Talli Roland's Blog, page 19
February 15, 2012
Wednesday is the New Friday
What? You didn't get that memo? Well, Happy Friday . . . er, Wednesday.Working from home, I've realised I rarely know what day of the week it is. It doesn't help that for the past couple months, Mr TR has been working from home, too, on Thursdays and Fridays. Previously, I knew it was a work day when he wasn't here. Now, it's all so confusing. Is it a Thursday or a Saturday? A Friday or a Sunday? I just don't know!
The only clues lie in the view from my office window. On weekday mornings, the busy street is filled at 8 a.m. with scooter-riding school-kids in cute uniforms; red double-decker buses lumbering by; and commuters scurrying toward the Tube.
On the weekends, the street is deserted, except for the occasional loner drifting down the sidewalk. I love sitting at my desk on mornings like this, watching the city wake up.
What's your favourite time of the day, for writing or otherwise? Or favourite day of the week?
February 13, 2012
Books *Not* to Give Your Valentine
Happy Monday, all! Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend. Mine was full of sleeping, reading, sleeping, reading . . . and attempting to recover from too much wine, champagne and beetroot carpaccio (word to the wise: don't).
The Huffington Post recently had a rather cute article on books not to give your Valentine, and that got me thinking: what books would I not want to receive for the day of romance that's nearly upon us?
The Lady's Book of Manners: How to Become a Perfect Lady. Just... no. Anyway, aren't I already perfect? *bats eyes*
Controlling Your Drinking. I already know the answer to that and it's one word: Egypt. Ha!
Confessions of a Slut Wife. Hardly romantic, eh? Besides, how interesting can it be?
Getting Started in Fly Fishing. I like fly fishing as much as the next girl, but I'm not sure I'd like to learn about it on Valentines's Day.
191 Horror Movies You Must See Before You Die. As someone who can't even watch Sixth Sense, I reckon this would definitely make for a sleepless night spent peering into dark corners to ensure nothing's crouching there in the dark.
Your turn! What book, real or otherwise, would you not want to receive on Valentine's Day?
The Huffington Post recently had a rather cute article on books not to give your Valentine, and that got me thinking: what books would I not want to receive for the day of romance that's nearly upon us?
The Lady's Book of Manners: How to Become a Perfect Lady. Just... no. Anyway, aren't I already perfect? *bats eyes*
Controlling Your Drinking. I already know the answer to that and it's one word: Egypt. Ha!
Confessions of a Slut Wife. Hardly romantic, eh? Besides, how interesting can it be?
Getting Started in Fly Fishing. I like fly fishing as much as the next girl, but I'm not sure I'd like to learn about it on Valentines's Day.
191 Horror Movies You Must See Before You Die. As someone who can't even watch Sixth Sense, I reckon this would definitely make for a sleepless night spent peering into dark corners to ensure nothing's crouching there in the dark.
Your turn! What book, real or otherwise, would you not want to receive on Valentine's Day?
February 10, 2012
When I Grow Up
Okay, I know what you're thinking.Isn't Talli almost X (insert your figure) years old? Shouldn't she be grown up by now? But the older that I get, the more I realize I may never be grown up.
Last Wednesday, I gave a writing workshop to a lovely group of students at King's College London. After the workshop was over, one of the students asked if I'd always known I wanted to be a writer.
Thoughts swirled though my mind as it hit me that I never knew I wanted to be a writer. I knew I liked to make up stuff, sure, but a writer? Was that even a job? How did someone get to be a writer, anyway?
As I grew older, I went through phases of wanting to be an Olympic gymnast (thank you, Nadia Comaneci and the Montréal Olympics), Little Orphan Annie (I could hang off a bridge with the best of them), the fastest runner in the world (Ben Johnson's to blame) . . . finally settling on a career in journalism. Then public relations. Then teaching. Then recruitment.
And then, when I'd done the 'adult' thing and accumulated lots of shoes, handbags, hair extensions (don't ask) and a closet full of clothes, it hit me that none of this was making me happy. So, I did the impractical, irrational thing, turning my back on it all. The child inside me -- that girl who loved to make up stuff -- has never been happier.
I still have bills to pay (boo to student loans); pay cheques to earn; boring responsibilities to fulfil. But as soon as I disappear back into my writing, I'm a kid once again.
What does the child in you want to be?
Announcements!
Are you interesting in short-story writing workshops? The wonderful Helen Hunt has more information here.My novella, Miracle at the Museum of Broken Hearts, is free today and tomorrow on Amazon. Check it out if you have a sec. Amazon UK; Amazon.com.[image error]
February 8, 2012
Are You Smushy... Or Not?
With Valentine's approaching, I'm wondering if you're a die-hard romantic, or if you prefer eschewing commercially-enforced love days? Bet you can guess what I am, based on how I phrased that!As a romance writer (of a sort), I'm expected to be romantic... I guess. The truth is, I cringe writing super-smushy scenes -- that's why there aren't a whole heck of a lot in my writing. To me, the real romance lies in day-to-day gestures and actions, and not just in one day of the year when you're supposed to act all ga-ga in love. That's not to say I don't appreciate a good romantic gesture as much as the next girl (flowers! chocolate! hint, hint!), but I reckon it's empty if it's just an annual occasion.
This has got me thinking what I do find romantic: two people who choose to be together, not because they need to be, but because they want to be. And, more specifically, it's that moment when I press my freezing cold toes under Mr TR's legs at night, and he shivers but pulls me closer. Or, when he offers me the last bite of his favourite dessert.
Now that's romance!
What's real romance for you?
(Continuing on the romance theme, I'm over on Myne Whitman's blog, talking about marriage 'n' stuff. Pop over if you get the chance!)
February 6, 2012
What's Going On
Phew! I'm home, everyone. Back safe and sound in frozen, snow-strewn London -- quite a change from the sun and dust of Cairo. But oh, it's so good to be home. After almost a month of travel and vacation, I finally feel like my new work-year is beginning.
So what am I up to these days? Well, I'm a third of the way through writing Construct A Couple, the sequel to Build A Man , which I hope to have out in May if everything goes according to plan! Also, Build A Man has a new-look cover now...
...and my novella, Miracle at the Museum of Broken Hearts , has a new cover, too!
Even better, it will be free on Amazon this Friday and Saturday. Make sure to grab it if you're looking for something to read on the weekend!
Apart from covers, I've been preparing for workshops. I'll be giving one on character-building this Wednesday at King's College London, then another on marketing and promotion for the London chapter of the Romantic Novelists' Association in March. And I'm beyond thrilled that I've been asked to give a workshop on all things related to self-publishing at the York Festival in September. Busy times are ahead, and I love it!
And that's what's going on for me. What about you? Catch me up!
So what am I up to these days? Well, I'm a third of the way through writing Construct A Couple, the sequel to Build A Man , which I hope to have out in May if everything goes according to plan! Also, Build A Man has a new-look cover now...
...and my novella, Miracle at the Museum of Broken Hearts , has a new cover, too!
Even better, it will be free on Amazon this Friday and Saturday. Make sure to grab it if you're looking for something to read on the weekend!
Apart from covers, I've been preparing for workshops. I'll be giving one on character-building this Wednesday at King's College London, then another on marketing and promotion for the London chapter of the Romantic Novelists' Association in March. And I'm beyond thrilled that I've been asked to give a workshop on all things related to self-publishing at the York Festival in September. Busy times are ahead, and I love it!
And that's what's going on for me. What about you? Catch me up!
February 2, 2012
There's No Place Like Home
Hello, all! Well, I missed posting yesterday in a flurry of eating falafel, more falafel, lamb, more falafel. . . then a concert by Egypt's newest fusion group in Zamalek, a part of Cairo by the Nile.
I've posted a lot about all the wonderful things happening in the country at the moment; the hope and optimism in people's eyes that finally, their country might become something good again. In the words of one taxi driver: 'I just want to be able to live a dignified life'.
In the midst of any big change, there is always an element of struggle. I see it every day here in the mile-long queues for gas canisters; having to drive to ten different bank machines before finding one with any money; the escalation of violence amidst the lack of police presence on the streets. Last night's events -- where over seventy were killed at a football match in the north of the country -- have only served to heighten the unease people already feel.
Living in a constant state of anxiety, with the TV news always blaring the latest list of violence, would be enough to make even the staunchest revolutionary long for stability. After almost two weeks here, I'm longing to return to the relative calm of London. But for Egypt's citizens, this is their home. And they're absolutely determined to make it the best it can be.
I'll see you next Monday, when I'm back in the UK. Have a great weekend!
I've posted a lot about all the wonderful things happening in the country at the moment; the hope and optimism in people's eyes that finally, their country might become something good again. In the words of one taxi driver: 'I just want to be able to live a dignified life'.
In the midst of any big change, there is always an element of struggle. I see it every day here in the mile-long queues for gas canisters; having to drive to ten different bank machines before finding one with any money; the escalation of violence amidst the lack of police presence on the streets. Last night's events -- where over seventy were killed at a football match in the north of the country -- have only served to heighten the unease people already feel.
Living in a constant state of anxiety, with the TV news always blaring the latest list of violence, would be enough to make even the staunchest revolutionary long for stability. After almost two weeks here, I'm longing to return to the relative calm of London. But for Egypt's citizens, this is their home. And they're absolutely determined to make it the best it can be.
I'll see you next Monday, when I'm back in the UK. Have a great weekend!
January 27, 2012
Rooftops, Pyramids and Boats, Oh My!
Happy Friday, everyone! Are you sick of Egypt yet? No? Good, because I have some more photos to show you! I'll give you a break on Monday (I'll be busy gallivanting around Alexandria) but I'll be with you in spirit.
Since recovering from my revolutionary activities in Tahrir Square (it must be said, I'd never make a true revolutionary -- I fainted after one hour there; I'm such a softie), we've indulged in a few other Cairene delights. Today was the best, though: we had our own tour guide through Old Cairo, climbed up rickety ladders to rooftops, and peeked into beautiful buildings normally off limits.
The rooftop of a building in Old Cairo, where merchants used to unload their wares, then stay in the accommodation. All those 'cubes' are the open-air terraces of the individual lodgings.
A street in Old Cairo.
Me in front of a traditional window -- the women could see out, but no one could see in.
Twin minarets.
Feluca on the Nile!
No caption needed!
This is my third time to the Pyramids, and I've never seen them so deserted. A handful of locals and tourists were there. but nothing like last year.Have a great weekend, everyone! I'll see you on Wednesday. [image error]
Since recovering from my revolutionary activities in Tahrir Square (it must be said, I'd never make a true revolutionary -- I fainted after one hour there; I'm such a softie), we've indulged in a few other Cairene delights. Today was the best, though: we had our own tour guide through Old Cairo, climbed up rickety ladders to rooftops, and peeked into beautiful buildings normally off limits.
The rooftop of a building in Old Cairo, where merchants used to unload their wares, then stay in the accommodation. All those 'cubes' are the open-air terraces of the individual lodgings. 
A street in Old Cairo.
Me in front of a traditional window -- the women could see out, but no one could see in. 
Twin minarets. 
Feluca on the Nile!
No caption needed! 
This is my third time to the Pyramids, and I've never seen them so deserted. A handful of locals and tourists were there. but nothing like last year.Have a great weekend, everyone! I'll see you on Wednesday. [image error]
January 25, 2012
Talking About a Revolution
I've just returned from Tahrir Square! And WOW, what an amazing experience. Despite being a writer, words fail me. So I'll show you in photos instead.
Egyptian flags clog the air in Tahrir Square.
Me! The slogan on the wall behind me says: 'You can kill me but you can't kill my voice.'
An effigy in the square.
Mr TR waves a flag.
A young revolutionary.
Students sing and dance on a wall built by the military.Excuse me while I go take my post-revolutionary shower! Happy Wednesday, everyone. 
Egyptian flags clog the air in Tahrir Square.
Me! The slogan on the wall behind me says: 'You can kill me but you can't kill my voice.'
An effigy in the square.
Mr TR waves a flag.
A young revolutionary.
Students sing and dance on a wall built by the military.Excuse me while I go take my post-revolutionary shower! Happy Wednesday, everyone.
January 23, 2012
New Beginnings
Hello from Cairo! The title for this post seems very apt, since not only is today publication day for Rebecca Emin's New Beginnings (more on that below), but it's also the opening of Egypt's first elected parliament since the 1950s.
What a change there's been in Egypt since my last visit here in December 2011. In just one year, people who were depressed and pessimistic about the future of the country have transformed into upbeat and optimistic. Gathering around the television this morning over a takeaway breakfast of tamaya (falafel) and fool (er... not sure any description can do this dish justice), there was palpable sense of pride as we watched the first session open.
From chats last night with a man in his sixties who led a group in Tahrir Square -- and was so close to the police he even grabbed a tear-gas canister after it was lobbed his way -- to mannequins in shop windows holding up revolutionary signs, the city has come alive again. The revolution has brought with it a whole host of problems and challenges, but as the one-year anniversary approaches, Egypt's citizens are finally looking forward to their future.
Now all they need is wine. Ha!
Now on to another New Beginning! Today is publication day for Rebecca Emin's wonderful YA novel. Hop over to Rebecca's blog Ramblingsof a Rusty Writer to find all of the details of how she is planning tocelebrate today, or you can read some reviews of the book itself on Amazon.co.ukor Amazon.com. You may like to visit someof the other blogs helping Rebecca to celebrate today too.
AboutNew BeginningsSam Hendry is not looking forward tostarting at her new school. Things go from bad to worse as the day of trutharrives and all of her fears come true... and then some.
When Sam meets a different group of people who immediately accept her as afriend, she begins to feel more positive.
With her new friends and interests, will Sam finally feel able to face thebully who taunts her, and to summon up the courage to perform on stage?
Here's to new beginnings of all sorts!
What a change there's been in Egypt since my last visit here in December 2011. In just one year, people who were depressed and pessimistic about the future of the country have transformed into upbeat and optimistic. Gathering around the television this morning over a takeaway breakfast of tamaya (falafel) and fool (er... not sure any description can do this dish justice), there was palpable sense of pride as we watched the first session open.
From chats last night with a man in his sixties who led a group in Tahrir Square -- and was so close to the police he even grabbed a tear-gas canister after it was lobbed his way -- to mannequins in shop windows holding up revolutionary signs, the city has come alive again. The revolution has brought with it a whole host of problems and challenges, but as the one-year anniversary approaches, Egypt's citizens are finally looking forward to their future.Now all they need is wine. Ha!
Now on to another New Beginning! Today is publication day for Rebecca Emin's wonderful YA novel. Hop over to Rebecca's blog Ramblingsof a Rusty Writer to find all of the details of how she is planning tocelebrate today, or you can read some reviews of the book itself on Amazon.co.ukor Amazon.com. You may like to visit someof the other blogs helping Rebecca to celebrate today too.
AboutNew BeginningsSam Hendry is not looking forward tostarting at her new school. Things go from bad to worse as the day of trutharrives and all of her fears come true... and then some. When Sam meets a different group of people who immediately accept her as afriend, she begins to feel more positive.
With her new friends and interests, will Sam finally feel able to face thebully who taunts her, and to summon up the courage to perform on stage?
Here's to new beginnings of all sorts!
January 20, 2012
Pulling Teeth with Pliers... Or, Writing a Great Synopsis
It's Friday! *does Friday dance involving flailing of arms and awkward hip swings* Want to know something even better than Friday (no, not wine)? Tomorrow, I'm off to the sunny climes of Cairo for two weeks! Not to worry, though, I'll still be blogging as much as I can, as per usual. While my in-laws go off for hours in Arabic I haven't a hope in hell of understanding, I'll be tucked in the corner, tapping away at my lovely little laptop. We are still planning our regular outings to the Pyramids, the market, Memphis and Alexandria, so I will have plenty of photos to share.
Now. Onto more serious things: the dreaded synopsis. If you're not a writer, consider yourself very lucky that this is something you've escaped. For me, it's like pulling out my own teeth with rusty pliers while someone hammers nails into my eyeballs. Oh yes, it's just that much fun. Luckily, today I've got Crabbity Bat (her words, not mine) and absolute writing genius Nicola Morgan here to talk about her new book, Write a Great Synopsis.
Take it away, Nicola!
Hello Talli andTalli's lovely readers!
Thank you so muchfor letting me visit again. I'm very honoured and in recognition of that I'vebrought some champagne. *pops cork* Cheers!
Since most or manyof your readers aren't writers, I thought I'd say something that might interestboth groups.
Writers gethorribly vexed about synopses. Many ofus (not me, tbh) would rather eat witchety grubs than write one, and yet quitehappily sit down to write a 100,000 word novel. Thing is, making a few wordswork well is hard. Blaise Pascal famously apologised (in French) for writingsuch a long letter, saying he didn't have time to write a short one. Andthere's a real truth in that. And what writers have to do is turn a 100,000word thing into something very short– maybe 600 words – and that's veryhard.
On the other hand,Tolstoy said, "No book should be too complex to explain to a barmaid." (Veryrude to barmaids, imo.) Indeed, Anna Karenina may be long but it's far fromcomplex – omit the farming, and there's very little left to go in the synopsis.
Actually, I alsothink it might be easier for a reader to produce a good synopsis of a book thanits writer. In fact, one of the things I recommend to writers in Write a GreatSynopsis (WAGS!) is to forget your book, or forget the details. If you forgetthe details and sequences, what you're left with is the core – what and whoit's about and how the story ends, bringing the memorable driving forcestogether.
Writers, pleasestop worrying! WAGS covers everything about synopsis-writing, clearly andreassuringly. At the end of it I believe you truly will say to yourself, "Don'tpanic – it's only a synopsis!
And readers, nexttime you pick up a new book, spare a thought for the poor writer who almostcertainly had to write a sparkly synopsis before getting the deal!
Thanks forlistening, everyone. I'd be really interested to hear your thoughts.
Would yourather write a book or a synopsis?
NB: all commentersbelow (by Feb 15th) will be entered into the Big WAGS Competition,with chances to win a critique of your synopsis by the Crabbit Old Bat herself!One comment per person on each blog – though you can add to your chances bycommenting on the other posts on the tour. Details of all stops on the tourwill appear on my blog (Help!I Need a Publisher!) as they go out.
Details about thebook, including buying options, here. The linkdirect to Amazon UK is here; Amazon.com is here. And it's stupid cheap tillthe end of January!
Thanks, Nicola!
Well, I'd much rather write a book than a synopsis. A zillion times more! How about you? Have a great weekend, everyone!
Now. Onto more serious things: the dreaded synopsis. If you're not a writer, consider yourself very lucky that this is something you've escaped. For me, it's like pulling out my own teeth with rusty pliers while someone hammers nails into my eyeballs. Oh yes, it's just that much fun. Luckily, today I've got Crabbity Bat (her words, not mine) and absolute writing genius Nicola Morgan here to talk about her new book, Write a Great Synopsis.
Take it away, Nicola!
Hello Talli andTalli's lovely readers!
Thank you so muchfor letting me visit again. I'm very honoured and in recognition of that I'vebrought some champagne. *pops cork* Cheers!
Since most or manyof your readers aren't writers, I thought I'd say something that might interestboth groups.
Writers gethorribly vexed about synopses. Many ofus (not me, tbh) would rather eat witchety grubs than write one, and yet quitehappily sit down to write a 100,000 word novel. Thing is, making a few wordswork well is hard. Blaise Pascal famously apologised (in French) for writingsuch a long letter, saying he didn't have time to write a short one. Andthere's a real truth in that. And what writers have to do is turn a 100,000word thing into something very short– maybe 600 words – and that's veryhard.
On the other hand,Tolstoy said, "No book should be too complex to explain to a barmaid." (Veryrude to barmaids, imo.) Indeed, Anna Karenina may be long but it's far fromcomplex – omit the farming, and there's very little left to go in the synopsis.
Actually, I alsothink it might be easier for a reader to produce a good synopsis of a book thanits writer. In fact, one of the things I recommend to writers in Write a GreatSynopsis (WAGS!) is to forget your book, or forget the details. If you forgetthe details and sequences, what you're left with is the core – what and whoit's about and how the story ends, bringing the memorable driving forcestogether.
Writers, pleasestop worrying! WAGS covers everything about synopsis-writing, clearly andreassuringly. At the end of it I believe you truly will say to yourself, "Don'tpanic – it's only a synopsis!
And readers, nexttime you pick up a new book, spare a thought for the poor writer who almostcertainly had to write a sparkly synopsis before getting the deal!
Thanks forlistening, everyone. I'd be really interested to hear your thoughts.
Would yourather write a book or a synopsis?
NB: all commentersbelow (by Feb 15th) will be entered into the Big WAGS Competition,with chances to win a critique of your synopsis by the Crabbit Old Bat herself!One comment per person on each blog – though you can add to your chances bycommenting on the other posts on the tour. Details of all stops on the tourwill appear on my blog (Help!I Need a Publisher!) as they go out.
Details about thebook, including buying options, here. The linkdirect to Amazon UK is here; Amazon.com is here. And it's stupid cheap tillthe end of January!
Thanks, Nicola!
Well, I'd much rather write a book than a synopsis. A zillion times more! How about you? Have a great weekend, everyone!
