End of the week

It's been a bit of an odd week, one way and another.

After my recent rant about employers never responding to applications I've had five replies this week - all negative (several have decided not to fill the post) - but at least responses. It had me wondering whether they'd read my blog...

My recent plotting problem solved itself at three in the morning, when I woke up and thought 'of course!'. Fortunately my light bulb moment wasn't lost when I awoke properly several hours later.

I received my latest assignment back from my WB tutor. A bit of a mixed bag really as he liked my work - he felt it was well written and amusing (when it was supposed to be, fortunately!) but, on the downside, he didn't feel it was suited to the market. He informed me both items were perfect for a regular column, which would be nice if I had one, but not for a one off article. So, all I need is a column and I'm sorted...

I had a go at flash fiction the other day while waiting for my plot problems to sort themselves out. It was quite fun to try and produce a compelling story in such a short place. My wife read it and said it left her wanting answers to what had already happened - I think that's a good thing?

I had originally decided to post one of my articles on this post for you all to read. However, I have since remembered  a recent post on the WB forum where a student asked for a look at other students work so he could use it for himself. Under the circumstances I decided against posting it. (please don't take this personally, I'm sure you don't need to steal my rubbish, but this blog is open to the world...).

One last thing and then I'm off. Sally Quiller has written a blog about the many ways in which we writers are ripped off. It is an extremely informative piece which should be read by every new writer. take a look at  http://sallyquilfordblog.co.uk/

That's it for today. Have a great weekend

How much are you offering? Nothing? Okay!

I've just spent the last hour or so looking at ads for 'writers wanted'.

I cannot believe how many of these businesses state they "do not offer payment but you can see your work in print". What other line of work expects professional standards for free?

I am frankly amazed that anyone is foolish enough to provide these businesses with their hard work in return for a name check. Would you go to the office for free if your boss promised to put your name on the door? Of course not, so why do it as a writer?


We write because we love it, but that doesn't mean we should be taken advantage of by these people. Everything we write has taken time and effort and this should be recognised.


I know we are told you need to build a portfolio of published works before we can start negotiating fees but I just feel this is a perfect example of an industry taking advantage. If my work is good enough to be published in a 'proper' forum then it is good enough to be paid for. 


I'm not talking about an in-house student mag like Chapter & Verse - that's something you expect to make a contribution to without expectation of pay - but publications that pay everyone else who works for them. Because, let's be honest, that is what you have done - worked for them!

I recently saw a post on the Student forum where someone had a couple of articles accepted without pay because the budget was spent. How did they intend publishing the magazine without a budget to pay for articles? I very much doubt this was actually the case; they probably saw an opportunity to save a few quid and take advantage of our desire to get in print. 

Perhaps we should contact the magazine and ask for free copies as our budget for magazines has been spent. Do you think they'd say "Oh, of course!". No, nor do I.....

Oops, I nearly fell in that hole..

So, I was working on a chapter of the novel when I suddenly realised I have a gaping hole in my story. As you can imagine, this was a bit of a shock.

I have carefully plotted out the main story, but somehow I managed to miss a key element that will move my main character from the early stages to the latter stages. I'm not sure how - I guess this is one of the prices I'm going to pay for the work flowing so well last week....

As a result I find myself having to stop writing while I consider how to fix this. As I don't want a patch, I may have to reconsider the entire second half. Fortunately, most of that only exists in my imagination (and in notes, etc)  so I won't be throwing out big chunks of writing. 

I guess it's better to find out now than in a month or so. 

I expect most writers will be laughing at this and pointing out it could be avoided with better preparation, but last week was such a productive week I didn't want to break the flow. 

Next time, maybe..... 

I just need to climb over this brick wall.....

Today has been the first 'difficult' day as far as my novel is concerned.

I'm finding myself questioning every line I write, which makes the process pretty slow going. I'm sure this isn't uncommon, but.....aaaarrrgggghhhhh!!!!!

I think the problem is simple. last week was too easy - the words flowed like drink at a student party and I just sat here and typed. Now I've reached the point where the story needs to develop and prove itself to me. I'm happy I've got a good story - I just don't have a couple of the 'links' between parts of the story. Does that make sense? I know the chain of events - I'm just having difficulty with a couple of joins (for want of a better word).

I'm sure I just need to keep thinking/writing and it'll work itself out.

On a different note I'd like a mini rant. Yesterday was a lovely sunny spring day so my wife and I took a walk down to Plymouth Hoe and surrounding areas. After a while we decided to have lunch in one of the local pubs (part of a nationwide chain).

At first we were going to just have a sandwich, but after seeing the images of a Sunday roast we decided to indulge.

Big mistake. The food was primarily processed food - the roast potatoes, Yorkshires, etc were all out of a frozen bag and the whole meal was cold. The gravy had actually congealed on the plate!

We sent it back and received a refund immediately. The staff seemed completely unsurprised that we complained - in fact they told us what was wrong when we spoke to them.

My real complaint relates to these companies selling a 'freshly cooked' Sunday Roast and then serving pre-prepared muck. Either offer a cheap roast that makes clear what it is or actually cook the food! A revolutionary idea, I know, but think how much better it could be.

Twenty years ago I worked as the assistant manager in a couple of pubs (not restaurants) and the Sunday roast was completely cooked from scratch by a chef. The food always sold out and could have sold double. Isn't it good business to offer that now? It baffles me when pubs are in trouble but still treat customers with this level of contempt.

I'm sure there are many pubs that offer exceptional food but that's the point - the food is exceptional and not the norm. Come on British pub chains - sell us good food as standard - I'm sure the tills will reflect our appreciation.

I've just spent the morning looking at new cars.

I'm not buying one - I can't afford a bus ticket at present - but I need to find the perfect car for the main character in my novel. I need a very particular vehicle as it plays a key part in one chapter, so I have to ensure the car is up to the job. After a number of google searches I think I've found the perfect car. I'm sure, if it's ever published, I'll be told it was a terrible choice, but you can't please everybody.

Writing is a funny thing, really. Today I looked at new cars, a few days ago I was looking up the spec of a handgun. My search history would certainly raise a few eyebrows! I love trivia, so all this research throws up more rubbish for me to fill my brain with.

Anyway, time to get on, the pages seem to be flying out of me at the moment (quality control later) so I'm making the most of it. Who knows where my next research will take me?

Added 13.26PM

Curse spider solitaire. That 'just one game' while I think has turned into an hour of playing. Without doubt this game is sent by the devil to torment us......

Fingers crossed!!!

What a lovely day to live in Devon.

I've just returned from a walk into town to visit the library (I have to borrow books at present, due to tightened belts) and didn't even need a coat. Fingers crossed that spring is really here.

I've just sent off assignment N5 to my tutor - I suspect he'll say the letter is too long, but I can't make it shorter without destroying the tale.....

I seem to be having one of those rare periods when writing is possibly a little too easy. My novel (little more than a few pages at present) has taken control of mind to the point I'm working on it as I walk down the road. Last night I booted up the PC just to add a single line. I'm sure plenty of you know what this feels like. My wife is delighted to see me working towards an end product for a change. Lets Hope!

I wrote an action scene yesterday and found myself writing the dialogue for a violent thug. I must admit it was very strange to commit bad language to paper (hard drive, actually). Although I'm quite used to the language itself, my writing has always avoided the use of foul language. But if you want truth in your writing, you can't pretend everyone speaks like Cary Grant!

Hurray!!!!

I think I've finally cracked assignment N5 on the WB course. After months of struggling to find magazines to write to, I came up with both in one day.

The best part is, I have an article written a while back (just for fun) that is perfect for one magazine. The other article wrote itself while I was in the shower and I just typed it out when I sat down at the computer. Amazing! After trying for so long, it is suddenly very easy (though the tutor might hate them!).

I've just got to do a final check on everything and then send them off to my tutor. Hopefully he'll feel they're good enough to be considered for publication - I might send them anyway, if I'm honest.....

I want to mention an auction to raise money for the Japan disaster. I came across this earlier today - it's organised by established authors and offers manuscript assessments, books and other items. Bid for any of these items and the proceeds go to help the people of Japan. http://authorsforjapan.wordpress.com

That's it for today. Bye