My plans for the third quarter

You may have caught my previous post where I reflected on my progress so far this year towards my annual goal. As we enter into Summer, I am evaluating where I am at and setting myself some new goals for the next quarter.

Social Media

Blog (Word Press):  To continue to post at least twice a week keeping to my content schedule as much as possible.  

Instagram:  To maintain the new connections I have made and continue to engage with them and share content about my writing.

Twitter:  Continue to share links to my content on Twitter and connect with writers on the platform.

Facebook page:  To brainstorm how I can use this to connect with more writers.

YouTube: To be brave and get in front of the camera and start sharing video content.  

Tumblr: Share Instagram and Word Press content to this platform.

Writing

Jewel of the Sea:  Enter into the Wattys.  Put novel out to Beta Readers.  Take part in September’s #PitMad.  Work on my query letter.  

Diamond in the Sky: Re-plot novel, edit existing version and write ending.

Festivals:  Attend festivals:

• Felixstowe Book Festival
• YALC
• Wow-Con

Personal

Working Together Course:  Finish this course.

Crafts: Make time at least once a week:

• Planner:  continue to use Carpe Diem planner
• Pocket letter:  write another pocket letter
• Scrapbook:  Do at least one page
• Crochet:  Finish Aria’s blanket for her birthday

Read at least four and a half books by the end of September:  I have read three books so far this year.  I’ve started two books I have just not been able to get.  I will most likely buy new books at the festivals.

Development

Writer courses:  Continue to take advantage of any free courses that come my way if I have the time to do these.  

Resource book:  Buy another writing help book.  I am considering the Emotion Thesaurus.

What are your goals?

I shall review these again at the end of September.  I often feel like I haven’t achieved much until I acknowledge what I have managed to do.  Will you be setting any goals?

If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy:

My plans for the second quarter

Camp NaNoWriMo Diary (middle to end)

A local girls guide to Felixstowe Book Festival

        

Advertisements

from WordPress https://ift.tt/2LkC6i5

Point of View — Ally Aldridge

This article is about how to choose the best Point Of View for your story.

View point examples

Here are some examples of the view points you may consider using for writing your story.  It helps to understand these when making your decision.

NB:  These examples have a Halloween horror theme…

• First person:  when the whole story is told from their view point.  A good way to show their inner emotions and thoughts.  Uses “I” and “We”.

My clammy hand shook as I pushed open the door and gagged at the vile stench.

• Second person:  rarely used in fiction as it can sound like you are giving instruction but good for choice-adventure style stories.  Uses “You”.

As you enter the dimly lit room, the sharp smell of rotting corpses makes you gag.

• Third person:  the story is told as if you are an observer watching what is taking place – very useful for stories with many characters.  Uses “He”, “She”, “It” and their name.

There are different types of third person.

• Limited Third Person:  This will follow a MC but will give the reader the experience of watching what is happening, although it is still possible for the writer to share the MCs thoughts and feelings.  Sometimes called “Close Third Person”.

Her sweaty hand opened the door.  As she entered the room, she gagged at the vile stench.

• Omniscient Third Person:  The reader watches the scene as the writer tells them all the characters thoughts, feelings and background and can even share their own thoughts during the story.  Sometimes called “Distant Third Person”.

If she had any sense, the stench should have deterred her from entering the room.

Single Character

If you decide that the story will follow a single character then you will want to choose either:

First person:  Choose to write in first person view if it is important for your reader to know your character intimately.  You will need to share their inner most thoughts and feelings and they will have no secrets from the reader.

Limited Third Person:  Alternatively, you can choose to write in Limited Third Person view.  This isn’t as intimate but the reader is watching what the MC is doing and you can share their thoughts and feelings with the author.

Readers enjoy stories with a single main character because they can get to know them and understand their actions and reactions.   It is easier for the reader to form an attachment as they will care whether your character succeeds or fails and this keeps them engaged.

Multiple Character

If you choose to tell the story from multiple characters this can enable you to show more of what is happening and is less restrictive.

FirstPerson:   If you chose to tell the story in first person, make sure that when you switch between characters it is easy for the reader to follow. For example, you could start a new chapter or section that is headed with the new person’s name i.e. “Gwyn’s Point of View”.  In addition, you will need to ensure each character has a strong and unique voice so they are easy to identify.

Limited Third Person:   Similar things to consider as in first person, although, it can be easier to establish who is being followed as the writer can give the characters name within the narrative.

Omniscient Third Person:   This point of view is often described as being ‘god like’ as the writer knows and shares everything about the characters.  The writer can move from character to character within a chapter and is particularly useful when writing action.

Mixed:  You could use different view point styles for different characters to make it clear when the voice has changed.  The risk of this is that readers get comfortable with a certain POV style and if it is suddenly changed, it can throw them out of the story.

Readers can struggle with attaching to multiple characters as it doesn’t allow them sufficient time to get to know them and care about their conquests.  In addition, they may like one voice and not be able to stand the other voice which could ruin the story for them.

Which to choose?

Re-write

If you write a chapter and it’s not working, simply re-write it in another POV or from another characters perspective.  The change in voice could solve your problem.  Don’t be afraid to try a POV you’ve never tried before.

To see the original article, please click: Point of View — Ally Aldridge

If you enjoyed this, you may enjoy:

• How I edited my novel – 12 tips for self editing
• Comma ‘gain!
• Tips on naming your character
• Seven tips for querying agents

        

Advertisements

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2Y83PWQ

Goals: Progress Since March 2019

How I edited my novel – 12 tips for self editing

Jewel of the Sea – Chapter 29, 30 and 31

I am releasing the chapters so quickly now as I am just excited to get them out there.  The readers on Wattpad are posting the more encouraging comments. One even compared one of my chapters to Percy Jackson!

Have anyone compared your novel to another?

Click here to read chapter 29

Click here to read chapter 30

Click here to read chapter 31

If you enjoyed this chapter, you may like:

Jewel of the Sea – Chapter 28

Jewel of the Sea – Chapter 27

How to prepare for NaNoWriMo? #amwriting

Article writing for publication

        

Advertisements

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2IQFRbZ

Jewel of the Sea – Chapter 28

This chapter is very upbeat and happy.  It felt good to write something that wasn’t full of drama but it still has lots of feels.

Here is a confession, I have never been on a real first date.  You know the sort where you a guy takes you out to get to know you better. I was too young for my earliest boyfriends and then I fell for Rob who was my best friend and have never looked back.  Mariah and Jace’s romance is inspired in parts by memories I have of crushing on my best friend.  

Some people believe you have to write what you know but I believe that you should work with what you know to create something new.  I’ve never had lightening powers but I know what lightening is and I can imagine how it might effect my body if it was part of me.

Does your novel contain things you have never experienced?

Click here to read chapter 28

If you enjoyed this chapter, you may like:

Jewel of the Sea – Chapter 27

Jewel of the Sea – Chapter 26

How I got my son pedaling first try!

My baby girl. This post contains cute baby pics!

        

Advertisements

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2WJ1jES

#PitMad June 2019 Summary

Jewel of the Sea – Chapter 27

As I get closer to releasing the ending on Wattpad, I get more nervous.  I have put a lot of time and effort into my novel (I’m talking years) and I really want people to enjoy it.  

Originally the ending was the new midpoint.  My early version left ended on a cliff hanger as I wished to my readers wanting the next novel.  But, then I realised that is really unfair on my readers. 

So, I cut a lot and added a lot to make a new ending.  But, I still wasn’t pleased with the new ending.  It fell flat from how I saw it in my head.

I will confess, I do struggle with endings.  I don’t like saying goodbye to my characters.  But, I rewrote the ending and it is so much better.  I pray my readers feel the same. 

The new version is a whole story – no cliff hanger ending.  I have hidden elements within the novel to enable me to write a sequel for those that wanting more.  My plan is that by delivering a good debut that keeps its promises, my readers will want more and they will become fans.

How many times have you changed the ending of your novel?  Have you read a good novel that was spoiled by a poor ending?

Click here to read chapter 27

If you enjoyed this chapter, you may like:

Jewel of the Sea – Chapter 26

Jewel of the Sea – Chapter 25

My best kept writing secret of last year (Happily Ever Author)

A Group For Writers with a Side Hustle

        

Advertisements

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2Kccswh

Jewel of the Sea – Chapter 26

What Banned Books Week is all about

Jewel of the Sea – Chapter 25

A local girls guide to Felixstowe Book Festival

If you have decided to attend Felixstowe Book Festival then you are sure to have a great time. The program will tell you about all the events taking place and ticket costs but I am going to tell you about how to make the most of your visit to Felixstowe!

Where to stay

There is a variety of accommodation in Felixstowe.

We have two caravan parks (Beach Holiday Park and Suffolk Sands). Look out for Sun Holiday deals to make your visit a very cheap holiday.

There is a large Premier Inn a few yards from the beach, pier and hill that leads into town. It’s a great budget option for short stays.

For Bed & Breakfast you may like to stay at Castle Lodge. This hotel starred in the TV Show Four in a Bed and was once home to award winning crime writer Ruth Dugdall. It is still owned by her mother.

If you want to be in the heart of the action then The Orwell Hotel will be your first choice as many of the events are split between here and the library. The next closest hotel to town is the Brook Hotel (Best Western).

If you want sea views then The Fludyers Hotel is an excellent choice. This Edwardian building has been beautifully renovated with modern amnesties.

 

Where to eat

All the places to stay serve food, with the best for sea views being The Fludyers.  In addition, both the Library & Orwell Hotel serve food so you could eat right where the action is taking place. However, here are some more worth checking out:

My first choice has got to be The Mad House (caters for vegan and gluten free diets). This is new to Felixstowe but  literary fans will adore The Alice in Wonderland themed decor and being so close to the library.

Another cafe by the Library is The Oaks Tearoom. This little cafe has a sweet country decor and often full of fresh flowers.

A lovely restaurant near The Orwell Hotel is Cafe Bencotto for sit down food or if you are in a rush get a healthy take away at Spud Hut (serves vegan food).

Whenever you visit a British seaside town you must eat ice-cream and chips on the beach and in Felixstowe you will find plenty of choice. For homemade ice-cream my favourite is The Little Icecream Co and for chips is The Regal Fish Bar and Restaurant.

For sea views you can’t rival Boardwalk Cafe on the pier with outdoor seating. Other hot spots is The Alex Cafe Bar & Brasserie that sells great food but also has an upstairs restaurant.

Or for a cafe on the sea front try One29 Bar at the bottom of Bent Hill. If you venture into the spa gardens you may find Cliff Top Cafe which is a hidden gem.

Where to eat your lunch

If you brought a packed lunch or bought a take away then you’ll be pleased to know there are some lovely spots close by to town to eat your lunch other than a bench at the Triangle (the island in the middle of town).

A short walk from the Orwell Hotel is the Grove. This is a little woodland area with paths through the forest or a big field to sit and eat your lunch.

Another option is the Spa gardens. At the end of town (towards the sea) turn left and go through the gardens. There are lots of steps but it is possible to avoid them if you have a pushchair or wheelchair, etc.

Of course, there is the beach with benches along the promenade or just find a spot on the beach. If you have transport, you may wish to go to Landguard Fort or the Ferry for a different experience.

Book Shops

You can buy books from Charity Shops, WHSmith or The Works but why not check out these local independent book shops:

Richards Books: Sells secondhand books.

Treasure Chest Books: Sells secondhand and antiquarian books

Stillwater Books: Sells new books and some are signed by the author.

Don’t forget the festival will be selling books. These are usually sold at The Orwell Hotel or after author talks (where they sign them).

Stationery shops

You can buy stationery from WHSmith, The Works or Poundland but I would encourage you to check out Pierrot, a small local stationery supplier.

A little maps of where to find these shops on the high street:

If you enjoyed this blog post, you will enjoy:

Planner Meet

Alwyn Hamilton at Felixstowe Book Festival

Making Books

Spotlight on Summer Literary Dates calendar

        

Advertisements

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2XxXXpn

Jewel of the Sea – Chapter 24

Editing is coming to an end, just in time for PitMad.  I have been working hard on my pitch which I will share with you in a later post.    

I am now getting the final chapters of Jewel of the Sea finished and saving them in draft to be published on Wattpad.  I didn’t want to overwhelm readers by doing it all in one go.    

Does your personal life affect your novel writing – any tips for dealing with that?  Anyone doing PitMad this month? 

Click here to read chapter 24

If you enjoyed this chapter, you may like:

Jewel of the Sea – Chapter 23

Jewel of the Sea – Chapter 22

I went to YALC – did you?

Book Review: Who runs the world by Virginia Bergolt

        

Advertisements

from WordPress http://bit.ly/31beMsB

Book Review: Red Queen

Jewel of the Sea – Chapter 23

Last week, I was a little distracted and didn’t get as much editing done.  I was feeling anxious about my flexible working request to reduce my hours.  Today, I had the meeting with HR and it couldn’t have gone better. I was almost dancing out of the office.

I feel like a load has been lifted off my shoulders and can now relax and focus on my novel.  As a result, it is only Tuesday but already I feel this week is being so productive.  This is the second chapter I’ve edited and I’ve already made a start of the next chapter. Plus, I have been working on my Pitch for PitMad (Pitch Wars).

I probably won’t take part in PitMad on 6 June as I don’t think my novel will be edited in time, however, it doesn’t hurt to get my pitch ready.  You can join the PitMad Challenge Facebook group and get help from Kathy Ver Eecke on your pitch.  

Does your personal life affect your novel writing – any tips for dealing with that?  Anyone doing PitMad this month? 

Click here to read chapter 23

If you enjoyed this chapter, you may like:

Jewel of the Sea – Chapter 22

Jewel of the Sea – Chapter 21

#PitMad – October 2016

#PitMad – December 2018

        

Advertisements

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2HUVQGQ