Sunday, 3 January 2010
Off to Brixham
Getting ready for a week in Brixham, Devon. This is a birthday treat from husband Al, so packing and checking we've got all neccessities, like parking ticket, warm clothes etc. The company we've booked with also run a competition. You write about your holiday, then email it to them when you get back. So I'll take notebook and pen and see if inspiration strikes. Also taking my knitting. A peach coloured jumper that will be cheerful for the spring. Must remember to get a new memory card for my digital camera. Off for a lovely Italian coffee now in the new perculator... Mmmmm...
Friday, 1 January 2010
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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