Christmas Reading Miracles

Shake up your Ventolin puffer in preparation, Christmas is almost upon us. Ah, how I wish I were living in Little Women and I could present my children with two pencils and a sheet of paper, over which they would frolic and exclaim and view me with loving, moist eyes.
Instead I have a long list of what appear to be weapons of mass destruction and highly advanced technological contraptions. I stare at my children over breakfast and wonder if they are planning to take over the world. I know that if Santa coughs up the goodies he won't get much gratitude, but at least the kids will be happy as they hunt each other down in the street with Nerf Guns. Honestly, I banned guns since forever but as soon as they could work out how to arrange their chubby little fingers into a gun shape, they've been making fake guns. Aged 14 and 11 I have given in, based on the idea that they are running around at least in the fresh air and sunshine instead of getting a tan from the monitor or TV.
One kind of pressie which will get one of my children excited is books. Of course working in a bookstore means I am spoilt for choice, and I need to be as my other teen child is a non-reader extreme. The solution? Graphic Novels. Younger kids can be started on Captain Underpants (They're new book OOk and Gluk, Kung-fu Cavemen from the Future is pretty funny too) and of course the unbelievably popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid (actually have I told the story of how we had an author event for kids about the marvels of the universe and instead of listening to the lovely astrophysicist, two kids just sat there and read Diary of Wimpy Kid, in the front row, right in front of the guy). Anyway and then there is the wonderful classics of Tin Tin and Asterix and then you have the Alex Rider novels and then right through to stuff for older kids on everything from the classics to new stuff (there is a pretty good Twilight too). The other day our store even got a graphic novel on the Dalai Lama. Amazing! Anyway, if it gets them to read, do it. Graphic novels are just the kind of miracle this Christmas fairy needed.

Writers Festival

Up I got this morning, just after five, bursting at the seams to write. It was pleasant for a while lying in bed thinking- " But what would my character do if I changed this... and that...Hmmm." But eventually it's off to wake Mr Computer (who kindly never comments on my morning appearance) and start tapping away.
Yesterday I was fortunate to attend a great writers festival locally. This was the 2nd Sutherland FAW (Federation of Australian Writers) festival, and, as last time, they did a marvellous job for everybody.
The lineup of lovely authors (and illustrators) was: Deb Abela, William Kostakis, Marelle Day, Annie West, Cathleen Ross, Ruthie May, Leigh Hobbs, and Sue Whiting. What a delicious smorgasbord of advice, tips, wisdom and shared experience!
I know these people all get paid a little something, but at the end of the day, they are people giving up their weekend time to give tips and inspiration to aspiring (published) writers like me.
Not only was the main program of speakers on offer, but also a writing for kids workshop and a romance writers workshop. And for dessert, if you wished it, a manuscript appraisal, this one with Sue Whiting, well-known children's author and Publishing Manager at Walker Books.
Of course, I certainly had the mousse! Manuscript appraisals are sooo valuable. I highly recommend them. Among other things, they can help make pivotal decions about your work. This was only my second appraisal ever (my first had been with Mark McLeod)and as usual I came over all terrified and am sure, uttered some words with several letters of the alphabet missing. The air conditioning was up pretty high, so perhaps I also had partial brain-freeze. Anyway, bottom line is, luckily my manuscript was being appraised and not my ability to vocalise a complete sentence.Sue gave me some really valuable advice and threw some really pertinent questions at me. AND, she very kindly offered, that once finished, she would be happy to look at my manuscript. I was a bit fuggy (yes, with a 'u') in the brain by this stage and though I am sure I grinned happily and said thank you, it wasn't till afterwards that it dawned on me, how great an opportunity that was.
If you are old enough, you will remember the TV show Get Smart. I kinda think of getting published as the set of doors that Maxwell Smart has to get through at the beginning of the show and yesterday, I got given access to door two (I imagine about 8). Hence I am up before even the dogs this morning (we all look like we use the same stylist) tapping away with new vigour. Door three, your days are numbered.

Rosso and a Mixed Bag

Work may be busy, but there's always time for some creative cutting and pasting (sans computer) when a table display is needed. With Tim 'Rosso' Ross due this Saturday (1pm- come along for the fun!)we came up with a display which, dare I say is really pretty cool.Everything is made from paper- pretty good origami eh?! That's my 1985 typewriter in the foreground as well. Hope Rosso enjoys the effort we put in!
And finally, though I have been really busy, I managed to do a thank you picture for some friends of their dog Coco. It's only about 6 months late, but better than never. I have to admit, it was thoroughly enjoyable having a colouring pencil in my hand again.
Two other bits of fun that have happened- I have an invitation to my first book launch, that I actually had something to do with- a self-published book that I illustrated will be launched at my sons school later this month. Not only do I get to go along as a guest of honour but my son will do a little review on it, which though lovely to be asked, he couldn't really get out of as it's on Speech day jitters!
Second fun bit is the addition of two new family members- Sparkler and Cracker- awwwww, so cute!

The Adventures of Rose Tall

At work I put my name down to do 'Story time' with visiting children.
"Would you like a name?" my boss asked, preparing the flyer to advertise the event.
"Er, maybe...I don't know." I felt as though someone had asked me if I wanted to name my sneakers. Well, I could, but was it necessary? Still, previous story-tellers had used costumes, props and names, so who was I to be Miss Boring?
The next morning when I awoke, a name had popped into my head. Rose Tall. An acronym of Reader Of Stories Every Tuesday At 11. I was suitably impressed, yet disturbed by this little creation, as was my boss in turn. Sure it was clever, but what kind of nutter brewed that in her head in the night?
Yet a name wasn't enough. I decided costuming for specific stories was not my thing, so thinking of traditional Story-tellers I wondered if I might get a cloak. My local Tree of Life had no cloaks left with Summer on it's way, but I did manage to get a vastly discounted voluminous crushed velvet jackety shirt thing. On this I sewed buttons. Each button was a prompt for a traditional fairy-tale. A diamante glass one was Cinderella. A giant brown one Jack and the Beanstalk etc. Though I would read from books, I thought it might be an icebreaker talking point. Okay, I was set.
The first appointed time rolled round. I set up my seat in the corner of the kids section, I practised a rhyme about my name to help people remember (gosh yes, it's worth worrying about) and waited for the little folk to arrive and promptly be dazzled by my witty one-liners and thoughtful costuming.
One family of two children turned up. I looked at my seat in the corner and decided it would be ridiculous so we sat together on the long seat. Basically I read to the one little girl. Her brother, being about 16 months, simply pulled books off all the shelves around us. The little girl, lets call her Cindy, was delighted with the first story and I swelled with pride;hey it was only one kid, but she was loving it!
I think her mum was getting into the story too. However story number two was obviously boring as all buggery and I had to really wing it by shortening it as I went and making it rather more exciting to keep her attention, Frankly we were all distracted now by little brother emptying the shelves, and I only just made it to the finish line, where we all sighed in relief and praised the wonders of book one.
The following week, when no-one showed at all, my boss, genius that she is, went out on the street and spruiked storytime until one Mum, possibly out of fear, came in. She had two girls. Lets call them Pixie and Lily. Once again we sat on the bench as I felt silly sitting in a corner and plonking them on a rug. And this was where I made my mistake. Pixie liked climbing equipment and apparently I qualified. She was a very friendly tactile little girl who, beside trying to climb all over me as I struggled to read, kept trying to look at my necklace, bracelet, the buttons on the chair. Lily was a little needy of concentration so her Mum would ask regularly in a nice voice, "Are you listening sweetie." Eventually the little girl, aged about 4 whipped around with a firece face and held a fist to her mothers nose. Boy, did I finish storytime quickly. "We'll come back another time." promised the Mum when leaving.
"Heh, heh." was all I managed.
And yet, I am learning a load, some of which is young children only laugh at slapstick, not wit and, if you work with little kids, be prepared for anything!

Wonky Donkey and the Supernatural

As they say, there's no rest for the wicked! Work has been busy busy busy but I'm enjoying it immensely and I'm not just saying that in case my manager reads this! I was just saying the other day how great it is, working in a place where people look happy as soon as they walk in the door, as opposed to my job of old when people would come in with a grimace and ask where we kept the haemorrhoid creams.
Aside from the general enjoyment of being surrounded by books, beautiful stationary and gifts, I had the excitement of being involved with two recent author events that our store ran.
Firstly, one evening we had the lovely Karina Machado come visit to talk about her book Spirit Sister's, which is a collection of real supernatural experiences had by various Australian women. It was a fascinating evening listening to Karina talk about her favourite stories and what it was like interviewing these people. It's the kind of book anyone would find fascinating.
More recently we had Kiwi Craig Smith of Wonky Donkey fame, come entertain children and grown-ups alike with his books and music. If you have a child five or under, I highly recommend his book which has a CD of the song on it. Kids seem unable to resist it! The story/song is one of those building up styles, like There was an old woman who swallowed a fly, and I kept wondering how Craig went, singing it day after day on his tour. I got a chance to ask him when he visited and he replied that he loved to see the reaction on the children's faces and indeed we had lots of kids jiggling about and clapping and laughing along. If you ever get a chance to see Craig perform somewhere, go along as he really does make it fun for everyone. His new book is called Wilbee the Bumblebee.

An Education

In Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie, to his great delight is shown with the other children into the heart of the Wonka factory, that delightful garden of treats. In Natalie and the Story Factory, Natalie walks into a book version of the same thing and is equally overcome in a good way.
Working in a gorgeous shop surrounded by books is not a bad way to spend your working day!I have certainly landed on my feet, though both of them are quite sore.I forgot how hard standing up all day can be and these pins aren't getting any younger! I am getting used to it though and haven't fallen asleep in my dinner for at least four days.
Old age aside, my new job , though busy, is great fun. I am really happy to have been assigned the children's section and look forward to getting better acquainted with the 2600 books I have yet to read. What a labour of love eh?! Hence I am madly reading everything I can get my hands on to sort the chaff from the grain. At our store we can put up book reviews, so what grains I come across, I have great pleasure in writing up a little review for. I have warned my shop manager that I may plaster the place in them. But of course it's hard not to share a great read.
All in all, I have begun what I feel is a most excellent education in the art of great writing, and better still I get paid to do this course!

Berkelouw Books

I am very excited to announce I will soon be working at the new Berkelouw Bookstore in Cronulla. Yes, somehow the manager kindly overlooked my excited ramblings at the interview and gave me the job. Hooray!The sound of corks popping!

Okay, so now, somehow, I have to survive being completely surrounded by books, lovely stationery and artwork, helping with author events and tripling my reading time. As they say, it's a tough job but some body's gotta do it. Ooh, pick me, pick me!

Ahem, if I can just stop jumping up and down for a sec, I also have to add that I will certainly continue to write and that I am really excited about the prospect of what an education this will give me as a writer: seeing what's out there, seeing what sells and getting to read more can only help. Not to mention meeting new people and seeing what people love to read.

Thankyou Universe!

Stephen King on Writing

There have been so many times I have heard Stephen King quoted on writing skills, that the other day I purchased my own copy of his book on writing.
I guzzled up the whole thing yesterday.Wow! Zap! Pow! ;-)
I learnt so much about writing skills and discipline. And, I learnt a whole lot about the man himself, about his life, and how he came to be interested in his writing genre. And since it was all told by him, it was a bloody fascinating read!
The book is divided up into parts. The first is called CV and is the story of his life growing up, both funny and traumatic, including his early love of writing and fascination with horror and science fiction.
The second part is called 'Toolbox' and literally discusses the tools used to write. The third is on writing itself and the last is the story of his experience being hit by a van in 1999, and his slow recovery from the terrible injuries he received. Oh, there is actually another final piece; a great little short story by the winner of a competition by Hodder and Stoughton and chosen by Mr King.
After reading this book, I had a bagful of gems on my lap and a deeper appreciation of my own love of writing. I could give you any of his quotes, but instead, if you love writing, in particular novels, I urge you to read his book yourself.
I will say that one of the greatest gifts I received from it was quite hilariously one thing I have been seeking in earnest of late- permission to do what I love. OK, I'm going to quote him after all:
'If you feel you need permission to do all the reading and writing your little heart desires, consider it hereby granted by yours truly.'

Thankyou Stephen, that's all I needed to hear.

Kate Forsyth Workshop

Yesterday I was lucky enough to attend a fantasy writers workshop hosted by the lovely author Kate Forsyth.
Trying to get to the NSW Writers centre from where I live is very complicated and makes me nervous, but with the very sexy voice of 'Sean', our new Tom Tom guiding me, it was almost a pleasure! Let's keep going!
The grounds of the centre at Rozelle are so lovely, that I was immediately ready to absorb as much info as I could get from the class. For $100- I got 6 pretty solid hours of Kate Forsyth's most excellent teaching, advice and experience which I must say was great value.
With 25 books under her belt and a tonne of knowledge, Kate had plenty to share with everyone. Among us were people wanting to write for children and for adults and as she has written both, I'm sure everyone got a lap-full of gems to take home. Kate covered fantasy genre, character, plot, setting, pace, story/chapter/sentence structure as well as giving advice on seeking publication. She also asked us what we were reading and is so well-read herself, she was able to recommend many books she felt we would enjoy. It was a very full day (we even bombarded her with questions while the poor woman tried to eat her lunch) but she was very gracious and generous the whole day. If writing fantasy is your passion, I would highly recommend a course with Kate Forsyth.

Editing Sickness

All this editing and rewriting has given me a terrible and woeful illness. My eye is so trained at looking for the multiple grammatical errors in my work, that everywhere around me, I keep spotting them.
I realised the extent of my illness, when a friend showed me a photo invitation to an engagement party. Above the party details were some words that had been romantically scrawled into the sand- "Will you marry me Lisa", with a love heart at each end. All I noticed was an absent question mark!
Similar things keep happening all over the place- shop signs, school notes. It's a terrible illness I tell you.
It made me appreciate what it might be like to be an editor. After an hour of being out and about in public, you would be on your knees begging the world to please dot their i's, and begin a new paragraph, goddamn it.

"Hi, my name is Natalie and I'm an Editor"

Re:Write

I know I deserve to pat myself on the back (with an awkwardly bent arm) because, tuh-dah, I got my first rewrite finished....and it was in the school holidays to boot. Triumph! Glory! Large gold plastic trophy to moi!
But, actually I have to confess, that in pointing to that reasonable achievement I am hiding from you the fact that I now know the story needs some...ahem...major rewriting. Hmmmm. I guess I was fantasizing that rewriting is just fixing up little grammatical errors and adding bits your silly old self forgot to put in. But no, my rewrite pointed a large halogen floodlight on the weak points of my story. Yes, that was plural flaws.
So I have spent the last of the holidays telling myself I am too busy to write because whenever I ponder my next rewrite, I am completely stumped about where I would begin.
Tomorrow my children are back at school and there are no more excuses. All I can try is to treat my next rewrite like a creaming soda bottle exploding in your kitchen- it's not important where you begin, just grit your teeth and start mopping.

Writers Festival

Last Saturday my head nearly exploded, but in a nice way.

I attended the 5th Annual Children's and Young Adult Literature Festival at Rozelle in Sydney.
This event was described as 'a craft festival with discussion, panels, networking, insights into kids' and young adult publishing from editors, authors, playwrights and illustrators.'
Yep, it's a smorgasbord alright! After an opening talk by the wonderful author Gabrielle Lord (whose Conspiracy 365 series has every kid around my neighbourhood, and several adults hooked)we made our way into one of two rooms, to enjoy various talks by industry people.
I could go on all day with names and subjects, but we'll just say it was all really interesting, informative and best of all, inspiring.
At the end of the day they had two exciting things running consecutively. In one room you could pitch your story to two publishers/editors and an agent. In the other room, you could have a page (1st) of your story assessed/critiqued by a reviewer, publisher and author. Exciting but intensely nerve wracking! Being my first festival there, I chose the less scary idea of submitting a page, whose assessment was very valuable.
At the end of the day, you can relax (NOT!) on the veranda with all these same industry people. This in itself is a little terrifying. I felt rather like a chocoholic let loose in a Lindt factory- drooling and dazed!
All in all, a great day with loads of opportunities for networking and learning. I shall definitely return and do so with a well rehearsed pitch, as my friend got two publishing offers from doing just that. Well done Jodie!

Do You Feel a Draft?

News! Suddenly and without warning, I finished the first draft of my novel yesterday. It had been a morning of writing avoidance, and I pushed myself to do just a bit, when hours later I found myself doing the last few lines and realised- that was it. All done. Oh... Just like that.
I'd given birth without noticing! It's been a three month labour and the baby's a bit small at 42,000 words but I envisage as she gets to about 6 rewrites, she will have grown nicely,will be beautiful and will be able to stand on her own two legs.
Such a strange feeling, standing on this hill where I am now. Theres the peaks ahead of me, yet to scale that I'm excited about, but it's also nice to look back and see how far I've come. And for me, finishing something for myself, is a bit of a miracle.
So, I thought it would be off the keyboard for a bit to give me some objective space before rewrites, but then I just bought tickets for the NSW Writers Centres Festival. You can get a chance to pitch your book to industry professionals as well as put forward the first page of your book for appraisal so... It's back to the keyboard to work on some other stories I have. Such trivialities as painting the house will have to wait!

Simpatico Problemo

Other peoples words can get in your way when you are writing. As a writer, it is important (they say) to read,and though I struggle to find the time, I do try and do that. I mean hey, I love to read and it's even better when it is 'strongly recommended' that I do so. If I must!
There is one large problem that I have found with that: Everybody writes with their own 'voice'. Fair enough BUT I am an empathic kind of person; if I meet someone with an accent, I find I pick up some of the accent speaking to them. If I watch a dramatic movie, I can be stressed for days. Hence if I am reading Jane Austen, I am horrified on reading back my writing from the day before that I am trying to use Jane Austen's voice to write with. Don't get me wrong, Jane's is a lovely voice, but it's not mine and stands out like gherkins and ice cream.
So, if I am making the journey of writing a novel, I now try to check my mental shoes to see what I may have trodden in before I traipse back into writing my book.I have really found it best for me to work with a mental doormat.

NOTE: I am not in any way comparing Sense and Sensibility to dog poo.

Death of a Group

Haven't posted for a while since I would have to admit no writing has happened for two weeks.Definitely hit a mid-book ditch there and instead of ignoring that the writing was drivel and pressing on like I should, I chose to judge my work and come to a horrified halt.
So,time to get back on the badly written horse and keep trotting. A weeks trip interstate provided me with lots of visual inspiration (plus a week free of housework- hurrah!), so I'm all fired up and ready to be kind to myself. You should never slap yourself with a first draft. It's just road base- plenty of time to smooth and add layers later.
While I was away though,my local writers branch decided to fold and I may never hear the full story of why. All I know is an emergency meeting was called and I knew I would be away for it. On the day, I was on a train station in Adelaide when I got a call from our president saying they had tried to call me to get a deciding vote but couldn't reach me so someone changed their vote to reach an outcome and that the group was folding! Bizarre! I didn't even know there were any big problems! And we were doing a big dinner with a well known author and all. I think it is so great to have these groups so you can meet like-minded people but there are always problems and politics and at the end of the day, what I think I'd like is to be part of a group like Tolkien that meets up in a cosy corner of a pub and chew the fat on what we're doing at the moment. Any takers?!

Background in the Background

There's one way I know to switch off a persons brain and it's for me to start yabbering on rapturously about the background to my story. Yeah, look it's fascinating to me but only elicits an alarmed or bored look in others. One day if I have written a massive best seller, people may be riveted with these details. Until then, I shall only produce a little of these reams of info when and if necessary, into my story. If you have read the Appendix to Lord of the Rings (Hail Elf-friend!), you may may disagree, but sometimes your obsession is other peoples cause for sleep.

Resist Flashing Your Stuff

When is a good time to show others your work? This was a difficult one for me.
I spend a lot of time on my work, in my own head space. I wish I had a magic mirror on the wall to consult with- "Oh Magic Mirror, does my 'but' look big in this sentence?"
In reality (which I visit from time to time) it's just me and the dogs. The dogs are great company but tend to wag no matter what I say, well crafted or not.
When he is home then, my patient husband is the usual sounding board and he works hard on not sounding bored, bless him. I do appreciate it. When we signed our wedding certificates, there was nothing in it about him having to read loads of dodgy writing with his partner hovering anxiously nearby. Or, having me spend considerable time mulling over the physical attributes of male characters. So, I know I am lucky that he'll help me out.
There are times though, when you would like to show another writer your work and I was given an opportunity recently. Three other writer friends were getting together for a lunch and invited me along. Everyone was asked to bring something they're working on. I hesitated. I am up to Chapter 10 on my first novel, but it's just a rough so far. I don't really do any editing yet, just a quick tidy of the last chapter before I begin the next. Theres tonnes of re-writing to do when I finish the whole lot. In the end I decided to bring chapter one and ask everyone to just read it through and see if they liked the story so far.
What I discovered was that this is simply not possible! A writer reads anothers work from a writerly point of view and the editing pen whips out- whoosh! So, two hours of time was spent on six pages and I came home very stressed with three different sets of editing notes in various Biro colours. My desire to have the approval from people in the industry backfired completely and I came away without getting what I wanted. No-one read the whole chapter!
This was not the fault of the people at all. I should have been clearer with what I wanted and asked them to withhold editing thoughts or ,if they thought they couldn't manage that, thank them and leave it. When I do finally get around to editing I will take those notes into account and some of it will better my writing, but at the end of the day, showing a first draft to writers is like throwing sardines to cats and saying "No Kitty!" Yeah, sure!
All I can say of my own experience is, try to be confident in yourself and write it all out, then rewrite, rewrite, rewrite. After that, saying clearly what you need, ask some kind person to have a squiz at your work.

Highland Cliche`

I spent a lovely weekend in the Southern Highlands; a place where someone has dipped their hand in a pot of Britain and smeared it thickly over the landscape.

Perhaps it is the rolling green hills, ripped free of Eucalypt, dotted with black Angus cattle awaiting their journey to McDonald's. Perhaps it is the chill in the air and the winds whipping non-native Autumnal leaves into your face as you stroll along in your polo neck and jodhpurs.

In any case, I bloody loved it. Very inspiring for writing, eating cheese and drinking wine.

At a second hand bookstore I found a great read in a book entitled 'Son of-It was a Dark and Stormy Night.' Basically an American University English Dept runs an annual competition where writers come up with a very cliche`d/bad beginning to a fictitious story. What is the point? Well, they are funny, the winners get their name in a book and the reader gets reminded of the sort of things not to put in your own work. If you ever see a copy of this book or it's prequel, have a squiz for a laugh. May I share one:

Wilkins, the tall muscular fisherman, shielded himself with his pantyhose by tugging it up and over his head and holding it there while the arrows shot by the Eskimo sailors bounced mercifully off him and didn't hurt him either because apparently they could not pierce the fine knit fabric, especially the "control top".

A thing of beauty is it not?

Chocolate Holidaze

Thank goodness daylight savings is now over and I can (fairly) effortlessly rise at 5am to write. How else to continue writing in the school holidays? 5am till 10am after which my children are definitely up (the teen one just) and about and I can happily focus on them.
Not to regret the past but when I think of holidays gone, when I felt I had no time to myself- what I weak sap I was! Then again the last holidays were the summer ones and the cicada's begin to drill into your head at a much earlier hour. This cool weather helps keep the kids in bed, under their doonas so that I, puffy-eyed and clutching a cuppa, can have fun on the keyboard- everyone is happy!
Happy Easter to all by the way!
For me, Easter is a time when I try to replace Spring images with Autumn and harvest ones. We hang Easter eggs on a vase full of bare branches ( a nod at my German heritage where they hang the eggs from pussy-willow branches bursting with velvety catkins) I put out wooden eggs and chickens and we have an Easter egg hunt of course. It's done outside so we don't accidentally kill one of the dogs (would definitely put a downer on the festivities) by leaving a few accidentally for them to find. I'm sure we've left the snails a few giving them something other than my seedlings to eat for a few days.
Its a relaxing break where the house smells of toasting/burning hot-cross buns and we go see a family movie together. At night we toast marshmallows over coals in the chiminea under the stars (getting too cold for mozzies- hooray!) and all rub at our chocolate congested bellies. AND I certainly contemplate how lucky we are to enjoy all this. Here's cheers bunny ears!

A New Chapter

How long is chapter?
Most of my time of late has been spent working on a novel. I have my plot, my setting, my characters etc.
I wrote out the first drafts of Chapters 1 and 2. I patted myself tentatively on the back. Now for the rest. Suddenly I was a bit nervous. Originally iI had written out chapter summaries for the whole book. About 18 chapters. That looked pretty good! However after writing the first two chapters out things had got rather rearranged. Stuff had been plucked from farther afield and other things also added. Hence I felt less sure of where I was going: I'd packed a bag confidently for a journey only to find someone had gone through it removing things and swapping my pajamas for a rubber chicken.
It really threw me. I decided to do a more extensive summary of the rest of the book and tapped away for a few days. I finished the task. I should have been pleased but instead I was devastated. My entire story was only 6 chapters long! After the shock wore off and I ate some soul strengthening chocolate , I went back to look at my work again. I realised that I was trying to fit too much into a chapter. There was enough stuff there for at least 10 chapters and an afterward. The whole exercise got me thinking about chapter length. How long is a chapter anyway? We've all read those half page ones, right up to those ones you can only get half way through at one sitting- you know you look a few pages ahead to give yourself a target before your eyes fall out and Flick, Flick, Flick you turn 20 pages to find the eventual chapter end and promptly give up for the day stuffing the book mark in in disgust.
But was there rules? Were people just making up their own? I Googled away doing research and there was lots of good advice and no real rules. In general it is suggested that a good place to end one chapter is:
A cliffhanger
Worry- the main character is worrying about something.
A change in time or place or character
A surprise
A threat
The beginning of a major moment
An emotional moment
A major statement/powerful dialogue

That was all good food for thought. At the moment my story is Swiss cheesed with some chapters and a lot of chapter breaks. I'm getting the cheese knife out right now to do some deft chopping.
And then looking at all my food comments, I'd best have some brekky!

Basket of Goodies

For me , going for a walk is as good as going shopping with a basket on my arm, to the story tidbit shop.
This morning by the end of my walk I had these in my mental bag: Looking up at the sky I saw a moth fly over my head, a bird higher up fly over it and above them all a plane. They all crisscrossed on different levels in that second I looked up- an amazing treat!
Walking past houses I smell lovely shampoos, deodorants (male and female), coffee. I smell cigarettes and car exhaust. I stop and talk to a neighbour for a moment, trying to discreetly hold a bag of warm squashy dog-poo (yes, gross!) by my side. A toddler in pajamas greets me from his front lawn( "He-woh.") Dogs call from behind gates and fences- " Good morning!" " Go away, you're trespassing!" "Can I come for a walk too?!" The golden autumn sunlight gives even the shabbiest tree a glowing aura. I notice an abundance of purple and blue flowers in bloom. March = Purple? I see students swarming from every street to catch the bus and catch up on gossip.
I get home after only 15 or 20 minutes, my legs are stretched, my mind is stretched and it's all systems ready to be planted in a seat and set about some writing.

Nuts and Snorkels

Every time it starts to rain or simply drops ten degrees and get cloudy, a wave of excitement puts cosmic sand in my cossie bottoms and I have to sit down and write. I just lurve Autumn. It's my favourite season- no surprise there as most nut's ripen in Autumn! But it's just so good for bum-glue to seat value. That and I'm just loving writing anyway. Love the world I'm writing about, my characters etc to bits. It's a pleasure spending time with them, uncovering them.
The only bad bit is, it's rather antisocial. This has some odd effects on me. For instance I find myself getting dressed up to pick up the kids from school. Hey that is my social life! Also, if I do actually meet up with a real walking breathing human, I practically gobble them up with excitement. Very scary for alarmed individual. One person I saw recently who is normally very funny, was a bit tired on the time I saw them. And frighteningly I remember thinking 'Oh for goodness sake, wake up a bit, this is my human contact time here and your putting on a poor show.' I know. Very rude. But my subconscious hasn't the nicest manners at times.
It's a pleasure to spend so long in a great fantasy world, but I like to keep at least a snorkel in reality. I'll try and work on a less manic snorkel.

Wobbly Writing

It's writing, it's pouring, the old girls no longer snoring!
Yep, meet writer girl- the writer who is actually writing. That's me!
It all began with an enormous wobbly thrown by moi about a week ago. I'm not going to brag about that bit. It was loud and nasty and my kids mouths were in the shape of the letter O. This is not necessarily the recommended method of getting out of a rut but that's just the way it happened. Those ornaments weren't valuable any way.
So why the tantie? Well, I have been trying to get my house in some order for yonks. This seemed to be like trying to create pottery from slime - a messy and un-fun way of doing things that once finished simply returned to it's original gross shape. My kids were also not pulling their finger out and it just seemed the whole world was out to stop me from writing. So, I reacted in a mature sophisticated manner- I spat my dummy- about a kilometre.
Anyway the bottom line is I am writing. I am back in my story land uncovering the story bit by bit. It is very much like being a scribe to an already existing story. I just want to do a good job telling it.
And out of left field I got to do a little illustration for a colouring in page which was fun too.

So this coming week I am trying an odd method of going away to write for a week- I am camping in my studio. Why? Well, I would have loved to go away for a week but we didn't have any way of looking after the children in the afternoons till my husband got home so this was a compromise. I can just see someone asking my children where there mother is and them telling them I am living under the house. Well, I have been a troll I guess of late!

Workshop Fun

Imagine in one room a guy creating hilarious cartoons at a rate of knots (with sound effects!) captivating the attention and humour of a bunch of kids, whilst in the other room a lady tells an edge of your seat tale to a spellbound audience.
Last Sunday I was lucky enough to be part of a fantastic workshop run by my local branch of the CBCA( www.cbcasutherland.org.au ) called Children's Story Blast Workshop. We had the lovely Sue Whiting and the very fun Dave Hackett ( Cartoon Dave ) to entertain and teach the children plus the talents of our own Chris Frogatt doing his debut workshop. I got to sit in on each class and I loved seeing all those imaginations spilling out onto a page with great enthusiasm. I thought-" I want to do this one day!"
Dave had every child drawing simple and fun cartoon illustrations. Later on he had them writing zany, hysterical descriptive narrative. Sue handed the kids all character pics and had them coming up with great character idea's and showing how to get to know your character. The kids lapped it up. She had a great system of audience participation that ended with a draw for a book at the end. As an extra bonus, she very kindly gave each child a free book. Chris did a more detailed illustrating session that had the kids all creating their own world and their own character inhabiting it which they were all enthused about.
A bit of work for our group to put the workshop together but seeing all those young imaginations alight was Oh so worth it!

Time Thieves

I was discussing with a writing friend how little writing I have managed to do lately. She was having similar problems, so we worked out all the feasible hours we had during a reasonably regular week. From this we removed time to do home and family stuff. It turned out we should have between 15 and 20 hours per week with which to write. IT"S NOT HAPPENING I TELLS YA!
We also wrote a list of known time thieves eg e-mails, phone calls, Internet trawling, kids being lazy, blogging (!) etc. To these time thieves we allocated a distinct time so we could rest assured they would get done but not spend too much time doing them nor do them multiple unnecessary times. So from today I will only blog weekends, jotting a note to myself in between if there's anything I might want to add. Those hours that remain to write are very precious and those who love you will have to understand. For example:
I was telling a friend on Saturday that I had sent my husband to work to make up for hours he took off for a funeral. I was making a joke pretending to be Whipmistress. I'd like to add here that my husband does contract work and if he takes time off we simply don't get paid and secondly that the deceased was a a school mate that my husband had not seen in many years. Anyway my friend (who goes out to work) smiled but said "Oh, that's mean. Why don't you go out and get a job. " Well, of course I was wrong to joke about my good hubby making up the work time but that comment stabbed me right in the gut's. It made me think about going out and doing just that. Of course it played on my guilt and fear but mostly I think because I really am not working- I'm not claiming my 15 hours a week to myself. If I were I could have smiled back and said " Piss Off- I do work!"

Workshop Fun

Attention - This is a plug!
On Sunday Feb 28 my branch of the CBCA is having a children's illustrating and writing workshop for kids aged 8-12. There will a half day or full day option. In the Morning we have the lovely Sue Whiting as author and Dave Hackett AKA Cartoon Dave entertainer extraordinaire and then the afternoon we have Dave in his capacity as a writer and Chris Frogatt, a local writer/ illustrator from our group hosting the illustrating session. Tickets are $20 or $30. For more details Google our group: CBCA Sutherland sub-branch.

I'll have Mine Buttered

Sometimes I meet a new lot of people and I find, in listening to their lives, my world seems very minuscule in comparison. If I were to dress for the part I'd be wearing hessian sacking and chewing on a blade of grass, vacant well-meaning expression on my face. A lot of this comes from spending so much time on the 'inside'. So, I'm trying to broaden some of my exterior horizons. I'm doing German at night school and tonight I went to my first Toastmasters meeting. I'll admit I was scared. I was worried it would be a secret handshake kind of society full of very odd people. Well woman, what was it really like? Ha, ha I'll never tell. By the sign of the sacred five pointed cross, it shall remain forever secret!
Na, not really. Look, everyone was very nice. They don't exactly appear a rollicking lot but on the other hand they did have a sense of humour and were very down to earth. I got to hear lots of short speeches and reassuringly they weren't all brilliant. I'm going to go again at any rate. Perhaps the hooded cloaks will come out next time: I'll let you know. In the meantime for the sake of learning how to give a great speech with confidence or how to run a a formal meeting seamlessly and quickly, Toastmasters seems to have it buttered.

Humble Pie in my Face

Last night I had a most humbling and somewhat depressing experience. I had spent the morning with my critiquing buddy going over some of my picture book stories. One of them, my friend offered to rewrite and e-mail to me later in the day.
This I received in the evening. The whole thing had been pretty well rewritten with just the basic concepts left intact, so it was quite different to the original. Despite my friends hard work, I still much preferred my own version and decided to show my husband the two. I realised he had no recollection of the original story so on a whim I didn't tell him which was which. This was so my ego could experience the gratification of his liking mine better which was obviously going to happen. I am sure you can tell what happened next- yes, he preferred my buddy's and thought it was mine! So I was twice devastated- one that mine wasn't perceived clearly as the better and secondly that he couldn't tell by the style which was mine.
Upon reflection (after a small sulk) I guess there was a lot to learn from that. Some of which is: 1.Your ego is not your friend. 2. Just because it's your brilliant idea doesn't mean you wrote it well.3.If you ask for help, you'll probably get it so be prepared for changes!

Oh Hardy-Ha

I've no doubt the universe has a great sense of humour. This week no doubt had it doubled over in great tear-rending guffaws as I attempted to get all serious about writing. Whilst trying to write, the fridge broke down, the possums ate all of the newly planted veges, the carport flooded, my son lost his glasses and we had to get new ones and it also became apparent he would benefit from a new school so I had interviews, forms, tours and uniforms to buy.
My brother visited sometime during this chaos. I'm sure I very graciously received his wisdom on writing since he is training to be a life-coach and is my baby brother (sorry Mark!). He did finish the visit by adding "Can you just hurry up and get published. I want to have a famous author as a sister." No worries mate, if you'll just step in and run the rest of my life, I'll nip off and get these novels done!
Do I sound like a spoiled brat that I want peace and quiet and time to myself? I'm sure I do since many authors have written under far greater adversity than my little domestic one. I can only say that as a recent beginner in many ways I need time to slip into my world and wrap it around myself like a blanket. That's for fantasy anyway. I have no troubles fitting in some non-fiction writing around every day obstacles. I mean look at me right now- I'm writing this and I have a ball and three plates balanced on my nose and am playing a violin with my left foot.
I did get some writing done. Unfortunately it was like peering in at my fantasy world from outside and through a dirty window. Let me in!
Meanwhile it's time to send more children's picture book stories off to the publisher. Apparently they don't come knocking at your door. But I intend that's what they'll eventually be doing!

Going Cuckoo

Monday looms like a giant blank piece of paper the size of Tasmania; though rectangular of course. Tasmania is more like a cute love heart shape and if a giant heart loomed that would probably be OK as opposed to the rigid rectangle which is obviously terrifying. Ahem. Anyway, it's from this day forth I will be writing full-time. You know, the day from which I have given away all my paying work and set out in my little writing ship to search for the land of Publication.
To give me confidence that I can get back into the world of my story I have got all the 'travel' gear I think I might need to get there- theme music, notes, pictures, lucky gonk ( if you know what this is, by jingo you're showing your age) etc. I plan to spread it all out on the floor, lie on it and make a book angel. No, not really of course, that would scratch the CD's but all that stuff I hope will trigger me off to writing. Then all I need is some peace and quiet. What are my chances? The chooks have been extra loud and whiny of late, the crested pigeons and native doves are cooing their tiny brains out and don't even get me started on the Channel billed cuckoo, whom I would throttle -if I could reach the bugger. But wisely it sits in the highest branches of the Anghophora calling out (all day long) " Oh Mummy currawong, feed me another 300 snacks for I am weak and fading and only 3 times your size." Hey mate, migrate already!

Well I'm going to do it anyway I guess, nervous tick or no. Wish me luck on all fronts!

Butterflies, Stars and Tomorrows

Two days ago as a birthday treat from a friend, I spent the day in Sydney's Newtown. Now if a day there doesn't inspire you to write, nothing would. I imagine living there for a year, bohemian style and simply writing and existing. It's a rich compost for all the senses. I love it. Though it is a bit like visiting a wild butterfly farm and then going back to live in Snailtown. I was also lucky enough to see the movie about Keats called Bright Star. Well, it's about him and Fanny Brawne and their relationship and life at that time. I haven't read Keats for an age though I recognised some of the poems. It has certainly inspired me to re-read his work- so poignant and beautiful. He also gives a wonderful description of what poetry is in the film but you'll have to take note yourself if you see it as I can't remember it word for word but I do recall thinking it was a perfect description.

Yesterday I had the rare opportunity to read for much of the day which was a delicious way to spend it. I read Cecilia Ahern's new book 'The Book of Tomorrow' (she's the author of PS I love You and others). The story was certainly an interesting one and caught you up as it dropped more and more breadcrumbs as the story unfolded. From the first one your mental head snaps up- "Eh up! What's with that?" so that you are dragged along faster and faster by the nostril hairs of your curiosity till you finally work it all out; eye's watering, near the end. It's definitely worth a read so I don't want to give more away. My only criticism and I'll have to keep it vague, is that when all is revealed, it perhaps seems a little unlikely in parts. There's a few things that you wonder at the possibility of. It's good for me to notice these things when I write. Sometimes your character has so much happening that you forget to look down and see if they have trouser's on from two chapters ago. I suppose though that once you are a famous and well-liked author and we're talking credible plot's you get an extra cup full of leeway from your loving readers. So OK Cecelia, I'll let you get away with that one.

Keeping Cool with a Cup Half Full

I thoroughly Westfielded myself this morning. I know it's pathetic but the idea of an air conditioned town won out over a scalding beach today. I must have been desperate because i had my children in tow. I had birthday vouchers to spend, God love me. God help me I spent more than that by the time I left. Of course. No excuse except that when department stores take 50% off the already marked down price, even the anti-shopper likes of I get palpitations. I got a lot of stuff that goes with my pink hair. Guess that's why it was still on the racks. I have entered the kingdom of Odd Size Bargains via my hair. I Could never nab a shoe bargain having a common size, nor did it happen much that I fitted a size 6 nor 16. Now, however I can nab all the "only goes with pink hair' bargains. Love it. Guess I'll have to repinkefy myself.
One thing I got today which I love and really needed was a book by Jackie French and Sue deGennaro called 'The Tomorrow Book'. I had noticed my cup has been very Half Empty of late and this was a lovely positive life boost. Now, it is a kid's book by the way. Here's the blurb about the book and it's creators................"both passionate environmentalists, have combined their remarkable abilities to produce an inspiring story about a wonderful tomorrow." Sue used materials and packaging she already had a home so the illustrations contain bits of gorgeous collage. Recommended!
To transform my world from my ears inwards I'm listening to Sawdust by The Killers which I know looks macabre in print but though it's not to make daisy chains by , it pumps energy straight into you- "Clear! Whammo!" Recommended!

A Jolly Good Luncheon- Hooragh!

Today for my birthday I had a Wind in the Willows picnic down by my favourite bit of river. I have long loved the book and always remembered rat's wonderful description of the contents of his luncheon hamper to Mole. I had to do a few small vegetarian adjustments for those of us that way inclined (it is no surprise there is no vego equivalent of tongue) and I admit I added blackberry tarts and clotted cream to our hamper and a pot of tea. It really was a magical morning to be out rowing among the moorhens and dab chicks with no-one else about and the sun sparkling on the water. We followed it up with glorious swim further upstream where the sea is not far away. Once again we had the river to ourselves except for the hundreds of baby Taylor, Bream and Flathead (I think. I know they weren't white pointers and that's all I cared about). We finished with our delicious picnic under a tree in the sun. Superb. Thanks for the inspiration Mr Grahame!

Knowing it Inside Out

School holidays and writing are like oil and water. Or shampoo and marshmallows. Just not mixing well. Fortunately the universe sent a swat team of mosquito's to bite me at exactly 4am so that I would be forced to get up and write in the peaceful, though itchy, wee hours of the morn. Which I did.
At the moment it is lots of notes on motive, action and consequence. Nothing is simple and you have to try and think of everything. Your character does something: why do they do it? Who will it affect? Did they have an ulterior motive? Who else knows about it and does that matter? Will there be long term consequences and if so will that be obvious now or revealed later? Why are there so many peanut butter allergies in the world?
Reading some notes aloud to someone (ignoring any looks of long suffering) shows me large holes in things no shove of a quick cork will remedy. If they read it to me (more ignored suffering), better still as I can take note of holes and further questions I need to ask. Consistency I guess is the key. This isn't easy for an inconstant person. Playing the writer and the reader is hard. You have to know everything yet pretend at the same time, you know nothing unless it is revealed. Like catching the train and noticing that you have your top on inside out and having to just go with it.

The Writers Zone

Off out tonight. Am avoiding at all costs ordering a 'fire engine' thus robbing bartender of witty comment ie "Goes with your hair luv!" Oh ha, ha and Te he. Perhaps I will wear a wig to avoid attention. I have a Princess Leia one which is far more subtle than my current real hair.

Speaking of real, I have been thinking lately of the altered reality of being a writer. Well, a fiction writer in any case. Suddenly you have full permission to stick your head in the clouds ( Really? Can I? It's truly okay to do this?)whilst at the same time everything below the clouds is watched with a magnifying glass. It is a bizarre line to walk really. I feel like Marty Feldman with a pen.

Writing in Raspberry

It's been an interesting week, being a pink-haired person. A few pluses of having brightly coloured hair is that sales assistants spot you a mile off and you never have to wait for service. Also it gives you a whole fresh look at your wardrobe eg 'I'm not getting any younger, my hair is hot pink- what can I actually wear today?' Really though, I always enjoyed a decorating challenge. Also if you enjoy psychology, having pink hair gives you an interesting insight into other people. The facial expressions you see! The reactions! All very interesting but really at the end of the day mostly I am like -" Alright now, have a good look and can we then get on with our lives please!" Yeah, I know, what did I expect? Hey, I don't think that far ahead. I will add two more things about brightly coloured hair. One, people seem to be unable to cope with it early in the morning. Two, one of those people may be yourself. When you've had a bad sleep and you are 20 and your hair is wacky, somehow, it all works OK. When you are somewhat older than this, the words "Oh Dear." come to mind when you hit the morning mirror.
I'll leave you with my favourite Thoreau quote of the week- ' ......and if I repent of anything, it is very likely to be my good behaviour. What demon possessed me that I behaved so well?'

Pink Haired Rude Cow

Happy New Year!
I am excited to report that I began the New Year writing away madly, as I have been for the last 5 days or so. It's all novel while the novel is still novel! Of course in spending my waking hours writing I have already proven myself to be a rude cow writing hermit. I was invited over to a neighbours on New Years Eve and I actually crossed the road and everything but then did a u-turn and hurried back to the computer. I'd already had a few problems getting ready as I had dyed my hair (I thought it would be more red however it's pretty much crimson pink, but hey, I like it) to mark the New Year and then discovered it was hard to match with my clothes with things that had been bought for a blonde person....Ahem, anyway, I did get ready and everything but instead found myself simple wanting to keep writing so that's what I ended up doing. Of course I felt really bad, but not bad enough to stop writing. I also skipped most of the following day with other friends so I could continue to write. I apologised profusely on all occasions but I found people really supportive and heard lots of "Hey, you gotta do what you gotta do." I also read the same quote recently somewhere so that is my mantra from the universe at present. While the writing is flowing- I keep going! And I guess at the end of the day, good friends hopefully will understand and support you following your goals.