Freelance Writing

Had an entertaining time last week at the cinema. Went to the third Twilight film, Eclipse, with daughter. We both love the books and films and I wasn't disappointed. It interpreted the book very well and conveyed Bella's feelings for both Edward and Jacob. Of course, she chooses Edward - he's her whole life. Or perhaps I mean life in death, in a manner of speaking since we're talking vampires. I really like his old fashioned values, as it makes a refreshing change from all the books and films where teenage bed-hopping is the norm.

Then I took my nephews to see Toy Story 3 - what a great excuse to see the film! One of the best I've seen. The story, the character voices, the animation - everything was compelling. And I even had tears towards the end. Definitely one for adults and children. We've all had toys that we outgrew and I bet you'll view them in a different way if you see this film. It's also about loyalty and friendship, and there's even a big furry villain. Great stuff!

On the writing front, I was astonished to receive an email informing me one of my poems is shortlisted in the Frederik van Eeden Competition run by Holland Press Publishing. Only 9 are shortlisted out of 226 poems from 29 countries - I'm honoured to be among them! Winner will be announced towards the end of September, but I don't expect to get that far. It's even more meaningful as the poem is about my mother and was written from the heart. Maybe that's the best kind of writing after all.

Rosemary

Well, it's been quite a week. A publisher in Canada, Champagne Books, has accepted my Regency novel! It has taken me a few days to believe it is going to be in book form at last. They seem very professional and I'm being made to feel like one of their authors right away. Soon, the work begins when I'm assigned an editor. Then it's the cover art and blurb, then checking the galley proofs - and next spring there should be a book. Exciting! I guess I'd better think about writing the next one now. Aren't the flowers gorgeous - compliments of a lovely friend who wanted to mark the occasion with roses! Waht a wonderful suprise, and kind thought.

While that was going on, Prima magazine phoned me - my short story will be in the November issue.  And I'm still writing articles for Suite101 and Demand Studios. Writing can be full of ups and downs, but it's wonderful when you see an end result. That's when it is so rewarding.

Rosemary

Whee! I can still cycle!

We've had a great time over the last two weeks, travelling about the country on day trips. We used all kinds of transport: car, boat, train and bike - and feet of course! And not one plane journey for a change. It really makes us appreciate the beauty on our doorstep, and a little further afield. The only time we stayed over was in Tynemouth as it was too far for a day journey - and we wanted to have dinner out with friends.

We saw a couple of new places and revisited old favourites. We waked until we dropped each day and felt healthier for it. The weather was great, and I have new subjects for articles - have written two already. Now, I guess I need to get on with some work.

Rosemary

I really enjoy writing for online Canadian company Suite101 so much that I've now joined the US online company, Demand Studios. I was lucky to get accepted as a writer and I'm enjoying this experience just as much. It works in a completey different way, and I get paid within a few days of articles being passed. Not a bad way to earn a little extra income in addition to print stories and articles.

Meanwhile, The Highlander in the US accepted another article, and several stories are away in the hope that some at least will be successful. Then there are the rejections, which every writer faces no matter how many have been published. Perseverance is the name of this game!

The writing group ended with our wonderful annual garden party, hosted by Sandra. We all take a dish and then it's a 'help yourself' buffet. Great food, fun and friendship as always. And the sun shone unexpectedly, allowing us to sit in the lovely garden. It's good to have a break now from the busy schedule of the group's writing year, until September. Must use the time wisely to get even more work finished and sent out. At least that's the intention!

Rosemary

What an interesting day we had last Saturday. First it was my nephew's First Communion in a very bright modern chapel. Since it's not the kind of church we normally attend, the service was very different but beautiful. I'm familiar with some of the liturgy since my family are a mixture of church and chapel. The angelic looking boys and girls (for that morning at least!), the singing and the packed building all added to the sense of big occasion.

When one little boy sang the first part of a psalm before the congregation joined in at each verse, there was hardly a dry eye in the place. Then there was the lump in the throat when all the 'communion' children in their white tabbards sang together. It certainly did my soul good to be there.

After a lovely buffet lunch courtesy of my brother and sister-in-law, it was a quick trip home to change before hubby and I set off for Paisley Abbey. I'd been longing for this as there was a medieval day being held in and around the Abbey Close. Since this is one of my favourite periods, I was determined not to miss it. And it was well worth the couple of hours we spent wandering about. Medieval music, dancers, swordsmen, apothecary, calligrapher, tailor and food - it was brilliant. We passed on the hog burgers and walked through the flower filled cloisters. Now I just have to write about it in some way.

Rosemary

The View from Cliff Cottage

What a fantastic day out was had by all on Saturday at the cottage of a very dear writing colleague. Generous in the extreme, this wonderful lady allowed a large group of us to take over the cottage for a whole day. Some took the chance to stay for a couple of nights, not surprisingly. Although the day was full of chat, laughter and eating, it was also very interesting and informative, with different writers talking about their own particular genre.

It may be called a cottage, but this beautiful house on a cliff in the the north east of Scotland is much bigger than that word suggests. It is a special place of creativity, with nothing to disturb the peace but the soothing sound of the sea. Many call it magical and inspirational. There is no doubt that a few days in such a tranquil setting will release anyone's writers block. And if not, there are always the vast array of books as temptation to procrastinate, or inspire.

Today, Monday, I am thoroughly inspired and raring to go. And I've had a positive response from two different editors. I'll pass over the rejection!

Rosemary

We had a lovely gathering of family and friends for daughter's 30th birthday celebrations on Saturday (birthday was yesterday). The house was packed, the table laden with food, the sun shone and the conversation flowed. What a great day. It was also son's birthday and there were two cakes to share. I cannot believe both 'children' are into their 30s - where have all those years gone?! But they've been good years and we are very proud of them both.

The wonderful origami unicorn beside the gorgeous bouquet of flowers was made by son as a special gift for his sister.

In between the preparations, I've been adjudicating a fairly small article competition and preparing a talk about short stories for the writing group today. Now it's time to get on with my own work and catch up with a few people. Although I have the monthly church newsletter to do for Sunday!

Rosemary

We had a wonderful day on Tuesday at the launch of Erskine Writers Anthology for Children. It took place in the local library with the attendance of our local councillor and the head librarian. Most of our members managed to be there, along with a few supporters and there was a real buzz in the library. Not to mention tea and a lovely cake with a photo of the cover on it!

Although most of the anthology contains stories, peoms and reminiscence pieces by members, we included four additional stories - one from each of the primary children who had won the Christmas story competition in their school (which we had judged). The overall winner, Ben, read part of his story out. Then some of our members read an extract to give a flavour of the contents.

The anthology is a real magic mixture of work for children, as the cover suggests. The brilliant cover illustration is by one of our members, Mandy, who is a professional illustrator. She also provided lovely illustrations for some of the stories inside, and the other wonderful illustrator is Lauren, who is just starting out.

The book is now selling at £4.99, if anyone happens to want a copy. It is perfect for primary age children as it contains stories to suit the youngest to those almost ready for high school.

Rosemary

A lot can change in two days! Since my last blog post, I've had two lovely bits of news - and they are both about fiction.

My story from '100 Stories for Haiti' has been included in an audio version of the book, containing 20 of the stories. It has been produced by BBC Audiobooks America in California and will be available to download on 15th April. What a great idea as it will raise more awareness for Haiti and more funds for the Red Cross. Actors of different nationalities have been used to read the stories! More details here.

The other welcome news is that one of my stories is a 'shortlisted winner' in the Writers' Village 2010 Spring Competition. The story is published on their website and I will even receive a little payment. I'm so pleased about this as 'Bubbles' has always been a story I really wanted to see published. We don't always like our own stories, but I have a soft spot for this one.

Meantime, it's on with the articles and novels!

Rosemary

It is one of those weeks again, where the two sides of my brain are in opposition, or something like that! Apart from rewriting the first three chapters and synopsis of my young teen novel and sending it on its publisher-seeking way, I seem to be back into non-fiction mode.

Maybe it's partly because I had two stories returned with 'nice' rejections that I've decided to take a break from them - especially after the four recent successes with short stories, two of which are now published. It's almost as though the pattern has been broken and I need to use the analytical side of my brain for a while again. Just as well since I'm still behind with my Suite101 articles, although I seem to have a few ideas again and managed to get one online yesterday. Today, I've really been in article mode and have researched, written and emailed a new article off to my favourite overseas magazine. And sorted the relevant photos in case they are requested (hopefully!).

Besides that, I have more proof reading and checking to do for hubby's two new websites. Then there is the writing group anthology being launched on Tuesday and various other commitments. Also now starting to think about all the arrangements/food etc for daughter's 30th birthday celebrations in a couple of weeks.

I had a lovely day out with my two nephews and sister-in-law yesterday, while they are on school holidays, and it was even better that I managed to combine it with some research/photos for today's article! But we did have lots of chatting as well as cups of tea and cakes.

Must get some fresh air now while the sun is actually shining, and it promises to be a fairly good day tomorrow as well. Maybe it's the garden I should now be sorting out...

Rosemary