Breathe by Tim Winton

I have to make it known that I have fallen in love with Tim Winton's writing.  My introduction to his world of writing was 'Cloudstreet,' were I found myself lost in the lives of the Pickles and  Lambs.  His wit in charactisation is just out of this world; or more accuractly so much within this world.

Having just read 'Breathe,' I once again was absorbed in the lives of Pikelet, Sando, Loonie and Eva. 
I have become a Tim Winton follower if you may; now having brought his compilation of short stories 'The Turning.'  Don't we wish we too could be so talented in crafting stories so close to home; so realistic and fulfilling that you just wish the story will never end?  Here's the beginning to my short story writing I think.

Back on track

Yes, I am back on track.  I have to admit I did fall off the wagon for a short time there, and probably due to that terrible first rejection thing, but hey, we all must move on and persist after all we are writers.
I have to confess I didn't even scratch the surface towards the NaNoWriMo.  Foolishly I thought I could whip up some 50,000 words out of nowhere, and you guessed it I couldn't, or for a better reason I just didn't get motivated to do so.  Bad timing is my excuse and I am going to stick to that.  Anyway, I am now going to pursue my writing projects and complete some of the anthologies I am keen on submitting.

First Rejection!

Yes, I am dissappointed to say that my manuscript has returned following an enduring 5 months of waiting to hear a verdict. 
I have to add that although the manuscript was eventually turned down, the publisher did find merit in the concept and did intitially show interest, asking for additional information in supporting the marketing of the book. 
Unfortunately, for me of course, the publisher needed to tap into a concept which would have a larger audience.
So all is not lost; my idea is still sound, I just need to grab the right publisher which can afford to take on a concept that perhaps doesn't target the largest of audiences.  In my opinion I believe my concept would address enough interest to warrent publishing.  Now my job is to seek and send once again.

All Aboard the NaNoWriMo!

Well here's a challenge!  We all need a little push from time to time and so here it is, and if we all weren't already under enough pressure with Christmas just around the corner along with all those other writing commitments. However, I feel I would be cheating if I didn't give this a go at least.

Yes I know, I can hear my husband say I must have rocks in my head, but hey I've joined anyway.

With less than 30 days I need to produce a 50,000 word draft for a novel.  Any ideas? Only kidding!

The lucky thing is it can be crap.  Not that I like writing crap, but fortunately for me I don't have to be to hung-up on grammer, punctuation and spelling - although I don't know about anyone else, but I hate red words appearing amongst my writing, it becomes a bit distracting and off-putting.

Interested:   Visit http://www.nanowrimo.org/ and get started.

Lucky!

It's really funny I post this message to you.  Only a few days ago I was congratulating my friend Tracee of farmgatecreations.blogspot.com for her win, and then out of nowhere I recieve this parcel in the mail.  At first I thought it might have been something from a  publisher I have been waiting with baited breath on - but don't get too excited it wasn't.  What it was however was a book pack valued at $155, after winning an online competition with Nurofen for children.  Books from Beatrix Potter, Peter Rabbit to Roald Dahl; a great surprise.

Small things!

Yes, small things, but none the less they are things that excite me.  While browsing the book shops, I came across the newest edition of The Australian Writer's Marketplace 2011/2012, and of course could not leave without purchasing a copy. 

This book becomes my bloodline for writing, where I meticulously scan every page for any opportunities to spread my wings as a writer.  This is my writers Bible, yet to stay faithful I need to stay focused and ensure I meet the demands I set myself.  With every new year comes new opportunity - well lets hope.  And it goes without saying that no - I didn't only purchase the one book but four.  I am now the proud owner of The Fry Chronicles, a book I had no intention of ever reading, I came to say goodbye - and can't wait to start reading, and The Country show cookbook - for a bit of cooking in my spare time.  I am a very keen cook and have a love for country and shows.  Not that so far back I have a history for cooking and shows; more accurately Cake Decorating.  I once spent painstaking hours upon hours creating pieces of art with my cakes, something I still have a passion for and a burning desire to undertake once again; however I would first need to find a renewed level of patience and time in order to do so. Who knows what the new year might bring?

Not so hard

Well, that wasn't so hard. 
I have sent my 25 words or less submission to the Australian Festival of Travel Writing competition.  A bit of fun and a challenge; try it - closes on the 19th October 2010.
Send submissions of 25 words or less about a travel experience starting with "Wish you were here."
email: competition@aftw.com.au

Mission Possible

I have a number of writing projects on the go; or should I say a number of writing projects I endeavour to complete and submit.  The problem is finding time - isn't this always the case.  View my Current project list, opposite; I will indicate if submitted or not.
I am however determined to complete these submissions - some which hold a very close place to my heart.
I found a site called 'Mostly for Mothers,' http://www.mostlyformothers.com/, calling for submissions for an anthology.  Since submissions close in February 2011, I feel I have a good chance in completing this particular project and have already made a start.
I am going to keep a post of my projects to ensure I challenge myself to see them through to completion, something that I have not had a very good track record in doing.  So here it is, it's out there for you all to know and I am going to do it this time.

Blog Book Club

For every good writer there must be a good reader; so they say.  I actually do agree with this.  Reading broadens your imagination, it allows you to experience different points of view, styles, voice and settings.  For me, I love non-fiction, but saying that I enjoy a great story of fiction that can lead itself to be believed that the characters really exist.  A great example here would have to be

 'A Thousand Splendid Suns,' written by Khaled Hosseini.  If you haven't already read this book you really must.

Another really great fiction read is 'Cloudstreet', by Tim Winton - Two different families leave country life to live in the big smoke.  They start thier lives from scratch, enduring many different challenges, sacrifices, love and loss.  It took me a bit to get into, but I really loved it once I was drawn in.
Adding to my book list:
I am really excited by a new book which I recently read a review on. 'I came to say Goodbye,'  by Caroline Overington.  Although this book is meant to be a work of fiction; I imagine it will read as a true work of non-fiction.  The review goes on to describe this story being about dysfunctional families and how the NSW Department of Community Services fail in their role. Quote : 'Her talent draws you into a world that we need to know about if current paradoxes are to be changed.'  With my birthday just around the corner, I know whats on my birthday wish list.

Article Writing

What a great way to have your voice heard.  I love writing articles, especially those on subjects close to the heart.  I have found some of my best writing has come from things I hold a strong opinion of.  Beware though, writing on subjects that have affected your life whether it be good or bad can be a trap for sceptism, critic and wrongful judgement if your not careful. 
In November 2009 I was so suprised and elated to find I had placed second in the FAWQ Article Writing competition.  I submitted an article titled 'For whose rights?'  This article looked at the pros and cons of who had the ultimate rights in contact through the processes of adoption in Australia.  I will post this article soon for you all to read; look at the structure used, avoiding to much of my own opinion to speak out too loud, instead posing a point of view for all to make thier own opinions on instead.