Monday 19 October 2015

Back to It
It was back to earth with a bump last week after three weeks away. I didn't get much actual writing done in terms of the novel or completed short stories but it was a busy week with lots of 'writerly' things going on. In writing group on Monday, we looked at each other's work and I talked through an idea I have for a story. It's inspired by an anecdote told to me by someone I got chatting to on holiday - as you do! How we got talking about life insurance I don't know, but suffice to say the guy won't take any out because of what he told me. I just hope I can do justice to his story and turn it into a worthwhile piece of fiction. I should say that his wife was present and she was laughing as much as me! :-) Watch this space!


On Tuesday, I attended a writing workshop as part of Penarth Book Festival. The well attended session, led by author, Julie McGowan, was interesting and interactive. Julie presented us with a number writing scenarios covering character and avoiding stereotypes, dialogue and editing. The time flew by and I thoroughly enjoyed the morning. 

Later in the week, I attended the launch of 'Awen Inspirations', the 2015 Rhondda Cynon Taf anthology, at Pontypridd Library. All contributors had to either live or, as I do, attend writing classes/groups in the area. I was pleased to have both a story and a poem included . In spite of a heavy cold and croaky voice, I read out my poem 'The Grandmother Clock' and enjoyed listening to other writers and poets. I then met my writing buddy, Helen, for lunch. We talked about which stories we were submitting to competitions and looked at some critiques. 


This week also saw me start working with Geraldine Ryan as part of the Womentoring project. For those of you not familiar with the scheme, the idea is 'to introduce successful literary women to other writers at the beginning of their careers who would benefit from insight, knowledge and support.' I applied to be mentored by Geri because she was offering Womag fiction as her specialism. Her stories and serials regularly appear in Women's Weekly and she also writes for Fiction Feast and other magazines. She has run many workshops and courses on 'Writing Fiction for Women's Magazines'. I'm very excited to be working with Geri and only hope I can do justice to the help she'll be giving me.

I've also tried to catch up with fellow writers' blogs and I've registered to take part in NaNoWriMo again this year. I intend to use the time to complete - yes, FINISH, END, CONCLUDE, FINALISE - the first draft of my novel! Between now and November 1st, I hope to do some more research so that I can just write without interruption.

How about your writing week? Have you been busy with 'writerly' things above and beyond actual writing? I'd love to hear what you have been doing so please leave a comment. Thank you. :-)

Thank you for reading my blog. You may also follow me on Twitter @JanBayLit and on my Jan Baynham Writer

12 comments:

  1. You've been really busy, Jan, and you make me feel quite lazy. Well done on the story and poem in the anthology, and the mentoring activity sounds great as well. Your stories are great, and I'm sure you'll soon be getting them published in the womags. Good luck with nano as well. Looking forward to reading that novel when it's done.

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    1. Thank you for your lovely encouraging comments, Sue. You are always very supportive. :-)

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  2. I'm glad you had a good time, Jan - not surprised you didn't fit in much actual writing!

    The mentoring sounds interesting - I hope you'll report on progress.

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    1. Yes, the holiday was great and I did come back with some ideas for stories. I'll keep you informed about the mentoring. Thanks for reading and commenting.

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  3. Sounds like you really have had a writerly week - must confess to being a bit jealous as mine has been largely work, ferrying children and trying to squeeze in the odd bit of editing when I can. Your mentoring with Geraldine Ryan sounds amazing and good luck with NaNoWriMo - there's nothing like it to concentrate the mind.

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    1. I didn't used to write when I was working and having to ferry children so I'm full of admiration for you. :-) I'm really looking forward to working with Geri and am hoping NaNo will help me knuckle down and write. Thanks for your good wishes.

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  4. A very busy week! Congrats on another publication, and good luck with Nanowrimo.

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    1. Thanks for popping by and your comments, Linda. I really appreciate your good wishes. :-)

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  5. I have just checked out WoMentoring. What a fantastic and inspirational idea. I have always lived my life in a similar 'paying it forward' way and feel that giving is one of the most rewarding things one can do in life. Congratulations on all your successes Jan. Wishing you a lovely and restful weekend.

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    1. Thank you for your comments and good wishes, Nicola. I love your expression 'paying it forward' with regard to the Womentoring project. Yes, it's a wonderful idea and I only hope I can do it justice.

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  7. It’s good to know that you had a great time. Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I am also very excited these days about my sister’s wedding. We are having fun time doing arrangements for her at one of Chicago wedding venues. She booked the venue online.

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