Just in case any of you are wondering what I've been up to, I've been writing my regular web content and studying my children's writing course. The first lesson was sent in last week. It was quite easy. I had to write an autobiographical letter and write a story for Lesson One. I wrote about a young girl who was afraid of storms. She lived in Tornado Alley. She braved the high winds to rescue her younger brother and they made it to the storm cellar of an abandoned property just in time.
My tutor sent the lesson back, saying I was a strong writer but the plot needed a lot of work. She gave a few suggestions and I revised the story. I'm very pleased with it now. Since that time I've been studying lesson two and completing the mandatory reading. It was enjoyable and I learned a few things about writing for kids that I didn't know.
Tonight, I tried in vain to put a first draft together. My tutor gave me the leeway to send in anything I'd like. I really want to send in a historical fiction story that is based on legend, but am having some problems. The main character is a girl and though the story is interesting I'm trying to figure out how to get some dialogue into it. Her act of bravery is something that she does pretty much on her own.
I am a bit frustrated and maybe I'm being a bit too hard on myself. I am so used to writing from the heart and just putting my words to paper that when they won't flow, it drives me to distraction. This is going to take a while. I'm glad she gave me a month to do this assignment because I don't see it being easy. I may end up changing my mind about the subject matter but really want to write this. The story is one that I love and I'm sure that many young girls would enjoy it as well. Wish me luck and if you have any pointers, I'd be glad to hear them.
A cold front has moved into our area and we even saw a few flakes of snow this afternoon. The temperature dropped 20 degrees in two hours. I've gone back into hibernation. I hope the weather in your area is nice, so that you can enjoy the weekend. ~Blessings, Mary~
Note: Don't forget to enter your name for the giveaway of Miralee Ferrell's book, Love Finds You in Last Chance California. For a second chance to win this book, visit Angie's blog.
I'm not a writer so what you do s quite astounding to me!
ReplyDeleteIt's gotten quite cold here too and I think we may get snow tomorrow.
Stay warm!
I don't have a single word of wisdom for you, but am really interested in reading your story when you're done. I'm sure the right words will come to you soon. A creative writing course is on my list of things to do in the near future.
ReplyDeleteI've been visiting and reading just haven't commented much the past couple of days. Don't know why that is though. Some days, when I read blogs, I've got tons of comments it seems for every post I read and then other days, I read, it's interesting enough, but it's like I just nod and can't really think of a thing to say.
ReplyDeleteI wish you the best of luck with the writing course. I can't do dialogue to save my soul! I think of ideas -general type -for a book, but if I try to put it down in written form, it just turns into maybe one or two paragraphs, no real plot, direction or anything and of course, no dialogue cause I can't think of anything the characters would say to each other. My friends who know me really well would be flabbergasted to learn that about me being virtually speechless!
Peace.
I don't think I'd do well writing to order either, Mary. But good luck with it and if I can help in any way just email me.
ReplyDeleteIt was 70F here on Thursday. It never made it out of the 40'sF on Friday and we're forecast to get 3-6 inches of snow on Saturday! What a wild ride we're having!
Happy weekend! :o)
Love and hugs,
Diane
Dang cold here too, which isn't at all nice after that faint hint of spring. Dangit.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the writing. Knowing my limits, I wouldn't attempt fiction, so I salute anyone who does.
I'm sure it is frustrating. But with your writing talents you'll come through it all with flying colors.
ReplyDeleteHappy Saturday.
It was beautiful all this week here, but this morning a cold front moved in....dark and much much cloud cover with high winds. Of course the cold front WE get is nothing like your cold fronts ....but there is a lot of difference between 80 degrees and 50 for this area of the world. :o)
The Earth Children books are like that. Especailly the first two but their is some dialogue between the protagonist and herself or her animals. Try that. Let your girl talk to herself or think in conversation with herself. Or maybe remember conversations with others.
ReplyDeletegood luck,
Mama Bear
Writing "journal style" is so much easier than telling a story on paper. Once in a while I try to challenge myself to write in a different way, but those posts take much longer than usual to compose. Writing a novel must be a huge undertaking! Good luck.
ReplyDeleteIt snowed 6 inches here on Friday. I hope you get over your writers block.
ReplyDeleteIt is always a challenge to try putting ones personal thoughts down on paper let alone try to weave a story amongst the words.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your writing course.
Good luck with your children's writing course. I write children's books, but I've never taken a course. I belong to a writing group and they have been a tremendous help to me. Plus . . . practice, practice, practice.
ReplyDelete