Scribble and Edit

Monthly Check-in Write1 Sub1

2012-01-30T10:24:00.000Z

Last year I tried to complete a weekly Write1Sub1, but my Thyroid Gland thwarted my best intentions.

This year I'm aiming for MONTHLY submissions quota.

So far this month I have submitted:

a vignette for a rolling online competition,

three 'opening lines' entries to another competition

One 2,000 word and one 1,000 word short story submitted to two more competitons.

Sci Fi haiku to scifaikuest, four of which have already been accepted for their 2013 publication.

a true story about my cats.The editor emailed me to say that it would be accepted for inclusion in the book if I carried out a few edits and this I have done. It's a real boost to my previously flagging morale.

So I'm on a roll, at last...

How often do you submit work to magazines and competitions?

Do you prefer to just work on novels or do you like the experience of writing smaller pieces as well?

Agony

2012-01-27T08:17:00.005Z

Thanks so much to you all for your well wishes.

While my back has recovered, our male cat, Borage, went missing last night and we hardly slept, couldn't eat and I feel like I've got raw potato in my stomach.

It is completely out of character for him, as he is rather timid and loves his food so he comes home lots. He's inquisitive and likes to play and is comical and affectionate. Last night was one of the coldest this winter...

Don't feel at all like writing...

Can't concentrate on anything...

I'll be back blogging properly soon, I hope.
Our minds imagine all sorts of horrors and scenarios and then we try to tell ourselves he'll be fine. He'll be home soon. And then...

Hoorah he's been found. The neighbour who told us they hadn't been in their garage all day yesterday then found that actually he was in their garage sitting on a pile of cloths on a shelf. "Sorry they forgot they had been in there, once, in the afternoon"

It's one way to get me to exercise. I haven't walked so much in ages (all around the neighbourhood).

One thing, though, it did give me food for thought for a creepy thriller story...

Back Again!

2012-01-22T21:46:00.000Z

Sorry, I can't stay on the computer long as my back has been playing up, something awful, again.

I will catch up with all my commenters soon. Promise.

WELCOME to all my NEW SUBSCRIBERS &
Hi to all my existing subscribers.

Non Blog Writing

2012-01-19T10:08:00.000Z

STOP PRESS! I've switched back to the pop-up comment window as the embedded comments option was freezing up all the time and preventing access.

I’m so out of condition. I rarely exercise these days and Tuesday I vacuumed and washed my car; then yesterday I went for groceries and after I’d put them away I dismantled my oven door and gave the whole oven a thorough clean, which took an hour as the grime gets in between the glass and sticks on hard. I find using bicarbonate of soda with vinegar works wonders. Then I had to defrost the freezer. Now I’m aching all over!

I've also been doing some non-blog writing and reading. Hoorah!

And I read a Writing Magazine article about whether writers should have a blog or if it interferes too much with more serious writing time and although the author doesn't have a blog because it interferes too much with more serious writing time, they recommended blogging!

So how's your non-blog writing going?

RFW New Years Resolution

2012-01-16T14:13:00.003Z

Now is the time to amaze us all with your New Year's Resolution prose or poem or prosetry! Did you all make a New Year's Resolution? Yes, No, Maybe. It's your character, or the focus of your poem, that we're interested in for this prompt. Did his/her New Year's Resolution get the hero/ine in trouble? Did it set them on a golden path? C'mon, tell us about it.

Check out the other entries at Romantic Friday Writers

Here's mine:

Burning Resolve by Madeleine Maddocks

I chew my lip and stare down at the hand set in my warm palm, willing it to beep or ring, as I sit on the edge of my bed. My bedside lamp gives a yellow glow across the darkened room. The lacy bedspread and curtains are comforting and cosy, but I’d rather be out, instead, with Duncan. Just the sight of him makes my insides quiver like a bouncy castle full of excitement. He said he’d phone. I recall his warm breath against my cheek as he asked me for my number and his warm eyes like soft fudge smiling at me when I sent him the text business card. So why is he taking so long?

I begin gnawing at my lip again, my heart is pattering like a wind-up toy and my stomach feels as though it’s all at sea. My thumb hovers over the buttons of my phone. No, I promised myself I wouldn’t be needy. It's my first ever New Year’s resolution. From now on I’ll never do the chasing ever again. I’m going to play it cool, play hard to get and this time make Duncan do the running. My heart can’t take another battering, not after James. What is it with people like James? That when you’re kind and considerate they see it as desperate and needy and take advantage.

I recently read that the person with the most power in a relationship is the one that has the least to lose. So I figure I’m going to take control, be the hard-hearted bitch if necessary, rather than get hurt again. If only I felt stronger and more determined. Instead the resolve churns about my insides like a virulent virus and I know the antidote would be to call him now, get it over with. But I mustn’t. I just can't give in. I must try. I’m worth the wait. I’m worth the wait, I chant.

I jump as the phone trills and vibrates in my hand like an excited puppy wagging its tail.

“Hello Duncan” my voice is husky with excitement and anticipation.

“Hello Gorgeous!” he says “Did you miss me?”

My girlish laughter fills the room.“It’s only been a couple of hours since you brought me home!”
“Seems like an eternity to me”

(382 words)

Writers for Animals

2012-01-14T12:21:00.001Z

Writers For Animals Competition Closing date: 31st March 2012
Here's your chance to get your animal story selected for inclusion in a compilation book that will be sold to raise funds for animal welfare. There are no prizes. If chosen, however, your writing will be published and the proceeds of the book will go to a worthwhile cause.

Wanted: True-life stories about animals who've touched people's hearts, and the people who help them. Plus fiction stories for adults and teenagers that have some kind of animal theme.

For full submission guidelines, please email the editor: Entries before 31st March 2012.The 'Writers For Animals' book will be around 200 pages of stories about animals, animal issues and people who help animals. It will be a balance of true life and fiction and every story will be heart-warming, thought-provoking or just escapist, enjoyable fun. The target audience will be everybody from teenagers to elderly people who care about animals.

Designers and illustrators will also work on the presentation of the book. 'Writers For Animals' are quite well connected with book distributors and attend a lot of events such as animal sanctuary open days, book fairs and vegan festivals, where we can sell the book. It will also be listed on Amazon and sold through campaign groups' merchandise catalogues.

Please save your stories as a Word, Open Office or any plain text file and email as an attachment to this address: writersforanimals@live.co.uk before 31st March 2012. Please don't use docx format or PDF.

Have you got an animal story you'd like to submit?

BTW the photo is of Borage, our 2 yr old cat, looking rather woeful for some reason, as he looks out of the kitchen window.

Guest Posting Today

2012-01-13T06:30:00.000Z

Today I'm over at Misha's Blog HERE: My First Book
doing my first ever Guest Post on
Beginning: What sparks the beginning of your piece of writing?

Do hop over NOW and check out my examples and share your views.
We'd both love to see you there.

I Just had a mega scary moment when blogger deleted my blog and access to my gmail account. The verification words were impossible to decipher, so I kept getting a sorry google couldn't help me message after I'd completed the form.

Eventually I clicked on 'cannot remember password', got verification via another email address and then my mobile and it all came back. Hoorah!
This is what has happened to several of my blog buddies recently and it's a total pain!

Oh and check out Michael Haynes blog for a great idea

Scifihaiku ~ How Novel!

2012-01-10T14:01:00.002Z

Voices in their heads

The women remain silent

It’s Chaos Walking.

Madeleine Maddocks

Boy in a Spacesuit

Mistaken for an adult

Utterly Cosmic!

Madeleine Maddocks

Hubble telescope

X Factor Technology

Satellite broadcast

Madeleine Maddocks

Do you read or write sci fi?

Maybe you can write a haiku about it?

January Insecure Writers' Support Group #4

2012-01-06T12:20:00.001Z

My thanks to Alex J Cavanaugh for hosting this monthly blog hop.

Well having been feeling mega insecure over the festive period, I decided to tackle some of my woes:

1. To write at least 200 words daily.

2. To search for short story competitions and enter them.

Today I submitted my first 2012 entry. Hoorah!

3. Accept that getting published isn't easy and just get on with it!

4. Focus on getting better by reading and writing more.

5.Don't obsess over each entry sent. Forget about them once they've been submitted.

6. Develop some writing determination.

7. Focus on my stories and plots to blot out other temptation/distractions such as blogging.

8. Enjoy the process rather than stress about the outcome.

Can you relate to any of these?
Oh and having popped over to Alex's blog, I was inspired to add this song:

Leaping Limericks

2012-01-03T15:53:00.004Z

Ms. Kane sets the first line and the rest is up to you...

Here's mine:

As the new year approaches, gals swear When they face the New Year with a dare That although they may fail They’ll propose to their male Cos it’s leap year, when such things are fair.	As the new year approaches, men swear To dispose of their old underwear As their grubby old briefs Rouse disparaging shrieks From the gals they invite to their lair. This one has received the honourable mention accolade
As the new year approaches, men swear With words that hang blue in the air That they’ll never admit That they’ve been quite a sh*! To their gals through the previous year.	As the new year approaches, gals swear That their hubby’s old socks they’ll repair With some make do and mend They’ll increase their stipend So they’ve more they can spend on their hair.

We've had torrential rain and gales enough to wake the dead these past days and nights or make the awoken, like me, feel like death ! LOL!

I hope this year to ignore my inner demons, good and bad and submit more writing for publication.

How will you leap into the New Year with your writing?

Oh BTW It appears we have a tie for the Cool as a Cucumber Blogfest entries:

Leaping into 2012

2011-12-31T08:30:00.014Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

It's going to be a leap year.

I'm facinated by those born on 29th February and what it must be like.
I'd like to thank my lovely husband for all his invaluable support over the past year.

To round off 2011, I had 2 pieces of wonderful news.

First, Scifihaiku have accepted 4 of my haiku for their 2013 publication/ website. Yes they are searching that far in advance!
I'm delighted, though having to wait that long will be a challenge.

It's an illustrated quarterly magazine that publishes scifaiku, haibun, senryu and tanka plus articles about these and other poetic art forms.
Do check it out.

These ones didn't make the grade, so I can share them with you:

When dogged by Pluto

All the planets join forces

Celestial Clique

Madeleine Maddocks

They live among us

The stereotypes abound

Alien Features?

Madeleine Maddocks

Second, I won an unexpected blog prize at Maria Zannini's DIY Christmas blog with Carina Press: Rulebreaker, plus some smoked salmon!

Meanwhile poor hubster (mentioned above) has a bad cold and throat. It makes me ill just thinking about it!

I hope your New Year starts off with a happy buzz too.

Will you be celebrating or treating it like any other day?

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-22T11:43:00.006Z

Thank you

to all my fabulous 500 + subscribers

Thanks for all the lovely comments

and all those who have taken part in my blogfests

and all those who have hosted great Blogfests for me to add my voice in.

and all the lovely blog awards

To Cherie Reich; Kate Walker, Maria Zannini for my lovely blog prizes.

To Denise and Francine at RFW for all my winning challenge badges

and Madeleine Kane for all those honorary Limerick mentions.

To Ellie Garrett and Tony & Margo Benson for some wonderful chats
about books and blogging over lunch and coffee.

If I haven't mentioned you specifically due to brain fog, rest assured, you are also very much appreciated.

I wish you all a marvellous, happy and loving Christmas

and a New Year full of wonderful prospects.

Haiku Challenge #2 Cold

2011-12-21T07:00:00.039Z

Write your own Haiku

in the comments below.
There's no limit on how many haiku you can write for this challenge, so what are you waiting for...?

What does Cold conjure for you?

Last week's winner was so hard to choose between those excellent entries:

Goes to Misha Gericke Well Done!

Honorary mentions: Sara and Trisha

If you're not sure of the rules for writing Haiku,
check out the link

Cold predicament

Unprecedented snowfall

Frozen beef ox tongue

Winter flowerhead

Iced with a dusting of snow

A stunning cold snap

Sparce winter branches

A climate quite transparent

Makes frozen lollies

Maybe haiku turn you cold?

Winter Haiku Challenge

2011-12-14T09:38:00.018Z

Write your own Winter Haiku

in the comments below.

What does Winter conjure for you?

Snow spiralling down
Specks that stretch into star shapes
Lacing the earth white

Soft, crisp, virgin snow,

A squeak and crunch underfoot

Marking life's presence

Barren, stark landscape

Winter colour draws the eye

Spikes of red and green

A cosy log fire

With stockings, chestnuts roasting

Such Christmas spirit!

Olive Tree has taken part here

Next week's theme: Cold

Snatching Moments & Limericks

2011-12-12T09:40:00.003Z

Hi all, It's been crazy busy here at Maddocks Mansions, but I promise to get round to answering those of you who have commented on my most recent posts and reading your posts soon.

In the meantime, here's some more Limericks.

Ms. Kane sets the first line of the limerick each week and the rest is up to you:

A gal who was frequently prone To chatting for hours on the phone Heard her hubby complain (Though his words were in vain) That she’d likely end up all alone.	A guy who was frequently prone Lay face down in the mud all alone He’d gone clubbing that night Now he looked quite a sight And the smell clearly wasn’t cologne
A guy who was frequently prone To pronounce "You shall reap what I've sown" Married several times over Though naught were in clover Has got plenty of time to bemoan.	A gal who was frequently prone To fondle her husband’s trombone, Gave the slide a quick lick, Then, as a deft little trick, Played the mouthpiece to make hubby groan. Sorry slightly risque one
A man was attempting to eat As he tried to get up from his seat His plate contents fell And he shouted ‘Oh hell!’ As he stood with his food on his feet.	A gal was attempting to eat An entire menu complete. She progressed from the fish To the main menu dish With her eye on the most tempting treat.

This week's prompt: A man/gal who was terribly high

Can you add the rest? Hop over to Mad Kane's Blog and have a go. (Link above)

A gal who was terribly high

Gazed blearily out through one eye.

She blinked once or twice

And then in a trice

Injected more coke in her thigh

Insecure Writer's December and Malice Haiku #3

2011-12-07T07:00:00.003Z

My thanks to Alex J Cavanaugh for hosting this monthly blog hop. I often lose my writing mojo and feel utterly defeated, especially when I get rejections, but I realise that if I give myself some quality time that inspires my creativity, relaxation and contentment it will return.
Of course positive feedback also helps salve my writing soul.
The most important advice I've heard from successful authors is to believe in yourself; believe in your writing; stay determined; read widely, read and read some more.

Haiku Theme: Malice

Trying to write well

With self doubt full of malice

Makes the process hard

A dastardly plot

Full of colourful villains

How the venom flows!

Watch out for bullies

They destroy your self esteem

Salve your soul with love.

How do you keep up your writing confidence?

My Blogfest Entry

2011-12-05T14:15:00.011Z

So did you guess my Absence / Absinthe cliché pun punchline and its relation to the title?

Liberally sprinkle your entries with well placed clichés
Or make it the twist on the punch line to your story.

Don't forget to check out the other entries
AND VOTE IN THE SIDEBAR POLL.

What's a cliche? BLOGFEST

2011-12-04T21:33:00.004Z

Should we eliminate clichés from our writing, because they are
Tired?

Hackneyed?

Stale?

Here's your chance to use a cliché or set of clichés in a humourous or witty way. Make it the punchline of your piece or liberally sprinkle the piece with them.

They say there's no such thing as an original idea. In other words it's been thought of before, but you can put an original spin on a tired, hackneyed or stale idiom and make it your own.
Liberally sprinkle your entries with well placed clichés or make them the twist to your tale.

Make it the twist on the punch line to your story. Or make it a witty observation: e.g. Rachel's Holiday by Marion Keyes (1997) He kept touching his hair, which, as well as being dyed to within an inch of its life, was blow dried flicked and rigid with spray.

You may choose whichever idiom you like, such as 'The cat that got the cream'; 'As cool as a cucumber'; 'As good as gold', 'Kick the bucket'. Max 400 words for Flash Fiction.

WHO WILL BE VOTED THE BEST?

SIGN UP TO THE LINKY BELOW AND POST TODAY 5th decemeber, which is also Karla's Birthday so HAPPY BIRTHDAY Karla

A Positive Rejection

2011-12-02T07:00:00.028Z

I scheduled this post for this morning only to find when i checked that it was empty, so I'm trying again!

A Positive Rejection by Madeleine Maddocks

Sent to a magazine
By way of competition.
My short story, a piece of fiction.

My fingers crossed, as my toes were too,
And my breath was bated
As I waited and waited.

When the email arrived
It made quite clear
They liked my story, which was fantastic to hear

Though it failed to fit their particular theme,
They seemed keen to see
more of my prose, to them from me.

Have you had positive rejections?

Absent Haiku

2011-11-30T07:00:00.003Z

Jenn at www.youknowthatblog.com has set this week's theme as Absence

Faithful companion
He's aching, longing, yearning
Just to see you now.

Fondness swells my heart

In the void of your absence

I'm so missing you.

A rite of passage

The tooth fairy is busy

Collecting milk teeth

The absence of leaves

Nature's annual signal

Changing the season

What does the word Absence conjure up for you?

Feminist Flash Haiku Competition #3 2011

2011-11-29T15:06:00.008Z

http://www.womankind.org.uk/

Womankind worldwide

Charity fights for women’s rights

Who’s the fairer sex?

Check out Mookychick

See my other entries in separate posts below.

Feminist Flash Haiku Competition #2 2011

2011-11-29T14:23:00.003Z

Head over to mookychick to enter this competition.

Feminist rages
Her bank account in his name
It's a modern age!

See my other entry below:

BTW: This actually happened to me. I put my bank account that I'd had for years into a joint account with hubster, bearing in mind my initials came before hubby's in the alphabet and he still got all the letters addressed to him about our interest in the account. I was livid!

Feminist Flash Haiku 2011

2011-11-29T14:19:00.003Z

Defining women
So much more than burning bras
Girl power at its best

Head over to mookychick.co.uk Their winners shortlist will be compiled by 5 December 2011, and the panel of judges will determine the final winners by 15 December. Winners and shortlisters will be informed via email by 15 Dec.

And The Winners Are

2011-11-25T07:55:00.005Z

WELCOME TO ALL MY NEW FOLLOWERS

Thank you to all those who entered the competition

AND to all those who left a comment without entering the competition.

And Wowee I have reached the 500 mark!

The Winners of my Talli Guest-Fest are:

Please send me your address Luanne.

Sadly I have discovered I can't give Kindle ebooks as gifts as yet via Amazon, which was a blow, but hoping to rectify this in the New Year if all goes well.
So humble apologies to Sarah and Rachna.

Talli said: I can offer Sarah and Rachna both a free copy of Build A Man in Kindle format.

Yes Please and Thank you so much x

Thanks to all those who enjoyed the presentation of my guest interview. I wonder what do people look for most when they read
author interviews?

Did you know you can now download Kindle for PC software Free from Amazon, so you can read Kindle versions on your computer?

Pondering on Haiku

2011-11-23T08:30:00.005Z

Jenn at www.youknowthatblog.com has set this week's challenge word as Ponder

Blank, virgin pages

Pondering how to begin

Novel ideas, pause.

Life's cycle through words
Absorbing concentration
Pen poised on paper

Inspiration sought
Freeing the mind to create
Nature's stimulant

I've had a guest staying over the weekend, which was lovely but I was poorly, which was crap and I've been struggling with faulty technology and fighting bureaucracy. So that is why I've been pretty quiet in blogland earlier this week.

My fancy Smartphone is in for repair, my ADSL filter has been replaced, Hoorah!
BUT the bureauocrats are winning on the battles front so far! Poo!

Hope you've all had satisfying weeks.

I haven't forgotten to award the Talli fest prizes. Will announce those on Friday.

Oh and don't forget to check out my BLOGFEST

For those of you reading this on Thursday.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

Thank you to all my new followers and my existing followers

Hating Game Giveaway and Interview

2011-11-18T07:00:00.055Z

Meet Talli Roland, Author and Blogger
I asked her about her writing journey before she became successful, here's what she said:

If you are a follower of this blog and would like to be in with a chance to win either a paperback of Talli's debut novel, The Hating Game,
or a Kindle copy of any of her novels,
then leave a COMMENT below with your email address and let me know which one you'd like to read.

Revised Blogfest Rules

2011-11-17T20:04:00.010Z

Turn the cliché on its head, using irony and satire. Make it the subject of a Flash Fiction piece, a Poem or a Limerick.

Liberally sprinkle your entries with well placed clichés or make them the twist to your tale.

Make it the twist on the punch line to your story. Or make it a witty observation: e.g. Rachel's Holiday by Marion Keyes (1997) He kept touching his hair, which, as well as being dyed to within an inch of its life, was blow dried flicked and rigid with spray.

You may choose whichever idiom you like, such as 'The cat that got the cream'; 'As cool as a cucumber'; 'As good as gold', 'Kick the bucket'. Max 400 words for Flash Fiction.

PLEASE PUT THE LOGO ON YOUR SIDEBARS AND LET OTHERS KNOW ABOUT THE FEST.
WHO WILL BE VOTED THE BEST?

SIGN UP TO THE LINKY BELOW AND POST ON 5th December 2011

Meditate Haiku

2011-11-16T09:03:00.009Z

Jenn has set us Meditate as the challenge word this week.

A lovely novel
Meditative practices
Nature's antedote

Great words of wisdom
Combined with meditation
An answer to prayers

Shame about the film
Little time to meditate
The message was lost

Just empty your mind
Being at one with nature
Energies restored.

Okay everyone, it seems I have no takers, as yet, for my Blogfest
Tell me, is it a challenge too far?

I shall be posting an interview with the lovely Talli Roland on Friday about her early journey into writing with a Giveaway prize.

Here's my Limerick for this week
Ms. Kane sets the first line and the rest is up to you:

A fellow who went through a phase
Enjoyed Star Trek in so many ways
With his stun gun and suit
One and all thought him cute
As he basked in celestial rays

The Road to Hell

2011-11-14T10:13:00.010Z

Image source
One of my mother's favourite sayings if I ever said: I was going to do something, was:

'The road to hell is paved with good intentions!'

Another I've heard is: 'Life's what happens when you've made other plans'

or 'There are many a plan in man's heart, but the Lord's will prevails'

So all this is to explain why I've been so quiet on the blogging scene, again. Or more specifically why I haven't hopped over and commented on your blogs yet.

Apart from the fact that my Internet connection is frustratingly temperamental. Either all the lights on the router come on, yet (as the saying goes) nobody's home, or the lights fail to light up at all and yet the screen pop-up box announces that the connection has been made.
(Insert teeth grinding and angry growl here and you get the picture)

Image source

I have been trying to get back into a better writing routine.
We have had a visitor which was lovely, so that kept me away from the computer.

I am getting to grips with Freehand 8 software for my RNIB transcription work, as I'm going to be doing diagrams and maps as well as large print and braille projects.

I visited the dentist at the end of last week and amazingly after years of problems with my teeth and after he'd rummaged around my mouth and prodded my teeth with all manner of metal instruments he said Perfect! Yay!!!!

As I left the dentist's room I saw 2 ladies in the waiting room who looked extremely pale, anxious and miserable, so I gave them a double thumbs up with a little grin, which made them laugh and remark: "I wish my visits to the dentist were that good."

At the weekend I sold raffle tickets to raise funds for another of the charities I support.

So there you have it, my busy, busy last few days.

Do you support any charities by volunteering?

I have another lot of things scheduled for this week and so I will hope to catch up with you all in between them. I hope you had a great weekend, too.

TAB!

2011-11-10T07:00:00.034Z

I wonder how many of you logged into this post puzzled by the title?

It was inspired by a comment by L.G.Smith http://bardsandprophets.blogspot.com/ that she has 'a Current Projects page that shows what she's working on, but not many people notice it' and I thought Of course, most of us pop over, read the current post and hop to the next blog. So this post is about my tabs.

Home obviously takes you to the regular posts.

Writer's CV tells you lots about me and my writing Journey/ goals

Published Stuff shows you what I've had accepted for publication to-date.

Romance follows my journey into the genre.

Bookshelf shares with you my favourite authors and recommends some great how to books.

Blog Awards showcases all the lovely awards I have received, who by with links to posts.

Blogfest gives links to the blogfest challenges I have entered /hosted

Soap Box tells the tale of my poor father's decline into Alzheimer's.

I hope you enjoy browsing through them.

Do you have lots of tabs on your blog?

Do you find you don't always have the time to check out all the pages on others' blogs?

Oh and as my blog following creeps ever closer to the 500 mark I have scheduled an author interview with Book Giveaway for next week.

Fleeting Haiku

2011-11-09T10:02:00.005Z

Jenn has set us a Fleeting haiku challenge this week!

Traditional 5,7,5 syllable structure applied

Temporal moments.

Stealthily flitting shadows.

Gone in one mouthful

Seasonal dances

Passing before you know it

Nature’s life cycle

A soapy bubble

Transparent floating delight

One pop and it’s gone

Precious memories

Blotted out by Alzheimer’s

Now lost forever

Branding your Blog

2011-11-07T07:12:00.024Z

I read a very useful post about author marketing, which made the stonkingly good point that when people visit your site they should be able to see immediately what it is about. Thankfully mine does.

It also pointed out that as an author site it should clearly show which genre(s) that author is writing, which mine didn't really do until now...
I have updated my banner, Writer's CV and Published Stuff pages and added a new page entitled Romance.

How about you? Does your blog clearly show the genre(s) you write?

Do you like to visit sites that have a clear brand/ theme?

Oh and here are my Limericks for this week's Limerick Off

Ms. Kane sets the first line of the limerick each week and the rest is up to you:

A woman was famous worldwide

For being the oldest girl guide

Though her uniform altered

Her faith never faltered

And she wore all her badges with pride

A woman was famous worldwide

For being a runaway bride

When tying the knot

She said “I do NOT!”

And then ran at full pelt to her hide.

A fellow was famous worldwide

For allowing the economy to slide

He was slothful and reckless

Unutterably feckless

‘Cause he used his PM as his guide.

A fellow was famous worldwide

For being incredibly snide

His sarcastic encounters

Reduced big burly bouncers

To a state that was quite sissified

And my honorary mentioned limerick:
A fellow was famous worldwide

For being incredibly wide

When his doctor said “No!

All this blubber must go.”

He considered his options were fried.

Confessions of an Insecure Writer #2

2011-11-05T12:57:00.006Z

Thanks to Alex J Cavanagh for this opportunity to share our writerly woes.

Okay here it is my confession:

If I tell you all what I am working on at the moment then something will prevent me from completing the MS and I'll look like a complete fibber or someone who is full of ideas that don't come to fruition.

There I have admitted now... I have several projects that I am researching, writing in different genres.

Life all too often gets in the way and needing an income often colours my writerly flow/ambitions.

How about you?

Oh and check out Liz Fichera's fabulous post the Life Cycle of the Book

Poetry Corner

2011-11-04T09:09:00.000Z

So what comes to mind when you read these words?

Announcing As Cool as a Cucumber Flashfest

2011-11-01T20:50:00.013Z

The idea for this Blogfest came to me when I was reading a great post by Rachna Chhabria on Avoiding the Dreaded C lichés in which she refers to the overuse of clichéd phrases (expressions, ideas, or elements of an artistic work that have been overused rendering them stereotypical) and well worn/ obvious similes and metaphors in amateur writing.

She believes that 'Clichés should be given a royal burial. There is no place for them in a good piece of writing'.

So, a little sprite whispered in my ear and suggested a fun challenge to turn the cliché on its head, using irony and satire and making it the subject of a flash fiction piece. Make it the twist on the punch line to your story. Or make it a witty observation: e.g. Rachel's Holiday by Marion Keyes (1997) He kept touching his hair, which, as well as being dyed to within an inch of its life, was blow dryed flicked and rigid with spray.
Or it can even be poetry, limericks, short excerpts from our stories with clichés added liberally.

You may choose whichever idiom you like, such as 'The cat that got the cream'; 'As cool as a cucumber'; 'As good as gold', 'Kick the bucket' Max word count 400 words

If you're game then sign up to the linky and post your entry on Monday 5th December. Let us know what you think.

Margo Kelly also has a great post on cliches

Slippery Limericks

2011-10-31T07:01:00.006Z

Hop over to Madeleine Kane's Blog to join in with the Limerick Off.

Maybe you're not a fan of Limericks? I'd love to know.

Ms. Kane sets the first line of the limerick each week and the rest is up to you:

Here's mine

A fellow who just let it slip

That his marriage was merely a blip

Had to run for his life

From his long-suffering wife

Who was wielding a broom and whip

A fellow who just let it slip

That he liked nothing more than to strip

Was arrested one day

With his parts on display

When he failed to remember his zip

Haunting Romance Friday

2011-10-28T07:00:00.057+01:00

ROMANTIC FRIDAY WRITERS Based on the given theme snippets from novels, ongoing WIPs, a piece of bespoke flash-fiction or poetry for critiquing can be posted.
Max word count is 400.

Bewitching Hour by Madeleine Maddocks

“Jack darling, I love you” Rosie’s voice whispered, penetrating his dreamscape. He lay in that half-light between sleep and wakefulness, with his eyes still closed and his consciousness sluggish and blurred, while the clock in the hall began to chime the hour.
One. His lean body sensed the presence of his darling lover nestled beside him, her beautiful blue eyes drinking him in with welcome familiarity. Two. He smiled, as her lips brushed his mouth, while wisps of her blonde hair feathered his cheek. He would hold onto this moment forever. Three. Reluctant to break the spell, Jack’s eyes remained closed, as a relaxed happiness flowed through him like a thermal current of love. Four. Her lips nibbled his earlobe and he let out a long, contented moan. Five. Her kisses travelled down his neck and across the line of his clavicle, resting over his shoulder. Six. His languid smile spoke of his own love and desire for his beloved wife. Seven. A soothing balm of affection and love gushed over him. All the best moments of his life merged together. Eight. A glow of pure joy enveloped him. Nine. Her natural, sweet scent made him sigh with pleasure. Ten. Her warm, delicate breath pooled over his flesh where her kisses paused; exquisitely tantalising. Eleven. Sizzling arousal flushed over his body. He reached out to touch her, eager to stroke her curves. Her magnetic pull on his body and soul made him move in closer. Twelve. His heart brimmed with love and desire for her. They had been married just two years. In the cosy comfort of their marital bed, his sensibilities sang. All was well with the world... until the tragic accident that had cut it all too short.
“Goodbye Jack” the lingering voice of his late wife spoke again as the clock struck thirteen.

The room became suffused in a frigid coolness making Jack shiver. His eyes sprang wide open and he let out a gasp, followed by a choking sob. He had held onto the moment; grounding himself in the blissful beauty of her love and passion. Now he felt lost and alone as his beloved wife faded into no more than a bewitching memory. He must return to sleep, to that blissful place where escape from reality was possible, to return again to where those hauntingly evocative memories of his darling Rosie seemed most poignant. (400 words)

Writing in this genre places the primary focus on the relationship and romantic love between two people and must have an "emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending.
LOL! I'm not sure about my ending based on this spooky theme!

Killer Characters Blogfest

2011-10-27T07:00:00.092+01:00

Hosted by Get Busy Writing. The theme is, you guessed it, Killer Characters! Is there a hero who's haunted your dreams? How about a lower-than-dirt bad guy who's made your skin crawl? Or a spunky sidekick who's stolen your heart? Tell us about them!

Join us in three challenges:
1) Oct 24 post about your favorite literary supporting character2) Oct 26 post about your favorite literary protagonist
3) Oct 28 post about your favorite literary antagonist
All entires should be 250 words maximum, but you may use all the pictures you'd like.

All my chosen characters are richly colourful and well crafted. they come alive off the page.

SUPPORTING CHARACTERS
Serverus Snape from Harry Potter who everyone loves to hate and as a little cheat Captain Barbossa from Pirates of the Carribean after all the character was crafted by screenwriters Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio.

ANTAGONISTS Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere characters

Mr. Croup who is the talkative half of the pair of assassins. He is an educated thug, short, fat, and speaks in a pompous and verbose manner and seems be the one calling the shots. He has a taste (literally) for fine china. Mr. Vandemar is rather dull-witted, tall, and gangly. Vandemar is Croup’s polar opposite. He does not speak much, but when he does, his statements are often laconic and blunt. He is quite brutish and seems to enjoy nothing more than killing and destroying things (even practising his golf swing with live toads).

PROTAGONISTS:

I probably found this hardest of all to choose one,
should it be Becky Sharpe from Vanity Fair because she is ever resourceful in an unfair world?

or Todd and Viola from Chaos Walking Trilogy who battle on through adversity?

Or Vianne Rocher from Chocolat by Joanne Harris because she is kind and proactive in helping others and ends up learning how to let others help her?

Scare Haiku

2011-10-26T07:00:00.047+01:00

Today I have had major problems with Internet access and Blogger freezing up on me in Internet Explorer. I even removed the kitty/toaster you tube clip and my animated Blog awards in the side bar in case that was affecting it. This evening I have been using Google Chrome, which doesn't seem to have the freezing up problems.

Jenn has set this week's haiku word as Scare

My pulse is racing
My mouth drops into a scream
Bet you're scared now too!

Terrorized kitty
Soft underbelly exposed
Cute and vulnerable

Yes we are laughing
At another's discomfort
Awh! Poor scaredy cat

Friendly Blogging ~ Awards

2011-10-25T12:05:00.004+01:00

I can now admit that when I first set post into the blogging community in August 2010, I couldn't help but notice all the wonderful awards adorning the established blogs I visited. I thought wistfully: I wonder whether I will ever receive any such fabulous accolades?

Well since then I have set up a separate BLOG AWARDS tab to announce all the amazing awards that all you amazing bloggers have bestowed upon me. I am in awe, delighted and ecstatic. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.

I'm beginning to feel like someone with a cigarette card or stamp collection LOL!

My latest award to-date is The Friendly Blogger Award given to me by Penny & Gary of Klahanie >

The hardest part is passing on the award to other worthy bloggers who haven't yet received it without duplicating the accolade for them whilst neglecting others.

I've gone a bit mad this time and chosen a few lovely bloggers who have supported me when I've been feeling low.
So to express my thanks:

Maria Zannini
Denise L'Aussie
MPax
Sarah of Empty White Pages
Miranda Hardy
MJFifield
Old Kitty
Mary of Giggles & Guns
Susan Kaye Quinn
Rachna
Karen G
Christine Rains
The broken nib
Golden Eagle
LGSmith
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Margo Benson
Alex J Cavanagh
kaykuala
Trisha
Lynda R Young
Jennifer Shirk

How do you manage your awards?
Do you have a separate page? Or maybe an animated film strip?

Character or Plot?

2011-10-24T14:51:00.003+01:00

I just caught the last episode of this, but some of you may be able to catch it on BBC iplayer

Stephen Fry makes some great comments and talks to many awe inspiring experts
in the field of English Literature.

My favourite quote from this episode is when he says: ' What distinguishes Shakespeare from all his colleagues, aside from his prodigious output, was his concentration on character often at the expense of plot, which he was content to lift from others'.

It is certainly the characters that hold my interest first and foremost, but naturally if a plot is fairly simplistic and linear it makes for a rather limited story line that fails to stand the test of many re-reads or viewings.

Apparently, Stephen King bases all his characters good and bad on himself!

Which of these do you concentrate on:

Your characters and their agendas?

or the story line?

Our satellite dish lost a piece in the gales last night. We heard it drop and roll down the roof as we sat chatting in the conservatory, but we know not what or where the piece has gone. It is raining heavily today, so no sign of our friendly TV repairman who has slight vertigo problems!

Nano? No, I've decided not to participate this year. I wanted to say thanks to everyone who gave me the benefit of their own experiences with the process and I did toy with the idea of taking part, but have decided that I must concentrate on my research and reading this year and plan possibly to have a go next year.

OMGosh!

2011-10-17T10:14:00.011+01:00

Feedback is very valuable to developing one's writing
Critiquing someone's work or receiving critiques about one's writing can be an absolute minefield!

One of the hardest lessons I've had to learn is not to throw my toys out of the pram when others don't get my writing. I admit it. Taking a step back and considering others' comments is hard, but I realised it was an important step for me to mature as a writer.

Phil Whitaker says:

Criticism has the potential to be both inspiring and fatal ... I’d suggest some rules of thumb. Spend a few days mulling on any criticism before drawing conclusions. If a criticism strikes a chord with you, act on it. If it doesn’t, but if several critics have touched on the same thing, consider very carefully whether to act on it. If a criticism really doesn’t strike a chord, and particularly if no one else has picked up on it, probably ignore it. Lastly, you may find critics evenly divided on an issue, as many pro as con. These are the trickiest to navigate: go with what your instincts tell you.

The Feedback Sandwich approach, suggests sandwiching positive comments before and after polite, constructive advice, which is a good rule of thumb, but not something we all always get right. I know I don't.

How do you approach feedback?

Do you say something anodyne to soothe the author of the piece?
Do you give specific examples of why you have made certain comments?
Do you seek to help or improve others' writing with your comments?
Do you always get the balance right?

Shelly Sly's recent blogpost sums up the negative side of criticism. Rejection isn't failure!

Check out My Fiction Addicion for some great critique group listings

I hate it when others don't get my writing or when they make comments that clearly show they haven't read it properly. How do you cope?

The Challenge

2011-10-11T11:26:00.001+01:00

I've been considering doing Nanowrimo this year, but am scared I won't succeed.

For those of you who have done it
WHAT would you say were the pluses and minuses of doing it?

My writing creativity has taken another serious blow due to the recent news that a friend, our Vicar, died suddenly. I guess it has brought up a whole emotional can of worms connected with my parents.

I did read somewhere that (something like) 80% of authors have experienced clinical depression at some stage in their lives. An interesting statistic! So if I'm quiet on the blogging front it will be either because I'm toiling at a MS or watching a film or doing some vigorous housework to drown out the negative thoughts than accompany grief.
I'm sure I'll be much better when the overcast weather clears.

Hope you are all well and happy.

Rock Candy ~ RFW

2011-10-07T11:50:00.002+01:00

ROMANTIC FRIDAY WRITERS

Based on the given theme we can post up snippets from novels, ongoing WIPs, a piece of bespoke flash-ficton or poetry. Maximum word count is 400.

Here's my FLASH FICTION PIECE at 400 words (MPA)

Rocky Candy by Madeleine Maddocks

Jody glanced at James as he ambled on in front of her. She’d imagined them walking hand-in-hand along the beach on their first date. Then he’d enthusiastically suggested a walk on Dartmoor. She hadn’t had the heart to say no. At least they would be alone together. The thought thrilled her as she watched him check the weather forecast. She’d waved her mobile phone at him. “I’ve got this in case of emergencies”

“Great! Though we can’t rely on a good reception everywhere up there” He returned to the task of packing their rucksacks with lunches, torches, maps, compass, water, candy, dried fruit, nuts, first aid kit, whistle, waterproofs. The list seemed endless.

She’d come wearing jeans, denim trainers and a cute little crop-top that accentuated her womanly endowments. He’d responded with an appreciative smile, his raised eyebrows turning into what quickly became a frown. His warm, brown eyes filled with concern.

“You’ll have to change.” he said. “My mother is your size. You can borrow her walking boots and water resistant trousers.”

“Oh, okay” Jody replied feeling slightly deflated, but seeing the determination in his chiselled features. He swept a hand through his glossy brown hair and left her to change.

Now up on Dartmoor the sun rained down on them and she wished she was wearing that crop top, instead of T- shirt and weatherproofs. She was sure her cheeks were flushed crimson and she felt hot and thirsty.

“You’re doing great!” he smiled, taking her hand in his. “I love it up here. I’m so glad I could share it with you.”

She smiled back feeling a rush of excitement and her heart beat drummed its own countdown for their first kiss, but instead they walked on.

“Up there” James pointed to a huge rock surrounded by grass “I want to show you something.”

He found the lowest edge and helped her climb up. When they reached the summit the view was glorious and she felt a renewed energy as the fresh air and quiet calm of those amazing surroundings caught her breath. With glinting eyes she smiled at him “It’s fabulous!”

They shared a bottle of water drinking appreciatively.

“Let’s have lunch up here” she said.

“Great idea” he replied breathily, moving in closer until their lips met. The kiss was as deliciously sweet as rock candy and her heart beat drummed a crescendo of emotion.

Insecure Writer's Support Group #1

2011-10-06T12:06:00.002+01:00

Thanks to Alex J Cavanagh for this opportunity to share our writerly woes.

I read a great quote that said that you must be very determined to be a writer and believe in what you are writing.

I spent a morning researching for my new WIP and I am hoping that armed with enough information those voices will dissolve and I will feel back to full writing confidence.

I do know that this first blogging year has been a great boost to my creative ego.

I do appreciate everyone's positive comments and support.

Getting feedback, information and opportunities to hone my writing skills in the various blogfest challenges people have created has made such a difference to my writing maturity.

So thank you to everyone for your wonderful support and encouragement.

Flare Haiku

2011-10-05T07:22:00.019+01:00

This week's theme set by Jenn: Flare

Affecting the earth

A magnetic disruption

With solar panache

A lifeline that shines
Heralding the rescue team

A flash of hope spreads

A nostalgia trip
Flower power reigns supreme
Dragging those trousers

Natural colour
Spreads out across the garden
Dazzling glory

Furious writing
A flash of inspiration

Flares out from my pen

Lovely Limericks

2011-10-03T07:00:00.023+01:00

Ms. Kane sets the first line each week of the Limerick and the rest is up to you.

Here's mine:

A guy in the mood for a bite
Was in for a terrible fright
As he lunged for her throat
She grabbed onto his scroat
And squeezed ‘til the stars shone quite bright

Here's mine for previous weeks:

A popular gal who was fickle

Was reluctant to bet on a Nickel.

‘A Shilling’ she said

‘May just get me to bed,

But a Franc will ensure slap and tickle!’

A guy who was fast on his feet

Thought a peeping-tom lifestyle quite neat.

In their amorous throes

Those he spied on, just froze

While he’d beaten a hasty retreat.

Fearful Heart ~ Romantic Friday Writers entry

2011-09-29T10:44:00.008+01:00

Challenge No: 20 Fearful Heart
Based on the given theme we can post up snippets from novels, ongoing WIPs, a piece of bespoke flash-ficton or poetry. Maximum word count is 400.

My contribution this week is a Flash-Fiction piece in 410 words. (MPA)

Feeling the Fear by Madeleine Maddocks

Luke was more than ready to leave his childhood home as he stepped into the tiny kitchen.

“She’s gone!” his mother announced with a gleam in her eye and a triumphant twist to her mouth; even before he’d stepped over the threshold onto the stained linoleum.

“Gone? Who?” Luke replied, feigning confusion, though fearful cracks had begun to fill his heart at the words.

“That simpering Bonnie, the neighbour’s daughter” his mother confirmed, her beady eyes reading his face with such an unmaternal coldness that froze his heart even further.

“Oh” he said, as casually as he could “Well I’d best be off, I’ve got a train to catch”

“Must you go so far away? What if I’m taken ill or something?” She had an uncanny knack of making him feel guilt like a creeping cold through his entire body.

“Then I’ll come home again” he lied, thinking about her now. His Bonnie, the light of his entire existence. The woman he intended to marry. The woman he hoped had arrived at their rendezvous. The woman he feared would see him as a failure and a dead loss and be nowhere in sight when he arrived at the railway station to meet her. Yet her kindness, warmth and love had been the antithesis of his mother’s cold, cruel indifference.

“Believe in yourself” he heard Bonnie’s mantra as though she were whispering in his ear. “Believe in us, I love you” she had said to him time and time again when his mother had threatened to thwart their plans for a future together. They had finally agreed to make it look as though they were not together anymore, that she had lost interest and gone. Yet even though it was their plan, Luke was still fearful that this beautiful, compassionate woman would have found someone else, someone better and really have left.

“That’s your mother’s voice you’re hearing. Don’t listen to it!” Bonnie’s mantra whispered through his consciousness.

“Bye then” he said with renewed determination. A hint of rose water made contact with his lips as he kissed his mother’s cheek for what would be the last time. He felt sorry for her, but he must be strong. His life with Bonnie was all that mattered. His future was not this stifling hell-hole where emotional manipulation and unfair culpability were his constant bed-fellows.

“You’re better off without her!” were his mother's parting words.

He turned away smiling. I’m better with her.

Daring to Haiku

2011-09-28T16:25:00.004+01:00

Jenn at www.youknowthatblog.com has dared us to haiku.

They're playing chicken
Crossing before the train comes.
A dare's a dare, right?

So devil-may-care

He's setting you a challenge

Do you dare accept?

I'm going for broke.
On bended knee or cookie

How will I ask her?

Thanks to everyone for their well wishes. I am feeling much less foggy headed, which is great, though energy levels are still not 100%.

Relapse

2011-09-25T11:36:00.001+01:00

Sorry everyone I've been feeling incredibly sluggish again lately, so my creativity and blogging has been greatly reduced.

I had a visitor on Friday and my brain felt so fogged I couldn't remember how to make a mug of instant coffee so I just made cafetière coffee, because it 's what I usually drink so it was easier to make!

When I go to put stuff away in a cupboard I find myself opening the wrong cupboard door! It's baffling and slightly worrying to be honest.

I've missed out on a few Blogfests, so if you know about any good ones please let me know.

I have, however, completed the Young Mewsletter project I started for my local branch of Cats' Protection (with a word search, book reviews and an interview with a young supporter. Plus a little piece about the stigma attached to the humble black cat).

I'm pleased with the result and hope it will generate some funds to help my hard working, dedicated colleagues manage the moggies in their care.

So how are you all at the moment?

Do you feel up-to-date with your blog followers?

Are you up-to -date with your Campaigners Group members?

Do you feel generally SWAMPED and SLUGGISH or full of VIM and VIGOUR?

Postcard Shorts ~ Versatile Blogger Award

2011-09-23T11:29:00.005+01:00

Are you able to fit a whole story on the back of a postcard?

Here's my 200 word story

Here’s the talented Old Kitty's

and the equally talented Ellie Garratt

and Margo Benson .

Some of you may remember my posting in the campaigner challenge. Doesn't it look great on a postcard?

'Postcard Shorts runs an editorial panel, which rates all stories submitted. A story requires the majority vote from the panel in order to be published'.

I'm well chuffed then!

I'd also like to Thank Blogger Girlz for awarding me the Versatile Blogger Award.

I would like to pass it on to:

Old Kitty of Ten Lives Second Chances

Adura Ojo

Sorry I haven't submitted a RFW piece this week, my brain isn't feeling creative enough!

Anticipation

2011-09-21T06:30:00.013+01:00

This week's theme: Anticipation,
hosted by Jenn at www.youknowthatblog.com

Exquisite pleasure

Tingling through my senses

Dripping from my mouth

Those Sweaty Limericks!

2011-09-19T13:02:00.005+01:00

Hop over to Madeleine Kane's Blog to join in with the
Limerick Off She has set the first line of last week's contest as:

A gal/guy who was covered in sweat

At the risk of offending sensibilities, here's my rather risqué offerings:

A gal who was covered in sweat

Was shunned by the guys in her set.

Though she smelt rather ripe

She was determined to Skype

And was able to date on the Net

A guy who was covered in sweat

Made his lady loves rather upset

As he slipped and he slithered

His ardour just withered

Leaving appetites sorely unmet.

Mine received an honourable mention.

If you'd like to have a go and aren't sure how to start check out How to write Limericks

Over the past few days I have been busy and also poorly and extremely tired.

Also the shower (of 20yrs) decided to pack up and the boiler (of only 8 yrs) decided to do likewise, so we got all immersional resorting to the Immersion switch for our hot water, at least, while we awaited the nice repair chappies.

IMHO Worst Movies Ever

2011-09-19T06:30:00.009+01:00

FOR MY ENTRY CLICK HERE

Raw Haiku

2011-09-14T11:00:00.001+01:00

This week, Jenn at www.youknowthatblog.com had given us free reign to choose our own theme.

This time I haven't included the accompanying images, so that you can savour these words, raw, without the visual seasoning.

So what's my theme?

I shall end with an amusing anecdote which reminded me of this public service announcement on UK TV

The other day our 2yr old cat, Borage, came in from outside and like an excited toddler, started telling me a long story about how he was caught in a heavy rain shower and that he was very wet. When he failed to get my attention as I tapped the keyboard he said a whole lot more and so I had to dry him off and then he was happy, but he wouldn’t stop meowing about it until I did. It was the funniest thing!

'If I Could Be Anyone, I'd Be...' Party

2011-09-14T07:00:00.061+01:00

Talli Roland has organised an online 'If I Could Be Anyone, I'd Be...' Party. Come dressed as that one person you've always admired, longed to impersonate, or just plain envied. Now is your chance to make your superhero, film-star, or Rock God fantasies come true (okay, maybe not all your fantasies...)

If you have a blog and you'd like to take part, all you need to do is post a photo of your chosen one (dead or alive) along with an explanation why you've picked that person.

Okay who did I always long with all my heart to be?
Someone beautiful, intelligent and able to do magic of course!
I was desperate to change my name to Samantha (though the name was considerably longer than my given name at the time which posed problems).
Later I imagined having a little girl called Tabitha.

Samantha as played by the lovely Elizabeth Montgomery

With magic, life would seem more manageable: the bullies, the complications at school, the difficulties at home all sorted with a little twitch of my nose. Perfect!

The rest of the time I expected to become a successfully published author

Who would did you long to be?

Worst Movies Ever Blogfest

2011-09-13T07:00:00.111+01:00

For some inexplicable reason this has posted a week early. Aaargh! As I already have a few comments I will leave it here and refer to it again on the blogfest day.
Blogfest hosted by Alex J Cavanagh

Okay just to say I am sorry if any of my comments offend anyone who loves any of these films, but they just didn't do it for me.

So which will I include here?

The Legend of Boggy Creek. I saw this when I was 10 yrs old at a drive-in movie theatre in Canada. Then I saw it on TV as an adult and it didn't hold up to scruntiny. Even the apparently petrified tracker dogs were happily wagging their tails.

I loathe films that are all action crashing cars, explosions, shooting and no real story and those with a thin uncomplicated story line and those which draw themselves out 'like pulling hens teeth', as my Pa would say.

And who could endure the 1990 version of Lorna Doone starring a very young Clive Owen and a very young Sean Bean? It is full of disjointed scenes which very poorly convey the sentiments of the story.

Remember Me starring Robert Pattinson. Now don't get me wrong I loved him in Twilight and Harry Potter, but this film is seriously depressing and dull.

Then there's Red Riding Hood with Amanda Seyfried and a host of other well known actors.
The best bit was when we discovered who was the wolf. The plot was very thin.

And Atonment with James McAvoy (one of my fav actors) and Keira Knightley (whom I also like). I'm afraid for me the book and the film were as long drawn out as a bad bout of toothache.

The English Patient, at the end of which my hubby exclaimed "And this won seven oscars!" (which pretty much summed up how I felt about it... another bout of toothache) His comment cracked me up!

I am Legend. Again I probably love all of Will Smith's other films, but this one was diabolocal! It had no meat on its bones for me.

Lunch Date ~ Belated RFW entry

2011-09-11T15:12:00.008+01:00

Challenge No 18 Lunch Date

An excerpt from my WIP. By Madeleine Maddocks

She recalled edging through the throng of people towards what seemed like the only available table and had found herself being jostled. “Oh, I’m sorry” Caroline had apologised. “I was going to sit here.”

“I’m sorry, so was I” he’d laughed apologetically looking every bit the amiable, gentle giant, but failing to conceal his disappointment.

Commanding , smartly dressed and somewhere around 6ft 3” had been her instant impression of him. It was always gratifying for her to be seen with taller men, it didn’t make her look so unusual, so freakish. “Could we share?” she said watching his brown eyes scan the restaurant for signs of any other vacant tables, yet seeing none he’d turned back to look at her and his stomach gurgled impatiently, embarrassment crumpling his face into an apologetic grimace.

“I think that’s settled then” she’d resolved with a friendly laugh and gestured her hand towards the seat in front of her. “I’m Caroline.” Tantalising aromas of fresh ground coffee, warmed croissants and full English breakfasts had also aroused her appetite.

“And I’m Bernard” he’d replied, his smile as utterly disarming as his physique was captivating.

She noticed him quickly avert his gaze from her snugly fitting jumper as she shrugged off her black, cashmere coat. A smile of secret pleasure had spread across her face and she raised a teasing eyebrow. “The strong brave bear” she mused as she placed her coat over the only other available chair at their table. She sat down, the vibration travelling along the metal tubular legs of the chair so that they wobbled like a percussion instrument. Bernard threw his coat over hers and sat opposite. “Sorry?” he responded, his eyebrows pinched together in puzzled curiosity at her obscure remark.

“Bernard, it means strong, brave bear. Sorry it’s a hobby of mine. I love to see whether people’s given names actually match their personalities!” she said, finding comfort in the gabble of words that spilled from her mouth, distracting her from dwelling on her rumpled composure.

“OK then, so what does Caroline mean?” Bernard challenged, rubbing his forehead as though massaging away a headache.

Caroline recalled laughing heartily at this question. “Most say manly!” she grimaced. “But one gave ‘Little and womanly’, which I prefer though it doesn’t quite match this 6ft reality does it?”

A bubble of laughter had caught Bernard off guard “No-one could accuse you of being manly or little, but as for womanly…” he’d let the words hang in the air.

MPA (416 words)

Wow I have been awarded Featured Writer yet again! Thank you so much!

Out of Respect

2011-09-11T12:11:00.005+01:00

To my personal chagrin, a blog post I had scheduled for tommorrow posted up today, so I had to remove it out of respect, as it didn't seem appropriate for today.

Prayers and Thoughts go to all those affected by the tragedy that took place 10 yrs ago. It has to be one of those moments when the world felt as though madness ruled. It is so hard to believe that anyone could so deliberately harm another human being, let alone 3,000 other human beings and the enduring legacy of their families' grief. It is so sad.

Today is my Dad's 77th Birthday, so I am sending him my prayers and love too as he is suffering from Alzheimer's and PCA.

To add a positive uplifting note to the day, I was chuffed to be award One to Follow Award again by MPax

THANK YOU so much!

AND I would like to pass it on to Rachna's Scriptorium for her wonderful blog full of useful writerly tips.

Absolutely Historical!

2011-09-09T07:01:00.079+01:00

Do you write or read historical fiction?

What draws you to the genre?

I'm not much of a historical novel reader, though I love costume dramas in film and TV.

WHY? It's probably because I often find the dialogue too flowery and convoluted on the written page.

Someone who handles dialogue so seemlessly is Sue Birtwistle. Her dialogue is representative of the era and yet it flows so beautifully from the actors mouths.

Historical Fiction Writing: A Practical Guide and Tool-Kit by Myfanwy Cook

I've been reading this text which I thoroughly recommend if you are planning to have a go yourself. It is also great for pointers that you can apply to other genres.I've already been caught out by amateurish mistakes.
Like me, the main things you've probably come across already are:

not enough research done
settings aren't specific enough to locate the reader with the characters into the correct era
too much historical detail
anachronisms creeping into the text
lame, stilted or over flowery dialogue, (or otherwise ramming that fine lace trimmed handkerchief down the poor reader's throats!)

Who would you recommend? What era's and sub-genres do you like?
Any good YA historical reads you'd recommend?

Slow, Slow, Quck, Quick, Slow!

2011-09-08T11:16:00.003+01:00

I've just visited a great blog that is painfully slow to load and flips about all over the place when I try to leave a comment.

So I thought I'd check in with you all

I temporarily set up a poll in the side bar to see if my blog has been driving anyone bonkers.

Is it easy to leave a comment?
Load pages? etc. etc.

I know I sometimes have video clips and animated gifs in my posts
AND I do have an animated slide show gif on the sidebar, but I haven't added any other such things as I know they are the most responsible for the loading and bouncing away from the comments and verification problems (like a yoyo on acid) that other sites have.

Thank you for letting me know.

Numbered Haiku

2011-09-07T09:29:00.003+01:00

This week's challenge set by Jenn at www.youknowthatblog.com is NUMBERS

Puzzling numbers
Establishing a pattern
Mind boggling grid

Those minus numbers
Dictate the season's weather
Chilling reminders

Scary row of men
An identity line-up
Whose number is up?

Complicated sums

Challenging relationships

All in a school day

To write Haikus there are just a few rules:

The lines should not rhyme
The first line has 5 syllables (e.g. Put on the ket tle)
The second line has 7 syllables (e.g. Pol ly make a cup pa now)
The last line has 5 syallables (e.g. Take it off a gain)
Traditional haikus involve the seasons and nature.
Each line should be able to stand alone and not carry to the next line

Have you got a haiku to share?

First Campaigner Challenge

2011-09-05T13:13:00.007+01:00

Rach has set the first campaigner challenge prompt and rules :

Since I entered the following groups: Literary Fiction; YA; Romance and Chick Lit in the campaign and since I have written a number of romance pieces recently, I feel I should present this one as YA or Literary Fiction.

My Entry:

Oh Mother! by Madeleine Maddocks

The door swung open, letting in a shaft of light that crept across the floor, chasing away the darkness like a seeping dye.

“Time to get up!” the female voice snapped.

I replied in deep, throaty groans.

The sunshine continued on its journey across the bedroom floor, brightening up the pages of my dull physics homework and the crumpled heap of discarded socks and boxers that added to the rancid odour in the room.

Lying in the cosy warmth of the bed, I awaited the avalanche of grief from my mother for not opening a window to let the fresh air in and the smell of me out; for not putting my laundry in the appropriate basket; tidying up or getting up at a reasonable hour.

Then, as the sunshine crept over my bed, picking out my shape beneath the duvet cover, I suddenly shrank.

My eyes snapped open as the cold dawning horror that I was not at home, but staying with relatives, shook me awake. My gaze travelled up the fit, cute body of my cousin. Reaching Janice's face I noted her deep hazel eyes sparkling with hilarity, as she watched me squirm, before the door swung shut.

(200 words)

Don't forget to vote for mine if you liked it over at the linky Thank you.

Heart Stopper ~ RFW

2011-09-01T12:43:00.005+01:00

Challenge No.17 "Heart Stopper!" Romantic Friday Writers
Dance to the rhythm of romantic music. Let's see that setting sun and feel those heroic arms about us. Maybe you've got a holiday romance going down, or perhaps it's a beach party and there's a heart stopper of a guy there and you're drooling! Whomever sets your heart pulsing let's hear about him. 400 words max.

My entry:

I notice him as soon as he enters the nightclub. The beat of the loud music has already sent my pulse pounding with anticipation. It’s as though a spotlight has picked him out from everyone else in the room and is following him as he moves with liquid ease. I realise I am smiling. I marvel at how he moulds himself so seamlessly into the crowd and yet becomes its very core. The lads admire him, while the girls are drawn to him like butterflies seeking his nectar-rich blossom. His smile radiates across the room in my direction, momentarily stopping my heart. I catch my breath, the sensation as thrilling as a roller coaster ride in freefall.

“Hey Joe!” someone shouts, stealing his attention away. Like a child who has tasted their favourite ice cream, only to have it snatched from their grasp, I feel bereft.

“What I wouldn’t do to get a piece of him!” the blonde next to me is saying. She reeks of migraine-strength perfume, as she leans against the bar sipping from a pint of lager. Although I don’t look at her, I know her eyes will have momentarily lost focus while she imagines herself claiming a piece of him. I don’t reply. My mind becomes lost in the question: which piece of him, I wonder?

A touch of skin on skin, warm, soft, firm and passionate. Rich, glossy chestnut brown hair, dark eyes and supple, fit physique that will make perfect progeny. A desperate longing need to be together. Special moments in a shared joke, an anecdote of something that happened in the day. Declarations of love panted and urgent, then sweet and slow. A forever-love that matures like a fine wine over years of nurturing.

And then here he is in front of me. The blonde stands up, stretching out her long body with feline stealth. She throws a knowing, proprietary smile in my direction and leers provocatively at him.

Joe’s strong hand brushes away an auburn wisp from my cheek, then slips gently under my chin as he pulls me closer, planting a soft, intimate kiss on my lips. I place my left hand, with the sparkling rock on my ring-finger, over his shoulder and kiss him back. I’m thinking: It’s not a piece of him I’m settling for, it’s the whole package.

(391 words MPA)

This story has been awarded the coveted Featured Writer's badge jointly with Roland for this week. Thank you!

Have you heard about this Blogfest?

2011-08-31T13:47:00.005+01:00

Check out Lisa's Flash Fiction blog for all the details. There's tons of prizes too.

I wonder if I can come up with 3 characters to present in this blogfest and then I must decide which of the 4 genres as a campaigner I should use.

I've just heard about the phenomenon of the Mary Sue from a fellow blogger Cynthia YA Writer. I hope my characters never unintentionally fall into this category.

Have you heard of this before?

And then there is also this giveaway hosted by Christine

One to Follow Award

2011-08-29T11:47:00.003+01:00

I am delighted to receive this fabulous
One to Follow Award
created and awarded by
Kate of The Scribbling Serpent
THANK YOU so much!

I would like to pass it on to 3 fellow bloggers:

Lisa Vooght of Flash Fiction, who I really think is worth following. Her writing is impressive.

Gary of klahanie who has such a dry, wry sense of humour.

Lisa Ricardo Claro of Writing in the Buff another talented writer who does great weekly blogfest challenges.