For the first time, in my lifetime, I have the time...to write. I have imposed one rule upon myself, and that is not to take much notice of other people. This policy has served me well throughout my design career and so I continue. Then why am I here? Now that is a good question in itself!! Well, I have collected a portfolio of poetry, short stories and a novel. I have already re-written it three times and am pressing on with a further culling. It stands at 180,000 words right now, which I didn't consider to be all that excessive (I like a good long read for my money). Yet, it seems that it exceeds many of the 'works in progress', here. So, while I am happy to respond to any questions asked of me...from you I politely request a few thoughts. I thank you :)
Paul!
What kind words - and more than enough to put a smile on my face for the rest of the day. They certainly deserve a response. I was determined that I would write one day, when I had the time. The time came upon me a little earlier than I expected when I was diagnosed with Parkinson's. Until then, I was a designer of alternative bridal gowns. I needed to do something that allowed me to work at my own speed...so here I am!! You are quite right about turning the novel into series, especially as it already has a sub plot. I will let my pen guide the way.
Thank you so much for the encouragement and I wish the very best of luck to you also...M
hello Madeline. It is so nice to read someone's words who knows what they want to do with them! I think if I were to read your work I would enjoy what you have done, you seem to have a way that leads you into what you want to say and makes you ready for the rest. Now that might sound obvious as you are a writer but to make a question as interesting as you have made yours with life, sounds to me like you could be a writer a publisher would want to at least get the chance to read. why not make your book into a series and stop the cull. Maybe those words were born to live. put down the club and thrash no more the innocent verbs and adjectives, let them breath and multiply... Sounds a bit Genesis that, but I'm sure you get the idea. Regards Paul
Malcolm and Maria,
Thank you both.
Indeed, I would be delighted beyond words (well - not quite) to be published. It is remarkable, however, that if you take time to stand back and see the bigger picture how faults seem to almost leap off the pages. So Malcolm - I shall continue with my cleansing of verbal diarrhea.
Who knows, it may be a good idea to be able to offer a 'director's cut' one day.
And Maria - be true to yourself. I don't think of it as being stubborn. A story is what it is...the rest is fill-in. It's a little bit like painting a picture...the art is in knowing when to stop, I think!
Thanks again - and the very best of luck to you both