I am a writer...

This may look like some obvious declaration to the world but it's not. I shall explain, Mary Bradford http://marytbradford-author.blogspot.ie drew my attention recently to a great competition at http://www.carousel-creates.com . They gave us four words 'I am a writer' as inspiration to write a piece. As the very worthy winners have been announced, (big congrats to Hazel Gaynor, John McCarthy and Grace Tierney and those who were short listed), I’d like to share what I wrote with you. I found it a very worthy exercise. Perhaps it will give you cause to ponder, feel free to share your thoughts:

I am a writer…

I ask my computer daily if it is ready to consume the words I’m about to write. I can feel its anticipation and sometimes I can’t type fast enough for my brain.  Then other times sit there for ages with the cursor blinking, teasing, inviting but performance anxiety gets to me and nothing pops into my head. I revert on occasion to simpler tools and choose to use pen and paper. I can even sometimes feel the journey the words take from my brain, along my arms and out through my fingers.

It’s enriched me, initiating a wonder about creativity. I look at things different to how I used to. My awareness level peaks as I absorb things that surround me. They were always around me I just didn’t appreciate them.  Now, I don’t just read a book, I immerse myself in it. I don’t just watch a movie, I appreciate how it is constructed. I think about what the person may have thought when they wrote the script. How they sat down and put everything together.

It also awakened the critic in me. I find I edit everything, people speaking, reporters on telly, D.J.’s on the radio. It’s funny because I also edit myself. I find that I have to stop and spell the simplest of words that rolled off my tongue before.

Most of all I love the journey writing takes me on. By sharing it I can bring others along too. I don’t need a vehicle to transport my readers, I don’t need to tax and insure my computer or paper. It’s a free ride on an adventure because I am a writer.

Shattered Dreams - RIP Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe

Shattered Dreams

On entering the gates of the Garda Training College in Templemore, Co. Tipperary, Garda recruits have many dreams. They dream of making a difference, helping people, becoming Detective, Sergeant, even some day possibly, Commissioner.

Hitting the blue lights and sirens ensure rapid flow through a busy street or town. The adrenalin racing through the bloodstream when entering a dangerous situation induces thoughts of ‘who needs help?’ or ‘where are we needed?’ not ‘what could happen to me?’

The families of eighty seven Gardaí who looked on with pride as they graduated did not dream of walking behind the tri-colour draped coffin of their loved one. Those that trained and served with them never dream they will have to recall the steps of the funeral march to accompany their colleague’s remains.

Gardaí may dream of receiving a medal for bravery but never dream that their families have to receive it on their behalf.

RIP Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe

Five Sentence Fiction - Forgotten

The opportunity of lifetime arrived and I couldn’t wait. I joined the queue and looked around at the other nine lucky people who got this chance. ‘Make sure you bring your pass, no admission without it’, the instruction had been delivered clearly, so I searched my pockets.

My flimsy tissue crumbled under the weight of my tears as I’d realised I’d forgotten mine.

140 Character Story (Inspired by Twitter)

Senses fully alert as I stumble around.Can't find a way out.A film of rust lines my tongue.Hands grab me.Any hope of escape now gone.

Next Big Thing

Next Big Thing

Thanks to Mary Bradford I’ve been tagged for The Next Big Thing and I am delighted to be a part of this on-rolling blog. It’s been enlightening answering these questions and I hope you will make a return visit here or follow me on Twitter. https://twitter.com/@MarieOHalloran2

What is my Next Big Thing?

The next big thing for me is getting proactive with my completed novel. I’d love to get it out there and I’m doing research at the moment on the best publishing houses or agents to send it to.

What is the working title of your book?

The title of my first completed novel is Subtle Changes   

Where did the idea come from for the book?

There is more to domestic violence than the physical aspect. I decided to look at it from a psychological point of view. How someone can exert control and manipulation that way. Also, when someone falls in love how much they are willing to change to please a person.

What genre does your book fall under?

I feel it falls under Psychological Thriller, similar to Elizabeth Haynes ‘Into the Darkest Corner’. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9226039-into-the-darkest-corner a book I really enjoyed reading. It also received fantastic reviews.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

I didn’t have to think about this for too long. My main character, Stephen Jones is dark and complex. He is charming and ambitious with a lot of baggage. That being said I think Tom Hardy would be ideal. I loved him in the t.v. adaptation of Martina Cole’s novel The Take.

His love interest Fiona Hunt, an independent, strong character, who is looking forward to her new job, meets her boss Stephen and innocently gets embroiled in his baggage would be played by either Olivia Wilde or Jessica Biel. I think both these actresses are incredibly talented. Or come to think about it, an unknown actress might be perfect. I love Cillian Murphy and James McAvoy so I would find spots for them too. That would be my dream team.

What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?

Stephen Jones is grieving for his dead fiancée, Leanne, until he sets his sights on Fiona, who resembles Leanne and uses manipulation and her love for him to try to change her to be identical, both in looks and personality.

How long did it take to write the 1st draft of your manuscript?

The idea rolled around in my mind for ages. I wrote about 15,000 words and left it for about a year. Then I met Mary Bradford and Declan Kearney (pen name Daniel Kaye). They found me lodged under their wings and I claimed squatter’s rights! There’s no getting rid of me now guys. They inspired me to continue. So I managed to finish to first draft in about 3 or 4 months.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

I would have seen and read about domestic situations and ads on the internet promoting women’s awareness of when their partners are being too controlling. I decided to take this idea and write a story around it. It is so important to remember that if you are in a relationship like that to recognise the warning signs.

What else about your book might pique the readers’ interest?

Fiona is at odds with whether to start a relationship with Stephen. She cannot resist him and they get together. Unknown to Fiona, their relationship is fundamentally flawed by his underlying issues. Other characters have thing that they are dealing with, so there are other storylines interwoven in the book. Their distraction means his behaviour goes unnoticed. He starts to come apart when others realise what he is doing. She in in too deep when he starts to show his true colours.

When and how will it be published?

Shout out to publishers’ and agents’ out there. I’d love to be able to hold my published book in my hands. Any medium, eBook or print to get it out there would be great. I will be announcing as soon as I get offered a contract. That’s why I’m researching the most appropriate destinations for it.

This Next Big Thing is a fantastic idea. Answering these questions have made me think more about my book and getting it out there. It reminded me of how much I enjoyed getting to know my characters. So many thanks to again to Mary Bradford. Check out http://marytbradford-author.blogspot.ie/2013/01/next-big-thing.html?spref=tw Thank you too to previous posters Jillian Godsil and Susan Condon. Check then out at http://susancondon.wordpress.com/tag/jillian-godsil/ and http://jilliangodsil.com/ for previous posts.

Now over to my both creative and interesting fellow writers, watch their posts on Wed. 30th January 2013

Daniel Kaye

https://daniel-kaye.blogspot.ie/

https://twitter.com/@DanielKaye_

Roisin Peddle

@randomDescent

 

Competition Bug Bears!

Don’t you just hate it when competition entries aren’t acknowledged?

Taking time out from novel writing, to pen a few short stories, is proving to be a good exercise for writers block. Instead of leaving those little babies in my folder I’ve been giving them wings and sending them off to competitions.

Now, most of the time you get an acknowledgement in some form or another but recently I entered a very interesting one. The task involved continuing on the story from the point the posted piece stopped. I read and re-read the piece, did some research (wanted to show that I made a huge effort) and wrote my addition with great enthusiasm. It was a short piece but a great opportunity to showcase my talent and ability.

Five hundred words were typed with gusto, pasted to an email and sent. Then I waited and waited and nothing. (Not that I sat looking at the computer like a moron for a week, but you know what I mean) Not even an automated response email to acknowledge receipt. The only hint that it ended up somewhere, is that the email didn’t bounce back. It leaves me with no way of knowing if they received it.

I appreciate that owing to a large amount of entries to these competitions they can’t make individual replies to everyone, but surely an automated response to let me know it was received isn’t too much to ask.

So, do I resend and risk looking like stalker or do I leave it and count my losses?

Oh what to do?

Editing Dilemma Part 2

Well here’s the update, I decided to hold onto my manuscript because I got a rush of editing inspiration. This came after a rejection ((boo hoo) I admit though, I sent it out a tad too soon) but it turned out to be ‘nice’ rejection because the agent took the time to give me some very constructive feedback (thank you again nice agent).

I applied the advice combined with other bits I’ve received and something just clicked.  I also seemed to have left it long enough before revisiting, therefore approaching it with fresh eyes. I am currently a third of the way through but I’m enjoying the editing this time. 

So, maybe when it’s complete it could be good practice to put some distance and still give it to said trusted writing colleague (refer to previous blog post). With less sleepless nights (because my characters have quietened and I’m making less additions and corrections in my head at night instead of trying to sleep) there is less chance of getting arrested for breaking his door down to get my manuscript back or I could just hide it in the attic, but would I be tempted to peek.

Oh what to do?