Friends Unseen but Not Unloved

I visited Nadine Laman's blog this morning. We have been blogging buddies for quite sometime now. Her books (Kathryn's Beach, High Tide and Storm Surge) sit on my shelf, and her gift of matching journals, now have scribbles in them for future reference. You might remember, I awarded Nadine the Meat and Potatoes Award. I did so because she has overcome so many issues as a writer and an individual.

Well, when I arrived at her blog this morning, it was as if I was looking in a mirror. My grinning face stared back at me. Nadine has written a lovely post about me, myself and I. If you are interested in what she has to say, take a look over at FIRST DRAFT.

We have never met and are what I suppose is the modern day version of penpals, (Epals). I do not know Nadine to speak to, but something has 'clicked' with us. I think Nadine is the solid rock and I am the flighty feather, but we have a friendship. Her advice and how she encourages me to 'write on', is uplifting. We do not gush in emails, we quietly support each other and not every day, but enough to know we are friends. We are unseen, but not unloved, if you understand my meaning. There are a few on my followers list, who I have formed the same type of friendship with, and I wish I had a bank balance that would take me to every country they live in, so I could sit and chew the fat with them for an hour or two. I know if I put them all in a room together it would be a lively party!

I am going to take a few days out from posting. I will be about, but am going to push on with completing my first novel mission.  Final polish, Query, Synopsis and Agent selection. Bless them, the agents around the world now, must be getting so excited knowing I am about to submit. *Smile*

Submission Targets. . . What Do You Think?

A very supportive blogger and  novel editor, Helen Ginger left a comment on my previous post. I wrote about submitting to the UK, and she said she had in her mind I was submitting to US markets. Now this got me thinking.
I write in UK English, and automatically looked at the UK agents to consider submitting to. After Helen's remark, I wonder if the US would consider my work.

I am sure the story line will appeal, but what about my writing?

I realise and not realize, I place my work in the centre and not center, and my characters have a humour and colour, they do not have humor and color. With the editing and preparation taking its toll on me now, I do not want to have to change my words throughout the manuscript.

What do you think? Am I eligble to target the US without changes, or do I stick with the UK?

Double Spacing Result

In my post requesting help about double spacing between sentences, this is the conclusion from comments and email support I received.

Double spacing appears to be the norm, however it is wise to check the agent you are submitting to and ajust accordingly.

Two of the agents I am considering do not state what they require. I was going to contact them to find out, however I have decided against it. If they have specific requirements, then they would state them. I do not want to put them off by seeing my name asking continuous, 'how do I' and 'what do you want from me' questions.
So I will submit:
Double spaced.
1.5 inch margins.
12 Times New Roman or Courier New font.
Page numbers
Named and title header on the right
Indented paragraphs

Have I missed anything?

I came across a few sites with information on them, you might find useful.

 Sam Dot Publishing layout their requirements plus advice in their novel guidelines:

Also, we strongly recommend that you read and follow the counsel of The Elements Of Style, by Strunk & White . . .

They have a good outline of what they do when they receive a submission and how long it will take for each stage.

AgentQuery and Marlys Pearson have clear outlines on their websites.

PanMacmillan Publishers share their information here .

Gamlingay Writers in the UK share their advice on their site, of how to submit to an agent.

Holly Lisle submission advice.

Donald Maass Literary Agent guidelines on submission.

The all appear to say pretty much the same thing: DOUBLE SPACED SENTENCES. I will check agent guidelines before submitting though.

Thanks to all who helped me through my little panic.

I Am The First Person

Writing in first person has never been something I had considered. My characters have trotted along and stepped into their roles with little fuss. My outlines for future works, have all bounced upon my one cell, and all have been written in third person; He, she, they and them.

On Saturday night, I sat on my bed with the intention of reading a little more from Fire In Fiction. I had just settled into a comfortable reading position, when the desire to write something overwhelmed me.
I grabbed my notepad and pen, and scribbled down a couple of paragraphs about a woman, Maggie and her baby.

The following morning, I sat on the porch at first light. The air was fresh and warm, and my coffee was most welcome. Without warning, I had the urge to write again, so grabbed a pen and pad, and set to work.

I realised I was writing the same story as the night before, yet I had become Maggie. Rather, Maggie had become I. It was the strangest thing, it has never happened to me before.

When I sat back and compared the two, the first person POV felt so right. I am going to try it. The challenge of this POV will be fun. I must remember though, I cannot see myself blush etc.

I can describe the sensation, I could feel the warmth of what I knew to be a blush, rise from the base of my neck towards my brow. I cannot describe the visual blush, as I cannot see it happening. I was blushing from the base of my neck towards my brow.

I went, I am, I saw, I was, I...yawn


This is something I must remember not to do. Too many I references.
Changes have to be made to make the storyline more interesting for the reader.

Below is a little of what was written, Saturday night, Sunday morning.


Maggie could feel the milk trickle from her nipple. She could not prevent it, and it soaked into her cotton blouse. She was cold and uncomfortable.

I could feel the milk trickle from my nipple. I could not prevent it, and it soaked into my cotton blouse. It had been warm, then turned cold against my skin. I was uncomfortable.


Final outcome:


The cry from my son had stimulated my body to provide  food. Milk flowed from my nipples, mother nature had taken control. The warm fluid felt sticky against my skin. It was cold by the time it had soaked into my thin cotton blouse. I was uncomfortable. Miserable and uncomfortable.


What do you think of the final outcome? Am I on the right road?


 Have you written in first person?

Please Help Me *sob*

I need a little help from those already published or in the know.

With so much information out there about formatting a manuscript, you would think that my file would be closed on this subject. Unfortunately it is not. This is where you come in, I need your help.

My novel will be 80,000 words. I started out with that word target because I was writing an Historical Romance. My characters changed their minds and turned it into an Historical Romance Suspense, Thrillery, Crimey, Thingywatsit. (I do intend to find the genre they want to live in, but that can wait). Anyway, I digress.

My problem is when I was Twittering yesterday, I was sent a link to an article  (please read), outlining DOUBLE SPACING sentences. I read it through as I had spent the morning organising my ms for submission preparation, and had double spaced everything. I read the article in front of me and bam! It said SINGLE SPACING is now the accepted practice. Something to do with the French. Pardon moi? Sacre Bleu! Eiffel Tower and croissants!

I used a few French words when I read it, I can tell you, plus a few Greek ones for good measure! Did I read it correctly or misinterpreted it in some way?



I followed Nadine Laman and Holly Lisle's advice from information they have. I found many other format information posts, and they all seem to favour double spacing. I have written in UK English, so will be approaching the UK agents, (unless a US agent wants in on it of course...lol). I have not read there is a difference, maybe you have.

What do I want from you? Please, how do you do yours and is UK and US different?

Double or Single spacing between sentences?
Widows and Orphans On or Off?

I got my page numbers organised by adding page break after each chapter. I could not believe I had so many page 1's and why. (No number on front page...check)

Header with name and title of novel on each page...check

I have set my margins at 1.5" or is that too generous?

I hand it over to you and see what the majority vote is, thanks.


By the way Glynis Smy beat G J Smy in my little poll.
Ripper, My Love by Glynis Smy it is then.

Can You Guess What I am Doing?

She bent her knees to save her back. The box was heavy but not so bulky she could not lift it. At five feet, two inches tall she could barely see over the top of it. With no man around, she had little choice but to move it herself.

The aroma from the fridge was inviting. Fresh fruit chilling in a bowl called to her, their bright colours tempted her taste buds. She ignored their invitation to feast on them, and reached for the wine bottle instead. Vitamins would do her no good tonight, the wine however, would.

He stretched, she watched him. After all these years he could still do it. He could still give her that tingle inside, when he removed his shirt. His physique had not changed since the first time they saw each other naked.

The coffee cup hit the floor. Each shattered piece found a home. She swept the floor clear, and emptied the pieces into the bin.  A nook and cranny over the other side of the room, housed one  piece of china. It would stay hidden until the light of day shone upon it again.

The dog sniffed the backside of the other. She thought how simple their lives were. Peeing, sniffing and sleeping. It about summed up the man she was about to leave. His habits of peeing and sleeping were socially acceptable, but the sniffing around was not. He could have his bimbo lifestyle, she had a book to write and a quiet place to do it.
(Not my DH and me by the way. LOL)

He reached out, grabbed the cup and slurped from it. Manners were not his forte and it irritated her. She had watched him every day for two years do the same thing. He came in, sat down, grunted out his order, slurped his drink, belched and left the money on the table. Never once had he left a tip, not one cent. She could forgive him the belching, but the non tipping when she had suffered his presence was unacceptable. The plot formed in her mind for his next coffee shop visit.

He stamped the papers without looking at her. She moved onto the next counter, where the clerk in the window checked the paper against her photograph. The woman smiled at her, and muttered incomprehensable words. The young Russian girl, smiled back. She had done it, she had been accepted into her new country. She picked up her bags and headed for the door. A voice called out, and she froze. She turned, but there was no one else there. Only I sat and saw the terror in her face. I nodded towards the door and smiled. She nodded back and left. Another immigrant had arrive on foreign soil.

The cigarette hung from his lips. His teeth were stained and chipped. I was repulsed as he leered at me. It was time to leave.

So, what do you think I am doing?

Beautiful Friends

"It is not so much our friends' help that helps us, as the confident knowledge that they will help us."
- Epicurus (341 - 270 BC) Greek philosopher.



Rebecca over at Ramblings of a Rusty Writer, honoured me with this award. Thank you Rebecca.

I am supposed to share with you seven random things about me. I have done this in the past, so am going to do something a little different.






I am going to share with you, seven things that to me are beautiful.

1: A newborn baby's first smile
2: Elderly couples still in love
3: Nature/Mother Earth
4: A new book
5: Untouched snow
6: A Jasmine flower, so simple yet its perfume fills my world
7: You. My friends from around the world. You are beautiful, supportive people. Never change, no matter what the future brings you. Stay you, beautiful you.

Now I am supposed to award this to individuals, but I am going to award it to you all. Take it and display it with my blessings, you mean a lot to me. You are all beautiful bloggers.

When A Video Makes You Want the Book: Daughter of Mine

 Daughter Of Mine by Laura Fabiani

The flow of the video and the sexy musical voice made me want it. The descriptive words on the screen made me want it. The cover made me want it. I just had to buy it, so I did. It is on its way to Cyprus. Now that is good marketing, as I am not, I repeat, not an impulse buyer.

 Author Website (where I stole the picture from)

Meat and Potatoes

 Helen Ginger passed on The Meat and Potatoes Award to me.

Straight From Hel is her blog, I recommend you visit. Her posts are informative and interesting. She is a freelance novel editor, and I have learned so much from her.


Thank you Helen for honouring my blog with a plate of meat and potatoes. You have satisfied my hunger for writing knowledge and now feed me the delights of an award!

This prestigious award goes to a particular group of wise and experienced bloggers who have proven themselves over the course of time, trials, and tribulations.

I am passing it onto:

Nadine Laman over at First Draft 

Carmen over at Carmen's Chronicles


Elizabeth over at Hey, I'm Trying to Write here


Karen Walker over at Following The Whispers


Ann over at Long Journey Home


I know you will find a warm welcome at each blog, enjoy your visits.

What Have I Done? Gulp...Now I'm Nervous

No...not the blog change, (going for Victorian look). Who couldn't resist playing with the new display Blogger offers?

Nor have I submitted my MS to an agent.

No, I have done something stupid, silly, crazy, scary, nail-bitingly bonkers!

Oh, you guessed...so you have done NaNoWriMo yourself then.

Seriously, I don't know what I was thinking. I am not sure what to expect. It has taken me two years to churn out 80,000, and I am going to try for 50,000 in one month? Who am I kidding? My birthday is Halloween so I won't be celebrating with village wine. I will need my wits about me for the following day.

I want to do this for my dad. He will never know, but I feel it is a challenge sent my way, from him.

I will need NaNoWriMo buddies, I am certain. My name there is Nissi, will you hold my hand please?

 ~~~~~~

PS: What do you think?

Ripper, My Love by Glynis Smy

OR

Ripper, My Love by G J Smy

Introducing Carol A Strange

Recently I won a contest over at A JOURNEY INTO FICTION. This is the blog of writer, Carol A Strange, a fellow Brit.
Carol is in the final stages of writing her debut novel: The Mobile Librarian.

Throughout her blog, you will come across lovely, collage pictures. They are of Carol in various places, such as the woods or by the sea. Two of these were my prize. They were waiting for me when I arrived home, from the UK. They certainly cheered me up.

Day Moon and Here There and Everywhere.

I mounted them onto some attractive papers, attached their descriptive names, along with Carol's.
They now fill a gap in my wall, along my stairs. I love them as they show me how small the world is, and how blogging finds us friends. Friends we will probably never meet, but will follow and keep contact with for many years.

 OH and a PS for Romance Writers...check out Janna's blog, she has a link to an agent who is looking for submissions....what are you doing dawdling here...go, go, go, and submit!  Oh, you are waiting for the Link...

Wasted By Nicola Morgan: Book Review

Wasted by Nicola Morgan. Can I do it justice with my attempt at a review?

Jess and Jack, two teenagers met and sent me into another world. A roller coaster of - what if and why not?

We get to make choices all the way through our lives. Jack lives his by the toss of a coin, he lives on chances and the outcome of heads or tails. Those chances affect his life and that of those around him.

The way Nicola Morgan has written this, is fantastic. Riveting, a must read, I could not put it down, a book with a twist, a clever, clever twist.

I would never have read it if I hadn't joined Twitter, and found Ms Morgan through her blog link.

I do not buy, YA books. I have no young adults in my life. I bought the book because of recommendations, but mainly to add to my blogging buddy bookshelf.

I am so glad I bought it. It is...amazing, mind blowing and real. I loved it. I can see it as a film/movie.

The characters are believable, every day people, and they have a story to tell. I love how the author shares with us a variety of choices Jess and Jack have. The ones they took and how it moved the story forward. One flip of a coin is all it takes to change the path of life. 

Brilliant.

I highly recommend this book.

Author Website.

Where Did You Start Yours?

Yesterday I sat reflecting about the first idea I had for my novel. Nearly two years ago I was sitting in the vineyard, watching my dogs run like crazy. Why would I suddenly get an idea for a Jack The Ripper book in that environment? Strange how the mind works.

I tucked the idea to the back of my mind and mooched home. As I ambled through the lanes, the idea grew to the size of a walnut, the seed had taken. By the time I had reached home, washed and walked to my friend's coffee shop, it was a sapling. It had roots but needed repotting.

I ordered a filter coffee and a piece of carrot cake. Took out a small notepad and pen. The words Ripper, My Love  formed on the paper in front of me. Then a brief note to myself, me and I about the idea.

Then the magical moment, those first few words ran across the page, leaving a trail of my future behind them.

He stood back in the shadows and watched as the young redhead tripped, then reached out to steady herself against the wall. She didn't look as if she had been under the influence of alcohol, as many of the women in the area were. The watcher decided to stay within the blackness of the shadows, this was not the girl for him tonight.

The funny thing is, I will probably never use these words. Emily Bryan showed me in her Red Pencil Critique, how they stopped my novel before it even got started. I had taken away the tension and suspense.

I still love that paragraph, to me it is a newborn babe, a creation of my brain cell.
The day I wrote them, is still clear in my mind. I love that day. The sun was warm, I was at peace and contented. The coffee was good and the cake was gooey and sweet. A delicious day.


When and where did you write your first few words? At a desk, in a field or coffee shop. Can you remember what they were and did you use them?

Pretty Is As Pretty Dies by Elizabeth Spann Craig: Book Review

What a delight of a book. This was my inflight companion, I grabbed a book to read on my mercy dash back to the UK. Why did I grab that particular book from my TBR pile? I think it was the cover, the bright colours caught my eye during a grey moment in my life. I am not great at writing book reviews, but here goes.

From the moment I started reading, I was hooked. I will confess to not being a fan of prologue, but this short introduction made me want to read more. I did not put the book down and finished it during my five hour flight.

A retired schoolteacher, Myrtle Clover investigates a murder in her town. She is not going to sit quietly and knit her life away. She wants to show her policeman son Red, that she has got what it takes to find the killer. He in turn is wanting a mother who will sit out her retirement, and not meddle in his line of work. His wife is the piggy in the middle, and is dealing with issues of her own. The storyline was light hearted, amusing and easy to read.

The image of this lady popped straight into my mind. Her shoes, her hair and her walk all came alive for me. I was able to walk alongside her during her 'investigations.' I loved how the book did that for me. I could visualise each character, the author gave just enough description to bring them alive as I wanted them to be.

The mischevious Myrtle, with her determined way took me through page after page of adventure. Garden Gnomes on the front cover? Yes they were part of the story, and were introduced in such a manner, I laughed at the way they were. This gutsy old lady, knew just which buttons to push, sometimes she pushed too hard and put herself in danger, but she strides onward towards her goal. She uses her position as a columnist in the local newspaper, to gain information. She follows red-herrings her son puts her way, but comes up trumps, she truly is a gem.

Author Website. Author Blog.
If you are looking for a book to read for the summer, one that is different, then I recommend this book. The first in a series of Myrtle Clover antics.

I'm Back...but

I am back from the UK, but a little sad.Thank you for all your kind wishes.

Dad was taken into care, police and mental health teams took over for the best. He knew who I was and that was good. When mum visited, he thought she was me and spoke about my book writing. We were amazed.
If ever there is a good reason for me to continue writing, my Dad is it. If a man with Alzheimer's can sit in a Psychiatric unit under stress and talk about me writing, then it is something I HAVE to continue.

My emotions are a little raw, so I will return to blogging as and when I can. I will visit you all slowly, to catch up.

England was wet and grey while I was there, it summed up my feelings inside. I am back in the warmth of my DH's love and care. We celebrated 31 years of marriage on Wednesday, so some things are good in my life. Oh and a hug from my girls in the UK was a huge lift of spirits.