I sat to write today but I couldn't get started. The white empty page remained without a blemish. So I doodled and thought about all I had to do, housework, family runs and of course my writing. I deciced on a to-do list. I filled my blank lonely looking page with a list of ironing, polishing and all the household chores that need attending to. Then I wrote about the places I needed to go or take family members to and shortly after I found myself writing a short story without meaning to.
I had cleared my head and now my inspiration was taking over. I wrote 500 words and shall continue it to about 1500 or so. Imagine from a blank page to a list of stuff, to the beginnings of a short story about a woman under pressure to meet a deadline and has distractions thrown at her which makes her task all the more difficult. So you see, it's amazing what can come from an everyday to-do list. Happy writing !
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Tuesday, 29 January 2013
Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Next Big Thing
Okay today I am in the spotlight for The Next Big Thing and I am delighted to be a part of this on-rolling blog. I enjoyed answering the below questions and I hope you will come back and visit me again here or follow me on Twitter @marytbrad
What is my Next Big Thing?
The next big thing for me is having my first novel accepted for publishing in the coming year. I am actively sending it out to agents and publishing houses. I have made it my New Year’s resolution.
What is the working title of your book?
The title of my first completed novel is A Thorn in My Side.
Where did the idea come from for the book?
I was at a funeral and wondered what would happen if, at the reading of the will there was a complete surprise for the family!
What genre does your book fall under?
I would say it is women’s fiction or maybe general fiction. Some who have read it said it is a family saga. Take your pick!!
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Oh the main character is a young female named Lacey, so I would go for Amanda Seyfried. I loved her in Mamma Mia and I think she is such a talented young actress. Her brother would be played by Ben Affleck (because I really like him).
What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
A family that is torn apart by a letter at the reading of their mothers will.
How long did it take to write the 1st draft of your manuscript?
It is difficult to say, as I started it full of enthusiasm and then let it lay to the side for awhile as I wrote some short stories. Then I got back into it and completed it very quickly. So put all the time together I would say six months.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
Once I had the idea while at the funeral plus I wanted the challenge of writing a novel, I went with it.
What else about your book might pique the readers’ interest?
Although it is basically Lacey’s story, the others, her siblings are all affected by the letter so how their coming to terms with its revelations makes it a great read.
When and how will it be published?
As soon as possible I hope in both paperback and as an e-book. Publishers’ and agents’ out there take note please!!
Before I hand over to my tag team I wanted to add that I have enjoyed this experience and want to thank Jill Godsil for tagging me on The Next Big Thing. http://jilliangodsil.com
Now over to my both creative and interesting fellow writers, watch their posts on Wed. 23rd January 2013
Marie O’Halloran
Daniel Kaye
Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Guilty and Welcome !
I am guilty, it is agreed. I was speaking with my writing friends and we were chatting about social media. It was an interesting discussion about how often we should be on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and Linkedin to name a few. I personally feel it should be a disciplined approach that one should take when dealing with the Internet. I deliberately took December off from all 'net related stuff and am glad I did so. I had a hectic November with my A Bakers Dozen launch night and also partaking in NaNoWriMo. So with family returning for the festive season I had enough on my plate to keep me busy and to focus on them was my priority.
But what about your followers and fellow writing friends was asked of me in horror at my actions? Well I am sure their lives continued just fine I answered. But the look of sadness I received was heartbreaking for me. So for all my lovely new followers (and thank you for doing so) on Twitter I am sorry for not welcoming you individually, please accept this apology with the genuine good heart it is given with. Also my other net friends I will be back to read all about your bits n pieces too.
But I do feel there is life outside the 'net and balance is what it is all about. Do you really want to know what I had for dinner and breakfast or if I'm wearing blue or pink socks? I thought not. But when something happens that is interesting then I shall tell you all about it I promise. Am I forgiven?
But what about your followers and fellow writing friends was asked of me in horror at my actions? Well I am sure their lives continued just fine I answered. But the look of sadness I received was heartbreaking for me. So for all my lovely new followers (and thank you for doing so) on Twitter I am sorry for not welcoming you individually, please accept this apology with the genuine good heart it is given with. Also my other net friends I will be back to read all about your bits n pieces too.
But I do feel there is life outside the 'net and balance is what it is all about. Do you really want to know what I had for dinner and breakfast or if I'm wearing blue or pink socks? I thought not. But when something happens that is interesting then I shall tell you all about it I promise. Am I forgiven?
Tuesday, 1 January 2013
2013 WITHOUT BLOT OR STAIN
Today is a new day to a New Year. So Stop! Do not rush to fill each date on the calendar with what you must do or what others tell you what you must do. Yes we have dates that are pre-planed; I have two weddings to attend this year, yippee. Think about the everyday stuff.
Take each day for itself. Do not add to its trials with worry. Try instead to take the good moments no matter how few and focus on those. If work is difficult, look on the positive of having a job, many don’t. If the kids are driving you crazy, be positive you are in a family, many wish to be.
What I’m attempting to say is take each new day as a chance to find the blessings in your life. These are what will pull you through on the dark days. Each morning starts without blot or stain, it is us that smears its clean slate by rushing in unthinking.
I wish you all a healthy and happy 2013. Just think 365 days for us to wake up to knowing that the day ahead of us is truly a present. So live in it.
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