tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80769116585235160182024-03-05T08:25:22.731-08:00The write ideaSome ramblings about my writing efforts, the odd mention of my cats and drawing stuff...penandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-5851342527059682762019-02-13T10:34:00.004-08:002019-02-13T10:37:47.210-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>Hello! It's been so long</b> 😢</span></div>
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I have missed blogging! I have missed writing regularly and I have missed the lovely people I met on here years ago.</div>
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I have decided to try and post more regularly in the hope that I can connect with you all again. </div>
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I don't have a great deal to report writing wise, but I am getting stuck in again. My resolution last year 2018 was to enter more competitions, I managed a grand total of three. I know. Sigh.</div>
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I did manage to come 3rd place in Grindstone's Flash fiction, I think the joy of that success must have overwhelmed me as I failed to do anything else writerly for the rest of the year! </div>
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<a href="https://www.grindstoneliterary.com/winners" target="_blank">grindstone</a></div>
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Having just checked, there are no competitions open at the moment, but it's worth keeping an eye out.</div>
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They are very friendly and helpful, and they give written feedback on the entries, it must take them ages!</div>
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So here I am again 😊<br />
With new optimism, it's a new year, let's get this darn book finished!! Yeah! (Obviously the New Year for me begins on February 13th.)<br />
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So hello again to everyone, I hope this finds you all well, I look forward to visiting your blogs again (those who still blog as I know a lot moved to Facebook etc)<br />
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Thank you for stopping by<br />
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Cate x<br />
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<br />penandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-25909175787935064812015-12-17T15:47:00.002-08:002015-12-17T15:47:39.054-08:00Bye for now, my lovely mum<div style="background-color: #c2bda4; color: saddlebrown; font-family: georgia, Arial, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<i>My lovely mum passed away last week, she has gone to join my Dad, which was her wish since he died eighteen months ago.</i></div>
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<i>I love you, Mum and Dad xx</i></div>
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<i>I will miss her so much, as I do Dad, but this poem helps me remember, our loved ones are still with us.</i></div>
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Death is nothing at all</div>
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I have only slipped away into the next room</div>
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I am I and you are you</div>
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Whatever we were to each other</div>
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That we are still</div>
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Call me by my old familiar name</div>
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Speak to me in the easy way you always used</div>
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Put no difference into your tone</div>
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Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow</div>
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Laugh as we always laughed</div>
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At the little jokes we always enjoyed together</div>
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Play, smile, think of me, pray for me</div>
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Let my name be ever the household word that it always was</div>
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Let it be spoken without effort</div>
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Without the ghost of a shadow in it</div>
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Life means all that it ever meant</div>
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It is the same as it ever was</div>
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There is absolute unbroken continuity</div>
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What is death but a negligible accident?</div>
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Why should I be out of mind</div>
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Because I am out of sight?</div>
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I am waiting for you for an interval</div>
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Somewhere very near</div>
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Just around the corner</div>
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All is well.</div>
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Nothing is past; nothing is lost</div>
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One brief moment and all will be as it was before </div>
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How we shall laugh at the trouble of parting when we meet again!</div>
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Canon Henry Scott-Holland, 1847-1918, Canon of St Paul's Cathedral</div>
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penandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-21064870923696206732015-01-18T13:12:00.000-08:002015-01-18T13:12:03.261-08:00Words for my Dad<b>A message from Dad</b><br />
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<b><i>I saw you standing in the pouring rain</i></b><br />
<b><i>Wishing I could be with you again</i></b><br />
<b><i>When it seems that your heart will break, </i></b><br />
<b><i>just a moment is all it takes,</i></b><br />
<b><i>that little sound in your head, </i></b><br />
<b><i>something that I might have said</i></b><br />
<b><i>A single feather in your path, </i></b><br />
<b><i>a funny word that makes you laugh</i></b><br />
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<b><i>I'm not as far as it may seem</i></b><br />
<b><i>Close your eyes and in a dream</i></b><br />
<b><i>There's an amazing world , I'm young, carefree,</i></b><br />
<b><i>By a beautiful lake, that's where you'll find me</i></b><br />
<b><i>And when the time for you is set, </i></b><br />
<b><i>I'll be there waiting, arms outstretched</i></b><br />
<b><i>In the meantime, think of me and remember</i></b><br />
<b><i>I have not gone, I'm on a new adventure...</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
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This is a poem I wrote, thinking of my Dad, who sadly died last year.<br />
I was trying to find a poem for his graveside, but none felt quite right.<br />
I am heartbroken to have lost him, but this is how I think of him,<br />
watching over us, keeping us safe, spending time fishing by the lake.<br />
He was always there for me, he was my friend, he was so kind, always happy.<br />
I will miss him every moment of my life.<br />
<br />penandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-61139565082201238912015-01-11T02:58:00.004-08:002015-01-11T02:58:52.430-08:00Belated good wishes<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Wishing you all the very best for 2015! So sorry I'm rather late with my good cheer, I think I must have been in a daydream since mid December :) xx</b></span><br />
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penandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-60349458357411267172014-12-07T08:46:00.003-08:002014-12-07T09:13:54.784-08:00The Marmalade Plot is free today on Kindle<h3>
<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Free book today and tomorrow on Kindle!</span><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">An adventure for ages 7-10 </span></span></span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><b><i><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">When a young blue alien turns up uninvited and requests accommodation, Lena and Sam's lives suddenly get a lot more interesting.</span></i></b></span></span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><b><i><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What with damaged ceilings, broken floorboards and a suspicious mother, it's all they can do to keep the secret. </span></i></b></span></span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><b><i><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /></span></i></b><b><i><span style="color: #f3f3f3;"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Especially when their least favourite classmate at school makes it his mission to find out what they're hiding.</span></span></i></b></span></h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQneYLNEJHpSVbSsPADoND4VOsZbdlXUW_ZVwVIVP4G1vxhbzVIo47KLc_3m1qnFuN9pT9D6T4JJq_1xuDu-9ghMORzJO6X2mmavRV9LFtDZRwIBc88FNiiPwahit4gsGJHpXwxH3m_JXH/s1600/519N3TD0dFL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX278_SY278_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA300_SH20_OU02_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Marmalade-Plot-Xanlean-Exchange-Book-ebook/dp/B00I6OQDGC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417969194&sr=8-1&keywords=the+marmalade+plot" target="_blank">Meet Marmalu!</a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>penandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-72052702369247860592014-02-02T05:01:00.004-08:002014-02-02T08:47:18.232-08:00<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Marmalade-Plot-Xanlean-Exchange-ebook/dp/B00I6OQDGC/ref=pd_ecc_rvi_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1391359536&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Marmalade Plot</a></b></span><br />
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I have finally put my children's book on kindle (also in paperback) :0<br />
The link is on the right if anyone wants a quick peek.<br />
The story is for age 7+<br />
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I can't tell you how many times this has been edited, loaded and uploaded repeatedly! I finally said, enough! It's there now, leave it be! <br />
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There is one problem, I wasn't able to edit the paperback subtitle, so it differs from the Kindle version, which is correctly subtitled 'The Xanlean Exchange', instead of 'Xanleans are everywhere' so I hope that's not too confusing. There are Xanleans in both titles so hopefully that will be OK. I think the only way around it is to unpublish and begin again but, phew, been there, done that!<br />
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As I have probably mentioned numerous times, I think the traditional publishing route is so hard to get into, this may be just what I have been looking for, so I will see how it goes!<br />
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This process began in November, it is now February. I think more speed next time!<br />
Sigh.<br />
Right I am off to begin editing, stop for a break, and then procrastinate a little more until March or April.<br />
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Happy February! x<br />
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<br />penandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-21546126072384665922014-01-01T11:13:00.001-08:002014-01-01T11:13:20.508-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy New Year, everybody!<br />
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I have been doodling on my graphics tablet which was a Christmas pressie, it's great fun, but I need a lot of practice. I'm hoping to do some illustrations for one of my stories with it!<br />
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I hope you had a lovely Christmas xpenandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-12506518194281150642013-11-01T10:46:00.001-07:002013-11-01T11:08:17.263-07:00I decided to give it a go!<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.796875px;"><img src="http://nanowrimo.org/widget/LiveParticipant/penandpaints.png" /></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.796875px;">I don't have high hopes of completing, but I've never taken part before, so NaNoWriMo here I come...</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.796875px;">I don't know what I'm doing on there, but I finally found the widget above, how does it work, does it update itself??</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.796875px;">Thank you for your lovely comments on yesterday's post!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.796875px;"><br /></span>penandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-74952335514777129052013-10-29T14:49:00.001-07:002013-10-29T15:37:51.407-07:00Re boot requiredI haven't posted since February. February? Is that really right? I'm checking. Can't be.<br />
I can't believe it.<br />
<br />
What have I been doing?<br />
Really, I haven't been productive.<br />
I've read a few books. I have finished writing a children's book. I have painted 1 picture. Just 1. Tut.<br />
I painted it in summer, it was so hot I had to have a wide brimmed hat on.<br />
Here it is, I put it in my living room. It cheers me up as it reminds me of the lovely (though brief) summer we had.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxu742qjs8swwptbh9BoFxTJ-aIR_KlwnUR0QCPLalx118HZMCWk8tk8s_jy8x_NjFTQfj0UfnrZXW9Xq30se3KTquAttPmvBRZxyYjULZMFsRxMLtx8Pmo5tOgRpLNZzrOsAs8FisnwE/s1600/PC310006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxu742qjs8swwptbh9BoFxTJ-aIR_KlwnUR0QCPLalx118HZMCWk8tk8s_jy8x_NjFTQfj0UfnrZXW9Xq30se3KTquAttPmvBRZxyYjULZMFsRxMLtx8Pmo5tOgRpLNZzrOsAs8FisnwE/s320/PC310006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I have had all my short stories rejected, but considering I have only sent out 4 or 5 in the last six months, that's hardly surprising.<br />
<br />
I had a problem with my very grumpy black cat upsetting the neighbour's cat. Amazingly this seems to have been resolved. I changed her food from biscuits to we sachet food. She seems to be happier, so maybe she was grump because of her tummy?<br />
She's purring away, most of the time. So if I decide to have a halloween jaunt, I could take my trustee black cat with me! :)<br />
<br />
Today I have re booted myself. I have been on my laptop all day. I started at 9. I stopped for a couple of tea breaks, and I made tea for everyone at 5pm. Apart from that, I have been sat here all day. My neck's aching now. (very worried about the double chin, but that's another story)<br />
<br />
Anyway, today I have spent the day playing around with CreateSpace, I have decided to get a copy or two of one of my books. So I have done that, but now have to wait 24 hours for it to be approved or whatever it is they do.<br />
<br />
'The Marmalade Plot' It's a childrens book for age 7-10, about an alien who comes to stay. It's under the umbrella of 'The Xanlean Exchange' so with possible options of expanding the story with further tales.It's a story I sent to publishers some time ago, but on getting nowhere, I put it away and forgot about it.<br />
This week I have been reading and editing it, I like it after all, so it's going to be my first printed book - with some formatting errors. Hehe, never mind.<br />
<br />
It has been very frustrating I re-uploaded the file about six times, the formatting kept going haywire, and it still isn't right, one or two chapter headings are in the wrong place. I have grown impatient and have submitted it anyway. Maybe it's my works programme, when I save as a doc, it just loses all sense of reason and doubles in size and moves my headings.<br />
Oh well. I enjoyed making the cover at least. I can't wait to buy a copy even if it's not perfect.<br />
<br />
In fact I can't wait for the email to say it's approved.<br />
I will post again tomorrow, I want to show you the cover!<br />
<br />
With so many writers self publishing now, I feel I'm being left behind, so after this I am going to take the plunge ever deeper and publish my precious teen novel. I've decided there's nothing to lose.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After selfishly waffling about my self, I want to ask, how are you all?<br />
I hope you're all well and enjoying your writing!<br />
<br />
Ooh and a bit of Halloween fun with H<a href="http://fecklessgoblin.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/enter-feckless-goblin-halloween-haiku.html">aiku</a> competition, thank you, <a href="http://ten-lives-second-chances.blogspot.co.uk/">OldKitty</a>!!penandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-28257508349463563702013-02-23T12:46:00.005-08:002013-02-23T12:53:01.111-08:00The KDP adventure! I have been wondering whether to go ahead and publish my Teen Sci-Fi novel on Kindle, as it is now well over twelve years since it began life as an idea. It has ventured out to numerous different publishers over the years, with one or two promising comments, but the majority of standard rejections. I have also tried agents, again just the standard 'no'. So, is it really so important to me to be published by a traditional publisher? I keep asking myself this, as I'm sure many of us do.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I decided to just have a go and see how easy/difficult it would be and had the bright idea of putting a short 750 word children's book on. Well that took me all of yesterday. I put the painting I did ages ago on as the book cover, and all has gone ok. Apart from the fact that it looks really 'home made'. I also have no idea how anyone would find the book, apart from me telling everyone it's there of course. I can't seem to get it in a category other than 'juvenile-general' and 'juvenile-bedtime/dreams', neither of which seem quite right!??<br />
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But I've done it now. At first I was proud of myself just for figuring out the basics, then I was all scared about the fact that it's there for the world to see, and now I'm feeling a bit...deflated.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tumbly-Mouse-sneaks-House-ebook/dp/B00BJNLTXE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361650926&sr=8-1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefkscpJ4BJERhQuuKsB4GeqKZKqfsWH-HsyauLUpvzaQ9mlWOaD_7dtMfWiGjJDCjoTpUT__JlSah1BSaiwUHbBCzamcRprGkT1BHrLzQ_XHPzvdhqEFfLdgn18-B-AeIV3w76b3tZCtU/s200/tumblyt.jpg" width="183" /></a> </div>
Here it is,<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tumbly-Mouse-sneaks-House-ebook/dp/B00BJNLTXE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1361650926&sr=8-1">TUMBLY MOUSE SNEAKS OUT OF HIS HOUSE</a> (Please excuse home-made cover)<br />
<br />
<br />
I felt ridiculously cheeky asking for money for the story, but I don't really know what the done thing is!<br />
It will be <span style="color: orange;"><b>free</b> to download on <b>SUN 24th FEB</b>,</span> if anyone would like a quick read, or have children in need of a bedtime story. Sorry there's no pictures in it, that's a whole new ball game!<br />
<br />
Eeeek!<br />
<br />
How do you feel about KDP? Have you had good experiences? I am a complete novice here, I don't even have a kindle (only the PC version).<br />
As for putting the novel on there, I'm still undecided, it means so much to me and it's a scary world. :/<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />penandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-44674804850601030952013-01-07T14:58:00.004-08:002013-01-07T14:58:45.251-08:00Overheard Conversations<br />
<br />
I know a lot of short stories (or even longer ones) have come from a little tit-bit of overheard conversations, so it's always good to have an ear out!<br />
<br />
Anyway, this is one I heard the other day at the supermarket:<br />
<br />
<b>Checkout lady</b> says to customer:<br />
<br />
"Hello, Happy New Year!"<br />
<br />
<b>Grumpy Old Man:</b><br />
<br />
"Yes, Happy New Year." (Said without feeling)<br />
<br />
<b>Checkout Lady:</b><br />
<br />
"Did you have a good time?"<br />
<br />
<b>Grumpy Old Man:</b><br />
<br />
"No"<br />
<br />
<b>Checkout Lady:</b><br />
<br />
"Oh, that's a shame."<br />
<br />
<b>Grumpy Old Man</b><br />
<br />
"Yes we went away."<br />
<br />
<b>Checkout Lady:</b><br />
<br />
"Oh, that's nice."<br />
<br />
<b>Grumpy Old Man</b><br />
<br />
"Not really, there was only a double bed in out hotel room."<br />
<br />
<b>Checkout Lady</b> (Looking a little wary):<br />
<br />
"Oh." (Meaning, please don't tell me any more)<br />
<br />
<b>Grumpy Old Man:</b><br />
<br />
"Well I don't like sharing a bed, the wife takes up most of it, so I couldn't sleep."<br />
<br />
<b>Checkout Lady</b> (trying to be positive):<br />
<br />
"Aw.Well at least you got away for a little break."<br />
<br />
<b>Grumpy Old Man:</b><br />
<br />
"Well, it was a waste of time, I put up with it for two nights, then we came home early."<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Checkout Lady:</b><br />
<br />
"Oh dear." (What else to say? She didn't want to sympathise)<br />
<br />
Thankfully he was done then with his shopping and was on his merry way . The poor lady on the checkout looked at me as if to say, "I wish I hadn't asked!"<br />
<br />
I mean, his poor wife! Imagine a husband announcing such a thing, his wife's holiday is cut short because he doesn't want to sleep next to her!<br />
<br />
What a grump. He made Victor Meldrew look like a charming romantic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hv-AIfDwjmHoqNQwil7531IOTaR_72vWzvCONNSULRsLF7BbjHhgcg8_B_3LZw6LOjnEcA-gkeyV7JN2SG35OTZfPLnbsI6_17qHx68gz8Z0bnKH9qaDilHQ-mX32Z46ILLGYnO93y_P/s1600/grumpy-old-man.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hv-AIfDwjmHoqNQwil7531IOTaR_72vWzvCONNSULRsLF7BbjHhgcg8_B_3LZw6LOjnEcA-gkeyV7JN2SG35OTZfPLnbsI6_17qHx68gz8Z0bnKH9qaDilHQ-mX32Z46ILLGYnO93y_P/s1600/grumpy-old-man.jpeg" /></a></div>
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I hope your' new year is off to a better start! :)</div>
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<br />penandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-4362397364074103302013-01-01T09:53:00.001-08:002013-01-01T09:53:28.744-08:00Happy New Year !<br />
<br />
Just wanted to wish everyone all the best,<br />
I hope this New Year brings all good things your way!<br />
:)<br />
xx<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnO8yGqNzHDJ9TE6jygnHqu-TOQLIxJca3bOOf4SYxgIdbCAEhmuJdwixm4UUsztjZOCd5YGXUayJJd6OGqhmaidRyQ6Myu61-mYgZGXre_-A7YMyluqbPfNhPnUM24vyAMobnH7yoJ2Y9/s1600/P5050016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnO8yGqNzHDJ9TE6jygnHqu-TOQLIxJca3bOOf4SYxgIdbCAEhmuJdwixm4UUsztjZOCd5YGXUayJJd6OGqhmaidRyQ6Myu61-mYgZGXre_-A7YMyluqbPfNhPnUM24vyAMobnH7yoJ2Y9/s320/P5050016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's Mischa doing her bunny impression, getting practice in early -it's not Easter yet!</div>
<br />penandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-42557309131004809662012-08-27T08:50:00.002-07:002012-08-27T10:47:17.941-07:00A book fit for a novelThank you for your help with the never ending novel dilemma.<br />
<br />
I did decide to change it, it wasn't quite right, I knew that, or I wouldn't have been dithering so much! So, I put in the extra scene, I am finding it very tricky and time consuming to seamlessly weave the new events into the book, but it will be better when I'm done.<br />
<br />
The reason I asked my teen to read it, is that she loves reading and writing and is very imaginative. She is in a group of young writers (online) and she is a very good critic. It helps me to know what sort of things they like to read and write about, so her feedback is very constructive. Anyway I will be really glad when this story is properly finished as it has taken me way too long now, it's just getting ridiculous!<br />
<br />
My new WIP is 20k words in, and I have just made the decision to hand write it at the same time, mainly because I got this lovely new journal for my birthday! So I have made a start and I think it is going to be helpful, I like to see words on pages, real pages. It is a spine chilling supernatural mystery thriller romance, hehe. Snappy genre. I am really enjoying it, it is very spooky and sometimes I scare myself whilst working on it.:)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEH1bVmAyZUu1xtrR-TN4DmXnl02SJBOvjUK0NUCt28E6QUD6nX_BMACyo3s99dY1GBGFHS5Ua7mlAGDi9MZIF4c_DIaIM1HeMYHm02Yn5Sdbkw1WiagMIPQIDX-MhyMY9_zOrdJTAhUu/s1600/P5020294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwEH1bVmAyZUu1xtrR-TN4DmXnl02SJBOvjUK0NUCt28E6QUD6nX_BMACyo3s99dY1GBGFHS5Ua7mlAGDi9MZIF4c_DIaIM1HeMYHm02Yn5Sdbkw1WiagMIPQIDX-MhyMY9_zOrdJTAhUu/s320/P5020294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
I wonder if anyone could recommend a publisher for this genre? That is, teen supernatural. I would very much appreciate any tips. I know of the mainstream publishers, but I was wondering about e-publishers?<br />
Thank you!!penandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-46673790713053558072012-08-12T08:29:00.001-07:002012-08-12T08:29:36.628-07:00The never ending novelI have been busy editing this weekend. I have checked over three short stories, determined to send them elsewhere (they have all been rejected numerous times).<br />
Must post them tomorrow. I can hardly complain of getting nowhere if I don't send the stories in the first place.<br />
I have also been editing the children's novel, which has been 'finished' and waiting for a final edit for some time :) (To date this story is now 12 years in the making)<br />
Anyway, I have just found a bunch of notes, that I had mislaid some months ago, can barely even remember writing, although one page was clearly written at night in the dark, going off the diagonal scrawl of the pencil. Which leads to my new problem, some of the ideas on these notes are good. I like them, I want to put them in! Which means this story is not finished at all.<br />
Will I ever finish it?<br />
I have been contemplating having a copy of this novel printed, on one of the self publishing sites, just to see it in print, but have been dithering about whether it is 'ready'. I'm too afraid of uploading in case I get a flash of inspiration to add another scene here...or there...<br />
I annoy myself so much! Grrrgh.<br />
I think I will know when it's ready, maybe my hesitancy is just comfirmation that deep down I know it isn't ready yet. <br />
Do you have the same worries?penandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-74701644496389813192012-06-06T12:06:00.001-07:002012-06-06T12:06:27.543-07:00News at Last!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNFXtAwOw2DVh-i4bhChyphenhyphend-MowNxg-oxD6eqNVxTC5k0UsFV6iGbIQsk1mxOAxVpsDsUr_00jMaTkkKcAWAA4TQTt-5j9JRMply9uVFL-JdbYtavitmNH86eJy5SRe0zeznBYOu6j7NU4/s1600/twn0321.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNFXtAwOw2DVh-i4bhChyphenhyphend-MowNxg-oxD6eqNVxTC5k0UsFV6iGbIQsk1mxOAxVpsDsUr_00jMaTkkKcAWAA4TQTt-5j9JRMply9uVFL-JdbYtavitmNH86eJy5SRe0zeznBYOu6j7NU4/s320/twn0321.bmp" width="232" /></a></div>
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<br />
No I'm not raving about Englebert, I have a story in The Weekly News. This is old news to some of you, sorry about that.<br />
I was lucky to get a copy as it was published the weekend after it was accepted, which I hadn't realised until I was informed by some kind and thoughtful fellow writers (Thank you!).<br />
<br />
I don't know about elsewhere, but it is quite hard to find a copy of TWN here abouts, (Lancashire). So this one is now rather wrinkled (again I don't mean Englebert), as it has been at my mother's and read by everyone who will sit down long enough. <br />
<br />
I am still really excited, it has been a long while since anything was accepted for publication and I was honestly thinking it might never happen again.<br />
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<br />
<br />
Also, I have been given this lovely award by Deirdra at<br />
<a href="http://astorybookworld.blogspot.co.uk/p/awards.html">A Story Book World</a> , which came out of the blue and<br />
is very much appreciated, thank you! It has encouraged me to get on and finish that last chapter.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
On a completely non related topic, the doll obsession continues as I have<br />
discovered these cute clowns, which look very much like Strawberry Shortcake but are not related. So cute! I have acquired four and three quarters ( one is missing a top and shoes) out of the six. It's no wonder I don't get much work finished!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp9MzGgdejLR7UFAFF2nxOCf2jeU29dZ4Z0pS2_GD_or1iIKCcojBVLvAgo5wughRUV9lqxa3ovx0GoZ6TMBKGLyMJmjB3qm_X0btrpJkfmQx7nG_f0FA0bG6lz1dPYtU5sllty2tYLlV/s1600/DSCN2069.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRp9MzGgdejLR7UFAFF2nxOCf2jeU29dZ4Z0pS2_GD_or1iIKCcojBVLvAgo5wughRUV9lqxa3ovx0GoZ6TMBKGLyMJmjB3qm_X0btrpJkfmQx7nG_f0FA0bG6lz1dPYtU5sllty2tYLlV/s200/DSCN2069.jpg" width="200" /> </a></div>
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I just want the one in the yellow hat. Does anyone else rememember them? They were made</div>
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by Fishel Toys and were called Pick a Berry Circus clowns, they were fruit scented too.</div>
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I'm not sure what it is about them exactly but I think it's the cuteness, the little outfits and also the scent which really reminds me of happy childhood times. Aww. :)</div>
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Has anyone else been tempted to buy a long lost toy?</div>
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<br />penandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-80915806043223836322012-03-24T15:10:00.000-07:002012-03-24T15:10:37.143-07:00Too many dolls and not enough writing!Yes that's my excuse.<br />
<br />
Pitiful, isn't it? :)<br />
Apologies once again for the long absence, I have being feeling a bit sorry for myself as I hurt my back a couple of months ago and couldn't do the usual things. I was even seperated from the laptop, just couldn't get comfortable enough to write or do anything much.<br />
Anyway enough of that, it's getting better and I managed to do some editing of the children's book. It's around 15k words and I have been looking around for somehwere to sub to (not that it's polished yet, but to keep me busy!)<br />
I have narrowed down to a few possible publishers that are still accepting unsolicited submissions,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.piccadillypress.co.uk/pages/submissions-guidelines.html">Picadilly Press</a>, (a favourite of mine as they are among the minority of publishers who hand wrote the rejection). They accept stories for 8-12 years, and accept email submissions which is always a bonus.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://phoenixyardbooks.com/submissions.php">Phoenix Yard</a><br />
They are particularly interested in stories for age 6-9. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.meadowsidebooks.com/meadowside/index.php?dest=13">Meadowside</a><br />
Junior fiction of 6k-10k words ( a bit of trimming needed there then !)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://andersenpress.co.uk/about-us/submitting-a-manuscript">Anderson Press </a><br />
Junior fiction 3-5k.<br />
<br />
This is a pretty short list, I know there are lots more possibilities, but I'm not organised enough at the moment. The thing is I've researched all the publishers so many times over the years sfor various stories I've written, but did I make a proper list of contact details etc? Did I heck. Organisation skills, zero.<br />
<br />
This is a picture of a present I got at Christmas. So cute!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_TCLLbmm_XcBOCEizKAbdHyYU3ZZ-r0US32jE_WAkMTEcCr6rWPMVJg9X_XmXxxoRZWiws4SzvB4olfm-Vw_2kH9rUyr_EG2Brpjfjed3Bn39I6vmRGEWs-AiAxvwYCc3Zvl4POKjHpA/s1600/P6200013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_TCLLbmm_XcBOCEizKAbdHyYU3ZZ-r0US32jE_WAkMTEcCr6rWPMVJg9X_XmXxxoRZWiws4SzvB4olfm-Vw_2kH9rUyr_EG2Brpjfjed3Bn39I6vmRGEWs-AiAxvwYCc3Zvl4POKjHpA/s320/P6200013.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I have spent most of the afternoon in the garden, which is always very inspiring, it has been a lovely sunny day which makes a change. Maybe that's just what I need, a sunny boost! <br />
Does the weather affect your writing I wonder?<br />
<br />
XXpenandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-70648182535489739792011-12-19T15:16:00.000-08:002011-12-19T15:20:05.247-08:00Sorry for the long break...I have had a rather long break from writing and the internet! (some broadband issues) I mean to catch up with you all soon!<br />
<br />
I've just been having a small panic because the present I ordered for my youngest (budding novelist) hasn't arrived. All she asked for this Christmas was a journal and a scrapbook. I was so proud that she wasn't demanding the usual teen stuff (ipods, wii etc)! Of course I wanted to get her a beautiful journal that she can keep but it hasn't arrived yet. Anyway I have also bought her some other things so she won't be gift-less, and I have come to the conclusion that if it doesn't arrive I shall just explain it has been delayed in the post! She's not the type to throw a tantrum (thankfully) so I should just stop worrying.<br />
<br />
Christmas shouldn't be so stressful. I was talking to my eldest (21) about gift giving and how recently it is getting way too commercial, I dislike the television adverts forcing us to feel guilty if we haven't spent hundreds and hundreds of pounds. <br />
We both agreed that the value of the gift is irrelevant , it is the thought that someone has put into it, which of course is absolutely true and yet... Later on I found myself doubting whether my gifts were sufficient. Why do I do that? I'd just been preaching about the true spirit of Christmas and suddenly I'm panicking and wondering whether to order a load of stuff on a credit card and have done with it.<br />
<br />
Phew, it's ok. Deep breath. Back to reality. Sensible. I have put a lot of thought into what gifts everybody would like and that's that. They aren't hugely expensive, but it doesn't matter.<br />
I hope you are enjoying the run up to Christmas (it's not always easy is it?).<br />
<br />
Writing wise I had done absolutely nothing until last week. I saw an advert for the new 'Borrowers' on BBC this Christmas and it reminded me of a story I'd written years ago that I never finished.<br />
So I have written a full plot, chapter breakdown and am over halfway through and I love it! It's my new favourite. It is a chapter book for 7-9 years and I am looking forward to completing it over Christmas. (There's optimism for you)<br />
<br />
So that's something to keep me busy besides worrying about gifts and whether we can survive without brandy, cranberry sauce and a yule log. <br />
<br />
I will catch up with you all soon xxpenandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-31033733500886141752011-08-18T16:00:00.000-07:002011-08-18T16:00:49.531-07:00In my notebook ......There are lots of little phrases about cats and kittens.<br />
The front cover is a kitten and the words, 'to own a cat is to join a worldwide community of devoted slaves.' Quite so. <br />
<br />
Sometimes I think 'I should really tell that cat who's boss!' The cat then looks at me with that knowing stare. Hmm.<br />
<br />
Another phrase is 'you can choose, a cat, or furniture.'<br />
My furniture is looking very very sorry for itself.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I love my little notebook and every page is full of titles of stories I've written and where I have sent them or intend to send them.<br />
I was flipping through it yesterday to see how many stories are awaiting responses and found that I only have five out and about! Aggh. No wonder it's all gone very quiet.<br />
At least a rejection in the post is proof that I made an effort.<br />
I need to get some more posted out, I need more rejections!<br />
<br />
On a positive note, I got my copy of 'Someone has to Die, Volume 4' from Spikethecat with my story in, which is very exciting! I have put it on my shelf so I can see it when I'm feeling deflated.<br />
<br />
Sorry about the lack of posts! I blame the school holidays. I don't know why, I just do.<br />
<br />
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penandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-84452012731588643592011-07-13T11:54:00.000-07:002011-07-13T11:54:54.840-07:00Go away with that camera!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHbfvkpxzRnaBrgjaD7ZaaEFjmFCvLDkxlxzgFvM-7NRrz4DUK2CMpoJJjqevP_yiIy8WfF5beJ5UZAM_8Ho-TGX0dCfl4vNZ2xcEhlMZidDfopGv5gc981Af8Y5XcutXS-Ql1B6zCaGL/s1600/P6050042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHbfvkpxzRnaBrgjaD7ZaaEFjmFCvLDkxlxzgFvM-7NRrz4DUK2CMpoJJjqevP_yiIy8WfF5beJ5UZAM_8Ho-TGX0dCfl4vNZ2xcEhlMZidDfopGv5gc981Af8Y5XcutXS-Ql1B6zCaGL/s320/P6050042.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I took about ten pics of Millie Moo today, but this is my favourite, I think it would make a good painting. I'll have a go when I'm in the mood. Procastination for the win!!<br />
<br />
Seriously, she purrs the whole time, but has that look on her face that means she's aboout to get me! So basically she wants to kill me, but is happy about it. :/<br />
<br />
Hehe, no, she loves me really xpenandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-55208404129221383282011-07-10T06:43:00.000-07:002011-07-10T06:45:05.862-07:00deleting bit by bitI have been trawling through the children's novel, looking for blidingly obvious boringness. What I did find, is that a lot of words are just unnecessary. I have been deleting them, ruthlessly. <br />
<b><br />
For a small example, these few lines originally read:</b><br />
<br />
<i>David’s mum nodded and looked at David with a thoughtful expression, as if she was contemplating whether to say something more about the incident. She obviously changed her mind and looked at them with a bemused expression.<br />
“Ooh, have you seen that girl next door?” </i> <br />
<b><br />
After a ruthless word cut,</b><br />
<i><br />
David's mum nodded thoughtfully, David hoped there would be no more mention of the incident. To his relief, his mum suddenly looked bemused,<br />
"Ooh, have you seen the girl next door?"</i><br />
<br />
Hopefully David's mother's forgiving change of subject is still apparent, in less words.<br />
<br />
I don't know, I think I will be at this editing lark for a long long while. What do you think, better or worse?<br />
<br />
Interestingly, for anyone writing children's books, there is a competition to write the best opening paragraph in 300 words on '<a href="http://awfullybigblogadventure.blogspot.com/2011/07/300-words-to-unputdownable-leila.html#more">An Awfully Big Blog Adventure' </a> Thanks to Nicola Morgan's <a href="http://helpineedapublisher.blogspot.com/2011/07/awfully-big-online-litfest-now.html">Help I need a publisher</a> for the link.<br />
<br />
It looks like fun.<br />
<br />
Well, have a great day xpenandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-36608930079697631942011-06-24T06:46:00.000-07:002011-06-24T06:46:43.249-07:00How two sentences can take all day to write.I have finally finished editing a short story for People's Friend. <br />
I had a nice letter from them asking for just a couple of changes, which<br />
sounded reasonable, I thought, 'I can do that', 'it shouldn't take long'<br />
How wrong I was!<br />
It was just a few small things, but changing one sentence changed the mood of the whole paragraph, then altering the paragraph meant altering something else on the previous page and so on.<br />
I had to stop after several hours of deleting and writing and deleting, as I was on the verge of throwing my laptop out of the window.<br />
Anyway, I have printed off the story ths morning and I'm off to the Post Office, with fingers firmly crossed.<br />
If they don't like it this time, I may well cry. A lot.<br />
<br />
Simple changes, there's no such thing is there?penandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-48366229308635800292011-06-08T12:24:00.000-07:002011-06-08T12:25:46.777-07:00Sorry it's all been rather quiet...I don't seem to have had much to say lately. My last post was Easter!<br />
Aggh! I don't know where the time goes, it's rather scary.<br />
<br />
Anyway, the main reason for my lack of posts is that there was nothing to say writing wise, I hadn't heard a peep for months. <br />
<br />
Just as I was beginning to think all magazine editors had fallen off the face off the earth, I got three rejections. Yeah!<br />
<br />
Well any response is better than nothing, I like to see the rejections as proof of my existence as a writer, I can always collect them and perhaps form a collage of all the different ways editors say NO!<br />
<br />
I still haven't heard about the children's novel either and it's been about eight months now, so I'm assuming that's unlikely to come to anything.<br />
<br />
There is a little ray of sunshine in that my story for Spike the cat's 'Someone has to die vol 4' competition is now released as an E book. Apparently there are free copies for a short time if any one fancies a peek at <a href="http://spikethecatltd.blogspot.com/2011/05/someone-has-to-die-volume-four-e-book.html">Spike the cat's blog</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gL7iDYj9rDD5z_U3h9khkHA_FBjEAWaRh8mYgkhlkHZ3C-Dt0H3tevoArNfpV7U_EWvl7F96-fd7HM2R37zZbR_8fI7XTdeDc4WN82A0-7CeBIQZarloU2tZnnV-gNMPLawAMO63RmxS/s1600/SHTD+V4+EBOOK+FRONT+COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_gL7iDYj9rDD5z_U3h9khkHA_FBjEAWaRh8mYgkhlkHZ3C-Dt0H3tevoArNfpV7U_EWvl7F96-fd7HM2R37zZbR_8fI7XTdeDc4WN82A0-7CeBIQZarloU2tZnnV-gNMPLawAMO63RmxS/s320/SHTD+V4+EBOOK+FRONT+COVER.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Ooh and, 'Hello!' (big cheesy wave) to the new followers, thank you for showing an interest in my little posts. :)<br />
I am going to catch up on everyone's blogs now, Happy June everyone! I hope your writing is going better than mine! xpenandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-69479331532776120082011-04-24T10:08:00.000-07:002011-04-24T10:08:16.864-07:00Happy EasterJust wanted to say 'Happy Easter!'<br />
Another gorgeous day, I'm so tired, lolling about in the sun is hard work!<br />
I feel a little bit sick having eaten a full cadbury egg with mini eggs, a chocolate bunny full of smarties and several creme eggs.(we did an egg hunt for the hidden creme eggs, it wasn't a great idea as it was very hot in the garden. The finds were rather squishy, but still yummy!!)<br />
I was going to make a roast dinner, but forget it, it's too hot. We're having sandwiches!<br />
I hope you're having a great day, do you still want Easter eggs now you're all grown-up? I know I do ;)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_ezAJE1CebG0CpBh3Kz1c6WPng-KeClrw5TXGLugsMc__QCpFX0LG_JQ4r4sC_HYzgqOXiE1W3oqgFPc-JsNOpta7SuIsRe5wuwtqJRfoYrMpvF6sJgRGQf79mZix31hVCnvZF4sWI1A/s1600/egg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="194" width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_ezAJE1CebG0CpBh3Kz1c6WPng-KeClrw5TXGLugsMc__QCpFX0LG_JQ4r4sC_HYzgqOXiE1W3oqgFPc-JsNOpta7SuIsRe5wuwtqJRfoYrMpvF6sJgRGQf79mZix31hVCnvZF4sWI1A/s320/egg.jpg" /></a></div>penandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-43740370289155389892011-04-09T11:36:00.001-07:002011-04-09T11:36:59.762-07:00lazy days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHVpXHPDFlxi1pvnJv8zXVpyNi_ddOUu4bXUSL-w4eAPNRfacObQy2vNmuBkP0OfYskBubMgi3SNT_s0nKQ6GsUi58oJ2gr19BE_36Ynt48CBr0N9PS9D2smUf8TuRrfdsdCMvE2BCZSq/s1600/P110409002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHVpXHPDFlxi1pvnJv8zXVpyNi_ddOUu4bXUSL-w4eAPNRfacObQy2vNmuBkP0OfYskBubMgi3SNT_s0nKQ6GsUi58oJ2gr19BE_36Ynt48CBr0N9PS9D2smUf8TuRrfdsdCMvE2BCZSq/s320/P110409002.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>This is my Milly moo</b>, <br />
<br />
She's just lolling about stretching in the sun, she loves those dried up crunchy leaves! She's so cute when it's nice weather, she loves the family being outdoors, she shows off!<br />
So, HOT HOT today. thought I'd do a bit of writing out on the laptop. Of course life is not that simple and I couldn't see the screen with the glare from the super sunshine. So I threw my cardigan over my head and made a little 'tent' over me and laptop. It was alright for a few minutes, then I got too hot. Then my battery went dead, so I took it as a sign that my laptop doesn't like sunshine and took it inside.<br />
So, all I managed was a comment on one blog. No other writing of any productive style at all.<br />
And...why is it there are never any ice cubes when you need them? Just empty trays in the freezer. Why do people do that? Had to resort to chopping up an ice pop to put in my drink.<br />
Oh well. It's sunny. I'm happy. :)<br />
Has it been a lazy Saturday for you?penandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8076911658523516018.post-87260409578385892042011-03-28T02:44:00.000-07:002011-03-28T02:44:35.930-07:00It hasn't rained for six days, shh!I know, don't jinx it!<br />
I love the sunshine, I'd forgotten what it looked like. I really hope we have a good summer, but at the moment I'm happy just to see some sunshine, even if it is still cold. I ventured out in short sleeves on Saturday, gosh I did feel brave. It's weird baring skin after months covering up ( I'm only talking arms here, nothing too outrageous)<br />
I hope the weather's good where you are too!<br />
I should just say Thank you to <a href="http://writing-bug.blogspot.com/">Gail</a> who has kindly awarded my the Stylish Blogger, I know I should really think of another seven things to reveal about myself, but you'll have to make do with my arms for now (sorry no picture of white arms, you can use your imaginations). I'll have to have a think...<br />
I have done absolutley nothing these last few weeks, except getting a tad obsessed with ebay. I've wasted hours and hours looking for stuff I really don't need. Sigh.<br />
Anyway, have a great day, I'm just going to catch up with you all!penandpaintshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17273388732451042663noreply@blogger.com9