Oh gawd yes! Our tutor was saying that most writers lack support. That’s sad 😦 And if that’s you…. (((((hugs))))) but, he then went on to say, that if that is you……BE TOUGH! DEFEND YOUR TERRITORY! 🙂

Guilt: Ok, so I have support…..so why do i still feel guilty? Guilt if the washing piles up, guilt if I’ve not been shopping and not cooked dinner, guilt if the house is a mess (and beleive me, the house is a total mess at the moment)….But the major guilt for me is the fact that i don’t work, don’t bring any income into the house 😦 Our tutor talked about writing feeling “indulgent” and I knew exactly what he meant. I can kind of justify my writing time, but what I can’t justify is sitting and reading. How can I do that when I know we’re down to our last toilet roll and that hubby will be home soon hungry and tired? I hate it, I really do, and that’s why I don’t read other than when I go to bed and I’m exhausted, and then I don’t benefit from it anyway *deep sigh* 😦

I don’t know what the answer is. Tim (our tutor) says its one of those parts of writing that we have to get use to, deal with. And I’m trying, I really am….. Perhaps I’ll feel better when my writing actually brings in an income? 😉

How’s support & guilt for you? Is it more relevant to female writers? Especially those with children? Would love to hear your views.