CONSULTATION PLEASE - GRANDMA!

On Monday my youngest grandchild, who is all of 5 years old, decided he needed to consult with his me, his Grandma.  The message read we would talk in 5-10 minutes. When he hadn’t rung me within the allotted time, I was informed he would do so later as he was taking a ‘break time.’ I had to chuckle as his mother appreciates that as a mentor a lot of my time, especially these days, is taken up with online calls across various parts of the world. As such my time is usually pre-set.

Regardless he did decide to call me back to ask me a thought-provoking question – ‘did I like Bananas, Oranges or Strawberries the best?’ Obviously a very important question. Which has left me wondering what his home-schooling consists off? Still, he certainly lightened the mood of the day.

As it turned out my grandson wasn’t the only person I consulted with this week as the day before I finally managed to face-time with one of the younger writers I have recently been mentoring. At thirteen she has started a series of short story books aimed at the seven-plus age group. Her awareness of how the human race is treating our world has led her desire to educate other youngsters through her writing. She wants them to be more aware of what is happening to the wild animals of our world. And while it is just an adventure book, it clearly shows what many youngsters are thinking. Good on her I say.

Unfortunately, our discussion was not the happiest has I had to inform her that, at this moment in time, everything is on hold regarding the publication of her story. We won’t be able to progress any further with the publisher until this virus situation is clear and things return to normal. The upside is that she is on the publishers waiting list so, pleasingly, she was fully acceptable and understanding in her attitude of the situation. Mind you she did take the opportunity to bounce quite a number of questions of me relating to sales, promotion and marketing. Methinks this young lady has her head switched on and will develop into a bright young adult.

I must admit that being in lockdown hasn’t overly affected me too much. And even though my office is only a five-minute walk away I have been adhering to the rules of staying indoors and social distancing. I’m not sure my hubby is pleased and/or disappointed by this turn of events. Only time will tell haha!

In the meantime, I have worked hard. I’ve reviewed a short story and a poem for two competitions; reviewed and edited a novel as well as added to a novel of my own which I have been working on for some time. Hopefully, I will get this finished soon. Add to that the creation of forty podcast manuscripts and you could say lockdown is working well for me. Next job is to set up a recording studio in the spare bedroom to start recording my podcasts. Should be fun!

If you are bored and fancy a challenge then why not have a go at the Mentoring Writers Writing Challenge. Entry is free and is open to anyone, writers or not, of all ages as long as you follow the rules. Check out this link for full details: www.mentoringwriters.co.uk/challengerules.html Deadline is 30th June.

Go on… give it a go. Winners will be included in a Children’s Short Story Book to be published later in the year.

WHAT IS A ‘PALKANA’?

It is surprising how one can travel to the other side of the world only to find oneself sitting next to someone who actually lives not far away from you. This proves the world isn’t as large a place as we think. And can also often lead to interesting conversations. Travel is also an adventure which will open one’s mind to many new and exciting experiences. And, in truth, as long as you don’t look with your ‘eyes,’ (ie your prejudices or ideas) then it will.

As an author you can benefit from the joys of travel as it will give you the basics for your writing. It can generate new ideas, scenarios, characters, plots etc. Each adventure is a new story, or part thereof, in the making. As the author you are in control. Make of it what you will.

Recently I spent some time with my family in Australia. If you’ve never been ‘down under’ then let me tell you, like most places anywhere in the world they have some of the most unusual names for things. Particularly when it comes to naming their towns and villages. Perhaps its something to do with their Aboriginal heritage. Think of ‘Palkana’ or ‘Yileen.’ Most unusual.

While out driving my daughter and I began to put the names of the places we passed against the characters of different animals. The intention being that I could use these in one of my future Little Friends children’s story books. We even discussed what each animals’ individual characteristic feature would be. The exercise proved not only to be a lot of fun but also quite informative. It just goes to show that inspiration for writing can come in many formats and from a variety of ways.

So, remember, whenever you get stuck and need some new ideas for your writing, stop, look around and observe what is happening in the world around you. It may surprise you what is happening and how it will inspire you to write.

ALLY BLAKE WORKSHOP

This is Part Two of a series of blogs I should have been writing from 1st June.

Being ‘down under’ for nearly three months visiting family means filling my time when they are working or doing their own thing. This year I decided to make some pre-arranged meetings with local Gold Coast authors and members of Queensland SCBWI – the Society of Children’s Book Writers & illustrators.

Having made my links prior to leaving the UK I was delighted to meet up with a few of the ladies from The Ten Pennies writers’ group. They have been around a few years now and have written a collective of short stories for young adults with some success. One of the ladies, Marion, invited me to join her at Broadbeach Library where the Australian writer Ally Blake was giving a Romance Writing Workshop.

                                                                                        

Ally has been a Mills & Boon UK author for some time, having just written her 36th book and regularly does these workshops. She is a very popular speaker and at only $5 (approx. £3) the two-hour event, with a cup of tea/coffee was well worth the visit. I was, along with all those attending, fortunate enough to receive a copy of the workshop notes.

The workshop was open to all and was sold out very quickly with a waiting list. I was fortunate to attend but then I did plead the cause that I was a UK author visiting Oz. Maybe that helped a little?

                                                       

                          ALLY BLAKE & MYSELF               LADIES FROM THE TEN PENNERS GROUP

As a SCBWI member I regularly attend similar workshops in Cardiff with the members of the Welsh faction and find them both enjoyable and informative. Whether you are an experienced writer or a novice such events are a benefit. So, check your local library and internet for similar workshops and go along. Apart from learning a few things you also get to meet some fabulous people.