I got back from Winchester this evening after a horrible drive, I really hate the M6 and the A34. Enough moaning! I had a fantastic weekend. I learnt so much and met so many wonderful, supportive people it was worth any amount of driving.
I had some good advice from Paul Bryers on how to develop a script I have been working on. I will develop it for radio as he suggested. Also I did an excellent workshop with Sarah Mussi, and, with guidance, managed to winkle out the selling point of a novel I have been working on. The title wasn't working either but I have chosen an exciting new title. My meeting with Kate Nash was enlightening, she saw immediately that the novel wouldn't sell as it was, but offered good advice on the steps I should take to make it more desirable.
At the presentation dinner, I chatted with several well known figures from the literary world and shamelessly picked their brains. Everyone was so generous. I am bursting with ideas and just want to write all night. Best of all, I got highly commended in the life writing competition! I squeaked with delight just to reach the shortlist but I am ecstatic to have highly commended.
I was a little alarmed to hear that there might not be enough funding to continue the conference for much longer. This is an important resource, a chance to learn, network and swop ideas for all writers and it would be a terrible shame to lose it. If anyone reading this went to Winchester, write and tell the University how good it was and how your writing has improved as a result.
Showing posts with label Winchester. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Winchester. Show all posts
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Friday, 24 June 2011
Getting Ready
I got my delegates pack for the Winchester Writers' conference today. Only a week to go. I have been organising my writing to take with me. I have the timetable of the lectures and my one to one appointments. I hope to be equipped to market my novel after that.
The weight loss isn't going so well. I've had quite a stressful few months so I'll blame that.
The weight loss isn't going so well. I've had quite a stressful few months so I'll blame that.
Friday, 3 June 2011
Writers' Conference v OU
I'm looking forward to the Winchester Writers' Conference next month. I have my one to one appointments and I have sent off some writing I want to talk about. I always learn a lot at these things. Even when I think I know as much as I can about something, I learn more. I am staying for the weekend this time. Normally I only go for the Saturday but I am travelling down on Friday and coming back Sunday night.
I've resurrected a script I began in 2008 called Blue Bird, perhaps it't time to develop it fully and get some advice on it. You never know, perhaps police stories will come back into fashion.
I have to concentrate on the OU for a couple of months now, just two more TMAs and the project to complete. I know what subject I'm doing so I just have to research it now. I don't expect to do well, I'll be satisfied with just a pass. I can't wait until September when I can start Children's Literature, which I wish I had done this year instead of the course I'm on. More people have complained to the regional office so perhaps they are getting the hint a lot of people are very unhappy with this course. Thank God it's the last run for it.
I've resurrected a script I began in 2008 called Blue Bird, perhaps it't time to develop it fully and get some advice on it. You never know, perhaps police stories will come back into fashion.
I have to concentrate on the OU for a couple of months now, just two more TMAs and the project to complete. I know what subject I'm doing so I just have to research it now. I don't expect to do well, I'll be satisfied with just a pass. I can't wait until September when I can start Children's Literature, which I wish I had done this year instead of the course I'm on. More people have complained to the regional office so perhaps they are getting the hint a lot of people are very unhappy with this course. Thank God it's the last run for it.
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
Disappointing grades
It's been a while again. My excuse is, I've been busy completing assignments for the OU and travelling (apart from all the house/life/job stuff.) The husband is working in Abu Dhabi again and I spent a couple of weeks out there, so I am very tanned right now.
The assignment has been marked and returned to me. not brilliant but better than last time. I know now that I am on track for a 2:2, which is a little disappointing as, until this module, I was headed for a 2:1. As I need a 2:1 to go on to study for MA Creative Writing at my local university, I have to make a couple of decisions. Do I settle for a lower second or should I do another module and try to get an upper second. Even if I do another module, there is no guarantee I would increase my grade as I would need to pass with over 70%. What if I don't get 70%? Do I go for another, then another module until I do? Perhaps there are some MAs that will take me with a lower second if I can show my writing is good enough. Then I think, why am I even thinking like this, I don't need an MA and a 2:2 is good enough, apparently most people get seconds. I have a couple more months to ponder on this.
I'm going to the Winchester Writers' conference in July. I first went a couple of years ago and loved it. Then I was interested in the "how to" lectures, but now I want to do the marketing and promotions lectures. "Unwanted Visitor" is available on Kindle and I am very pleased that I have a couple of fantastic reviews. (Thank you, kind people) and no, I am not related to them. Perhaps if I got an MA, agents would be more interested in my novels, but I write for pleasure as much as anything else. Hmm, I must have a think.
The assignment has been marked and returned to me. not brilliant but better than last time. I know now that I am on track for a 2:2, which is a little disappointing as, until this module, I was headed for a 2:1. As I need a 2:1 to go on to study for MA Creative Writing at my local university, I have to make a couple of decisions. Do I settle for a lower second or should I do another module and try to get an upper second. Even if I do another module, there is no guarantee I would increase my grade as I would need to pass with over 70%. What if I don't get 70%? Do I go for another, then another module until I do? Perhaps there are some MAs that will take me with a lower second if I can show my writing is good enough. Then I think, why am I even thinking like this, I don't need an MA and a 2:2 is good enough, apparently most people get seconds. I have a couple more months to ponder on this.
I'm going to the Winchester Writers' conference in July. I first went a couple of years ago and loved it. Then I was interested in the "how to" lectures, but now I want to do the marketing and promotions lectures. "Unwanted Visitor" is available on Kindle and I am very pleased that I have a couple of fantastic reviews. (Thank you, kind people) and no, I am not related to them. Perhaps if I got an MA, agents would be more interested in my novels, but I write for pleasure as much as anything else. Hmm, I must have a think.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)