Novel Writing Report

Pitching our stories was the main focus for the workshop this week. The idea behind the exercise was to prepare those of us seeking a publisher to be aware of the pitfalls and difficulties when promoting your work.

I decided to go with a novel that will be written as part of the NaNoWriMo 50,000 word challenge in November. I thought I was prepared, One page handout, done. Synopsis, done. Chapter outlines, done. Character sheets, done. Once I had given my spiel, Toby Farrier and the secret of the gold fountain pen would be a winner.

I was ready or so I thought. I should have practised the pitch instead of trying to wing it. Normally I have little problem when presenting a product but this was different, even though I knew the story well felt at home with the characters and was among friends, I choked. I knew it as soon as I opened my mouth and the words died on my tongue.

The lesson was not lost. I watched as each of my colleagues presented their work and why they should be accepted for publication. I learnt something from everyone and I have to commend Merlene Fawdrey for including this in her series of workshops, this one exercise has taught us much.

A big shout to author Chris Mack who absolutely smashed the presentation with her pitch. Not only did she know her work,but she came across confident and engaging. Hell we all had our hands in our pocket to buy her book, and yes she was that good. Check out Chris's blog by clicking on the link below.

To do this again I will do the following:

• Dress for the part.  (clothes maketh the man and the presentation)
• Practise the pitch beforehand.
• Leave handouts until after the pitch.
• Sell the story 80% the Author 20% (if the story doesn't capture the interest, the author talking about themselves  will be boring anyway)
• Take nothing for granted.

I will put up my pitch over the weekend and ask for comments on Toby Farrier.


Chris Mack's Blog: http://chrismackauthor.wordpress.com/

 

Merlene Fawdrey : http://merlenefawdry.blogspot.com.au/

Julee Stillman:       http://juleestillman.blogspot.com.au/

Lorraine Jones Wins Brimbank Writing Comtionpeti

Congratulations to Lorraine Jones a fellow member of Wordsmiths of Melton in winning this award. Some of us just bash the down words onto paper while Lorraine manages to craft a well structured story and craft it into a piece of prize-winning art.

Read more of Lorraine's pathway to literary success by clicking on this link to the article in the Star Newspaper.

Star Newspaper Article: http://www.starnewsgroup.com.au/star/sunshne-ardeer-albion/370/story/155120.html

Wordsmiths of Melton

I really must re-read my work
I really must re-read my work
I really must re-read my work
I really must re-read my work
I really must re-read my work
I really must re-read my work
I really must re-read my work
I really must re-read my work
I really must re-read my work
I really must re-read my work
I really must re-read my work
I really must re-read my work
I really must re-read my work
I really must re-read my work
I really must re-read my work
I really must re-read my work
I really must re-read my work
I really must re-read my work
I really must re-read my work
I really must re-read my work

I have done it Miss, I have done my 20 lines. 

I need to take a better look at the work I put up for critique next time as not only did I make some new clangers, but repeated some of  the originals in the re-write. I now feel suitably chastised and have promised myself to do better next time.

Overall a great day today with Frank Lorraine Jenny, Julee and Les. Thanks for the help and encouragement Wordsmiths.

NaNoWriMo Challenge Entry In

Well my entry is in and accepted so the quest before me is to write a 50,000 word novel within  November. I have done the maths and that is only 1,620 words a day or 10,000 a week. Now it's starting to feel more daunting but what the heck I can only do my best.

For anyone who has considered trying their hand at a longer work this might be the thing to get our creativity started. From the rules (and I will go over them more carefully) this is not about perfect writing, the main aim is to get your story down. Bash away at the keys and let things flow, the target number is what you're aiming for.

I understand that you can plot and assemble your characters beforehand but to get into the spirit of the event, you only start the writing on November 1st.

When filling out the entry form I needed a title so looking around my desk I saw an old pen I no longer use. The title of this young adult novel is 'The Golden Fountain Pen'.

I will report my word count progress as November flashes past and offer glimpses of the tale as it develops.

You can access the NaNoWriMo website via this link: http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/whatisnano I recommend taking up the challenge or even just visiting to see how other writers from around the world are doing.

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Thanks for dropping in

Last week to read Molly's Boat Ride

If you haven't had a chance to read this short children's story, you only have a week to check out the rough draft on the blog. I will be polishing this story to get it ready to include with a collection of short stories to be published in December,

Ode to the Wordsmiths of Melton

Ode to the Wordsmiths of Melton

We've got this little writer's group

Who meet to read and rhyme

And on Wednesdays at Library

We try to be on time

Frank is here to lead our lot

And keep us all in line

 

While me and Les and Toni

 

Cause Julee just to frown

 

Sonia sits there smiling and serene

 

But our stocks are always bolstered

By the wisdom of Merlene

 

 

 

Stinky Jones Rewrite

Stinky is a story about assumptions people make about those they don't know and how those assumptions can prejudice the views of others. I am very happy with the concept but feel I can tell the story better with a rewrite.

This tale is now in it's final draft and will be released in a compilation of short stories later this year.

Enjoy,

Terry