Feline friends

What is it about cats and writing?  I like most things four legged and furry (not so keen on things with scales or more than four legs though!) and have always been surrounded by animals.  But there seems to be something about writing and cats that seem to go together.

Is it that they're unpredictable?  Never end up doing what you expect them to? Are wilful and independent...just like the characters that we battle with on the page.   A bit of a love hate relationship, they can drive you mad but you can't imagine life without them......

Here are some pics of the cat that currently owns me..Saffron... more often found assisting me by sitting on my laptop or playing with my pen!

Cute and cuddly.

Very elegant!

Can everyone go away now please....

 

Short stories, long stories

The best advice I've heard for coping when you're stuck in procrastination mode is to JUST WRITE.  So I have, with the help of my heroines on twitter and #1k1hr,  thanks @michellewilling and @MiraLynKelly :-).

This chapter will definitely need some serious editing, but at least I've got a draft down on paper - which is better than a blank page.

In between I've rewarded myself with writing another 5x5 short story - good discipline for someone like me who can write 50 words when 5 will do!

'The End' by Susie Medwell

'Do you still love me?'
He paused, just a second.
'Too long' she said sadly.
'We could have been happy.'
'I am now' he said.

5x5 Short Story

A great challenge that John Avery tweeted about @AaronQuinnBooks - can you write a short story in just 25 words, 5 sentences long with 5 words per sentence?
You can find some of his on his blog  http://johnaverybooks.com/5-x-5-short-stories
Here is my first attempt!
 
'The Affair' by Susie Medwell

He dressed quickly, in silence.
She gulped back unwelcome tears.
‘Don’t go’ her eyes pleaded.
Unwritten rules forbade begging words.
‘I must, she needs me.’

Mills & Boon New Voices 2011

Well I've read through the terms & conditions several times, joined the facebook group, read as much advice as I can from Mills & Book authors...do I feel confident? No!!

I'm trying hard to concentrate on writing, but there are even more distractions than normal.  I can't help but constantly check up on the Mills & Boon New Voices group on facebook.  There is so much helpful advice from published authors, plus tips from people who entered last year, and feedback on how people are getting on.  It's all so useful, but a bit daunting too, ignorance can be bliss.....

So I got to the end of my first draft of Chapter 1 quite quickly.  Edited it then realised the word count had now gone up and I was on close to 5,000... taking words out is so difficult (I'm far too kind as an editor!).  I think it's now back to a reasonable word count...but the same has happened with Chapter 2!

Oh well, all good experience....