Struggling Writers discussion
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Chat (Up Until 5/4/2013)
God damn it, my notifications are down again!
Oh I'll definitely give it a go! :-)
ShazzyLouLou wrote: "Oh I'll definitely give it a go! :-)"Darkangel wrote: "God damn it, my notifications are down again!"
Mine too! I just keep logging on every so many minutes! In between paragraphs, someone is hurtling towards the ground like Joanne once did, so I will have to run the scene by her and ask how it compares to the real thing!
Yay shazzyloulou go for it, err which one are you going to try first?
Morning all,I am not even going to mention the weather today :o(
Darkangel wrote: "Morning all,I am not even going to mention the weather today :o("
Oh dear, that bad? It's mixed here that yellow round thing keeps peeping from behind all the grey clouds, but at least it didn't rain yesterday! Whether or not that will make the slightest of difference we will have to wait and see!
I have finished chapter 28, its a short chapter for reasons that will become obvious when you read it. I'm just going to check it through before I send it!
Sarah R wrote: "Yay shazzyloulou go for it, err which one are you going to try first? "I like the sound of the prune one! Am shopping later so I'll see what I can muster up at the butchers!
Angel, I won't mention the weather here either....
Frustrating couple of days with writing. I'm going over some of my earlier chapters to make changes. The annoying thing is that I'm getting "too much description," and "not enough description," comments for the same passages! Urgh. Thoroughly pee'd off. Maybe I should stop editing and go back to writing some new stuff.
*sigh*
I agree Shazzy, write some more then go back to edit later.It is pretty much the same here Sarah, but with the grey clouds comes water.
I just did my metafit training again and I am well and truly knackered. My legs have turned jelly.
ShazzyLouLou wrote: "Sarah R wrote: "Yay shazzyloulou go for it, err which one are you going to try first? "I like the sound of the prune one! Am shopping later so I'll see what I can muster up at the butchers!
Ang..."
Angel
I have just showered, eaten breakfast had a huge cup of coffee and am seriously considering a second cup. Alain has telephoned to say he's finished work early and is on his way here. Oh bum, there is no way I can eat my lunch so soon after breakfast!
Yay go for it I forgot half a tspn of dried basil needs to go in and a couple of finely chopped shallots or an onion if you don't have them.
As for your writing for now I'd forget about the critiques as they obviously are contradicting each other. Take a deep breath print off the offending chapters and sit down with pencil in hand and read them through, with a large glass of wine or coffee.
Relax, read, drink, change what you're not happy with get it right in your head and then put it back up for critique if you think it needs it.
I won't critique because it's not my genre but some people just like to stick their 'oar'in the water and thrash it around a bit and say how good/bad it is and go on to tell you how to change it. These people may have never read your genre in their entire lives!
Please 'you' first, worry about 'others' later!
Sarah R wrote: "ShazzyLouLou wrote: "Sarah R wrote: "Yay shazzyloulou go for it, err which one are you going to try first? "I like the sound of the prune one! Am shopping later so I'll see what I can muster up ..."
Yeah, I know you're right. The printing thing helped last time, so I'll give that a go later.
Angel, I know you do this genre sometimes. If you get a chance, would you tell me what you think of chapters 1 and 2? You don't have to do anything in depth, just a thumbs up or down would do me at this point!!!
http://www.goodreads.com/story/show/3...
Just reading another review where someone says "I don't know what Georgian buildings or french style doors look like." Helpful! I think I'm going to assume that this person is a) american (sorry if I cause offence) and b) architecturally challenged. The same person also commented that I shouldn't use the word "arse" as it's English. Ummmm. ok then. This review actually brought a smile to my face, so I suppose they're not all bad! Tee he he
Angel, how are you getting on with your own writing?
ShazzyLouLou wrote: "Sarah R wrote: "ShazzyLouLou wrote: "Sarah R wrote: "Yay shazzyloulou go for it, err which one are you going to try first? "I like the sound of the prune one! Am shopping later so I'll see what ..."
Appears he/she doesn't know his arse from his elbow! Take these people with a pinch of salt, you know the one you throw over your shoulder when you spill some!
I did take a quick peek, I think it's a tell not show but with all the stuff I've been reading tell or show it's for you to decide, hence my advice to please you first!
or should that be ass???Definitely one of the more useless reviews I've had!
I would keep it at Arse!!I will take a look, might have to do it over the weekend for you, but not a problem. My writing is ok, just edited one of my short stories and made it a mini novella - still think there is more to be done on it at the moment.
ShazzyLouLou wrote: "or should that be ass???Definitely one of the more useless reviews I've had!"
I don't bother with reviews, sharon reads for me, my editor will read through and find the things we miss and tell me what's to be done to make it flow better.
These are the people I trust, because they're paid to get it right. If they miss stuff it looks bad on the publishers and I can stamp my feet and do my primadonna act and make them re-print!
Your story is based in London, so it's most definitely arse!
Darkangel wrote: "I would keep it at Arse!!I will take a look, might have to do it over the weekend for you, but not a problem. My writing is ok, just edited one of my short stories and made it a mini novella - s..."
50,000 shades of Na,na, na,na, nana hey Jude? Nanowrimo or whatever it is!
Lol mines based in France and Atlanta the American's say holy shit, the French say merde!
Darkangel wrote: "I would keep it at Arse!!I will take a look, might have to do it over the weekend for you, but not a problem. My writing is ok, just edited one of my short stories and made it a mini novella - s..."
Sounds good! At least you're getting somewhere!
@Sarah, yes I see your point about editors. Unfortunately, cash flow is a slight issue at the moment. I guess I want to get it to look as good as I can before going down that road.
I'm sticking with arse!
ShazzyLouLou wrote: "Darkangel wrote: "I would keep it at Arse!!I will take a look, might have to do it over the weekend for you, but not a problem. My writing is ok, just edited one of my short stories and made it ..."
Lol I understand cash flow, living on a pension! If your book is accepted by a publisher and they are prepared to back you to the hilt (rare these days I know) the editor comes in with the package. They won't print until they have what they want!
Alain has had lunch and gone to supervise the arrival of electricity in the house! There are no sockets, lights or switches yet but it's a start! He is ordering the insulation next week and starting to insulate the roof and walls upstairs.I am charged with the delivery of the old fridge to the Wendy house later!
Sarah R wrote: "I am charged with the delivery of the old fridge to the Wendy house later! "LOL! That'll be nice for you!
We've got a handy chap coming in next week to render our outside walls. Seems a bit silly I know, given that the inside is just a shell, but apparently the obra (works licence) our builder had was just to replace the roof tiles, not knock half a building down , build it up and stick a roof terrace on top. Madness? Yes, but this is Spain. According to the Mayor (who issued the licence in the 1st place) if we render it all then the technicos (structural surveyor type people who could just drop by for an inspection) wont be able to tell what is old and what is new! Ah the joys of rural spain. You scratch my back and all that is definitely the way to go over here! Still very old-school in their approach to just about everything. We see it as corruption, the Spanish just see it as part of life!
ShazzyLouLou wrote: "Sarah R wrote: "I am charged with the delivery of the old fridge to the Wendy house later! "LOL! That'll be nice for you!
We've got a handy chap coming in next week to render our outside walls..."
Lol our walls are due to be rendered at the beginning of August, Jose a friend of ours is doing for us! Friends like that you keep close by!
@Angel you have mail chapter 28 is in your box!
Have already read it! - wait scrap that, clearly not getting notifications again!
Darkangel wrote: "Have already read it! - wait scrap that, clearly not getting notifications again!"No me neither, not a clue what they're up to!
I started twenty nine, but I have to deliver the fridge to the house and then take Sophie to see her friend for a while.
Have a nice weekend and hopefully you should have 29 on Monday first thing!
Darkangel wrote: "I look forward to it."It's going to be another pearler!
Morning ladiesSince you two have read 50 shades, I thought you might be interested in this review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I thought the review was hilarious. I still have Shades on my TBR list, but the more I read about it, the more I think I shouldn't bother.
What are your thoughts?
ShazzyLouLou wrote: "Morning ladiesSince you two have read 50 shades, I thought you might be interested in this review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I thought the review was hilarious. I still ha..."
Personally I would wait until someone gives you the book FOC, that way you won't have wasted £20 +!
I only read books 2 and 3 in the vain hope they would get better!
Morning Shazzy LouLou, thanks for sending some of your lovely sunshine to Brittany. Now it's too bloody hot to sit out in it! Can't win, I burn so now I am on vampire duty,and only come out at night!
Around 7 the breeze picks up and I dare venture outside without risking sunstroke!
P s I think the reviewer was being too kind, and I totally agree a virgin,in this day and age! Must have been a real dog! Not sure how the reviewer worked out Grey had a big dick though - I don't remember anyone mentioning the size. Lol I bet it wasnt as big as the man who was stopped by customs in San Fransisco Airport - a whopping 13 inches in action almost 10 dormant! Now that really would tickle your tonsils!
Morning HunHow are you this fine, sunny morning?
Have you read 29 and 30 yet? Didn't I work hard this weekend!
Not according to Alain I didn't, apparently sitting at my keyboard writing the next No 1 best selling novel doesn't count - not until he sees the colour of the money!
Sarah R wrote: "ShazzyLouLou wrote: "Morning ladiesSince you two have read 50 shades, I thought you might be interested in this review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I thought the review was h..."
Don't worry - I have it on download from a friend FOC. No way would I be spending £20 on it!!
You're very welcome to the sunshine - now you know what its been like here for months! My tan is paler now than it was in "winter!" Today is blissfully overcast and much more bearable. I'm sure you could still get burned it, but at least you wouldn't feel like someone set you on fire till later in the day, not as soon as you step foot outside.
Sitting at a desk does not constitute "hard" work. Hmm I think Alain and Simon may be kindred spirits. I work full time but as it involved being stuck behind a desk and physically attached to a phone, it is not the same as "real" work. Harrumph!
Good news this end. I finally managed to sort out 18 months worth of tax rebate (I've been in Spain that long but HMRC have still been taxing me in UK). So now we should have more than enough to get our bit (the top floor of lounge, kitchen, master suite, office) finished much sooner than we thought and we can move out of the s**thole! HURRAH!
Hi ShazzyloulouI have read your first 2 chapters and I have to say I love them. Does give you that feeling that you want to know what is happening.
How are you today? Guess what, I got slightly burnt on Saturday, was only in the garden for 30mins - LOL
Darkangel wrote: "Hi ShazzyloulouI have read your first 2 chapters and I have to say I love them. Does give you that feeling that you want to know what is happening.
How are you today? Guess what, I got slightl..."
I just got the notifications. Thanks for taking the time to read them. If you read on, I'd be interested in your thoughts about Gideon. I'm struggling with making him strong enough - which actually was a surprise. I've made some changes, but I'm not sure I'm entirely happy with him. Ho hum.
Sun burn? In England? I don't believe it! :-)
We've had a blissfully overcast morning and everything has been far more pleasant and bearable. My tan is fading fast - I was far more brown in April and May than I am now, its just been stupidly hot and I haven't wanted to sit out in it. Stupid I know!
Still, at least you've prepped yourself for Turkey. Don't forget the lotion next time!
PS - that doesn't mean you have to read on!
Oh I will, Even Sarah will tell you the thirst I have for reading ;o)
Darkangel wrote: "Oh I will, Even Sarah will tell you the thirst I have for reading ;o)":-)
LOL!
Oh - Sarah, I went to the butchers fully prepared, translation in hand, only to find they didn't have any rabbit! DOH! The first time I've gone with the intention of buying some and they didn't have any. It must be a first - seriously - they ALWAYS have rabbit on offer.
Ho hum, will try again next week!
Hey fellow struggling writers, I have posted the first chapter of a fantasy novel I outlined almost 7 years ago. Looking for "beta testers" to read it as I get chapters finished and give me honest, unbiased, constructive feedback. Thanks!http://www.goodreads.com/story/show/3...
Hi LarryI will take a look at your story, though possibly not till the weekend.
I've been using a site called www.reviewfuse.com for review purposes on a chapter by chapter basis. After a rocky start - I received a completely unhelpful review from someone who clearly didn't like the genre and couldn't be bothered to give constructive criticism, everyone else has been brilliant. Not everyone will tell you your story is the best thing they've ever read, but they are usually very good at providing comments on how you can improve.
For every 3 reviews you receive you are asked to give 4 (on the free account). You are rated on your reviews and you can rate the reviews you receive. For fiction, the categories you receive feedback on are; general thoughts, plot, characters, mechanics, dialogue, chapter ending. There is also opportunity to give "in line" comments, whereby you can give specific feedback to each part of the writing if you wish - I find these particularly helpful.
My friend on here isn't so keen on this kind of review, but it is working for me. Obviously you can't take everything to heart as different readers want different things, but in general it's been very helpful.
Give it a go!
I'll check it out and see what it's like, thanks!ShazzyLouLou wrote: "Hi Larry
I will take a look at your story, though possibly not till the weekend.
I've been using a site called www.reviewfuse.com for review purposes on a chapter by chapter basis. After a rocky..."
Good! and you? I'm sitting beside a fan becuase I'm sweating buckets! I never thought I would say this, but i wish it would rain!
Come to England, we have loads of it, but saying that, the sun has finally graced us.
Eva wrote: "Good! and you? I'm sitting beside a fan becuase I'm sweating buckets! I never thought I would say this, but i wish it would rain!"Darkangel wrote: "Come to England, we have loads of it, but saying that, the sun has finally graced us."
Morning ladies
Yay the sun is shining here again today, why am I so happy I don't go out until evening, far too hot for my poor old sensitive skin. We filled the pool for Sophie, no water shortage thanks to all the rain we've had up until this week!
She is now wallowing in the pool has been for half an hour, we put a gazebo over it to protect her from the sun! She should have cream on though! I'll go and check her out in a minute!
It's cool in the house though, and I have minimum clothing, strappy t shirt, skirt and knickers! I'm doing a Jo (office Jo) and letting em swing free today, I'm not moving from the house. Well I won't be able to prize Sophie out of the pool will I?
I didn't get any notifications yesterday at all, I kept logging on but there was no chat on my screen, bizarre!
Funny, I am wearing the same but I am not letting them swing free ;o) It is certainly nice to see that golden thing in the sky after months of rain. I think I need to join Sophie in the pool ;o)
Sarah R wrote: "I didn't get any notifications yesterday at all, I kept logging on but there was no chat on my screen, bizarre! ..."I wondered where you got to! Baking hot here again today, but yesterday's cloud cover gave us some respite. Back to normal again today.
No luck with the rabbit - for the 1st time EVER, the butcher didn't have any! Will try again next week!
x
are you wanting to buy a rabbit? try the local market or if you have the chain carrefour there they tend to have them pretty cheap.
Eva wrote: "are you wanting to buy a rabbit? try the local market or if you have the chain carrefour there they tend to have them pretty cheap."Yes, they normally have it in Mercadona - our local supermarket, but they didn't have any when I went on Friday. Must be a first because they ALWAYS have it. The butcher in town didn't have any either. Must have been a popular dish last week!
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Struggling Writers
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I have a foolproof recipe for hot water crust pastry perfected by yours truly that works wonderfully on pork pies, can't buy the buggers here so I got roped in to making them when I lived in Normandy, Cornish pasties and sausages too!
I'd never made pork pie before and was a bit worried how many I would have to turn out before I got the taste just so!
I am so clever it would appear, first one perfect! Looked like a pork pie, smelt like a pork pie and tasted wonderful - Lol even she who didn't like the stuff ate it! but the pastry takes a little practice! Best using hot milk and water with the melted lard in it, secret is keeping the pastry hot while you work with it!
I have just been researching parachuting for chapter 28, Lol should have asked my daughter what hurtling towards the ground with a parachute that she couldn't remember how to open was like! Stupid child remembered just in time but still hit the ground and winded herself the instructors thought she was dead!
Good luck with the Spanish butcher, it's called tunnel boning can be used on chicken, duck and wabbit!