Category Archives: I’m writing

The Debut Novel Takes Forever

Posted on by
11

Why haven’t I posted since January? Because this novel has taken precedence over everything. The Gloria brain wants to do nothing else only write the book. The Tasheenga brain wants to be on here having fun and a laugh with her old buddies, and doing stuff on the internet like other normal people.

There’s no point in having a blog if you’re not connecting with other bloggers on the Facebook groups, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and others that I’ve had to completely abandon. The FB app has been disabled on the phone because it’s a distraction. It’s not as easy to waste time on FB if the only way in is via the laptop. But, social media is how we connect with other bloggers and writers, and we can’t let that go. Balance Gloria, balance.

The biggest thing that Glo and I have discovered about writing your first novel, is that it takes a very long time. Initially we were thinking two years maybe, but we didn’t realise how much time would be spent actually learning how to do it – properly. It has to be done right or not at all. At least we both agree on that much. And then there’s all the research.

wp-1558704799867.png

Anyway, I’ll tell you what’s been happening. Continue reading →

Writing Dilemma! Can You Help?

Posted on by
15

I can’t believe it’s been 5-6 months since I posted here. I took a break but it was only meant to be a short one. Summer came very fast and Little Miss Six – Oh, she’s seven now – Little Miss Seven takes up more of my time when there’s no school. She’s a great wee girl though and she’s quite good at occupying herself when I’m busy. We also have lots of people calling during the summer so it’s all go!

Roll on September. I miss my routine and I want it back!

My book is progressing….slowly but surely! God, the research is never ending. I must say, the people in my writer’s group are a great help and very encouraging.

While I was researching life as a school teacher in rural Ireland in the late 40’s, I found out that when a female primary school teacher got married, she was no longer entitled to her job. Banned! What? Not only teachers but all civil service workers. 

This ban wasn’t lifted until 1958 – earlier in other countries. Now, this information created a wee obstacle for me because in my story, Flossie is a young primary school teacher who just got married and the year is 1948!

I pondered over this for days wondering what to do about it. I really wanted Flossie to be the teacher and she HAS to marry this man! I thought about bringing the dates forward by 10 years; but I’d prefer not to.

So…..I asked my parents and my mother-in-law about this and they said that all their school teachers were married. Yes, it was true that they weren’t entitled to remain in their jobs but as they say, “There’s ways around everything.” It was who you knew back in those days (still is in some cases). If the school ‘couldn’t get anyone else’ to fill the position, the married teacher had to stay!

wink wink

So can I keep my Flossie in her job in my story? What would you do my writer friends?

Colder Than Ice

Posted on by
4

Today I’m taking part in February 15 Flash Fiction Challenge for Charli over at Carrot Ranch. The prompt is; In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story on ice. 

Romantic notions in a young maidens head,

Seeking out her kindred spirit, gullible and blithe.

She watched the man across the room, eyes met,

Her’s green like precious emeralds, his were icy blue.

 

So began his obsession, his something new,

A faithful damsel to fuel his insolence.

He stole her soul and beat it down,

She became a prisoner in his petulant world.

 

Two thousand days of torment and suffering

In the heavy hands of a furious man.

Void of compassion, frost in his veins,  

His heart was colder than ice.

Freedom for the maiden came with a price!

 

 

I Found My Writers

Posted on by
37

Yes, it’s quite a solitary thing. Writing. No-one to bounce ideas off except yourself. It’s hard work trying to discuss your WIP with someone who has absolutely no interest in what you’re talking about. They pretend they’re listening but the glazed faraway look gives the game away.

This is the main reason why I want to join a writer’s group. To talk about words with people who are interested and to get feedback on my writing. I know of a group that meets just a five-minute walk from where I live but not at a time or day that suits me. Well, I’ve finally found a group that meets on an evening that I’m free. At long last!

<b></b>