Well it's my birthday today and I have had a fabulous lazy day, doing absolutely nothing. All I need now is to win the Euro Millions tonight and my day will end perfectly. If I don't win? I have a lovely box of chocolates as consolation.
Ciao for now. P
Tuesday 24 July 2012
Monday 23 July 2012
Writer's Block
When I find myself suffering from the dreaded 'writer's block,' I try to solve the problem by setting myself a writing exercise.
I usually begin with a blank page and write at the top 'Writer's Block - What it means to me at this moment' and then I write down my answer. I set myself a target of at least 12 paragraphs, with the first word of each paragraph beginning with the letter of the title e.g. Para 1 first word beginning with the letter W, Para 2 first word beginning with the letter R, Para 3, first word beginning with the letter I, and so on. I also give myself a target of about 50 words in each paragraph
I usually begin with a blank page and write at the top 'Writer's Block - What it means to me at this moment' and then I write down my answer. I set myself a target of at least 12 paragraphs, with the first word of each paragraph beginning with the letter of the title e.g. Para 1 first word beginning with the letter W, Para 2 first word beginning with the letter R, Para 3, first word beginning with the letter I, and so on. I also give myself a target of about 50 words in each paragraph
If it is too late in the evening to go out,
I pick up a book and read or listen to some music - accompanied by chocolate
and cake of course!
By the time I am ready to review what I
have written for my 'Writer's Block' exercise, I think, 'this is a load of
twaddle and I can do better' or an idea for a short story springs to mind and I
start on that.
What I try to do is see 'Writer's Block' as
a challenge that I can surmount and a stepping-stone to fulfilling my dream. So
what if it does take another 23 years to complete my book? Just thinking about
all that chocolate and lovely cream cakes is worth it.
So how do you get over writer’s block? Do you believe writer's block exists, or is it just an alternative phrase for laziness?
Ciao for now.
Keep smiling, keep laughing and keep writing. P
Ciao for now.
Keep smiling, keep laughing and keep writing. P
New Writing Group
I attended my first meeting
at the CWG this evening and I must say I enjoyed it immensely as we discussed a
wide range of topics, and commented on each other’s work on the writing
challenge D set for us which covered dialogue.
I was nervous reading out my work, particularly as it was my first session, and I wasn’t sure if I’d fit in. I needn’t have worried though, I was made to feel very welcome and my work was well received. I am looking forward to the next meeting with great enthusiasm.
More later…
Keep smiling, keep laughing and keep writing. P
I was nervous reading out my work, particularly as it was my first session, and I wasn’t sure if I’d fit in. I needn’t have worried though, I was made to feel very welcome and my work was well received. I am looking forward to the next meeting with great enthusiasm.
More later…
Keep smiling, keep laughing and keep writing. P
Friday 13 July 2012
Writing Groups
I have recently found out that there is a writing group held in my local (Birstall) library each week on Wednesdays and another one held bi-weekly on Monday evenings at Cleckheaton I have decided to join both groups.
I went to my first meeting at Birstall on Wednesday and came away with renewed vigour to get on with my writing, especially as we were given an exercise to write about. Next meeting not until 25th July 2012, so I have a couple of weeks to put something on paper.
I received a call from K one of the members of the Cleckheaton Writers Group and I am so looking forward to attending my first session there on Monday 23rd July 2012. I was really pleased with my conversation with K who gave me all the gen on the meetings and said I'd be very welcome to join the Clekcheaton group. She even gave me details of the homework to be presented at the next meeting. So that's two lots of homework I have. Brill.
With my birthday being on Tuesday 24th July 2012, I have a few things to really look forward to.
Unfortunately, I just haven't had the motivation to move on with my assignments for Writers' Bureau course. Maybe after completing the homework for the writers groups I will find the impetus to get going again. Watch this space!
Since recovering from my accident and caring for my mother during her illness (she's on the way to being herself again, thank goodness), I've been struggling not only with my writing, but with trying to find new clients. It's at times like these when being self-employed is not great. With so many firms closing down in my area, and redundancy threats for many workers, people just don't have any spare money to use my services, and those who do, insist on paying next to nothing!. But as the saying goes, 'you get what you pay for' and I refuse to be badgered into reducing my already competitive prices. Enough of my moaning - have a couple of writing exercises to do.
Till next time...
Keep smiling, keep laughing and keep writing and thanks for still following me. x
Pauline.
I went to my first meeting at Birstall on Wednesday and came away with renewed vigour to get on with my writing, especially as we were given an exercise to write about. Next meeting not until 25th July 2012, so I have a couple of weeks to put something on paper.
I received a call from K one of the members of the Cleckheaton Writers Group and I am so looking forward to attending my first session there on Monday 23rd July 2012. I was really pleased with my conversation with K who gave me all the gen on the meetings and said I'd be very welcome to join the Clekcheaton group. She even gave me details of the homework to be presented at the next meeting. So that's two lots of homework I have. Brill.
With my birthday being on Tuesday 24th July 2012, I have a few things to really look forward to.
Unfortunately, I just haven't had the motivation to move on with my assignments for Writers' Bureau course. Maybe after completing the homework for the writers groups I will find the impetus to get going again. Watch this space!
Since recovering from my accident and caring for my mother during her illness (she's on the way to being herself again, thank goodness), I've been struggling not only with my writing, but with trying to find new clients. It's at times like these when being self-employed is not great. With so many firms closing down in my area, and redundancy threats for many workers, people just don't have any spare money to use my services, and those who do, insist on paying next to nothing!. But as the saying goes, 'you get what you pay for' and I refuse to be badgered into reducing my already competitive prices. Enough of my moaning - have a couple of writing exercises to do.
Till next time...
Keep smiling, keep laughing and keep writing and thanks for still following me. x
Pauline.
Tuesday 10 April 2012
Joke of the Month!
A Yorkshire man walks into a Leeds High
Street bank & asks for a loan. He tells the bank manager he is going to
Australia on business for two weeks & needs to borrow £5,000.
The bank manager tells him that the bank will need some form of security for the loan, so the Yorkshireman hands over the keys and documents of his new Ferrari parked on the street in front of the bank. After scrutinising the logbook and everything else checks out, the bank manager agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan.
The bank manager and the bank staff all enjoy a good laugh at the rough-looking Yorkshireman for using a £120,000 Ferrari as collateral against a £5000 loan. The bank manager then instructs an employee of the bank to drive and park the Ferrari into the bank's underground garage.
Two weeks later, the Yorkshireman returns, repays the £5,000 and the interest of £15.41.
The bank manager says to the Yorkshireman, "Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely but, we are a little puzzled...
While you were away, we checked you out further and found that you are a multi-millionaire. We are puzzled as to why you would bother to borrow "£5,000”.
The Yorkshireman replies: "Where else in Leeds can I park my car for two weeks for only £15.41 and expect it to be there when I return"?
Ah, the mind of a true Yorkshireman...
This is why they survive.
Have a great day.
Keep smiling, keep laughing and keep writing.
Pauline (A1Writer) - Yorkshire Woman
The bank manager tells him that the bank will need some form of security for the loan, so the Yorkshireman hands over the keys and documents of his new Ferrari parked on the street in front of the bank. After scrutinising the logbook and everything else checks out, the bank manager agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan.
The bank manager and the bank staff all enjoy a good laugh at the rough-looking Yorkshireman for using a £120,000 Ferrari as collateral against a £5000 loan. The bank manager then instructs an employee of the bank to drive and park the Ferrari into the bank's underground garage.
Two weeks later, the Yorkshireman returns, repays the £5,000 and the interest of £15.41.
The bank manager says to the Yorkshireman, "Sir, we are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely but, we are a little puzzled...
While you were away, we checked you out further and found that you are a multi-millionaire. We are puzzled as to why you would bother to borrow "£5,000”.
The Yorkshireman replies: "Where else in Leeds can I park my car for two weeks for only £15.41 and expect it to be there when I return"?
Ah, the mind of a true Yorkshireman...
This is why they survive.
Have a great day.
Keep smiling, keep laughing and keep writing.
Pauline (A1Writer) - Yorkshire Woman
Thursday 15 March 2012
Writer’s Block and How I Overcome It
When I find myself questioning my abilities
I view 'writer's block' as a writing exercise.
Keep smiling, keep laughing and keep writing.
A1Writer x
I usually begin with a blank page and write
at the top 'Writer's Block - What it means to me at this moment' and then I
write down my answer. I set myself a target of at least 12 paragraphs, with the
first word of each paragraph beginning with the letter of the title e.g. Para 1
first word beginning with the letter W, Para 2 first word beginning with the
letter R, Para 3, first word beginning with the letter I, and so on. I also
give myself a target of about 50 words in each paragraph.
After I have done that, I reward myself by
taking a break (my vice is chocolate and cream cakes) by going for a short
walk, meet a friend for a coffee, or visit a member of my family, anything to
get out of the house and away from the 'writing mode.'
If it is too late in the evening to go out,
I pick up a book and read or listen to some music - accompanied by chocolate
and cake of course!
By the time I am ready to review what I
have written for my 'Writer's Block' exercise, I think, 'this is a load of
twaddle and I can do better' or an idea for a short story springs to mind and I
start on that.
What I try to do is see 'Writer's Block' as
a challenge that I can surmount and a stepping-stone to fulfilling my dream. So
what if it does take another 22 years to complete my book? Just thinking about
all that chocolate and lovely cream cakes is worth it.
So how do you get over writer’s block?
Keep smiling, keep laughing and keep writing.
A1Writer x
Monday 5 March 2012
The Joys of Becoming a Senior Member of Society!
I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less grey hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for not tidying the house and polishing the furniture, or buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.
Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 & 70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.
I will walk the beach in a swimsuit that stretches over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set. They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.
Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when a car hits somebody’s beloved pet? But broken hearts are what give us strength, understanding, and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.
I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning grey, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.
So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.
So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.
I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day (if I feel like it).
MAY OUR FRIENDSHIP NEVER COME APART ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S STRAIGHT FROM THE HEART!
Keep smiling, keep laughing and keep writing.
A1Writer x
Tuesday 21 February 2012
Joke of the Month Is Back!
I resent the implication that blondes are
dumb - but this is sooooo funny:
A Blonde was sent on her way to Heaven. Upon arrival, a concerned St Peter met her
at the Pearly Gates.
'I'm sorry, 'St Peter said, 'But Heaven is suffering from
an overload of goodly souls and we have been forced to put up an Entrance Exam
for new arrivals to ease the burden of Heavenly Arrivals.'
'That's cool,' said the blonde, 'What does
the Entrance Exam consist of?'
'Just three questions,' said St Peter.
'Which are?' asked the blonde.
'The first,' said St Peter, 'is, which two days of the week start with the letter 'T'?’ The second is, 'How many seconds are there in a year?' The third is, 'What was the name of the swagman in Waltzing Matilda?'
'Now,' said St Peter, 'Go away and think about those questions and when I call upon you, I shall expect you to have those answers for me.'
So the blonde went away and gave those three questions some considerable thought (I expect you to do the same).
The following morning, St Peter called upon the blonde and asked if she had considered the questions, to which she replied, 'I have.'
'Well then,' said St Peter, 'Which two days of the week start with the letter T?'
The blonde said, 'Today and Tomorrow.'
St Peter pondered this answer for some time, and decided that indeed the answer can be applied to the question.
'Well then, could I have your answer to the second of the three questions?' St Peter went on, 'how many seconds in a year?'
The Blonde replied, 'Twelve.'
'Only twelve?' exclaimed St Peter, 'How did you arrive at that figure?'
'Easy,' said the blonde, 'there's the second of January, the second of February, right through to the second of December, giving a total of twelve seconds.'
St Peter looked at the blonde and said, 'I need some time to consider your answer before I can give you a decision.' And he walked away shaking his head.
A short time later, St Peter returned to the Blonde. 'I'll allow the answer to stand, but you need to get the third and final question absolutely correct to be allowed into Heaven. Now, can you tell me the answer to the name of the swagman in Waltzing Matilda?'
The blonde replied; 'Of the three questions, I found this the easiest to answer.'
'Really!' exclaimed St Peter, 'And what is the answer?'
'It's Andy.'
'Andy??'
'Yes, Andy,' said the blonde.
This totally floored St Peter, and he paced this way and that, deliberating the answer. Finally, he could not stand the suspense any longer, and turning to the blonde, asked 'How in God's name did you arrive at THAT answer?'
'Easy' said the blonde, 'Andy sat, Andy watched, Andy waited till his Billy boiled.'
And the blonde entered Heaven...
Worse, you're now singing it to yourself!
'Just three questions,' said St Peter.
'Which are?' asked the blonde.
'The first,' said St Peter, 'is, which two days of the week start with the letter 'T'?’ The second is, 'How many seconds are there in a year?' The third is, 'What was the name of the swagman in Waltzing Matilda?'
'Now,' said St Peter, 'Go away and think about those questions and when I call upon you, I shall expect you to have those answers for me.'
So the blonde went away and gave those three questions some considerable thought (I expect you to do the same).
The following morning, St Peter called upon the blonde and asked if she had considered the questions, to which she replied, 'I have.'
'Well then,' said St Peter, 'Which two days of the week start with the letter T?'
The blonde said, 'Today and Tomorrow.'
St Peter pondered this answer for some time, and decided that indeed the answer can be applied to the question.
'Well then, could I have your answer to the second of the three questions?' St Peter went on, 'how many seconds in a year?'
The Blonde replied, 'Twelve.'
'Only twelve?' exclaimed St Peter, 'How did you arrive at that figure?'
'Easy,' said the blonde, 'there's the second of January, the second of February, right through to the second of December, giving a total of twelve seconds.'
St Peter looked at the blonde and said, 'I need some time to consider your answer before I can give you a decision.' And he walked away shaking his head.
A short time later, St Peter returned to the Blonde. 'I'll allow the answer to stand, but you need to get the third and final question absolutely correct to be allowed into Heaven. Now, can you tell me the answer to the name of the swagman in Waltzing Matilda?'
The blonde replied; 'Of the three questions, I found this the easiest to answer.'
'Really!' exclaimed St Peter, 'And what is the answer?'
'It's Andy.'
'Andy??'
'Yes, Andy,' said the blonde.
This totally floored St Peter, and he paced this way and that, deliberating the answer. Finally, he could not stand the suspense any longer, and turning to the blonde, asked 'How in God's name did you arrive at THAT answer?'
'Easy' said the blonde, 'Andy sat, Andy watched, Andy waited till his Billy boiled.'
And the blonde entered Heaven...
Worse, you're now singing it to yourself!
Have a productive day.
Keep smiling, keep laughing and keep writing!
A1Writer.
Tuesday 7 February 2012
Time To Move On
The time has come I think to make at least one post in 2012, especially as my last post was a Christmas greeting! I have slowly recovered from my injury and have even found the inclination to look at my WB course material again. Maybe I will actually complete assignments 3 and 4!
All is not lost however, I have written a couple of short stories. Just need to have the confidence in submitting them.
In January, I placed my CV on various jobsites. It's amazing, in spite of all these jobs being advertised by recruitment agencies, once they get you signed up on their "candidate list", those jobs "disappear."
I'd retire completely, unfortunately I stepped on the property market rather late in life after my divorce and still have a mortgage to pay so I need to earn a crust or two. Any ideas anyone?
Keep smiling, keep laughing and keep writing.
A1Writer
All is not lost however, I have written a couple of short stories. Just need to have the confidence in submitting them.
In January, I placed my CV on various jobsites. It's amazing, in spite of all these jobs being advertised by recruitment agencies, once they get you signed up on their "candidate list", those jobs "disappear."
I'd retire completely, unfortunately I stepped on the property market rather late in life after my divorce and still have a mortgage to pay so I need to earn a crust or two. Any ideas anyone?
Keep smiling, keep laughing and keep writing.
A1Writer
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