Suzy Henderson

So many to choose from but here's another good one. It's hosted by Harlequin and the website is as follows: http://www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com/ Check it out - might just be of interest to some of you. Of course it's romance and the niche of Mills and Boon so if you're into sci fi or murder mystery, then it's probably not a possibility. I'm not sure that my work fits the criteria either. It's a shame because I'm up for submitting my work left, right and centre, literally. They also have a useful forum over at Harlequin where you can get advice regarding your manuscript. They call it a 'three month prep class.' Some writers might find this very beneficial. It's certainly worth a look. Best of luck to all who enter.

I know that I've already mentioned that I'm writing my first novel but my mind is always searching for the next big story. I'm afraid it's impossible to switch off and I have no control over it whatsoever. Clearly that will be the subconscious department. Darn it's tiring. So, what will be the next big story? There are so many to tell and I'm speaking here of historic tales - it's always historical I'm afraid because that's the way I'm programmed. Yes I've thought about writing thrillers or murder mysteries or even sci-fi, but it's just not me. I haven't even been able to get to the end of a Terry Pratchett novel as yet simply because it's not my thing. That said, he's a brilliant writer but we can't love everything we read, can we? We can learn from it however. So, where do you look for inspiration? Books, programmes, films & the internet are all good resources. Some sections of history might be well known but if...

It's official. Today the new memorial in commemoration of Bomber Command was unveiled by her Majesty, the Queen, in Green Park, London. As a fitting tribute, the RAF's last flying Lancaster Bomber flew over the scene  releasing thousands of scarlet red poppies. So, at long last the fallen airmen have a fitting memorial and finally, the recognition they all deserve. The sculpture you see above consists of seven airmen, returning from a mission. It's 9 feet high and the bronze figures are most striking. It's truly magnificent. The inscription commemorates all lives lost during the bombings of 1939-1945. For The Fallen With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children, England mourns for her dead across the sea. Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit, Fallen in the cause of the free. Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres, There is music in the midst of desolation And a glory that shines upon...

Available from saltpublishing.com

Anyone going to enter? They're looking for short stories up to a maximum of 1500 words. Deadline is 31st August 2012. I'm game -I think. (groans under the strain) Yet another distraction for me but that's the way it goes. Why do we feel the need to enter competitions? For me, I think it's more than simply getting my writing out there and being noticed. I think it's for the recognition - winning is rather like a pat on the back - it makes it official and thus the world knows you are a writer. And then because you win, your work is published and that makes a difference. Suddenly the writing world opens up to you. Now you are able to join the various organisations that exist such as The Society of Authors or the Romantic Novelists Association. Well, only if you want to of course. It is a fact that until you manage to get your work published, you are not fully regarded or perhaps even accepted as a writer. Getting back to the short story competition, I may have men...

I've just been watching a film, 'My Boy Jack,' which many will recall is about Rudyard Kipling's only son, John (Jack),  an 18 year old Lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion, Irish Guards who  went missing in September 1915 during the Battle of Loos , during World War One .  Have You News of my Boy Jack? "Have you news of my boy Jack?" Not this tide. "When d'you think that he'll come back?" Not with this wind blowing, and this tide. "Has any one else had word of him?" Not this tide. For what is sunk will hardly swim, Not with this wind blowing, and this tide. "Oh, dear, what comfort can I find?" None this tide, Nor any tide, Except he did not shame his kind - Not even with that wind blowing, and that tide. Then hold your head up all the more, This tide, And every tide; Because he was the son you bore, And gave to that wind blowing and that tide. Rudyard Kipling.

Look what I wandered across today -  If you write, and you haven't already got this, download it now. It's brilliant and goes a long way towards boosting your confidence. It's available on Amazon.com & Amazon.co.uk as a FREE download for kindle or your pc. I hadn't realised until today that there is a free download which enables you to read kindle books on your pc - I'm not the most competent IT user so no sniggering allowed - oh go on if you must, just this once. So, now I can download kindle - a new toy! More distractions. No, seriously I'm going to finish the rest of the above book as I'm enjoying it so much. Anything for a useful tip. If you're interested, the blog site for Mr Goins is:  http://goinswriter.com/ It's certainly worth a browse and a few minutes of your time.

I love this quote - “Eighty percent of success is showing up.” - Woody Allen. He had a valid point. On a bad day, I don't show up and there lies the problem. I find you have to be so disciplined in order to write. Sometimes I wish I had my own personal writing space away from the hustle and bustle of home. Perhaps my very own log cabin out in the garden -right at the bottom, out of sight. No interruptions and no phone calls. Just me, a pen, paper, comfy chair, desk, scented candle or two and so on. I'm guessing you can view the scene. Oh and the all important bolt on the door. Writing every day is vital - even if you only manage to do fifty words it's better than nothing. At least it keeps your characters and plot lines fresh in your mind. Eventually you start to build a routine and your writing becomes a part of you. It becomes natural and your imagination gets an effective workout in the process. Creativity flows more readily and the more often you write, the eas...

This is the view from behind our home. It's a dark, misty, drizzly day but at least the wind has settled slightly. Looks like this is the forecast for the whole weekend. Not many people out and about today but I have spotted a few cyclists -the all weather kind -brave souls that they are. It's a bit like motorcyclists isn't it? You get the type who dust the bike down and take it for a spin on a dry day, especially in really good weather, but when the rain beckons, forget it. They revert back to the preferred mode of transport -you guessed it-the motorcar. You can't beat them, at least they keep you dry. It must be hellish at the top of those mountains -I can see the mist descending as I type this, shrouding the mountain tops. Good luck to all the brave fell walkers today. Keep warm.

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Firstly, will write another 500 words minimum today. Actually, it's not too bad - I'm managing to exceed this daily quota so far. Some writers say you just have to knuckle down and get on with it as there's no such thing as writers block. Well, I tried writing myself out of it when I 'hit the wall' and it seems to have worked for me. Now, secondly, and I've been meaning to get this for some time now but I'm rather sceptical of self help books and the old 'how to' kind. However, more than one person has seriously recommended I read Stephen King's ' On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.' Well, it may be helpful and I'm willing to have a read through, but the most important thing a wannabe writer can do is to read -widely and often. This I do and I can definitely testify that it's the best tip in the world and the best way to learn the craft. I've found that I no longer read 'stories.' My reading has transformed me in...

Back again. Just a quick note. I've managed to do some more writing on the novel. I think I've loosened the knot on the old creative strand and the ideas are flowing once more. My head is filled with Spitfires, Lancaster's and other planes used during World War 2. One thing I have realised is just how bad I am at planning. I don't know if every writer plans each novel meticulously but I certainly need some structure in place before I start the real work, and it looks like I need to work on that. One thing that always amazes me is where your writing takes you. I've travelled a new path today and  have a new character and another plot. Now all I have to do is cross my fingers and toes that the strands will come together at the end. Planning my novel has been a major task and I don't mind admitting it. My problem has always been that I want to run before I can walk and often stumble as a result. Thankfully my love of screenplays has helped enormously. Being ab...

This is the second novel by author, Kate Lord Brown and is set within the period of the Spanish Civil War. Can't wait to get my copy. My history lessons at school never touched upon the Spanish Civil War - I think the first memory I have of this period came from my Open University days when we studied the poetry of the thirties and I ended up researching the Spanish Civil War as a sideline. Literature really is fascinating though because much of it is immersed in history. Present day will be history tomorrow. Historical fiction is my passion - so many stories remain untold and many more are in danger of being forgotten. Years ago before my gran passed away, my grandfather told me that she had served in the WAAF during World War 2. He explained that she was a radio operator, not that I really understood. Of course my gran never mentioned it at all. I was only about 8 at the time so I didn't really understand the significance of it all, never mind a world war! Sadly sh...

Today I'm going to write at least 500 words. I can hear some of the whisperings now, "Blimey, that's not much," and perhaps "pigs will fly." Apparently for some people they do and for me, they will have to start because today feels like a fresh new start. Besides, 500 is better than none and if I can do more then all the better. Got to focus on the positive. The worst thing is I'm writing this up now and then I'm dashing out for a hospital appointment - no it's nothing serious at all, just 'routine.' When I get back, the real work begins. It's a typical Cumbrian day - heavy showers with intermittent breaks of sun/cloud. The birds are singing and the swallows are recreating the old days of spitfire dog fights, swooping and climbing steeply into the blue - or grey as it is today. They really are fascinating to watch. 

The latest new book by Terry Pratchett & Stephen Baxter. As Amazon state, " The Long Earth  is the first novel in an exciting new collaboration between the creator of Discworld Terry Pratchett and the acclaimed SF writer Stephen Baxter." It's released on June 21st and I can't wait. I've never really been an avid reader of Mr Pratchett's novels, but this one has caught my curiosity. Probably in part due to the historic period which is my passion. This can be my summer read purely for enjoyment.

It's a whole year since I finished my Open University degree, began my Masters in Creative Writing, deferred after 1 month, and now it seems unlikely that I will be returning any time soon. Sadly, the costs are astronomical and, as a friend said, it doesn't take a degree to be a successful writer. I have to agree, although  I believe that such academic programmes may give you the potential to grow & improve in so many ways. So, onward and upwards. I don't mind confessing that I've felt lost at times - due to circumstances at home I've been unable to join a writers group - something I hope to do quite soon. A bit of camaraderie and critiquing go a long way. So for now I'm literally flying solo and it's tough. On the plus side, life here in Cumbria is quiet and slightly remote - the mountains are my keeper and there are less distractions. Still, I'm having many days where I just can't get down to my novel - it's becoming frustrating but I...