Screenscribbler

Wednesday 30 November 2011

Henley's revisited.

It seems I have a lot more work to do on Henley, having been given good sound advice on structure and characterisation within the context of a farce stageplay plus pointing out some more obvious gaffs on my part.
So I have plenty of work ahead of me. Henley's the ebook, may not take the reader in the same direction as Henley the stage play. I'll have to examine the structure of both individually before I dive in feet first. Add to that I have just completed a short story to submit to the Verulam Writer's Circle conference competition. This will be my third VWC conference.  It is complete and I have plenty of time to make it shine as the conference is not until Feb 11th next year.  http://www.vwc.org.uk/getwriting2012.php. It's at Hatfield University, easily accessible by road and rail. I've booked my ticket today. If you want a three minute pitch to an editor, agent or publisher, book now as places are fast running out. Just make sure you have done your research to ensure you are pitching to the right person for you. All the info can be found on the website. If your going let me know and I'll see you there.
Gym is going well. Lost over a stone in weight so far. I'm hoping my increase in physical agility will improve my mental agility. 


Tuesday 22 November 2011

I've got rhythm, I've got... what is it?

I'm enjoying my novella project so much it might even make novel status. I don't know what it is, but by the time I got to writing Chapter 3 I seem to have found what I can only describe as a rhythm. Others may say I have found my mojo, but it's more than that. It's hard to define other than a rhythm that is the pace when everything comes together apparently seamlessly. Chapters 1 & 2 haven't got it. I can tell by looking at them, but I can't describe what it is. What is it?
I'm not saying I have suddenly discovered the key to great writing. That's for a reader to decide. What I mean is  my words are descending gently onto the screen as if the descent of each word is controlled by a parachute instead of splatting them onto the page like they've been thrown from a great height.
At school I wasn't too keen on art lessons, and yet I had to leave school before I could discover that art was to become a big part of my life. Art at school was very controlled, precise and governed by rules. One would hope that times have changed in today's education system. I taught myself to paint, and my style was relaxed and fairly loose. You can easily see the difference between  tight controlled brush strokes and a painting that is free and easy in manner.
I have often used this analogy of comparing writing to painting  to help me understand better what I want to achieve and how I am going to achieve it. There are many similarities in both art forms and I would imagine a musician could probably compare his art to the written word or indeed any other art medium.
Whatever it is, mojo or rhythm, I'll enjoy it while I can and hope I don't lose it whatever it is. What is it?

Sunday 6 November 2011

Henley's Novella (First Draft)

Henley's Ricotta (the novel/novella) is my current work in progress. I'm determined to see this through to the finish despite having so little time at home and too much time at work. 
I've also got back into my gym, and have been very disciplined with my diet.
Anyway the first two chapters are posted for you to look at. If you do go there, please comment, criticise and don't feel you have to be nice. 
Good look to both Nari and HC who have both entered NanoWriMo. Maybe I should try and keep up with them and finish Henley's by the end of the month although I don't think it will make a full novel.
I hope you like Henley :-)