tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34727446547556369652024-03-14T10:14:41.860+11:00DIANE FORDHAMWords creating images and stirring feelings - powerful stuff!Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-27562591665697458432012-09-10T11:47:00.001+10:002012-09-10T11:47:46.119+10:00STEPHEN KING ON SHORT STORIES<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">In this post I wanted to share with you some interesting information about Stephen King on short stories. The following he wrote about very early in his career when the little bit of extra income he needed came from the short stories he was able to sell: "The stories when they sold (they didn't always), were simply a welcome bit of found money. I viewed them as a series of pinatas I banged on, not with a stick but my imagination. Sometimes they broke and showered down a few hundred bucks. Other times, they didn't."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">As Stephen King became involved in his novel writing he wrote fewer and fewer short stories. He became dismayed. There were stories he no longer knew how to write, these stories were eluding him. "There are a lot of things in life that are like riding a bike, but writing short stories isn't one of them. You can forget how. Certainly it never occurred to me that writing short stories is a fragile craft, one that can be forgotten if it isn't used almost constantly. It didn't feel fragile to me then." Stephen King thought if he read enough short fiction, immersed himself in it he might be able to recapture some of the effortlessness that had been slipping away. He didn't see losing his ability to write short stories as a fair exchange for a wallet load of credit cards. From there he read hundreds of stories during his year as a guest editor for Best American Short Stories and as he had hoped he got excited all over again and started writing short stories again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">After reading this I have come to the following conclusions:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Even the best of writers struggled long and hard before their careers took off. It was their persistence, determination and hard work that fulfilled their hopes and dreams.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">The absolute importance of using your creative ability constantly so it doesn't become lost.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Keep writing....</span>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com58tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-591830009339391472012-08-24T10:21:00.000+10:002012-08-24T10:21:58.029+10:00WRITING INVENTORY<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I've been in limbo searching for an idea for a blog post, so I did an inventory of my writing instead. This is where I'm at:-</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">My novel <a href="http://www.dianefordham.com/" target="_blank">Dream Keeper</a> is now available in multi-format ebook through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=diane+fordham&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Adiane+fordham&ajr=0" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=diane+fordham" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a>, <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Diane-Fordham?keyword=Diane+Fordham&store=ebook" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble Nook Store</a>, Apple istore and Google ebooks. Dream Keeper is being represented at international book expos.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Novel manuscripts submitted = 2</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Short stories accepted and being published in September = 2</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Short stories submitted AKA 'playing the waiting game' = 105. (mind boggling)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Short stories in the drafting process = 4</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Article accepted and being published in September = 1</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Entered short story in <a href="http://fablecroft.com.au/books/new-anthology-call-for-submissions-july" target="_blank">FableCroft</a> anthology competition. (fingers crossed)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Received an email requesting I cut the word count of 3 short stories and resubmit. (This is hopeful.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">When I consider the ratio of stories submitted to the ones accepted, that becomes a scary thought to me. Recently my ratio rate was one in nine stories accepted and the editor's comment was, 'It's actually a pretty good success rate!' Makes you sit back and think doesn't it? I figure to improve on that ratio I've got to write more, revise and tighten up rejected stories to ensure they're the best I can make them be ... and never ever give up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Keep writing....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;"> </span>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-63951829815781604822012-08-08T11:28:00.000+10:002012-08-08T11:28:25.248+10:00CHARACTERS<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">When I create characters I spend time thinking about their names, how they look, what motivates them, their strengths and their weaknesses. I observe the world around me and take 'snippets' of people to create new people. I wondered about other authors and their thoughts on characters and wanted to share this with you:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Dean Koontz - One dimensional characters do not engage the reader's empathy, and if the reader does not worry about what might happen to them, suspense is aborted.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Stephen King - It's dialogue that gives your cast their voices, and is crucial in defining their characters - only what people do tells us more about what they're like, and talk is sneaky: what people say often conveys their characters to others in ways of which they, the speakers, are completley unaware. Well crafted dialogue will indicate if a character is smart or dumb, honest or dishonest, amusing or an old sobersides.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Sidney Sheldon - When I begin a book, I start out with a character. I have no plot in mind. the character begets other characters and soon they begin to take over the novel and chart their own destinies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">W. Somerset Maugham - People are too elusive, too shadowy, to be copied; and they are also too incoherent and contradictory. The writer does not copy his originals; he takes what he wants from them, a few traits that have caught his attention, a turn of mind that has fired his imagination, and therefrom constructs his character.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">How do you go about creating your characters? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Keep writing....</span><br />
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<br />Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-53683935389826703212012-07-30T07:21:00.000+10:002012-07-30T07:21:16.729+10:00SHORT STORY CHECKLIST<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Does the title of your story spark interest?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Read your story aloud ensuring that it flows from beginning to end - eliminate the stumbles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Does your story capture the reader's attention from the beginning wanting them to read more? Ensure each and every word is a progression to your ending advancing the plot; be ruthless and remove unnecessary padding - irrelevant information that does not progress your story is not the solution to meeting a word count. Is your ending surprising yet fitting and altogether a satisfying conclusion?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Be consistent with your point of view, the tense (past or present), names, descriptions of characters (hair, eyes, clothing etc).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Check the POV used. Would your story work better if it was told in a different POV?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Do your words paint pictures in the reader's mind?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Double check the basics of grammar, spelling and punctuation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Follow editors guidelines and meet their requirements; word count, genre, presentation and whether they prefer emails or traditional post.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Above is a short story checklist I started for myself. I hope it helps you in some way. If there are any points you can improve on or better still, add to the checklist please let me know in your comments. It's a good thing to help each other :-)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Keep writing....</span>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-37028163189789014262012-07-10T13:57:00.000+10:002012-07-10T13:57:59.588+10:00WHAT GOOD FICTION DOES<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I've been enjoying reading Patricia Briggs who writes urban fantasy which she describes as a fusion of horror, noir mystery, detective mystery, and fantasy with bits of romance thrown in. Here's what she has to say about an important thing fiction of any kind does:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">"Fiction, good fiction, allows the reader to see the world through someone else's eyes. When I read I can be a black man or a young child. I can be an old woman or a deer named Bambi. Understanding how someone else thinks is the first step to accepting their differences. In a world that between faster communication and growing population, decreases in size every day, and in the light of the events of 9/11, it is imprtant for us to be able to walk a mile in another's moccasins. Books are, in my opinion, the single best medium to develop the understanding necessary to live together on our earth."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Keep writing....</span>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-5480224963009951582012-06-26T14:05:00.000+10:002012-06-26T14:05:54.581+10:00ACHIEVING WRITING SUCCESS<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I've heard it before and I've asked the same questions myself; How does one achieve writing success when there are obstacles such as the decline of the short story market, the bombardment of rejections because the supply exceeds the demand and the fierce competition from writers who seem to have secured their niche with certain magazines? How indeed! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">In my writing world I have been fortunate to have experienced the odd years where I've surprised even myself with the amount of short stories I've had published, and then there have been the years where the amount of rejections I've received has to be some kind of world record. In those times I began doubting myself. This put me in a bad place. Writing gives me a sense of self, so giving up was not an option. I reassessed my situation. I knew a story acceptance would renew the faith I had in myself, and always a short story sale sparks something inside of me which motivates and inspires - the magic returns and more acceptances follow. I was determined and I persevered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">It had been many months since I'd seen one of my short stories published and now I'm happy to say within a fortnight I've had five sales. What changed? My attitude.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Achieving writing success is about working hard, commitment, believing in yourself and continuing to put the effort in despite all obstacles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">If you don't believe me here is what two successful writers have to say on the subject:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">"I will gladly testify that craft is terribly important, that the often tiresome process of draft, redraft, and then draft again is necessary to produce good work, and that hard work is the only acceptable practice for those of us who have some talent but little or no genius." - Stephen King</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">"When I first went full-time, I worked about fifty to sixty hours a week. I assumed that when and if I became successful, I'd be able to relax a little. Now I work seventy hours most weeks, and as much as eighty hours when I'm especially captivated by a piece." - Dean Koontz</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Keep writing....</span>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-9929005479117864322012-06-19T10:15:00.000+10:002012-06-19T10:15:49.372+10:00UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS<span style="font-size: large;">It can be difficult to find a publishing house that accepts unsolicited manuscripts. I can't count the number of times I've read 'we do not accept unsolicited manuscripts' or 'we will only read manuscripts which are sent via an agent'. Here are links to publishers who are willing to give both new and emerging authors a chance:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Allen and Unwin - <a href="http://www.allenandunwin.com/default.aspx?page=462" target="_blank">The Friday Pitch</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pan Macmillan - <a href="http://www.panmacmillan.com.au/manuscript_monday.asp" target="_blank">Manuscript Monday</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Penguin Books - <a href="http://www.penguin.com.au/getting-published" target="_blank">The Monthly Catch</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.penguin.ie/static/penguinirelandsubmissionguidelines/index.html" target="_blank">Penguin Ireland</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.millsandboon.co.uk/aspiringauthors.asp" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Harlequin Mills and Boon</span> </a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So if you've got a manuscript looking for a home check out the above guidelines - good luck!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Keep writing....</span><br />
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<br />Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-70502127587049450492012-06-07T17:41:00.000+10:002012-06-07T17:41:23.884+10:00SHORT STORY SALES<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I nearly fell of my chair today when I received an email accepting three short stories. It has been a while between sales for me, and I've never sold three stories in one hit before - the drought has been broken!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I feel rewarded, encouraged and motivated. Oh, what a feeling!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">What have I learned from playing this waiting game? Be persistent, keep writing and be patient. Sometimes it does seem like I'm putting the effort in and not seeing a result, but in the end the fact remains the more stories I submit the more chance I have of making a sale OR perhaps it was <a href="http://strandsofpattern.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Jeff Hargett</a> weaving his magic when he left his comment on my post <a href="http://www.dianefordham.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/writing-blues.html" target="_blank">Writing Blues</a>:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">"I'm sending clouds of creativity over there to rain ideas down upon you. May
their droplets of inspiration cling to you, their lightning electrify your prose
and their breeze bring brilliance to the next sell you're about to write."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Thank you to all my writing friends who lift my spirits, who encourage and who inspire me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Keep writing....</span>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-15267300308763150792012-06-05T06:46:00.000+10:002012-06-05T06:46:16.717+10:00THE POSITIVELY PRODUCTIVE WRITER<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The Positively Productive Writer by <a href="http://simonwhaleytutor.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Simon Whaley</a> has become my new best friend. This book is divided into four parts:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Setting Achievable Writing Goals</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Learn To Look On The Bright Side Of Life</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Putting It Into Practise</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">A Positive Writer's Year - Strategies To Succeed</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">The best way I can sum up this encouraging book is by quoting the intro:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">"This book is dedicated to all writers who sit down regularly to write. Some days we find it far easier to do this, than others. This book is for those other days."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">The Positively Productive Writer guides, inspires and motivates. I give it the thumbs up!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Are there any books on writing that have inspired and motivated you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Keep writing....</span><br />
<br />Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-62192289089635721822012-05-29T10:11:00.000+10:002012-05-29T10:11:27.255+10:00EXPECTATIONS<span style="font-size: large;">A few years ago a friend of mine told me that I needed to lower my expectations, that I was continually setting myself high expectations which in turn was setting myself up for a fall. Truth hurts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today his words sprang to mind and I found myself relating them to my writing. I used to set myself writing goals, a 'to do' list for each day. I expected a lot from myself and by the end of each day having not succeeded to complete this list I would be disappointed. Felt like a failure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I stopped doing these lists and decided to write what I wanted when I wanted to. Discipline went out the window and my achievement rate when down hill really fast. This plan was not working. Needed a new plan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After many long walks last week I re-assessed my situation and came up with a new plan:- Back to the daily 'to do' lists BUT make it achievable, still challenging but achievable. I think this will give me some direction and bring balance and order to my writing regime. Have expectations but make them achievable!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">How do you go about your writing day? Do you have a plan?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Keep writing....</span>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-59020125751208290732012-05-22T07:34:00.000+10:002012-05-22T07:34:36.530+10:00WRITING BLUES<span style="font-size: large;">You know that feeling when you finish writing a piece and you think, 'Wow, that's good! Did I write that?' Well, I haven't felt that in a while. It has been a long time between short story sales for me. So today I've decided to hang up the pen and go for a walk. I need to shake out the old cobwebs and be inspired by the world around me. I have been writing .... starting stories and then hitting a brick wall - very frustrating. I have submitted lots of stories and am a firm believer that while one plays the waiting game one must keep writing. In this extremely competitive writing world of ours I think we have to create something that stands out from the rest - something special. So my plan today is to take a break and venture outdoors in the hope that the fresh air and exercise energises and inspires me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mmmmm I think it is going to be a long, long walk!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Keep writing.... but take a break too :-)</span>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-61961741484302143892012-05-16T07:29:00.001+10:002012-05-16T07:29:47.546+10:00STAND ALONE AND SERIES<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I've read many good stand alone books. I enjoy studying writers' talents; the way they show their versatility by creating new characters, settings and sometimes writing in different genres. Their creativity seems boundless.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">There was a time when a series of books didn't appeal to me. Over the last year I became curious about how writers tackle creating a series of books, so between indulging in reading stand alone books, I ventured into reading authors who write a series of books. As a writer and reader I do become fond of particular characters. I am keen to travel more of there journies, to see what else life throws at them and how they tackle different situations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I've enjoyed reading a variety of series in different genres:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">James Patterson - Alex Cross and Michael Bennett. Dean Koontz - Odd Thomas and Frankenstein. Laurell K Hamilton - Anita Blake. Michael Koryta - Lincoln Perry. Patricia Brigg - Anna and Charles. Janet Evanovich - Stephanie Plum. Jennifer Lyon - Wing Slayer Hunters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Are there any series of books that you have particularly enjoyed?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Keep writing... and reading...</span>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-3211641198296218492012-05-08T06:55:00.000+10:002012-05-08T06:55:17.663+10:00PROCESS OF PLOT<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"></span>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">There are many ways writers tackle the various stages of putting together a story. Here is a guideline to the process of plot: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">- Introduce your character.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">- The ‘incident’ which changes your character’s life as
she<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">knew it.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">- First turning point where something happens which alters
her </span></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">thought patterns on
solving her problem; perhaps forcing her </span></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">to venture out of
her comfort zone.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">- Second turning point introducing more conflict, where
for<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">example her
behaviour changes. She finds something inside of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">her she didn’t know
she had. Bring out the hero inside of </span></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">your character!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">- Crisis point where your character has the choice to
stand<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">and fight for what
she wants and believes in, or run for all<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">she is worth.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">- The climatic point where the truth is revealed, followed
by </span></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">the resolution that
leaves your reader fulfilled by the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">outcome of the
story.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">Here is what David B Silva had to say about the successful
novel writer Dean Koontz:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you want it
direct and succinct, here’s the way Koontz does it:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. He gives us main characters that we will care about.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. He places these characters in immediate and often
desperate situations. They must overcome right away if they are to survive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">3. He never allows the readers to catch up with him. There
are always new and unanticipated surprises just around the bend. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">Keep writing....<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-71230548858148294962012-04-27T10:36:00.002+10:002012-04-27T10:36:50.553+10:00SUSPENSE<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Suspense - keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. Techniques for building suspense takes practice, loads of reading and is developed over time as the writer learns their craft.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">The Dean Koontz Companion has some interesting points to make on suspense:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Suspense in fiction results primarily from the reader's identification with and concern about lead characters who are complex, convincing and appealing. Anticipation of violence is infinitely more suspenseful than the violence itself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Style is as important as good characterization and anticipation. As the anticipation sequence builds towards the moment of violence or the dreaded encounter, the writer sometimes will employ more short sentences, simpler words, shorter clauses and phrases - all of which give the reader a sense of headlong, hellbent forward motion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Suspense cannot be created in a vacuum. It is generated only as a by-product of good characterization, good pacing, an awareness of the value of anticipation as a prelude to action, strong stylistic control, and an ability - and willingness - to write complex characters and complex scenes that encourages the reader to suspend his disbelief and enter fully into the world of make-believe.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Authors who I believe have mastered the art of suspense and keep me on the edge of my seat are Dean Koontz and Stephen King.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Keep writing....</span>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-25192057685829935202012-04-19T07:12:00.000+10:002012-04-19T07:12:37.661+10:00STEPHEN KING - FROM A BUICK 8<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I've been wanting to read Stephen King's, From a Buick 8, for some time time now. It did not disappoint. As a writer, a particular paragraph grabbed my attention:-</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">"Tell me everything. But - this is important - tell me a story, one that has a beginning and a middle and an end where everything is explained. Because I deserve that. Don't shake the rattle of your ambiguity in my face. I deny its place. I repudiate its claim. I want a story."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Keep writing....</span>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-67469353102364825592012-04-11T14:05:00.000+10:002012-04-11T14:05:24.713+10:00BOOKWORM<span style="font-size: large;">The Australian Pocket Oxford Dictionary defines 'bookworm' as 'consuming maggot, great reader'. I choose to apply the second definition to myself. Over the last few months I have read piles of books. The genres range from contemporary, thrillers, suspense, crime, paranormal, horrow, sci-fi to erotic fiction. </span><span style="font-size: large;">At first guilt set in. Was all this reading a form of procrastination? Was I neglecting my writing? No. Absolutely not. I came to the conclusion that I was doing research - to become a better writer! </span><span style="font-size: large;">I made a point of being aware of the various styles of writing used by the authors. The way they employed the use of their craft and what made their novels popular. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Settings - extraordinary worlds (supernatural, paranormal and sci-fi) were made real and believable by the successful use of conflict and resolution, descriptions, emotions, identifying in some way to the characters; their hardships, their hopes and their dreams. I was cheering for the good guys to defeat those darker elements.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Point of View - it was interesting for me to take note of how POV was used in the various novels:-</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">* One POV throughout the novel.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">* One POV with some chapters past tense and some present tense.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">* One main POV combined with other chapters focusing on </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> different POV's.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">* Two POV's in same chapter. (Something I wouldn't consider</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> doing but was pleasantly surprised how the author pulled it off.)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Balance - I found a good balance when reading the intense novels. The suspence and 'thriller' aspect was there, but the right ingredients of humour and sometimes even romance topped it off nicely for me.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've been enjoying my role as a Bookworm. Reading as a writer. Researching what makes a publishable novel. Learning about various styles and how to piece together a successful plot. Being aware of the structure of a story.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Reading is a great way to relax and escape. Reading also helps us to become better writers!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Keep writing.... and reading.</span>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-65322104471131529062012-04-04T10:29:00.000+10:002012-04-04T10:29:45.798+10:00IN MY WRITING WORLD<span style="font-size: large;">I remember as a kid standing in the library in awe. In that moment I knew what I wanted; to see my novel on those shelves. Now all these years later I'm in. Dream Keeper is on the library shelf. Mission accomplished! :-)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Novel marketing is not one of my favourite things; I'm more an introvert than an extrovert. I took a teaspoon of cement (to harden up) and approached That's Life magazine offering copies of Dream Keeper as prizes. They have kindly accepted my offer which will be happening as an online promotion in the near future.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm going well writing articles. The Fellowship of Australian Writers have accepted and published five in a row. The state president of FAW NSW also will be reviewing Dream Keeper in an upcoming issue. I'm hoping this helps with sales. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So far this year I've managed to accomplish another goal and broke into the overseas markets with short story sales in the UK and SA.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">As we all know with writing it's not all good news. (We wish.)The rejections, lack of motivation, inspiration and procrastination at times can be very draining. TL mag here in Australia - my favourite mag who have published the bulk of my short stories in the past (my very first short story sale to them in 1994) - haven't bought a story from me in almost a year! This concerns me, big time, as over here it is the only paying short story mag market. Why? Why? Why? I don't know.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've submitted a huge stack of short stories, both revamped and new to various publishers and now I play the game that none of us like to play - the waiting game.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My other two novel manuscripts sit in a publisher's email box waiting to be reviewed. Apparently if they do not contact me within three months of submission I am to assume that they have decided not to pursue my manuscripts. I have two months to go. Fingers and everything else crossed for me please.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've read a couple of blogs on the topic of increased postage costs. I can't help but wonder why in this day and age of modern technology there still are mags/publishers who only accept submissions via post. Why is that? Can anyone enlighten me?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">So, in my writing world I have concluded I am doing all I can, and while I wait and live in hope, I write.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Keep writing....</span>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-43353575915113005442012-03-28T09:44:00.000+11:002012-03-28T09:44:51.732+11:00NOVEL MARKETING OPPORTUNITY<span style="font-size: large;">Usually it's my old friend The Muse who wakes me from slumber with a good idea, but this time my gratitude goes to <a href="http://patsy-collins.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Patsy</a>. I've been tagged! So here I am at 5.00am drafting this post. It's a lucky 7 theme and the idea is to use your current piece of work ; but Patsy made a good point of saying 'rules are made to be broken', so I am going to use this as an opportunity to do some much needed promotion of my first novel, <a href="http://sbpra.com/dianefordham/" target="_blank">DREAM KEEPER</a>, which was published this year. I have to turn to page 77, go to line 7 and copy out the next 7 lines, sentences or paragraphs and then tag 7 people. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here goes:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Mac sat on the floor of The Dream Clinic. He couldn't stop staring at the colour portrait. The whole place had been trashed by vandals. There was paint on the walls, floors and ceilings. Shards of glass were everywhere. There was not a single thing left untouched, except the colour portrait of Dream Keeper on the stone wall. He was in his entire purple garb and clutched his sceptre in his hands. It was Dream Keeper's eyes that freaked Mac out. Dream Keeper was quite human in his appearance. He was extraordinary in his height and build, but still human. It was his eyes. The black glass in the human eye sockets glowed. The colour specks danced in the blackness, until they leapt from the portrait and collated in an oblong shape that became a bright purple door of light. Mac entered the purple light.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My turn to tag. I choose to tag <a href="http://simonwhaleytutor.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Simon</a>, <a href="http://writingsavedmylife.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Pat</a>, <a href="http://theelephantinthewritingroom.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Sally</a>, <a href="http://janicehortonwriter.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Janice</a>, <a href="http://www.dellagalton.co.uk/" target="_blank">Della</a>, <a href="http://lizfielding.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Liz</a> and <a href="http://davidpowersking.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">David</a>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Keep writing....</span>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-85379461217255938922012-03-19T11:45:00.000+11:002012-03-19T11:45:26.836+11:00WISE WORDS<span style="font-family: Lucida Console;"><span style="font-size: large;">I received a much needed email from a writing friend. I wanted to use this post to share her wisdom with you, in the hope it may help you in times of doubt:<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Console;"><span style="font-size: large;">"This writing life is very much a roller-coaster. The ‘quiet times’ do lead to all sorts of questions and doubts unfortunately, but we all go through that no matter how many sales under the belt. At times like that all you can do is focus on the writing itself and the love of writing itself, enjoy that feeling of putting The End on a new story. Whatever you do, don’t doubt yourself please.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Console; font-size: large;">Regarding not knowing why stories don’t get selected, I’ve got stories with an editor that I think are just perfect for that particular mag and yet they don’t get snapped up and I’m not sure why either. And the ones that do sell I can’t work out why those, and not the other ones that I think are as good, or even better. At another mag it’s the same. I never ever have any idea what will sell. A sale this week to them I was totally shocked by (I didn’t think the story had a chance). So really, you can only go crazy trying to work out editors minds. Write, send, forget. Sales will come."</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Console; font-size: large;">Keep writing....</span></div>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-47129680732694049122012-03-14T07:30:00.000+11:002012-03-14T07:30:53.304+11:00SHORT STORIES - THE REVAMP<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I found myself reading through short stories I'd written - wait for it - over a decade ago! Oh my gawd, I don't wonder now why they got rejected. After my first reaction, EMBARRASSMENT, that I sent them out in the first place and my second reaction, LAUGHTER, I read over them again with a fresh eye and with something I have now that I didn't have before; EXPERIENCE. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Some of my earlier stories lack satisfying conclusions, others have some good paragraphs in them that I could create a new story around and others, well let me just say, 'What was I thinking?'</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">I've decided to do a list, two in fact, one list of hopefuls that I've got loads of material to work with and another list which although needs a lot of creative work are possibilities.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Well, I'm off to revamp.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Keep writing....</span>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-54163173564588253942012-03-07T16:29:00.000+11:002012-03-07T16:29:25.898+11:00SUNSHINE :-)<a href="http://patsy-collins.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Patsy</a>, who I consider a little ray of sunshine was kind enough to pass on to me the Sunshine Award.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yWBbL6CDek/T1bsp8-a2eI/AAAAAAAAAFE/bGyeRdy75BY/s1600/SunshineAward%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yWBbL6CDek/T1bsp8-a2eI/AAAAAAAAAFE/bGyeRdy75BY/s1600/SunshineAward%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></div>To accept this award I have to tell you what makes me happy then pass on the award to other deserving bloggers. So, in no particular order these are some of the things that make me happy:<br />
<br />
1. Sunshine and blue skies.<br />
2. Spending the day at the beach walking, exploring the rock pools or mucking around on my body board.<br />
3. WRITING - that really makes me happy, and top that off with a short story acceptance and I am over the moon.<br />
4. Cadbury dairy milk chocolate.... yummy!<br />
5. Strolling through the botanical gardens, especially in Spring.<br />
6. When my kids say, 'I love you Mum.'<br />
7.When people acknowledge me by commenting on my blog and I see my 'following' is growing.<br />
8. Reading<br />
9. When somebody says, 'You inspire me.'<br />
10.Building friendships with writers from all over the world. Their support and encouragement really does make me happy!<br />
<br />
Now I would like to pass this Sunshine Award onto <a href="http://suzanne-sj.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Suzanne</a>, <a href="http://arichmondwritemehappy.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Angie,</a> <a href="http://jfoxwriter.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Joanne</a>, <a href="http://debcarrs-daydreams.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Deb,</a> <a href="http://allsortsforallsorts.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Valerie,</a> and <a href="http://raeargent.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Rae</a>. Please spread the sunshine around and go visit these blogs and say hello. :-)<br />
<br />
Keep writing....Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-46257957559329742332012-03-02T14:30:00.000+11:002012-03-02T14:30:28.670+11:00WRITING TIPS<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I am always inspired by successful writers taking the time out to encourage. Here are a few tips I would like to share with you:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Read a lot and write a lot." Reading and understanding different styles is integral to finding your own style. Stephen King<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Keep your day job. John Grisham suggests finding your career outside of writing. Experience life, suffering, and love to be able to write effectively. </span></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Don't be afraid of failure. "A ratio of failures is built into the process of writing. The wastebasket has evolved for a reason." Margaret Atwood<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Never stop trying. "A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit." Richard Bach<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." Roald Dahl</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Keep writing...<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-56728149920881335912012-02-20T13:21:00.000+11:002012-02-20T13:21:19.482+11:00THE MAGIC TOOL - DISCIPLINE<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I was reading Jane Green's, 'The Beach House' where one of the characters who after many years rediscovers her muse and writes again, says she has learned the secret - the magic tool that separates the true writers from the people who merely dream of being writers, who have a wonderful idea but never get started, or get started but never finish. She has learned the secret of discipline, of plowing through even when it feel like she has nothing to say; of writing even when there are days, like today, when she is fighting the excitement of the party (or anything else that our lives may preoccupy us with).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Discipline. It's so true, isn't it? To be disciplined and to write, no matter what. Even to use the obstacles and adversities life throws at us to be creative - the situations, the emotions, the conflicts, solutions or outcomes. Through discipline we realise our full potential as writers.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New; font-size: large;">Keep writing....</span>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-8775980962367509582012-02-15T10:31:00.000+11:002012-02-15T10:31:01.229+11:00SHORT STORY IDEAS<span style="font-family: Lucida Console;"><span style="font-size: large;">I’m always on the lookout for short ideas and very interested to learn where other writers get their ideas from. Reading loads of stories fact and fiction often inspires me. It could be a news headline, a sentence or me asking what if this happened instead – where would the story go then? Overhearing conversations sparks my imagination, or observing an interesting character will prompt my creativity. My dreams help and of course there is my muse, when stories just pop into my head and I gratefully snatch them. I have also found other ways to be inspired. Paula Williams has a regular spot in Writer’s Forum (UK mag) called The Writers’ Idea Store where she presents a fiction square where you roll a dice and circle all the ingredients for your next story. Today I stumbled across a website which lists <a href="http://www.creative-writing-now.com/short-story-ideas.html">short story ideas</a>. This got the juices fired up.<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Console;"><span style="font-size: large;">Where do you get your story ideas from? Do tell!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Lucida Console;"><span style="font-size: large;">Keep writing….<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3472744654755636965.post-67420482048019574382012-02-09T14:19:00.000+11:002012-02-09T14:19:18.616+11:00SHORT STORY SUCCESS<span style="font-size: large;">Finally I have launched off the starting blocks and made my first short story sales for 2012. I had my fingers crossed and there was a whisper of a prayer as I started up my computer this morning. Oh the joy when I read the email from You magazine accepting two short stories. High five's all round!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Note to self: In future when those short story acceptances are few and far between, keep writing. Push through the disappointment and dejection. Ignore that little voice that keeps asking, 'Why are you doing this again?' Keep writing. Keep submitting. Re-read, re-work those rejections. Be on the lookout for new markets. Always remember that panic is not an option. Doubting oneself is not helpful. Belief is the key that makes the magic happen - makes it real. Do the best that I can do and when it does fall in to place it is all worth it... like today :-) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Never give up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Keep writing....</span>Diane Fordhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15018013338268306704noreply@blogger.com22