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Tuesday 29 December 2009

Mslexia Diary

I'm pleased to have the new mslexia diary.  It's inspirational for any writer.  Luckily I had a copy of the new writer's and artist's yearbook 2010 as well.  No excuses now.  My motto for the new year is this.

Two thousand and ten is the year of my pen.

Now, I'm off to write up a story of 2,200 wds for the Mslexia story competition.  Date for entries is end of January. 

Wednesday 11 November 2009

A Stately Visit

A stately Visit

Rolling hills drenched in purple heather, October bracken coloured of brandy snaps, heady pine scented air only begins to touch on the beauty of Cannock Chase. For Staffordshire’s of all ages the Chase is our tranquil heaven of loveliness.
Whether it’s a brisk walk with your canine pal, or a more meditative stroll; woodland pathways and hills will never fail to leave you refreshed and energised. After your revitalizing exercise, enjoy a welcome cheeseburger and coffee down the road at Milford. Or an ice cream if you’re not so hungry.
Adjoining the chase is the former home of Patrick (Lord) Lichfield. A drive into ‘Shugborourgh’ will prove memorable. For families with young children, an animal farm with a play park is available, where an open air picnic can be enjoyed.
Enter the estate through the walled garden. Workers adorned in period costume will answer questions about the eighteen hundreds. They’ll tell how they are paid beer not wages. “Not very good beer,” they add. A miniature train delivers you to the main hall. Alighting the pleasant trip, you arrive at the servant’s quarters. Here, find hidden gems around every corner. From the old lady spinning in a barn, to a replica of the kitchen, complete with maid knitting next an open fire. Fresh gridle scones topped with homemade gooseberry jam were cooking on the day we went. “Take a sample.” She smiles.
With working mill, farm animals; tearooms aplenty and superb gardens, Shugborough has charms each which way. A nineteen sixties photo gallery displaying Patrick’s personal collection including George Best, and Edward and Mrs Simpson are upstairs in the main hall. On display, his birth certificate showing royal connections.
You’ll leave with pockets of home- made fudge and liquorice sticks and a heart full of nostalgia.

Saturday 31 October 2009

Summer on the Heath

Working on my novella Summer on the Heath. Chapters 1 - 5 will be posted on here shortly.

Monday 19 October 2009

Terry Pratchett

The book I am reading at the moment is Going Postal by Terry Pratchett.

Saturday 9 May 2009

Show don't tell

We always hear the phrase 'show don't tell' and for a long while I didn't get this. Now in this weeks People's Friend, I read a serial by Sally Wragg. It's about a football team. Reading this gave me a clearer idea of showing not telling.

A paragraph told of how a young man woke with a sound of a mass of buzzing bees in his head, when the cleaner threw open the door and stood there with the hoover in her hand. So instead of telling us he woke with a stinking hangover, she showed us that he sat up holding his head in his hands. The first part was last week, second this issue dated 9th May, and continues next week. A great example of show don't tell, and great writing from Sally.

Thursday 9 April 2009

My Weekly

I am over the moon to have an article on 'Portmeirion' in North Wales accepted by My Weekly. It will be in the issue dated 30th May. Happy Days.

Wednesday 11 March 2009

Short Stories & Poetry.

I am writing a collection of short stories and poetry. The collection is called ' just doodling'.