Hello everyone
apologies for my absence. My novel and indeed, my writing, have taken a little side step at the moment (I haven't done any) I have been side tracked by a little romance.
I met a man after my own dark heart. I have known him for a few years, just chatting and sharing a joke or two, but he suddenly asked me out on a date, much to my surprise, although I have secretly liked him for a long time, but had no idea he felt the same way.
Anyway, to cut a long story short, our first date was in a abandoned orphanage. Yes, you read that right; he took me to a huge, creepy haunted house and it was amazing. The atmosphere in that place was electric, very dark and spooky and kind of dangerous as most of the upper floors have gone and we had to step carefully on the joists.
We roamed the overgrown grounds for ages before we found a way in. Most of the building had been stripped clean, but odd remnants of the past remained, bath chairs, beds, old photos and patient records, along with a few tables and chairs and a stove you cook several children in, while graffiti decorated the walls.
We went up aged Victorian staircases and into the eves to a room labelled 'SECTION D' (who knows what went on in there) but for the very top of a building, on a hot summer night, it was very cold with an unpleasant atmosphere.
We are going back again tonight armed with cameras, an EMF meter and digital voice recorder to see if we can get any spirit activity. The place certainly looks haunted and has a bit of a reputation for paranormal activity, so fingers crossed.
I should be able to get a good story or two from it at least to add to my collection; the atmosphere alone fires up my creative juices and gets my imagination working overtime, (especially Section D). I will let you know of our findings in future posts and any dark stories my mind can conjure up, so until next time, unpleasant dreams to all.
Thursday 24 July 2014
Friday 11 July 2014
Onwards And Upwards
Hello fellow scribblers
The sun is shining, at least on my novel (outside it's pouring again) I re-read a lot of it the other day and with my new found misery, have, I think, improved it greatly. There is now far more emotion and a greater depth of feeling for my main character. I've also shortened a lot of my chapters to emphasize her pain and suffering, which I think packs more of a rollercoaster ride and hopefully keeps the pages turning.
I'm still struggling with a title though, I still can't seem to find one that really fits and expresses the story. I've cut words out from card and jiggled them around, but nothing feels right.
I spent a lovely day with my daughter and grandchildren yesterday and as Chloe is eleven and due to start secondary school in September, I learnt a bit more about school life from a child's point of view; her hopes and dreams as well as a few fears, which will all add feeling to my writing.
On a different matter, I was perusing the members section of writing magazine, when I came across a picture of myself, complete with blog details and a short article. I sat happily on the page amid new and published writers and to say the least (after the initial shock) I was ecstatic; so much so that I text both my daughters. Its a weird feeling though, seeing yourself on the page of a well known publication, it's just a shame I'm not more photogenic.
Anyway, until next time, happy scribbling.
The sun is shining, at least on my novel (outside it's pouring again) I re-read a lot of it the other day and with my new found misery, have, I think, improved it greatly. There is now far more emotion and a greater depth of feeling for my main character. I've also shortened a lot of my chapters to emphasize her pain and suffering, which I think packs more of a rollercoaster ride and hopefully keeps the pages turning.
I'm still struggling with a title though, I still can't seem to find one that really fits and expresses the story. I've cut words out from card and jiggled them around, but nothing feels right.
I spent a lovely day with my daughter and grandchildren yesterday and as Chloe is eleven and due to start secondary school in September, I learnt a bit more about school life from a child's point of view; her hopes and dreams as well as a few fears, which will all add feeling to my writing.
On a different matter, I was perusing the members section of writing magazine, when I came across a picture of myself, complete with blog details and a short article. I sat happily on the page amid new and published writers and to say the least (after the initial shock) I was ecstatic; so much so that I text both my daughters. Its a weird feeling though, seeing yourself on the page of a well known publication, it's just a shame I'm not more photogenic.
Anyway, until next time, happy scribbling.
Wednesday 2 July 2014
A Light At The End Of The Tunnel
Hello everyone
The shade of darkness is finally lifting, I think I've weathered the storm and the sun is starting to peek through the clouds.
The past two weeks have been hell both in my personal and professional life. Imagine working a 12 hour shift where you have to be happy, friendly and polite to everyone all the time, when all you want is to be left alone with your misery.
Most nights have seen tears, in the quiet comfort of my bed they slip from between my lashes to soak into my pillow and dry un-noticed by morning.
I've done a lot of soul searching too, revisiting distasteful parts of my memory, forcing myself to confront my demons. I can't say it's been pleasant; anything but, although it has had a positive side. Much of my misery and mental torment can be used in my novel (which I have finally picked up again) I think it will give it a far more gritty, emotional edge. The REAL feelings are there, my main character's pain and self loathing have been felt first hand and I feel I'm in a much better position to write and understand them, it was almost like I'd stepped into her skin. I feel I know her better. Her feelings were mine, her emotional pain and torment coursed through my veins.
Suffering, both emotional and physical have their advantages. Once out of your system, you are cleansed (and drained) I have had my eyes opened by this latest experience; I've never felt so utterly alone, miserable and worthless, but I've come through it now, I hope and I've learnt by it. Things are far from perfect and I do not doubt for one moment that something nasty will rear its ugly head again and bring me down, but if I can use those emotions and put them into words, maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to write a better book.
The shade of darkness is finally lifting, I think I've weathered the storm and the sun is starting to peek through the clouds.
The past two weeks have been hell both in my personal and professional life. Imagine working a 12 hour shift where you have to be happy, friendly and polite to everyone all the time, when all you want is to be left alone with your misery.
Most nights have seen tears, in the quiet comfort of my bed they slip from between my lashes to soak into my pillow and dry un-noticed by morning.
I've done a lot of soul searching too, revisiting distasteful parts of my memory, forcing myself to confront my demons. I can't say it's been pleasant; anything but, although it has had a positive side. Much of my misery and mental torment can be used in my novel (which I have finally picked up again) I think it will give it a far more gritty, emotional edge. The REAL feelings are there, my main character's pain and self loathing have been felt first hand and I feel I'm in a much better position to write and understand them, it was almost like I'd stepped into her skin. I feel I know her better. Her feelings were mine, her emotional pain and torment coursed through my veins.
Suffering, both emotional and physical have their advantages. Once out of your system, you are cleansed (and drained) I have had my eyes opened by this latest experience; I've never felt so utterly alone, miserable and worthless, but I've come through it now, I hope and I've learnt by it. Things are far from perfect and I do not doubt for one moment that something nasty will rear its ugly head again and bring me down, but if I can use those emotions and put them into words, maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to write a better book.
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