mini update

[jo_blogs]

I haven't updated lately because life has been crazy but I had a bit of good news this week.

I won a free place on a 9 week online writing course [x]. I had to submit a first line of a story I wanted to write. The rules allowed multiple entries, so I put in 4. Here they are (feeling very happy right now to have this group of awesome writers/lovely

Comments

[stmargarets]

I don't think any of them are cheesy! And good for you! I know you'll get a lot of your course, since you're talented already.

I'm glad you're enjoying your job and are feeling creative again. That's a wonderful feeling. *hugs*

[jo_blogs]

Thank you for the kind words *hugs*. This is actually the first job I've properly enjoyed. It's a good place to be and I appreciate it all the more for having struggled to get here.

I also feel like I'm ready to enjoy studying again. I'm excited to get my first assignment. I went on a little adventure to a new library today and got my books for the first session: The History of Reading by Alberto Manguel and Reading Like A Writer by Francine Prose.

[stmargarets]

Oh, I read Reading Like a Writer a long time ago, and it ticked me off. LOL I don't really remember why, but I think it was her disdain of genre fiction. Being a huge romance reader, I was annoyed. But that's all I remember. I'll be interested to hear what you think.

[jo_blogs]

I'm only 3 chapters in to Reading Like a Writer and don't know if I'll get back to it. It ticked me off as well, though I didn't get far enough in to pick up any disdain for genre fiction. It might be her disdain for feminism you were thinking of? LOL.

It's ROMANCE on my course this week. I'm so excited. The first proper writing week was historical fiction. Oh my lord. I got through it, even though all the readings were by men. Seriously. AL OF THEM. And I'm not kidding, all but one of the romance readings are men too. What the what???

I subverted last week by rereading Rosemary Sutcliff. I will continue carrying my feminist spear forward and rattling it at every opportunity.

Luckily all my fellow students are women and the male tutor seems like a very decent sort. Even if it is a little irritating that he mostly picks men for his reading lists, I can't blame him for making a personal selection.

[author_by_night]

Congratulations on the writing course! Those are some very intriguing first lines.

Oh, and the last one isn't cheesy at all. :)

[jo_blogs]

Thank you sweetie! "Intriguing" - ILU.

[amamama]

Woohoo! Go you! We must definitely celebrate this! (Exclamation marks!!! You deserve'em all!!!!) *twirls you*

[jo_blogs]

*twirls and happy dances*

It's going to be so much fun! I know you're in the midst of confirmation stuff but when it's over we must chat and MAKE PLANS. I need you to tell me what illicit goodies to bring through customs for one thing.

[sea_thoughts]

Congratulations. I like the last one as well, but I think the third one is my fave.

[jo_blogs]

Thanks so much for the feedback, hon. You know me so well *hugs*. The third one is the most personal and would be the hardest to write. Also the one that's been in my mind the longest. The fourth one could be exciting and fun.

[sea_thoughts]

The fourth one reminds me of The Amazing Maurice and his Amazing Rodents by Terry Pratchett, which is no bad thing!

[grandma_kate]

What a nice reward! Your talent shines through and writing is the best way to improve even more.

Your family's health problems are in my thoughts.

[jo_blogs]

Thank you, Kate. I really want to improve. I do believe I have talent and I'm ready to develop it and work on the areas I find difficult.

It's easy to stay in a comfort zone writing fanfic. Though I have challenged myself to take risks, there is always that shared love for the characters and knowledge of the world between you and your readers. I faced it by writing a story that pleased me, though I knew it wouldn't please anyone else. I think it's helped toughen me up a little, I'm feeling brave and bracing myself for tough concrit.

Thank you for your kind thoughts about Huw's family. It's very hard for him. I do my best to support him.

You and Oatmeal are also in my thoughts as summer is approaching. I hope the weather is bearable.