Once again, the last board reaches its limits...only too happy to start another of these arenas of inspiration!

I did wonder if the last muse thread was going to on and on and on and on.....wow it stopped :o

My week is getting there - busy setting up next year. Feels too early to be doing it, but then everything seems to be early around me - end of year concerts, babies being born (2 premmies in the past 4 weeks - one 9 wks early the other 2 or 3 wks), organising what I'm doing next year (sheeesh committees).

Somewhere in all that din, my characters are banging away on the doors asking to be let out - if I don't promise them some swim time soon they are going to revolt I'm sure!

Dale sounds good re your writing -yay.

Working on NaNoWri Mo right now, got some catching up to do after a sick weekend, but getting there.

And getting healthier by going to the gym four mornings a week.

Kylie

Still in wonder at the moment, guess I have to now pull my finger out and get going with the second book again.

Can't beleive how things are starting to come together now. Your right Lou about the universe telling you things.

Its amazing how it works.

Nancy

So glad the universe is lining up for you, Nancy. About time! And I'm with you re the excercise, Kylie. I've started power-walking every afternoon - just half an hour, but what a difference it's made to my concentration and my energy levels. That endorphin thing is really addictive Nicky, you are one busy lady. How do you find time to write?

In my own writing news, I'm back to editing now that all the family/hospital stuff is sorted. Hoping to have my structural editing finished by the end of next week (fingers crossed).

Didn't get around to finishing NANO - found myself drawn to the more precious novel I was working on, and have so far written 12,000 words in the last week so I'm pleased with that. I've made my home my writer's retreat before the big move in late December.

Otherwise have been swept away by my 'favouritist' book "The Flying Book" by Keith Miller. Anyone have a book that just speaks to them? So while indulging it is also teaching me ways to improve my descriptors. My weakest point, I fear...and that's just bad news when words are all you're working with.

As for the story itself...another case of 'who the hell are you?' when I started writing in a new character. People whom I thought were sober and collected have just turned into the 'bad boys on the weekend' in a sense. Quite a surprise but laughing at my own work has never been a bad sign so far.

Saw a poster of 'Ariel - The little mermaid' the other day. And I started thinking some very bad things that she might be doing. Oh dear. Must get my hands on your version when you're done Lou. Thinking strange things about a dear disney character can't be healthy!!

Enjoy the holidays!

I finished Nano, 50k not book, but have found in the last week since it ended hard to get back into it. I figure it's because I'm trying to write the chapters I skipped because of a block and also partly because I did write The End. (I didn't mean to, but it is the correct place.)

So yesterday I wrote Cafe Muse. DH read it and suggested a few changes and corrections. Will finish it this week and send it on.

Maybe writing something will stir the juices again.

Wow, Catrin and Dale, you guys have been busy! Glad to hear it. I used to find it incredibly hard to write during the school holidays, but now that my guys are teenagers, school holidays are easier than term-time because I don't need to drive anyone anywhere, or stop to make lunches etc (yes, I know, what am I doing making lunches for teenagers? Next year they're making their own!)

I'm deep into editing my mermaid now, working on the structure and some problems with credibility for a couple of characters, so once I have that ironed out, I'll be able to start line editing. Still hoping to get this manuscript to Selwa in January.

I just sold my latest book! Very excited. It is such a waiting game and it feels like an age since I have sold a book so I am over the moon. This one was under an editor I have never worked with before and its scary to thinkk you that you just might not mesh. But it seems we did. And now of course she's off on mat leave just like my last editor. Eek!

But still happy dancing!!!

Ally
http://www.allyblake.com

Congrats Ally.

Maybe your last editor will come back in time for the next book?

Thats great news Ally. So how many books is it now? I've read all the ones your published, and enjoyed the last one (dont think i posted a comment anywhere else)! Havent you got one with horses in it? I remember you saying something in another post - I hope you can sell that one, as i'll enjoy that even more given my utter love of horses!

On another note - I've discovered another Aussie fantasy writer that has a brillant writing style and imagination - her name is Karen Miller and her first book is called The Innocent Mage pulished by Voyager. Im half way through and am completely caught up in it. She has a website - www.karenmiller.net I recommend that you all find her first book. The next one is coming out in Jan 2006 - so not long. Its rare that I find a new author and by their book off the shelf and totally love it! Lou, you were one of those rare finds with Destiny and have only a few since - none of which are Aussie, but are brillant all the same!

Thanks for that, Timna. I'll get Karen's book and read it.

And CONGRATS Ally. It would be nervewracking working with a new editor. I'm so glad for you that it's worked out perfectly. And how young are all these girls that they're flitting off to have babies!!!

Never mind. Fingers crossed that the next editor has had all hers already

Thanks for the congrats!

Lou, they are all younger than me, I can tell you that! Now I am onto Editor number three, and she is a newlywed so watch this space... So wish me luck with current MS.

Timna, that was number eight. I did have one book with a horse in it (called Pino after the own of my favourite Italian restaurant ). It was called A MOTHER FOR HIS DAUGHTER which was in this last year's Mothers Day pack so you might have missed it. It's my fave book of mine, set in Italy, and even though it sold like wildfire being in the gift pack, I'm sorry so many of my friends missed it for that reason.

Love
Ally

I have that one Ally! Didnt make the connection.

I've got to get an airconditioner!!!!  Very hard to work in this Brisbane heat.  I've got an evaporative cooler (and if it was any closer it would be purring away in my lap) but it's just not cutting it today. 

Anyhoo, I guess what doesn't kill you... 

Oh, and on a work front, I'm still doing my structural edit on the mermaid story.  How's everyone else going?

I am so over sultry - wish I could move to Antarctica (then I'd have frostbite issues).

Writing has been dormant for far too long - too many other life things going on. However I'm making real attempts to get a routine going that involves it.

Good side is I'm actually naturally waking up before the boys and am getting things done - even if it's 'only' reading. Plus not as hot so I can think somewhat.

Busy side is D is moving in later this month - so I'm very very busy between imminent Sydney holiday, organising Gr7 stuff (get back juuuuuuust before school starts) and also undergoing the his/hers where's it going to fit/go/storage issues of merging houses. Ack and in this heat too (I must be nuts).

So the writing is tapping away in my head and I have deadlines this year. Woo Hoo - that will definitely help I'm very good with those around me (gotta love that sense of obligation).

Now if only I could work out how to write and swim at the same time.... (I think an awful lot when lapping and by the time I get home I have lost chunks of it).

Nicky

Ok Lou I am working on Crstal dreams here making sure that its perfect for Robert Stephenson so he can decide on representation. Around the end of Jan it will be off the En Vision Manuscript Service.

Working on two books at the same time Second novel and expanding Cafe Muse

Nan

I have a book due in about a month. So hopefully there is a slot a year from now they can firt me into if she loves the book. It's all a mad scramble for spots so fingers crossed!

Ally

Well I didn't get my book finished by the end of the year. I was originally hoping to have a first draft completed by sept/oct, but that was before I realised that there was a part three, several appendicies and a stack of examples that needed to be done as well. So, most of the book is done and I am working my way through the examples. When that's done there are changes that I know that I need to make. Then I need to be able to afford to get it professionally edited. I am hoping to get it done in the next few months but my enthusiasm for it is waning. I will finish it though, it just feels like I am not getting anything really done, even though I know that reading the books before I use them as examples is getting something done. A cold over the new year tended to sap my energies.

Karen Miller's book is great. I think the second was out in mid-dec. Apparently they release Jan bks a little early in time for Christmas.

Sk.

Well, I know I've been slack about posting here, but I've been busy setting up my manuscript development service and organising to start my MA (where I'll write Beauty and Mr Beast).

The mermaid story is still in structural edit stage, however I'm making progress and hope to be able to do more work on it when I move into my lovely airconditioned office in the Logan City Libraries where I am their 2006 Writer in Residence.  I really want it away to Selwa, so I'm a bit frustrated, but on the other side of the coin I want to keep it here until I've made it as good as it can be.

Patience, I guess.  Still learning that...

 

 

Thought I'd pop in and say I'm still alive and kicking. Incredibly busy at the moment. Feel like I'm living in a different world. This time last year I had set meditation times, walks every day etc. Now I barely have time to keep up with my emails, and making a proper dinner every night feels like a long forgotten memory (having two teenagers who aren't here every night for meals probably has something to do with that as well). So, the universe is showing me how much work I can fit into a day. Not sure what the end purpose of that is, but you don't get lessons for nothing. So I'm taking vitamins and going with the flow

How's everyone else going? Busy too? Muddy glasses? Writing away diligently? Procrastinating? It would be good hear.

Hi Lou and everybody else

Being incredibly busy can be a good thing, as long as it doesn't go on for too long. Been there done that! Glad to hear things are going well and it was terrific to see you at WordPool - loved your reading, not to mention the general, though quick catch up.

Myself, hmm. I can't say I'm busy as, but then I'm not allowed to. I have taken on a little more work (all school hours Tue now instead of 1/2 day) but so far so good. Learning to live with someone else again has taken some time and we're getting there (though I miss not having a writing space I can call mine - even a door would be good).

Writing. Argh! Words to put to that would be frustrating, annoying, exhilarating, and my favourite phrase - 'creative torture'. The YotN is going well at the workshops. The time in between not so much. I know I set high standards for myself, but in this body it's a dangerous mix. Last Wednesday I was ready to quit, walk away and never touch it again, then Friday did 3,500 words in a short morning - I take it this is the joy of writing lol . I'm no where near where I wanted to be before the next w/shop and everyone tells me 6 weeks (split into 2 blocks) of viral illness is a reason not an excuse - I beg to differ (even if I was ill in June then relapsed after caring for son). I know life happens and intervenes with the best laid plans, but still, I'll learn eventually. Perhaps.

However, I cannot imagine not doing writing and I'm as determined, if not more so, to keep at it and finish the whole series now. But, the wonderful news the actual act of writing I no longer find as exhausting, having a semblance of what I'm meant to be doing helps enormously. Now if my body agrees with me, we (body & mind) can get on with it!

Nicky
PS that went longer than I thought. Ce la vie.

Well doesnt time fly.
I just popped in to tell you all some exciting news. Since this forums conception i have been a diligent uni student, working my way through one degree and now a grad dip. Finally, seven years later, its paid off with a great job that will give me time to write and hopefully get published. Im actually going to work for my university as a technical officer in the new veterinary program down there in Wagga. Have only just been offered the job so its all hands (my hands) to pack up my life and move back to Wagga. Mind you my life is one huge bookshelf of books, one horse, one cat, one dog, and all those clothes shoved in the wardrobe! Good thing i own a ute!
On the writing front - well since finishing Winter's Charm in June I havent done anything... just uni work - and the last subject at that. Still waiting for WC to mature and then i'll edit it again and send it off to the targeted publisher. But for now im happy to go and work at uni and play with my horse (thats the second born 'baby').
Cant wait to see where life takes me next!

That is great news, Timna. All those years of hard work and dedication have finally paid off. I remember when we first started chatting on here all those years ago, you were so busy and I admired you heaps. What with study, your horses, your job, your writing... We should throw a party like we used to!
Glad it all worked out.

deb

Nicky, so pleased you had a good writing morning to feel you'd redeemed yourself, but your friends are right - 6 weeks of illness is a "reason". Glad you're feeling a bit better now. And glad the Year of the Novel workshops are helping you. I'm really enjoying the series I'm teaching. Great to work with a group of dedicated writers to see them through from Chapter One to The End.

Timna, wow, you're all grown up, girl! I so thrilled for you that all that hard work at uni has paid off and you've got a great job working where your passions lie. Now all you need is a writing career as well, and it sounds like you're taking all the steps to achieve that. Life is so full of potential when you're young(er).

Deb, glad to see you pop in, but you didn't tell us how you were going! What's happening up in beautiful Toowoomba this cozy and creative winter? Editing? New chapters? Spill.

I'm off to the Romance Writers of Australia Awards Dinner tomorrow night at the Gold Coast. They're having the conference up here this year, and I'm really looking forward to frocking up and seeing all my romance writing mates. The dinner itself is rather swish (we girls do love to dress up) so that will be fun. And I've just found out that in September I'm off to sunny Townsville to do some Masterclasses and panels at "Write up North", the innaugural Townsville Writers Festival.

Cool

Lou, I'm getting on with the new beginning of my MS - it's shaping up nicely. I am also off to another writing retreat with my Group - this year we have Jack Dann and the editor, Annabel Blay as our tutors. Should be a great few days. Lots of wine, writing and late nights I'm sure.

Sounds great! Except for the wine. Unfortunately I came down with a lurgy just before the RWA conference so I didn't get to go last night. Still feeling sorry for myself tonight. Never mind. As Scarlet would say "Tomorrow is another day!"

Sorry to hear that you couldn't make the RWA con. I know how much you love attending that convention. Hope you are feeling better now.

deb
http://grieveshaunt.blogspot.com/

Timna, congrats on finishing your course!!!! Has it been that long? Phew! Great news on the new job as well. Excellent!!!

Nicky, it's so hard not to be extra tough on ourselves and on our work. Part and parcel of the game I think. One of the most liberating things is letting something go - out into the big blue yonder, for a publisher or agent to get a hold of. Can really give you a push or shove one way or another???

Hi Deb!!!!!!!!!!! Oooh, I'm so jealous of your retreat! Sounds fabulous. Writing, wine and wonderful good times. A bunch of friends and I keep promising to throw one for ourselves but it never quite happens. Sigh...

I just sold my 11th Harlequin novel last Friday night. This was was extra exciting as it was quite a departure for me. I usually write the sweet stuff, with the baby blue covers, but this one was a sexy book and will have a red cover! Part of a brand new line coming out here as Sexy Sensation. Like Sex in the City on the page. Very exciting stuff!

I am also darned excited that my footy team - the Collingwood Magpies - are in the finals!!! (Sorry Deb ) Another higlight is that I contributed a piece to a brand new book about the club called 'The Barrackers Are Shouting'.

Anyhoo, so nice to hear what you've all been up to!!!

Ally
http://www.allyblake.com

Congrats on your 11th sale, Alyson. Woohoo, sounds like a sizzler. I love Sex and the City.
Yeah my football team is so in the pits these days. I can't believe it - they used to be on the top of the ladder...

deb

Great to hear from you Ally, and can I add my congratulations too. Eleven books is just FAB. You're so productive. Wish we'd had the chance to catch up at the RWA conference but it just wasn't to be

Deb, how long till your retreat? I've just heard I'll be going off on a retreat with my QUT Masters cohort in a month, so that will be fab too. Lots of wine and rambling and hopefully Jason in his pirate suit They're still working on him to organise that.

Lots of excitement coming up for me too with the Brisbane Writers Festival next weekend and the Townsville "Write Up North" a fortnight after that. So I'll be a busy little writer for the next month, then hoping to settle into some solid writing (haven't I been saying that all year?)

Less that 2 weeks, Lou.

Here is the link to where we will be staying in Stanthorpe.

http://www.webstation.com.au/accom/helwig/index.htm

Looks very nice!

deb

Hey all,

Just thought I'd do a quick drop by. Been so busy, not a good idea taking on a tincy bit of extra work (tincy = 3hrs/wk). I seem to have too many things on. Had a flying and huge weekend in Sydney too - crammed way too much in but it was good doing the catch up thing.

Deb it looks great. Does that mean not a huge drive for you? I'm terrible with distances. My father & stepmother are in Stanthorpe so I know that distance but Glen Aplin from Toowoomba I'm fuzzy on. If it is shorter, yay!

Jason should done his pirate suit. There is a writer with a hugely full plate (we're doing YotN together).

Speaking of, got a great crit (I was at first semi disbelieving *lol*) on my pages. Was great and scary simultaneously.

Ally woo hoo - I see how you write, write, write and think I wish I could get that discipline happening! Congratulations.

Hope everyone else is well.

Nicky

Deb, it looks fab! I'm so envious of all the organic food (well, not the sausages) but the vegies and freshly baked bread. Mouth watering here and it's 4:30am, so a while before I can have breakfast!

Have a lovely relaxing and productive time. The two are not mutually exclusive - I find I'm far more productive if I'm relaxed and telling myself I have all the time in the world, however the deadline thing is more liable to get me up at 4am

Thanks Lou and Nicky.

I don't much like the sound of sausages either. Hope they have something other than those for meat.

The sencond day we are going on a bus winery tour. That should be a real hoot. I bet not much writing will be done that evening...

deb

or...if any words make it down, um, anywhere (I will not discount serviettes/tissues/paper scraps), I'm sure at the time it will be viewed as the best writing ever

then... the morning after occurs and trying to work out what letters the scribbles represents becomes the new challenge

Cheers,

Nicky

Well, here i finally am, able to access the net from my new office (literary and physically). Am so glad everyone is being productive - i have been editing work recently and adding a bit to a new story, but still no luck in finding a home for Beastling.
New job - that is the paid one at the uni here (CSU), is going well. Very different to what I thought i'd be doing post graduation, but a good starting point all the same.
Congrats to you Ally on yet another sale! Will have to pop over to your new website and see when the latest book hits the shelves.
And Deb, hope your enjoy the retreat.

The retreat place looks gorgeous Deb. Will be beautiful at this time of year as well with all the spring flowers starting to poke out their heads.

Wish we could have caught up Lou! Sorry it didn't work out.

(I have a title for my sexy book now too "Getting Down to Business"! After all the brides, and mothers and fathers and marriages in my sweet titles I loooove this one!!!)

Ally
http://www.allyblake.com

I love how you can take the title two different ways, Alyson! Very clever.

Thanks, Timna. I hope the retreat will be fun, too.

deb

Hey guys, I'm back from "Write Up North" the Townsville Writers Festival and had a great time - all the info and photos on the diary section of my website if anyone's interested: http://www.uq.net.au/~zzlowen/diary2006.htm .

Am doing a Young Writers Masterclass on worldbuilding today, then after I finish assessing a really good manuscript (read a bit of it on the plane and really liked it) I'll be getting back into the Mermaid so I've got her finished and ready to send out to crit this weekend. That's exciting (and long awaited!). I've had this story on my hands for waaaaay too long, so am looking forward to putting it into Selwa's in the not too distant future

Guess who's finally finished her Mermaid structural edit?

Yay me!

So now I'm getting peer feedback and then I'll be doing my line edits and sending "Wicked Little Mermaid" off to Selwa so she (the mermaid) can find her own way in the world.

So looking forward to that!

Yay Lou!!! Woo and a big HOO as well Must feel reeeeeeeeal good.

It's odd how life moves, in the life stuff impacting on writing life and vice versa. I've had some not so pleasant times and am actually relieved at present to be receiving an extreme glacially cold shoulder. It's letting me get on with the rest of my life.

I wish I could say I'm nearing the end of my m/s for YotN, but I had a good/bad revelation whilst on my annual silent retreat. The good is I worked out the blockage, the bad is I'm starting almost over. Again. I worked out that I had been stalling at 37K in a YA length, no where near the middle because I was doing the wrong person's story :o The crit I received from Kim helped me to clarify what I was trying to see (and couldn't due to the seaweed forest).

The hyper good in all this? I have learnt a good strong lesson in trusting MY own instincts. Because the story has 'gone back' to my original main protagonist. The result is writing has become a lot 'easier'/smoother - it's moving and heck I may even have a 1st draft closer to a relevant YA word count Yay me (though I'm doubting getting it done by Sunday week * lol*). Aim is to have it done by New Year's

Hope everyone else is doing well.

Cheers,

Nicky

Sorry to hear about the glacial shoulder, Nicky.  Life sucks sometimes.  But glad you've found you can trust your own judgement with the storytelling process, even though the lesson has involved a lot of work .  Still any writing helps you improve your craft, so nothing is wasted

I've just come back from my Masters retreat with the QUT mob and had some fabulous chats with Jenny Fallon and Valerie Parv about marketing and just lots of writerly 'stuff'!  A fantastic, exhausting weekend, so no long posts from me tonight.  But suffice to say I'm inspired, if not bouncing around with energy (must be that mountain air...)