23 Sep

I'm discovering that waiting for word of a publication date is almost as bad as the waiting for acceptance/rejection notification. Why that should be I couldn't say, especially as its only a couple of weeks since my lovely editor and I completed work on the manuscript. Resisting the temptation to email every person I know, have ever known, to tell them is getting more difficult by the day. I guess the waiting game is inherent with this choice of career.

Book in 50 days

The RWNZ is hosting a great motivational ploy encouraging its members to complete a book within a set time frame. Although I am usually very self disciplined when I write, I figure this can only help me keep on my toes. When ideas flow freely, its wonderful to imagine if we stick to this criteria of writing just 100 odd words per day, we could produce maybe even half a dozen stories a year. Hey, that could almost mean giving up the day job. Oh yeah, there's editing and rewriting and re-editing the rewriting again to do as well. Oh dear, but maybe three or four stories is achievable. Guess I'll find out soon, when I start my first experience of "Book in 50 Days" Happy writing.

Setting for new WIP

After a couple of weeks research, including picking the brains of my niece and her husband for juicy stories about the hotel industry, I've burst into chapter one. I have decided to set my story in Southland, around my home town of Colac Bay. Not sure if they'll retain their correct names, I've already renamed Riverton. I'm going to use the friendliness and spirited approach to life that Southlanders display to up the ante when a JAFA (translated to Just Another F hmm wonder what this signifies Aucklander) arrives to muddy the pot. We're constantly told by publishers they want different and unique. I'm taking a chance on following my all-time-favourite Essie Summers into setting stories away from the boring cosmopolitan setting which could be anywhere in the world. This story (hopefully) will have Southland New Zealand stamped all over it. Check out my website for some thoughts on Southland and why I'd want to set a story there. www.anneashby.com

Writer's Block

I recently caught a video clip of Phillipa Gregory and she had what sounded like a very sensible way to ensure the continuing flow of inspiration. Hmm maybe I should try walking until the muse returns next time I'm fighting to find what I need. What works for me either costs me petrol money - driving long distances, alone and without any musical distractions, or becomes uncomfortable when the body begins to resemble that of a very old and dried up prune. Yep walking sounds a better bet than swimming. Especially if the muse if being a little unco-operative and I'm going to spend hours.

But what about all those other peskie walkers who insist on exchanging cheery greetings as they pass? Wouldnt they destroy the concentration? Maybe this theory of unblocking writers block needs me to do a little more research before I change my tried and true methods.
Cheers