Anita Dawes's Blog: http://jenanita01.wordpress.com, page 29

August 23, 2013

Does practice make perfect?

stolen raindrops...


 I started the week full of good intentions. New week - new mood - new energy.
The weather was good and I did some interesting macro work with my camera, just for fun. (see above)
There was none of that - 'It's a beautiful day, watch someone ruin it.' But someone did.

BT did. Someone had tried to hack into my e-mail account over the weekend and had promptly been frozen out, me included!  To make matters worse, I had temporarily forgotten the answer to my security question, so couldn't change said password either.

Thoroughly frustrated, I finally got to speak to someone in India who said she would e-mail me a new password.  Words cannot sufficiently explain what happened to my temper after trying several times to get her to see why this would not work, and I was passed on to someone else. This young lady was so helpful and immediately understood my problem, that my temper had no choice but to high tail it out of the back door!

So, not a good start, you might say. But this was only Monday, onwards and upwards OK?

[image error]
                                                                       

Work on my book '9Lives' seems to be going well, but still doesn't feel 'natural'. Maybe it never does, what do I know?  What I cannot understand is why most days are good and optimistic, then you get those other kind. The 'what the hell do you think you are doing' days. Closely followed by (give it up, you know you are too old to bother with it).

I am basing my understanding of this writing business on what I have observed with my sister Anita. She has four good books to her credit and just seems to get on with it (and enjoys the process!)
I know we are all different, and that's how it should be, it's just not very helpful.

I think it is my age that seems to be the problem. I find myself wondering where all the time has gone and know that I have wasted most of it. Why didn't I want to do this when my brain was younger?
Don't get me wrong, on a good day I know that my brain is as good as if not better than most people's. It's just that my good days are getting pretty thin on the ground these days.

So I shouldn't be wasting any of them, right?

Right. See you next week?


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Published on August 23, 2013 04:09

August 16, 2013

You couldn't make it up!

OK, I give up, who are you?
 There really was no special reason for me to show you this picture, other than it made me smile...a lot. And I needed all of the smiles I could get this week...

I think I may have unearthed the reason I am having so much trouble doing everything myself this week. The week started with a hell of a noise in our road, culminating right outside our door. The local water board were fitting water meters or something all along our road, and we had several workmen, looking at the hole they had just made, looking at each other then back at the hole.  We wondered what the problem was for they seemed to have successfully finished several of our neighbours installations, but ours was obviously a problem of some sort.
After much head scratching and worried expressions ( reminding me of one of those comedy sketches) they all went away, leaving us none the wiser.

To cut a long drawn out story short, some pillock had tried to chop their way through a gas pipe, so we were subjected to more workmen (gas board this time) doing the same head scratching, worried look routine as they tried to figure out what to do about it. Finally the problem was sorted, pipe was replaced and hole partially filled in. But not with what came out of it... what did that mean?

We did wonder why they hadn't finished filling in the hole, but we weren't prepared for the next turn of events. It began to unravel like one of those Monty Python routines.
Two men came and put some of the dirt back, an hour later two different men used an angle grinder to make the hole in the pavement nice and square. Then they finished filling the hole.
Oh good, we thought, nearly finished.

Not a bit of it.

Nothing else happened that day, and we supposed they might have forgotten all about it.

Two days later a huge lorry turned up and proceeded to tarmac the hole with much song and dance. This job needed three workmen. I might point out that said hole was all of 15 inches square!
We were in stitches wondering how long we would have to put up with all the barriers that were beginning to look like a fixture, if the weeks activities were anything to go by!

Another day passed and first thing the next morning a van arrived (was it my imagination, or did the driver look a bit sheepish?) and took all the barriers away and the saga of the hole was finally over.
It only took 9 workmen and 4 days...

You couldn't make it up, could you? And if you did, would anyone believe you?

And despite the comedy/drama unfolding right outside our door, I actually managed to do quite a lot of writing all by myself. (I didn't need 9 workmen, just 4 days!) How about that!

See you next week!
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Published on August 16, 2013 05:55

August 9, 2013

Found Your Tipping Point Yet?

magical mushrooms!



I have been doing a lot of thinking this week (as opposed to what, you might be thinking) yes I know, but I think my brain has finally reached its tipping point.  Since we began this journey into the weird and wonderful world of electronic publishing, my poor little brain has been tortured by an avalanche of information, much of it incomprehensible I'm afraid.                                                       
I have tried my utmost to assimilate what I thought (and was told) was absolutely necessary to be successful in this new digital publishing world.  You know what I mean... you have to have a good and interesting blog to attract what they call 'content marketting'. You must be on Facebook, Twitter ect... the list goes on and on.
Well, I have tried to do most of those things, but it doesn't help to discover you might be using the wrong website provider... and that Facebook keeps changing the rules (which I didn't understand the first time) and there was always that other sneaking doubt, you know, the 'I might not be good enough anyway' one.  Which, lets face it, is probably the real reason this website doesn't attract many visitors, and Anita's books are not flying off the shelves.

So I was gazing out of my window to where all my bonsai live on their shelves, hoping for some divine inspiration, when I noticed something odd. I had to go and have a look, for my eyesite is not what it was and I sometimes see things that are not there. But not that time. It was real and I had to take a photograph to prove it.  On the shelf, nestled between a pine tree and a Ginko, I had placed this huge pine cone that we found in a forest. It must be about six inches long and it really does tell you about the weather. It closes up tight when it rains and opens wide when the sun comes out. 

But what was special that day (as you can see in the photo above) was the fact that tiny mushrooms had sprouted from inside it. Don't ask me how... it just has. I think it is magical, and it got me to thinking differently about a lot of things.

Maybe I was trying too hard on all the wrong stuff. Because one of the things that has started to annoy me big time, was the fact that what with all this networking, blogging and searching, there seemed to be precious little time left for what is really important...writing. And as hard as I tried, I couldn't squeeze everything in. It was simply impossible.

Don't forget, I am still knew to the writing side of this business and I know there is much to learn about the craft. But I won't learn it properly if there is no time left to do it, will I? 

So I have made a monumental decision. I will keep this blog going because I really do enjoy doing it, but I will stop worrying about it. But I am afraid the rest of it will have to take a back seat for now because I have a book to finish (and I am enjoying that too!)

I have it on good authority, that what you really need to be successful, is to produce brilliant books, so that is what we are going to do...

See you next week, same time, same place...

                                                                                                 








 
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Published on August 09, 2013 05:50

August 2, 2013

What a Week that was...

picture of despair?




 I have had a pretty frustrating week and when I saw this picture, it kinda summed up how I was feeling.  Plus, the weather has been as hot as hell and the thought of being up to my axles in the sea, really appealed to me!  Apart from that it was mainly a week of 'if only's, and why the hell didn't you'?
 
You know what I mean, all those things you should have done or learnt instead of carrying on as if you had no ambition to speak of and all the time in the world anyway. Now don't go thinking that I have been living it up without a care in the world, my life has been full of all the usual complications and things I thought I might have achieved but never got around to. But somehow life has a habit of making you lose track of the time and if you're not careful you lose other things too.
Like all those dreams you once had, when you had the energy and enthusiasm to go with them.

I have been bitterly chastising myself lately for avoiding the computer age when I was still young enough to have learnt how to use one properly. I have always had a problem with technology, my brain seems to freeze at the merest thought of it. It was only when I kept reading about all these writers who were really getting somewhere with e-books that I decided that I would try to do it too.

I figured, as I usually do, that other people were doing it, so how hard could it be?  I wasn't really stupid, I could learn how to do it, couldn't I?

To cut a very long, frustrating, blood sweat and tears story short, I have managed (don't ask me how)to learn an awful lot. Our e-books are on Amazon, Smashwords and Goodreads. I have mastered the art of creating Print-on-demand and we have one book, (nearly two) in paperback format.

I am still trying to get to grips with Facebook, but I fear I may have to give up on it, as my brain refuses to work whenever I go near it.

This website/blog has been running for nearly a year now and some people (bless them all!) have been visiting it. Funnily enough, although I still hate my PC with a passion, it is remarkable how clever I feel whenever I manage to achieve something new!

So, to quote a famous TV celebrity, 'I have started, so I will finish!' And I will. I will achieve some (small?) success for both Anita and myself in the publishing world, or die trying!!!!!

Watch this space...

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Published on August 02, 2013 06:16

July 26, 2013

The Power of Believing!

Believe it or not?

 I want one!

The dragon's head, silly, not the child!

I have always been fascinated by dragons since I was a child, and when I saw this picture on the news last week, I was instantly back in my childhood where myths and dragons were the order of play. Maybe there is a Welsh strain in my DNA somewhere!

I have a small stone plaque with a skeleton on it that I bought years ago when I was in Cornwall.  I really should move there, I love the place so much, but there is a problem. I can't for the life of me decide which I like best, Cornwall or Wales. Decisions, decisions!
This plaque is supposed to have the bones of a baby dragon embedded on it, but it's probably some kind of lizard. Most of the time I prefer to believe that it is real. I would love to think that the huge head in the picture above is real too, but I see nothing wrong in a bit of fantasy!

As writers, fantasy is basically what we are about, so I think I more than qualify!

Are they baby dragons?


 Enough of all this dragon whimsy, and back to the subject of this weeks post.

Is there some kind of power in believing? I must admit I have a certain amount of trouble believing most things at face value, and that probably makes me sadly lacking somehow, or just stupid?
Surely not.
Why can I believe there were once dragons on this planet, but have trouble believing what people swear to me is the truth?

It does depend on the person of course. There are some people I wouldn't believe if they swore on a stack of bibles, but when my grand-daughter tells me that she loves me and that I am wonderful, I tend to believe her! But honestly, I think it must boil down to our common sense. I think that if something seems logical, it is probably true. Or is that just my stupid brain?

I recognise that I have a problem in this department and I blame all the people who have lied to me in the past. Too many, I fear.

It is astonishing the things we do insist on believing. Like I choose to believe that my writing will be successful if I work at it hard enough.

And maybe it will, simply because I believe it...

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Published on July 26, 2013 06:15

July 19, 2013

How I am learning to love writing & be more confident...

I just love this amazing picture!

 I was looking for interesting cat pictures to get some inspiration for my book cover, when I came across the one you see above. I think it is absolutely stunning!

Always been a big fan of cats, any cats, even the wild ferocious ones, and I think this is because they fill me with envy. They are so independently proud and free, always doing exactly what they want to do and nothing else. And we love them for it! No one ever really owns a cat. It's probably the other way around!

Speaking about my book, I came up with an amazing idea the other day. I was still choc full of doubts and misgivings about my ability to actually create something that other people would want to read. After all, I was an editor/proofreader and a good one by all accounts. That did not mean that I could write anything of note myself.

I got to thinking about Anita's books and the synopsis that each one had to have when we first started out. (an outline or summary was essential if you were targeting mainstream publishers)

Creating a synopsis is very difficult, believe me, but with a lot of effort and perseverance I managed to get quite good at it. Thing is, you normally think of a synopsis after you have written the book. At least, that's how we did it back then. It was quite a cathartic thing to do, for you knew if you had the material to make a good synopsis, the book was probably pretty good too.

So I got to thinking. What if I did a synopsis first? I already had some kind of outline in my head, even though I was convinced it had more holes in it than a string vest.
I put on my most businesslike, determined face and had a go. Several hours later a fully fledged synopsis was born. And I liked it. Trying to mastermind the structure of my book that was still mainly in my head was enlightening to say the least. My editor head took over and I was forced to confront all the weak points. (and some non-existent points too) Ideas came galloping in from the ether and I ended up feeling very optimistic about the whole thing.

So if you are filling up with self doubt as I was, try to make a synopsis out of your ideas. You can connect with your own editor head and impress the socks off him. It worked for me and now I can move forward and stop procrastinating!


This is my first attempt to create a cover for my book. I think I quite like it. What do you think?
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Published on July 19, 2013 06:14

July 12, 2013

Fifty Shades of Frustration...

Invisible me?Sometimes I feel just like the picture on the left. I am here, but no one can really see me. (which I know, is partly my fault)

I am not getting very far with promoting Anita's books so it's not looking very promising for my own fledgling novel.

Apparently, I am not utilising our social presence and frankly I don't have a clue what they mean. I do try and connect with like minded people on Facebook,Twitter and recently Goodreads, but as I said, I don't really know what I am doing.



I think what I need to do now, is try and learn what Facebook is all about, and if it really can help us to develop our 'platform'. Likewise with Goodreads. It would help if I wasn't such a klutz when it comes to computers. I am reasonably intelligent, until I sit down at my PC. It took me long enough to learn how to play Solitaire for God's sake, so you see what I'm up against. But I'm a trier with a long stubborn streak, so I won't be giving up any time soon!

E L JamesChanging the subject entirely, which is always a good idea, don't you think? Especially when you have talked yourself into a corner...

I started reading 'Fifty Shades of Grey' yesterday. It's not really the kind of book I usually read but I was intrigued enough to have a go. I am an avid bookworm and usually read everything in sight.
You know what I mean, I have to turn the pack of toilet rolls round so I cannot keep reading it every time I visit the bathroom!

Two chapters in and I am hooked. E L James writes really well and already I am desperate to know exactly what happens next. (I have heard all the rumours!)
It seems quite a romantic book, which surprised me, so I think I am going to enjoy it.

Still slogging away at my own enterprise, and I think I will release the cover I have prepared next week. Maybe someone will say if they like it or not?

I will also update you on any progress on our social networking, if I make any that is.

Wish me luck!

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Published on July 12, 2013 05:50

July 5, 2013

Problems pale into insignificance...

Some other world...
 Any problems do seem pale into insignificance when seen from another viewpoint, don't they?

I awoke this morning with the usual Friday feeling. Another week nearly gone and not an awful lot to show for it. Then I happened to watch some of the breakfast news on TV, not something I do very often as it usually depresses me. Today turned out to be worse than usual. It was far too early in the day for such world wide confusion and I really wish I had read my book instead.

The human race is doing its utmost to ruin everything it touches and I don't understand it. It's as if we don't care and I am sure that most of us do. None of the people who are in charge (politicians and world leaders alike) seem to think logically anymore (if they ever did!)
People have said that we are 'going to hell in a handcart' but they are wrong. The vehicle we are travelling in has a supercharged engine and will get us there in no time at all!

Seen from another world, like the one in the photo above, our world is a really beautiful place. A stark contrast to the scenes of anger and poverty that most of us see every day.
We should be taking better care of our planet, we wouldn't dream of wrecking our own des res, now would we?

Enough of all that. I said that I shouldn't watch the news, so now you know what happens when I do.

I have been working hard at my book all week and guess what happened? My lead character started to dictate what happens next! I am not sure if I like the idea much, being a control freak, but the experts tell me that it can work very well.

Seeing as most of what I have been doing is not turning out to be much good, I don't really have a choice. So If Kate Devereau (my lead character) can do a better job, I can live with that.

Maybe she can throw some light on why we are not attracting much traffic on this blog, because it beats me. I know I am sadly lacking the experience that seems to be necessary, but I have researched and read a lot of helpful advice, so maybe I just need more patience. That commodity seems to be wearing off as I am getting older, and I am beginning to hate it. I have always had more patience than the average bear and I really need it now!

Anyone know where I can get some?
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Published on July 05, 2013 03:33

June 28, 2013

How Do You Know if You Are a Writer?



Well, how do you know if you are a writer?

I have been pondering on that question all week, probably because I have been trying very hard to convince myself that that is what I am. And before all you proper writers gang up on me, I know that is not the way to behave. I am a huge fan of Jeff Goins, and he says the greatest obstacle you must overcome is not believing in yourself. Apparently he felt the same in the beginning of his career.

But knowing this has not helped me much this week. I have been writing (I have completed two chapters so far) but I don't know if what I write is any good. On a good day I do, but I don't get too many of them these days. I should know better, because I read a lot and do know a good book when I see one.

What I would love to know, does everyone else feel like this at some stage? Or is my brain too old (at 69 years) to obey my feeble instruction to come up with remarkable fiction content?

Now don't get me wrong, I think I quite like the two chapters I have put together. And I think I have the plot nailed down. I even have an ending of sorts. But then the blues descend and I think it is all rubbish and that I should go back to playing solitaire on my PC.

Here's where I am grateful that I am stubborn and ornery.  I can do a complete about turn, and be determined to finish what I have started. I just wish these dark days would sod off and leave me to my scribbling because most of the time I am blissfully happy trying to create something I have never done before.

Anita thinks I am quite mad. (this is nothing new by the way, she has always known that I am bonkers!) She says I should shut up moaning and just get on with it. Apparently she never has moments of doubt, she totally believes in her characters ability to write the story for her. In fact she says that her only problem was keeping up with them!

Maybe she is right. Once my story takes off, perhaps my characters will help me out too. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

But, supposing they don't?

P.S Would anyone like to share their writing experiences with me?
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Published on June 28, 2013 04:56

June 22, 2013

Reflections of a Writer...

magical!
This week I have tried hard to reflect on what it means to me to be a writer, and it has been difficult. For a start, I don't think that writing and families automatically go to together. Not in my house anyway.

There are times when I have absolutely no chance at all of picking up a pen and actually writing with it. Something always seems to happen, or go wrong, or need fixing, or finding.

Yes, I know there should be some ground rules, but somehow they don't get enforced around here. So I try and write whenever I can and it isn't always easy or convenient.

Just sometimes though, it is magical. I can forget who I am, where I am and all the things I could be doing instead.

I can feel in my bones that it will all get better, that the struggle will be worth it, because I can feel myself falling a little in love with what I am doing.

NEWS FLASH!

I am beginning to believe that I may just create something good, something infinitely readable!

Quite apart from that revelation, it has been a lousy week. Lots of rain (which can be good because it means no gardening!) and I am getting a cold so I have been feeling generally horrid. But I have been expanding my plot ideas, so not a complete waste of a week.

But Wimbledon starts next week... another test of my dedication. I am usually glued to the TV for all my favourite players. Everything is hinged to whichever match I am watching...meals have to wait...hell, everything has to wait until the final ball and the winner lifts the cup.

Having said all that I realise that is exactly the kind of dedication there should be for my writing. Why haven't I noticed before that nobody interrupts my tennis? Why is it different? I have never insisted on it or screamed abuse, so what makes it different?

Then it came to me. It must be proportionate to my passion. So, once my family know how important (passionate) writing is becoming to me, I should expect the same response from them.

I might have known that the shortcoming would be mine!


P.S.  Am I alone in my struggle, or are there hundreds of you out there with similar problems?
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Published on June 22, 2013 02:42

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Anita Dawes
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