I've not blogged for some time now, largely because time has run away with me. Trying to make a living, earn some pennies and stay sane (as well as fed!) is not easy. However, I hope soon to take possession of a second hand laptop which should make life a bit easier. I'm getting a bit impatient now, so HURRY UP SIMON!
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Using the iphone to blog
Just discovered that I can blog on the phone! How cool! It's probablynot ideal to be fair, but it's rather a novelty I have to say.
Friday, 22 February 2013
I know, I know, I haven't been on here or written a blog for some time now. It's called 'this blog is too time consuming'!
However, I can report that I have added some more to my novel. Not much, but some more of the plot is gradually unfolding. It's taking time I appreciate that, but Rome was not won in a day.... I keep telling myself!
The plot itself is extremely complicated, so I am having to make some alterations to simplify it a bit, otherwise it would go on forever. Not only is that boring, but it's hell to write as well. Also I have a dilemma still, do I write in colloquial English, Middle English, modern English or a mixture of all. In fact, my characters are mostly Scottish, but someone said to me 'oh yes that's all very well, but it just sounds so 'twee'.
If I don't include some Scottish in it, will the reader be able to pick up the atmosphere; notice the difference between the upper and the lower classes, or even realise that it's set in Scotland? Answers on a postcard please.......
However, I can report that I have added some more to my novel. Not much, but some more of the plot is gradually unfolding. It's taking time I appreciate that, but Rome was not won in a day.... I keep telling myself!
The plot itself is extremely complicated, so I am having to make some alterations to simplify it a bit, otherwise it would go on forever. Not only is that boring, but it's hell to write as well. Also I have a dilemma still, do I write in colloquial English, Middle English, modern English or a mixture of all. In fact, my characters are mostly Scottish, but someone said to me 'oh yes that's all very well, but it just sounds so 'twee'.
If I don't include some Scottish in it, will the reader be able to pick up the atmosphere; notice the difference between the upper and the lower classes, or even realise that it's set in Scotland? Answers on a postcard please.......
Monday, 10 September 2012
Review of Lyndsey Jones's play 'Martini Bond: Her search for the spy who loved her mum
Bond’s Martini is seriously shaken in this spoof of the famous James Bond stories.
In spite of the stifling heat of the upstairs ‘theatre’ in The Camden Head public house, this new comedy by erstwhile Financial Times journalist, Lyndsey Jones, was a resounding success. The story comprises the long lost daughter of spy, James Bond, who embarks on a half-hearted search to find the man who loved her mother; or perhaps she may just cut her losses and go shopping instead! Like her famous father, Bond embarks on a dangerous mission to save the world from evil villain Franken von Banken and her henchwoman Menopausal Ninja. Martini’s ‘bond girl’ Suzi Bazooki faithfully follows Martini on her mission to break Banken’s silence and reveal the secret of her activity with villainous DNA and the god particle. Unlike James, Martini does not embark on sexual adventures with any of her co-stars; this is a woman on a mission who is not sidetracked by the opposite sex; the difference, arguably, between a woman and a man. Her focus remains solely on the mission in hand suggesting that the female gender is far more likely to achieve her goal than a sex-obsessed, chauvinistic male.
It would be easy to suggest that Jones is encouraging the use of outdated female stereotypes; Martini searching for the father figure in her life as though she is not complete without him; Menopausal Ninja; the very word menopause suggesting an older, irate, irrational woman, but in fact what Jones’s play does exactly the opposite. Bond’s image is shattered as Martini shows that a ponytail-shaking, attractive female can face adversity and conquer evil just as well as a man, even if she cannot drive! Surely one of the last female taboos is the menopause, yet Jones brings this condition to the fore shattering images of an embittered, sexless and unstable ‘lady of a certain age, so often seen in Disney characters.’ Ninja is not irate, she’s not irrational; she’s ironic, she’s interesting and most of all she’s funny; it works! Jones also tackles the very relevant question of the consequences of James Bond’s womanising. The woman he impregnates is literally left holding the baby whilst he ‘gets off’ scot free. Martini’s ‘couldn’t care less if she finds her father’ mirrors her father’s equally ‘couldn’t care less if I father a child’ attitude.
Hilarious references and to the titles of Bond movies had the audience groaning in unison winning myriad fans for this excellent female Bond. The gags were well placed and cheekily served with hints of smiles, seductive sideways glances, unimaginable in a male Bond, and the idea that the actors were having great fun in this performance in spite of sweating like sauna cleaners in boiler suits. It is said, usually by men, that women do not make good comedy actresses as they are afraid to make fools of themselves, however, this could not be further from the truth as far as lead actress Clare Jones is concerned. She delivered her rendition of Martini Bond with absolutely the right dose of enthusiasm, side-splitting humour and robust vigour, enhanced by the attractive(!) orange hi-visibility jacket, worn by Jones with such aplomb; this lady is no fool. The ‘props man’ gave such a side-splitting rendition of a bottom-thumpingly accurate speed boat ride that the reality of the tightly packed, heat-stricken room was momentarily forgotten as the audience was transported to the open sea. One could almost feel the wind in one’s hair.
Julia Collier was excellent as Miss Pennypincher and Franken von Banken, changing her persona as easily as most people change their underwear; unlike Miss Moneypenny, Collier’s Pennypincher was neither phased by nor attracted to any of the male characters, this was one lady who was remaining firmly on her feet. James Edenborough well cast as bumbling ‘B&Q’ head of small arms and gadgets, clearly working with very limited resources in bleak, austerity ridden Britain. Juliet Holding had the tough job of changing from seductive bond girl to Banken’s henchwoman to ‘M25’ head of MI6. Whilst her acting was excellent the toughness of her job was reflected in her soft-voiced delivery making it difficult to hear her against myriad whirring fans. Given this was the first night, always tough in theatreland, Holding no doubt will raise her game in subsequent performances, and as the weather cools she will no longer need to be fighting the fans; well not the electric ones anyway. Each changeover to the next scene was a slick as could be expected in a tightly packed first floor pub room. There was never too much space between the scenes to induce either boredom or the losing of the plot. This is a play well worth seeing; to coin a phrase ‘an hour is not enough,’ this is a play which can and should be given full on theatre treatment. Extra props and more room to do the job would see this play develop beautifully. Well done Jones, we look forward to the next one!
Martini Bond: the hunt for the spy who loved her mum can be seen next at The Broadway theatre, Barking, from September 20th to 23rd, 9.15pm. Tickets cost £7.50 or £12 for a two show deal, which also includes the premiere of London Ballet Company's 00 and His 7. Martini Bond will also be live streamed online: tickets cost £2.99.
To book, go online to: http://www.thebroadwaybarking.com/event/bond-week-martini-bond-the-hunt-for-the- spy-who-loved-her-mum/ or call 020 8507 5607.
To book, go online to: http://www.thebroadwaybarking.com/event/bond-week-martini-bond-the-hunt-for-the- spy-who-loved-her-mum/ or call 020 8507 5607.
Monday, 25 June 2012
Awards ceremonies: And the best newcomer is…
Firstly, thank you to Lyndsey Jones for nominating me in the 'Awards Ceremonies'. Lyndsey's blog is http://womanbitesdog.wordpress.com/2012/06/18/awards-ceremonies-and-the-best-newcomer-is/ I'm not at all sure I have this right, there must be an easier way to link back to someone's blog page. Google blogging does not make it easy, and the recent changes are just dreadful. Anyway, I digress.
Secondly, seven things about myself in readiness for the 'Tell me about yourself' Award.
not much to tell really,
1. I have recently acquired a smart phone, an iphone to be precise. I do like it, it has features which are extremely useful, but I do miss the old features from my Nokia, such as smiley faces in texts,... sad
2. I consider myself to be a writer and academic before a jewellery maker, the jewellery brings in a little cash that's all.
3. I hate football
4. I'm pale and pasty because I don't like the sun very much
5. I'm a lot overweight, probably due to too much red wine and an enforced sedentary lifestyle.
6. I absolutely love singing
7. I am now a doggy hotel, no I'm not that overweight, I board doggies.
now for the links to other blogs. I only have three followers, so I'm pinching some of Lyndsey's!
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/
@womanbitesdog
www.calloffthesearch.com
@bridesofwinchester
ok a bit random, but truly nice people and some interesting blogs.
http://bhoneychocs.wordpress.com/2012/04/08/hom/
@southlondonscribe
@womanandvan
@thewritinghall Diane Hall, freelance copywriter
ooops that's eight, but I had to include Diane as she's a lovely person.
right, so over to someone else and their seven revelations, they're bound to be way more interesting than mine!
All for now
Pauline
Secondly, seven things about myself in readiness for the 'Tell me about yourself' Award.
not much to tell really,
1. I have recently acquired a smart phone, an iphone to be precise. I do like it, it has features which are extremely useful, but I do miss the old features from my Nokia, such as smiley faces in texts,... sad
2. I consider myself to be a writer and academic before a jewellery maker, the jewellery brings in a little cash that's all.
3. I hate football
4. I'm pale and pasty because I don't like the sun very much
5. I'm a lot overweight, probably due to too much red wine and an enforced sedentary lifestyle.
6. I absolutely love singing
7. I am now a doggy hotel, no I'm not that overweight, I board doggies.
now for the links to other blogs. I only have three followers, so I'm pinching some of Lyndsey's!
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/
@womanbitesdog
www.calloffthesearch.com
@bridesofwinchester
ok a bit random, but truly nice people and some interesting blogs.
http://bhoneychocs.wordpress.com/2012/04/08/hom/
@southlondonscribe
@womanandvan
@thewritinghall Diane Hall, freelance copywriter
ooops that's eight, but I had to include Diane as she's a lovely person.
right, so over to someone else and their seven revelations, they're bound to be way more interesting than mine!
All for now
Pauline
Monday, 11 June 2012
School's Out
Well, school is pretty much finished now and most of my students have disappeared over the last two weeks. Double whammy really because it means I no longer have a regular income being a private tutor, however, it does mean that I get my evenings back which is nice.
This year I have had two English language students, as opposed to the English Literature ones I normally take. This has been a huge learning experience for me, and whilst I always maintain that I learn a lot from my students, this has been unprecedented. Funny how you think you've been there and done it, and usually ironed the T-shirt something crops up to totally surprise you.
Particularly hard is the A2 'Language Exploration' paper. Not because exploring language itself is boring particularly or hard for the most, but the repetition becomes quite tedious. Also, with literature, the mind can wander, explore identity, psychology, gender issues, structuralism and so on, and endless possibility of ideas to stretch the mind making the subject interesting and very rewarding; in my book anyway.
Talking of my book, the departure of my students means that I can now concentrate more on my own studies and writing, in between making a living at other things. I'm looking forward to posting more extracts from my novel without a name, so do please keep checking back for those. I will get it finished, promise, I really will and with any luck published (lots of luck probably!).
Thank you for reading and please leave any comments and pass details to your own followers, I need more readers :)
Pauline
This year I have had two English language students, as opposed to the English Literature ones I normally take. This has been a huge learning experience for me, and whilst I always maintain that I learn a lot from my students, this has been unprecedented. Funny how you think you've been there and done it, and usually ironed the T-shirt something crops up to totally surprise you.
Particularly hard is the A2 'Language Exploration' paper. Not because exploring language itself is boring particularly or hard for the most, but the repetition becomes quite tedious. Also, with literature, the mind can wander, explore identity, psychology, gender issues, structuralism and so on, and endless possibility of ideas to stretch the mind making the subject interesting and very rewarding; in my book anyway.
Talking of my book, the departure of my students means that I can now concentrate more on my own studies and writing, in between making a living at other things. I'm looking forward to posting more extracts from my novel without a name, so do please keep checking back for those. I will get it finished, promise, I really will and with any luck published (lots of luck probably!).
Thank you for reading and please leave any comments and pass details to your own followers, I need more readers :)
Pauline
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
New Ideas on which to blog
The one thing I really really miss is writing about novels, poetry and prose; analysing them and writing comment about them. Does that make me sad? well yes it does at least in the sense of sorry I don't get so much opportunity these days, if not in the sense of 'what a geek!' So.... I have decided to analyse and critique various novels and things on this blog.
My own favourites are the novels of the nineteenth century, but I have analysed a lot more besides with my various students over the years, but that is all. I don't get the chance to write about them. If anyone has any suggestions about what they would like to see, then please feel free to bring them up. In the meantime, I will start re-reading my favourite books and let you have some literary criticism on them. (Can one say that, oh well I suppose it's too late, as I already have!)
My first novel will be Sense and Sensibility, the lovely story of Elinor and her, slightly crazy, sister Marianne who both look for love, find it and treat it, and indeed, are treated by it, in very different ways. Marianne who is wild and passionate is finally, and nearly fatally, tamed by a horrendous illness that sees her personality changed. Her wild love for an unsuitable young man, who deceives her in the worst possible way, gives way to a far more sensible and mature love for an older man. My question here is, is youth bad for love? Do the characters have to experience wild and, blatant disregard for society, before they can sensibly settle into a married life which society finds acceptable?
Find out in my next blog when I will give my viewpoint on the whole matter of Austen's kind of love.
Pauline
My own favourites are the novels of the nineteenth century, but I have analysed a lot more besides with my various students over the years, but that is all. I don't get the chance to write about them. If anyone has any suggestions about what they would like to see, then please feel free to bring them up. In the meantime, I will start re-reading my favourite books and let you have some literary criticism on them. (Can one say that, oh well I suppose it's too late, as I already have!)
My first novel will be Sense and Sensibility, the lovely story of Elinor and her, slightly crazy, sister Marianne who both look for love, find it and treat it, and indeed, are treated by it, in very different ways. Marianne who is wild and passionate is finally, and nearly fatally, tamed by a horrendous illness that sees her personality changed. Her wild love for an unsuitable young man, who deceives her in the worst possible way, gives way to a far more sensible and mature love for an older man. My question here is, is youth bad for love? Do the characters have to experience wild and, blatant disregard for society, before they can sensibly settle into a married life which society finds acceptable?
Find out in my next blog when I will give my viewpoint on the whole matter of Austen's kind of love.
Pauline
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Not written a thing!
It's that time of year when the students are pulling me all ways, not literally you understand! The last two weeks of cramming for the Os and A levels has started. I'm indulging in lots of literary activity, but sadly it's not my own. Still after this period is over, I should be in a position to continue the novel and take up with Barbara, Agnes and Euphame once more.
I have to say though it was lovely to be asked to help with an essay on Jane Eyre this morning and, similarly, to revisit Sense and Sensibility with an A level student last week. It felt like a sort of 'coming home', how sad is that? It really was going back to my comfort zone (odd given that before 2001, I would have run a mile from analysing and writing about any of this 'stuff'). It also made me realise just how much I had actually learned at university, particularly during my Master's degree. See... not at all wasted!
Still the ideas for the continuing story of the witch trials are flying around my head. This will be boosted by a trip to Edinburgh and Haddington in about two weeks, when I hope to complete the research and fill in some gaps. (Note to self; when writing a historical novel, next time choose somewhere a little closer to home!)
There we are, watch this space for more updates on the trials. I now have blogger on my iphone, if only I could get it to work!
I have to say though it was lovely to be asked to help with an essay on Jane Eyre this morning and, similarly, to revisit Sense and Sensibility with an A level student last week. It felt like a sort of 'coming home', how sad is that? It really was going back to my comfort zone (odd given that before 2001, I would have run a mile from analysing and writing about any of this 'stuff'). It also made me realise just how much I had actually learned at university, particularly during my Master's degree. See... not at all wasted!
Still the ideas for the continuing story of the witch trials are flying around my head. This will be boosted by a trip to Edinburgh and Haddington in about two weeks, when I hope to complete the research and fill in some gaps. (Note to self; when writing a historical novel, next time choose somewhere a little closer to home!)
There we are, watch this space for more updates on the trials. I now have blogger on my iphone, if only I could get it to work!
Thursday, 3 May 2012
recommended read
Further to my comments on 'The Gallows Curse' recently, I would like to recommend another stonking read to you.
I've not read a Martina Cole novel before, but when he left, my eldest nephew left a novel of hers on the shelf. It's sat there looking at me for some time, and beckoning; yes I do believe that some books do beckon to one. Well, it beckoned long enough and eventually I picked it up. WOW! amazing book, the story just feels so real, as though one is part of the nightmare. The Grantley Ripper wreaks havoc in the sleepy town of Grantley, attacking, raping and murdering innocent women, who, in his warped mind, are all whores.
It's a fairly graphic book, but, and this really does not sound right, it was highly enjoyable. Of course there is the inevitable, and highly unlikely, love story running through it, but this does not detract from the full horror of the 'Ripper's' reign of terror.
I'm going to try another Cole novel at some point in the future, so look back to see what I recommend next time.
For those of you wanting an update on the my own novel, well I have to confess that progress has been slow. Unfortunately, I have to earn a living of sorts which restricts the amount of time I can actually spend writing to the degree that I've really not written very much recently. Having several jobs is very time consuming and rather inconvenient. Never mind the novel is still there, and I will work on it in depth as soon as I am able.
thanks for reading
Pauline
I've not read a Martina Cole novel before, but when he left, my eldest nephew left a novel of hers on the shelf. It's sat there looking at me for some time, and beckoning; yes I do believe that some books do beckon to one. Well, it beckoned long enough and eventually I picked it up. WOW! amazing book, the story just feels so real, as though one is part of the nightmare. The Grantley Ripper wreaks havoc in the sleepy town of Grantley, attacking, raping and murdering innocent women, who, in his warped mind, are all whores.
It's a fairly graphic book, but, and this really does not sound right, it was highly enjoyable. Of course there is the inevitable, and highly unlikely, love story running through it, but this does not detract from the full horror of the 'Ripper's' reign of terror.
I'm going to try another Cole novel at some point in the future, so look back to see what I recommend next time.
For those of you wanting an update on the my own novel, well I have to confess that progress has been slow. Unfortunately, I have to earn a living of sorts which restricts the amount of time I can actually spend writing to the degree that I've really not written very much recently. Having several jobs is very time consuming and rather inconvenient. Never mind the novel is still there, and I will work on it in depth as soon as I am able.
thanks for reading
Pauline
Writing Lines
Following a recent blog by my husband's cousin, who is currently writing a play, I thought I would join in this interesting new way to blog one's work.
Go to page 77 of your novel, or work in progress, go to line seven then copy and paste the next seven lines into your blog. ~Then tag seven new writers. I don't know if this is cheating or not, but I'm using the same seven writers as cousin Lyndsey. so here goes.
The Uninspired Chronicles
The Write Transition
Tommy Scouse
Norfolk Novelist
Go to page 77 of your novel, or work in progress, go to line seven then copy and paste the next seven lines into your blog. ~Then tag seven new writers. I don't know if this is cheating or not, but I'm using the same seven writers as cousin Lyndsey. so here goes.
Agnes raised her head; her jaw jutting
in defiance. ‘My lord, I did not seek
destruction of David Seton, it is he who seeks destruction of Mistress
MacCalzean and of my lord Bothwell,’ for a moment her eyes lit up as she vented
her venom for Seton. Rising painfully
from her seat she raised her voice as much as she could; she almost spat at
Huntly, ‘it is he who seeks destruction of me,’ she hissed through gritted teeth
then sank back down as though the effort had drained her of her last vestage of
energy. The people in the courtroom
gasped collectively and the caterwauling recommenced.
hope you enjoy
The Write Transition
Tommy Scouse
Norfolk Novelist
Oh I think I've used more than seven, well I do words not figures, so please let me off!
Monday, 9 April 2012
to the typewriter once more
well, ok to the computer then, but you get the picture. I haven't been on here for a short while, I've been trying to make a living whilst also attempting to write my book. It's not easy, basically I have to try and make money to live, don't we all, whilst also allowing my artistic flare (who's she kidding? Ed.) to thrive. I write my book in my head every night, but getting it down onto paper is rather harder. Still, my husband's cousin has inspired me to keep at it. At some point I will get it finished, and submit it to an agent. so much so that I am 'champing' at the bit to get going again, but given that it's Easter I will procrastinate a short while longer.
Why? I hear you ask, well, Mr G is here too, and we spend so little time together as a rule that I don't think it's fair to spend eight hours in my room writing, when he wants to go walking or cycling etc. so I will get on, probably early in the morning.
I also realised that there is currently not enough about religion in my current draft (lots of currents) of course one has to realise that back in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries religion was extremely important to all, that is why the idea of the devil and witchcraft was so abhorrent to them.
By the way, if you like all things witchy and gruesome, try Karen Maitland's underrated book 'The Gallow's Curse', it's gory, but it's an unputtdownable read.
best
Pauline
Why? I hear you ask, well, Mr G is here too, and we spend so little time together as a rule that I don't think it's fair to spend eight hours in my room writing, when he wants to go walking or cycling etc. so I will get on, probably early in the morning.
I also realised that there is currently not enough about religion in my current draft (lots of currents) of course one has to realise that back in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries religion was extremely important to all, that is why the idea of the devil and witchcraft was so abhorrent to them.
By the way, if you like all things witchy and gruesome, try Karen Maitland's underrated book 'The Gallow's Curse', it's gory, but it's an unputtdownable read.
best
Pauline
Thursday, 29 March 2012
no time for blogging
I haven't managed to blog for a while, largely because I've been so busy trying to make a living. Sadly that living, for the present time, is not coming from writing. However, I am determined to continue with my romance novel,.... ok it's a Mills and Boon, but it's still writing, and I continue to write where possible on my main novel. None of this is helped by the fact that my laptop went splat in the most spectacular fashion, which limits my time writing considerably.
Writing in notebooks does not particularly appeal to me, particularly considering that one then has to type up the notes onto my pc, this leads to inevitable changes in the plot line. annoying, although uni experience taught me that often these changes are very worthwhile and never wasted, so I hope that's the case with both books.
I am currently following my husband's cousin's blog about her own writing experiences which is very interesting, particularly given that she is experiencing similar things to myself. Surprising? well probably not, but the life of a person who writes can be particularly isolating, so in a way it's nice to know you're not alone after all.
So onwards and upwards as they say (who are they? I've often wondered, and tend to think that 'they' are a board of people who solemnly sit around a large oak table discussing what next to 'say').
I will post again soon honest, I promise and will update with further progress.
for now.
Pauline
Writing in notebooks does not particularly appeal to me, particularly considering that one then has to type up the notes onto my pc, this leads to inevitable changes in the plot line. annoying, although uni experience taught me that often these changes are very worthwhile and never wasted, so I hope that's the case with both books.
I am currently following my husband's cousin's blog about her own writing experiences which is very interesting, particularly given that she is experiencing similar things to myself. Surprising? well probably not, but the life of a person who writes can be particularly isolating, so in a way it's nice to know you're not alone after all.
So onwards and upwards as they say (who are they? I've often wondered, and tend to think that 'they' are a board of people who solemnly sit around a large oak table discussing what next to 'say').
I will post again soon honest, I promise and will update with further progress.
for now.
Pauline
Friday, 29 July 2011
The problems researching a historical novel
When I did my Master's degree in Victorian Literature and Culture, we were taught how to research properly and accurately. However, for the most part this research took place in the library at Reading university. Great!, .... but... really, everything is laid on for you, researching in the 'real world' is a vastly different experience.
One thing that has helped me tremendously is that I did undertook some original research at Bethlam Hospital in Kent. Handling documents, some of which were over a century old, was an incredible experience. Hospital staff carefully documented every patient's problems and idiosyncracies all by hand, even to the degree where they recorded conversations and quotations from the patients themselves.
The difference with researching the novel is that the reseach material is based in Edinburgh! Not the easiest of places to get to if you need something in a hurry, given that I am based in Hampshire! However, it's amazing how the curators of the museum, and the library staff are so willing to give information and chat about 'their' subject. It also fascinates me how one thread can so easily lead to another, and how one finds oneself travelling to remote little areas in order to visit a church or piece of ground which once housed the great and the (perhaps) good of Scotland's erstwhle leaders. It's also so important to get a feel for the landscape and how it may have looked some four hundred years ago.
My last visit to Edinburgh was fantastic, and having researched this novel now for some four years, I really knew what I wanted to get from it. I made the most of every last detail, from the way the roads lay leading away from Holyrood, to the details of Mary, Queen of Scots dark and dingy bed chamber. Researching properly takes time and energy, and great thought. It also takes a bit of guts to be cheeky and ask people questions, it's surprising just how accommodating they are, and how grateful I am to them for their input. It's been an incredible, if frustrating, journey so far, but hopefully now I can put the research together to create a truly readable, interesting and informative novel.
I'll keep you posted!
Pauline
One thing that has helped me tremendously is that I did undertook some original research at Bethlam Hospital in Kent. Handling documents, some of which were over a century old, was an incredible experience. Hospital staff carefully documented every patient's problems and idiosyncracies all by hand, even to the degree where they recorded conversations and quotations from the patients themselves.
The difference with researching the novel is that the reseach material is based in Edinburgh! Not the easiest of places to get to if you need something in a hurry, given that I am based in Hampshire! However, it's amazing how the curators of the museum, and the library staff are so willing to give information and chat about 'their' subject. It also fascinates me how one thread can so easily lead to another, and how one finds oneself travelling to remote little areas in order to visit a church or piece of ground which once housed the great and the (perhaps) good of Scotland's erstwhle leaders. It's also so important to get a feel for the landscape and how it may have looked some four hundred years ago.
My last visit to Edinburgh was fantastic, and having researched this novel now for some four years, I really knew what I wanted to get from it. I made the most of every last detail, from the way the roads lay leading away from Holyrood, to the details of Mary, Queen of Scots dark and dingy bed chamber. Researching properly takes time and energy, and great thought. It also takes a bit of guts to be cheeky and ask people questions, it's surprising just how accommodating they are, and how grateful I am to them for their input. It's been an incredible, if frustrating, journey so far, but hopefully now I can put the research together to create a truly readable, interesting and informative novel.
I'll keep you posted!
Pauline
Monday, 28 February 2011
managed some writing last week, about 1000 words ish
the writing is slow, but sure. I have added on about another 1000 words roughly, but this needs to be done on a daily basis rather than 'as and when'. It's frustrating but I will get there. I'm to the point now where the story is taking good shape, and the characters are beginning to develop lives of their own. the plot is laid down and I even have an ending, odd I know but that's how it works. Who wants another extract?
I have another idea, Hamlet's father! modern day Hamlet gets his stepdad/uncle to take a DNA test with extraordinary results!
I have another idea, Hamlet's father! modern day Hamlet gets his stepdad/uncle to take a DNA test with extraordinary results!
Monday, 24 January 2011
Don't ask me how it's going!
Well due to other projects on the go, the writing, as usual, has had to take something of a back seat. I have the ideas there, and so on, but it's time on other things that is the biggest problem. This is exacerbated by the fact that my laptop takes about five days to boot up. As a result I cannot, as planned, sit downstairs of an evening and write.
yes yes, I know I could boot it up earlier, but the other problem is that, for some reason, I can download the book from my memory stick, but it then won't upload it when I've finished. This mean that I then have to email the book to myself, which then causes a host of other problems. What ever was wrong with pen and paper I wonder.
Still I do keep pen and paper by the bed still, and when the ideas are flowing, I write it down there and then. I will finish it, I will, ... I'm determined to, and nothing will stop me.
yes yes, I know I could boot it up earlier, but the other problem is that, for some reason, I can download the book from my memory stick, but it then won't upload it when I've finished. This mean that I then have to email the book to myself, which then causes a host of other problems. What ever was wrong with pen and paper I wonder.
Still I do keep pen and paper by the bed still, and when the ideas are flowing, I write it down there and then. I will finish it, I will, ... I'm determined to, and nothing will stop me.
Monday, 17 January 2011
Here's hoping
Yup! here's hoping that I can actually sit down to write this week. The jewellery is certainly taking over, and having spoken to Trevor Cruickshank yesterday, I have now embroiled myself in making cake toppers using beaded flowers, something about which he is very excited. he has even offered me space in his shop which is great, but it does mean that the writing for the moment, takes the back seat! mmmmm
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
The Courtroom - Barbara Napier
Barbara stood in the dock, her head bowed, half-covered by her long dark hair. Her gown was dishevelled and grubby, her hair partly matted from dampness of the cell in which she'd been held capture. Around her in the dark aok-panelled courtroom the crowd shouted and bayed, caterwauling; calling for blood. No amount of calling for order from Chancellor Maitland quieted them. It was only when the king himself stood up and surveyed the rowdy people that they began to take notice.
'Chancellor Maitland will now deliver his verdict upon our prisoner here. Chancellor do you find Mistress Napier guilty of attending the witch's convention at Haddington Woods this winter gone?' Chancellor Maitland stood up and bowed slightly to James.
'Your Majesty, My Lords, ladies and gentlemen. We the Privy Council find Mistress Barbara Napier guilty of consulting witches and belonging to the Haddington Convention. She is to be taken from to be strangled, thenceforth to burn until she be dead. Long live the King'
Barbara, howled in the dock, she moved forward shouting at the king. 'No my Lord, Your Majesty, I did not consult with witches. I am a loyal subject Your Majesty.'
The King held his hand up for silence before saying 'Take Mistress Napier to the cells whereby she will await her fate.' with that he stood up, bowed to the courtroom and silently made his way to the door.
'Chancellor Maitland will now deliver his verdict upon our prisoner here. Chancellor do you find Mistress Napier guilty of attending the witch's convention at Haddington Woods this winter gone?' Chancellor Maitland stood up and bowed slightly to James.
'Your Majesty, My Lords, ladies and gentlemen. We the Privy Council find Mistress Barbara Napier guilty of consulting witches and belonging to the Haddington Convention. She is to be taken from to be strangled, thenceforth to burn until she be dead. Long live the King'
Barbara, howled in the dock, she moved forward shouting at the king. 'No my Lord, Your Majesty, I did not consult with witches. I am a loyal subject Your Majesty.'
The King held his hand up for silence before saying 'Take Mistress Napier to the cells whereby she will await her fate.' with that he stood up, bowed to the courtroom and silently made his way to the door.
oh dear, no writing again today
Was awake last night in the wee small hours, composing my next chapter, but sadly couldn't reach the pad and pen without waking Mr Goat. As a result, all I'd thought of has gone! no worries though, I will rethink it through and place the pad in a more reachable place.
I think it's coming on nicely though
I think it's coming on nicely though
Monday, 3 January 2011
Creativity returns
Hoorah! the creative mind is back up and running again after a Christmas break. Well I suppose my mind is equally entitled to take a break, as well as the body after all.
Yesterday saw approximately 1000 words added to the current 'new' version of the novel. The story has pushed onto the courtroom whereupon Barbara is accused of treason and is thrown into a dungeon. However, she has a trick up her sleeve of which she has not yet taken advantage.
Euphame is similarly captured awaiting her fate. Mistress Duncan, still reeling from being tortured realises the enormity of her accusations. Where will it all end?
Yesterday saw approximately 1000 words added to the current 'new' version of the novel. The story has pushed onto the courtroom whereupon Barbara is accused of treason and is thrown into a dungeon. However, she has a trick up her sleeve of which she has not yet taken advantage.
Euphame is similarly captured awaiting her fate. Mistress Duncan, still reeling from being tortured realises the enormity of her accusations. Where will it all end?
Sunday, 2 January 2011
not creating much at the moment
The intention to finalise the book by Christmas has gone a little out of the window unfortunately. The festivities coupled with trying to run a business, and looking after other people's dogs has rather taken over, so the book has inadvertantly suffered. Not good, and this is to be addressed as soon as possible.
Watch this space for extracts from the book and of course, much valued feedback.
Watch this space for extracts from the book and of course, much valued feedback.
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
Writer's Blog well yes once again
Haven't actually written anything for a short while now. The last time I attempted to write it took me an hour and a half to boot up the laptop downstairs. Not good! Now that the stall has finished in the Hart CEntre, my aim is to finish the book for Christmas. From thence I will attempt either to find an agent or post the manuscript to a local publisher. We'll see. I'm determined to finish the blooming thing and start on a new project. It's the time that's the problem. I won't give up!
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