September 2008 Archives

The problem with short breaks is facing your email inbox on your return - mine were absolutely overflowing especially as I belong to three online writing groups. Among them was a link to the Guardian newspaper website's How To Write series. I haven't had chance to read everything but there are articles on scriptwriting, comedy, poetry, journalism, historical writing and writing for children.

Here is an opportunity for young people aged 11-19 in Liverpool to develop their writing/performance skills.
Liverpool Young Writers Project, in partnership with Connexions, is looking for Merseyside's budding young writers, poets, M.C.s and performers
Project Manager Wayne Blackledge said: "We will be delivering weekly evening workshops that aim to develop young people's skills and confidence; culminating in a major live show next spring and the possibility of having their work in print. We offer one-to-one support for all participants. We will also be taking the group to various writing-based events in the city. Upon completion of the project, participants will recieve a Bronze or Silver Arts Award accredited by the Arts Council."

The Cat House, Riga
Sorry I haven't been around for a few days, I've had a busy week. First of all I lost my purse which was just horrible but thankfully a very kind person found it and managed to get it back to me. Then the next morning (far too early) I jetted off for a short break to Riga, Latvia.
Riga is a fantastic place with a very photo-friendly old city - I've taken lots of pictures which I need to sort out. I also sampled the local fare and particularly enjoyed a meal in Rozengrals a Medieval-themed restaurant. I'm sure the atmosphere will come in handy for a story. It was in a candlelit cellar with rustic tables and staff in authentic dress.

I like to tell you about short story competitions but here are two where the deadlines have already passed. I'm still mentioning them as they have sparked some criticism on other blogs and forums because of their terms and conditions.

I've found a cool little fun site for telling animated stories using Elastoplast sticking plasters which might appeal to children who want to be illustrators or graphic novelists when they grow up.
The theme is 'Every Elastoplast Tells A Story' and although the competition deadline has passed children can still make up stories just for fun.

I haven't much to report at the moment I'm still keeping busy writing short stories and now have eight out for consideration. I have one which I have written about 500 words of but don't quite know where it's heading and I started another one on the Chester Park and Ride this morning.
I'm finding a lot of the time I'm coming up with a title first, being a sub-editor I have to come up with a lot of headlines so thinking up titles seems to come relatively easy to me. The latest is called 'Moving On' and the one I'm struggling with is called 'Just Desserts.'

This week I've been working from Chester - a lovely city - and while out at lunchtime I spotted they're about to have a literary festival. By coincidence this morning I received an email telling me about the forthcoming Liverpool Literary Festival. So here's a little information on both if you fancy going.

I took a lieu day this week to attend a BA Festival of Science talk by Dr Paul.M.Chapman of Hull University. The topic was underwater exploration and the focus was on a new computer programme that will allow the general public to see what it's like at a shipwreck site. My fourth Dr Midas book will be centred around diving so this was a great introduction to underwater archaeology.