I've moved all my posts over to my new site on WordPress and I'll be posting all future blogs there.
This is the link - https://charlottewhitewrites.wordpress.com/
I do hope you keep reading!
Tuesday, 19 July 2016
Friday, 24 June 2016
The EU Debate
Personally, I didn't know what to think in the lead up to the vote. I don't pretend to know much about politics and I tend to stay out of it most of the time. But I knew this time my vote was important and that if I didn't put a cross in one of those boxes I would come to regret it.
I voted in. I believe that if you don't fully understand what this kind of change could bring, then why vote for it? I voted in because I knew that if we stayed those of us who didn't understand would have more time to learn and then there would probably be another vote in a few years. I also voted in because I believed it was the right thing to do.
Everyone is entitled to their opinions. The people who voted out had their reasons to do so, as a lot of people had their reasons to remain in. Now that the result has come through, I am left wondering what the impacts of this change may be.
A large number of the remain votes came from the younger generation. The people aged between 18-24 knew what they wanted for their futures. Figures I've seen have averaged around 75%. However, they have been left with a future they may not want. It will be the youth who will have to deal with consequences of this. And the even younger, the 16-18 year olds, who just watched it happen without being allowed a say at all. There's something inherently wrong with that.
I've just graduated from a university that houses so many international students. I know that a lot of the income to the university comes from international studiers coming here to learn, to experience and to contribute. Now I'm concerned what will happen to them. When students want to study abroard, whether that means them coming to us or us going to them, how easy will that be?
As a young person, I can't help but worry about the effects it will have on myself and my children. With the possibility of trade change will that affect houses, jobs, education? We've already dropped in economic power just from this morning's results. And how will our laws change? When the Lib Dem's left parliment, we realised the effects they had halting some of the suggestions that were being put forward. Will it be the same for this? I don't claim to know but they are thoughts that have run through my head.
European countries lit up their countries with our flag last night in a bid to convince us to stay. They may have done this for selfish reasons but it showed unity. Which we have dismissed. I will always believe in unity in numbers and we have voted for solidarity. I don't know what this could mean for us in the future. I just hope they will still stand by our side should we ever get into trouble.
We are not a perfect country. We are a country in need of help, reported on almost daily in the paper. And now we have further divided ourselves within our own borders. With all the terrible things going on in the world right now, I think we should be taking down barriers, not putting more up.
Everyone has their right to have their say. I'm not saying the people who voted out are wrong because that would be bigoted of me and I'm not that kind of person. I'm just using my right to express my own opinions and thoughts on the matter.
And who knows, we may be better off having voted out. Our country may progress even further now we are not constricted within the ruling of a union. Maybe we will become stronger economically, progress further than we ever thought.
Regardless of what the outcome was, we all knew that only time would tell on the results.
I promise my post next week - or maybe later this week - will be much less drab and much cheerier!
Wednesday, 15 June 2016
Finishing University and What Comes Next
It has been almost an entire year since I last posted a blog here. A lot longer than I am proud of. But now that university has finished and I have no deadlines around every corner, I've decided I'm going to start posting here again. I'm aiming for a post a week, optimistically, so we'll see how that goes.
Since the last three years of my life have been dedicated to my degree, I feel my first post should be about that such thing.
University takes up a lot of time. Even though it's only three days a week, it embroils itself into every aspect of your life. Your closest allies become those in your course, your computer becomes filled with mountains of documents for each module. Even when you go out you're wondering how you can incorperate the experience into an assignment. Well, I was anyway, but I have always been known to be a bit OTT when it comes to work.
I have adored my degree. It's been my home. Not only has it given me the opportunity to meet some amazing people who will be friends for life, but it has helped me to advance my writing skills exponentially. I experienced and adored modules I would have never seen myself taking. I can now call myself a screenwriter, a novelist and a journalist. University has taught me a lot about my own determination, resiliance and talents.
Now the big question is 'what comes next?'. When my lectures finished April and my deadlines came and went in April, I was thrilled to have some time where I could sit down, in my PJs, and watch iZombie back to back without feeling guilty. Or pick up a book and read without feeling the need to somehow fit it into one of my assignments. However, that freedom-feeling passed quite quickly. The nothingness soon reminded me that I would not be going back to university in September. So the job-hunt began.
Over my time at university I have tried hard to amount up experience that would help me to achieve a job at the end of my degree. I used my spare time to not have to worry at the end about what I would with no employment positions under my belt. However, it doesn't appeared to have helped as much as I had hoped. I failed to remember that everyone in England was finishing their degree at the exact same time as me, with thousands of people finishing the same course and wanting the same job. So every application I have been sending out has been returned to me with an upsetting decline.
Leaving university is difficult and I don't want anyone to have any preconceptions that it's any different. It's a race to find a job before your flat contract ends. It's a panic at what you're possibly going to do with your life now. But it's not all terrifying. I have some great contacts who want to help me find a job and are doing everything they can to help. I have some incredible family and friends who keep a smile on my face and constantly remind me that something will come along. And I have First Class Honours degree that I can be proud of, knowing I put everything I had into it and it paid off. There are so many opportunities out there and it only takes one person, one job posting, to spot you in the crowd.
What comes next is difficult to define but I know it will be as exciting as what has come before. I look forward to the next challenge, the new friends I will make and the hurdles of adult life I am about to face. Plus I have a wedding to plan and what came be more exciting than that?
Until next time readers...
Since the last three years of my life have been dedicated to my degree, I feel my first post should be about that such thing.
University takes up a lot of time. Even though it's only three days a week, it embroils itself into every aspect of your life. Your closest allies become those in your course, your computer becomes filled with mountains of documents for each module. Even when you go out you're wondering how you can incorperate the experience into an assignment. Well, I was anyway, but I have always been known to be a bit OTT when it comes to work.I have adored my degree. It's been my home. Not only has it given me the opportunity to meet some amazing people who will be friends for life, but it has helped me to advance my writing skills exponentially. I experienced and adored modules I would have never seen myself taking. I can now call myself a screenwriter, a novelist and a journalist. University has taught me a lot about my own determination, resiliance and talents.
Now the big question is 'what comes next?'. When my lectures finished April and my deadlines came and went in April, I was thrilled to have some time where I could sit down, in my PJs, and watch iZombie back to back without feeling guilty. Or pick up a book and read without feeling the need to somehow fit it into one of my assignments. However, that freedom-feeling passed quite quickly. The nothingness soon reminded me that I would not be going back to university in September. So the job-hunt began.
Over my time at university I have tried hard to amount up experience that would help me to achieve a job at the end of my degree. I used my spare time to not have to worry at the end about what I would with no employment positions under my belt. However, it doesn't appeared to have helped as much as I had hoped. I failed to remember that everyone in England was finishing their degree at the exact same time as me, with thousands of people finishing the same course and wanting the same job. So every application I have been sending out has been returned to me with an upsetting decline.Leaving university is difficult and I don't want anyone to have any preconceptions that it's any different. It's a race to find a job before your flat contract ends. It's a panic at what you're possibly going to do with your life now. But it's not all terrifying. I have some great contacts who want to help me find a job and are doing everything they can to help. I have some incredible family and friends who keep a smile on my face and constantly remind me that something will come along. And I have First Class Honours degree that I can be proud of, knowing I put everything I had into it and it paid off. There are so many opportunities out there and it only takes one person, one job posting, to spot you in the crowd.
What comes next is difficult to define but I know it will be as exciting as what has come before. I look forward to the next challenge, the new friends I will make and the hurdles of adult life I am about to face. Plus I have a wedding to plan and what came be more exciting than that?
Until next time readers...
Tuesday, 30 June 2015
EDS Type 3: Living and Learning
I wrote this post for my universities blog a little while ago to
raise awareness for Don't-Dis-My-Ability. I wanted to repost it as I am
always looking to raise awareness about this relatively unknown and
unresearched condition, so here goes:
I’m a second year Creative Writing student and I also work part time for Wimbledon BookFest and Standen Literary Agency. Though being able to work and write is great, there’s a lot I can’t do. I don’t go out often, I sometimes miss my lectures and I don’t get involved in a lot of campus events. But because my illness is invisible and because I ‘don’t look sick’, I’m judged and misunderstood a lot of the time by people.
People think that being hypermobile is about being double jointed. A lot of dancers and gymnastics are hypermobile, which is easily recognised in the way they manipulate their bodies. I, however, managed to permanently damage my upper back, shoulders, ribs and spine just by studying for my exams.
EDS is highly misdiagnosed by doctors. They’re not very well versed in the condition and commonly pass the problems off as a regular bad back or poor posture because patients can touch their toes or twist their torsos. I want to change this. I want to help educate people on the severity of invisible illnesses.This form of EDS may not literally affect people’s life expectancy, unlike EDS Type 1, but it does sometimes made it unbearable to live.
My condition has worsened since I was 17. My rotator cuffs in my shoulders and the muscles in my neck have been so permanently damaged that I lose feeling in my hands and arms regularly. My ribs move to places they aren’t supposed – to the point of dislocation – and lead to severe heart attack type chest pain. The pain that I suffer from in my back and spine can only be dulled by Diazepam, which is a sedative. My illness is incurable and later in life it can lead to daily dislocations, wheelchair use and replacement surgery.
Everyday of my life is planned, starting from the moment I wake up. Christine Miserandino invented “The Spoon Theory” when talking about chronic illness; for example a sick person has a handful of spoons and you only have so many for that day and every single action takes away a spoon from you. Carrying a bag, shaving my legs, straightening my hair, sitting at a desk – each of these can take spoons away so that I can’t make dinner that day or stay up and write an essay or go and see my friends for drinks. It makes me scared to do a lot of things; I have planned things and bailed at the last minute because I’m afraid that I’ll be in so much pain and no one will understand or I won’t be able to function for the next week because my brain will be too fogged or I’ll have used all my ‘spoons’ and therefore won’t be good company for others. It does make it difficult to get out of bed some days.
But I don’t let my illness run my life entirely. I’ve moved away from home and came to London to study Creative Writing. I moved in with my boyfriend of almost three years now. I’ve almost been picked up by a Literary Agent twice for my own writing. Though a fulltime job may be too much for me right now, I plan to become a writer, agent or publisher in spite of it. At 21 I still rely on the people around me to hold me up – sometimes literally – but I will have children and I will live with my condition.
I want to show others that a chronic condition doesn’t have to ruin you, just like my mum showed me after she was diagnosed with an incurable kidney disease a few years ago. She is the bravest, most wonderful person I know and I want to inspire my children like she has inspired me.
I'm lucky to have found a good physiotherapist up here in London, but not everybody has that luxery - I know I didn't for the first few years of my illness. A lot of people suffer in silence or are misunderstood for years in a many chronic, invisible illnesses. There's little research surrounding EDS and a lot of confusion. After reading this mammoth post, just reposting on your Facebook wall on any social media site can help more people than you'd know.
Remember: don’t-dis-my-ability or anyone elses. No one is normal but some people are a little more unique than they look on the outside.
I’m a second year Creative Writing student and I also work part time for Wimbledon BookFest and Standen Literary Agency. Though being able to work and write is great, there’s a lot I can’t do. I don’t go out often, I sometimes miss my lectures and I don’t get involved in a lot of campus events. But because my illness is invisible and because I ‘don’t look sick’, I’m judged and misunderstood a lot of the time by people.
I’ve been suffering from Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Type 3 – also know as
Joint Hypermobility – since my second year of A Level study.
Hypermobility is a connective tissue disorder that comes from having too
much collagen in your muscles and organs so they overstretch, lack
stability and cause multiple issues in a person’s body. Because of this I
also suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, reoccurring migraines and
slight IBS. I therefore don’t really know what it’s like to not wake up
exhausted and in pain.
People think that being hypermobile is about being double jointed. A lot of dancers and gymnastics are hypermobile, which is easily recognised in the way they manipulate their bodies. I, however, managed to permanently damage my upper back, shoulders, ribs and spine just by studying for my exams.
EDS is highly misdiagnosed by doctors. They’re not very well versed in the condition and commonly pass the problems off as a regular bad back or poor posture because patients can touch their toes or twist their torsos. I want to change this. I want to help educate people on the severity of invisible illnesses.This form of EDS may not literally affect people’s life expectancy, unlike EDS Type 1, but it does sometimes made it unbearable to live.
My condition has worsened since I was 17. My rotator cuffs in my shoulders and the muscles in my neck have been so permanently damaged that I lose feeling in my hands and arms regularly. My ribs move to places they aren’t supposed – to the point of dislocation – and lead to severe heart attack type chest pain. The pain that I suffer from in my back and spine can only be dulled by Diazepam, which is a sedative. My illness is incurable and later in life it can lead to daily dislocations, wheelchair use and replacement surgery.
Everyday of my life is planned, starting from the moment I wake up. Christine Miserandino invented “The Spoon Theory” when talking about chronic illness; for example a sick person has a handful of spoons and you only have so many for that day and every single action takes away a spoon from you. Carrying a bag, shaving my legs, straightening my hair, sitting at a desk – each of these can take spoons away so that I can’t make dinner that day or stay up and write an essay or go and see my friends for drinks. It makes me scared to do a lot of things; I have planned things and bailed at the last minute because I’m afraid that I’ll be in so much pain and no one will understand or I won’t be able to function for the next week because my brain will be too fogged or I’ll have used all my ‘spoons’ and therefore won’t be good company for others. It does make it difficult to get out of bed some days.
But I don’t let my illness run my life entirely. I’ve moved away from home and came to London to study Creative Writing. I moved in with my boyfriend of almost three years now. I’ve almost been picked up by a Literary Agent twice for my own writing. Though a fulltime job may be too much for me right now, I plan to become a writer, agent or publisher in spite of it. At 21 I still rely on the people around me to hold me up – sometimes literally – but I will have children and I will live with my condition.
I want to show others that a chronic condition doesn’t have to ruin you, just like my mum showed me after she was diagnosed with an incurable kidney disease a few years ago. She is the bravest, most wonderful person I know and I want to inspire my children like she has inspired me.
I'm lucky to have found a good physiotherapist up here in London, but not everybody has that luxery - I know I didn't for the first few years of my illness. A lot of people suffer in silence or are misunderstood for years in a many chronic, invisible illnesses. There's little research surrounding EDS and a lot of confusion. After reading this mammoth post, just reposting on your Facebook wall on any social media site can help more people than you'd know. Remember: don’t-dis-my-ability or anyone elses. No one is normal but some people are a little more unique than they look on the outside.
Another Year, Another Post
It's been a while since I wrote a post, but another year has passed and I feel that some reflection is needed.
I finished my second year of university! Having thought not so long ago that I wasn't even going to bother to come and then getting chronically ill, I am surprised and proud to say I have passed yet another year with a First. It's not been easy - tackling assignments and staff alongside being ill a lot of the time, but I'm proud of myself, the work I've achieved and the wonderful and supportive friends I've made.
The things I've learnt here about writing has just grown over the two years. I can see the refinement that has developed in my work and as a stubborn 19 year old who thought there wasn't that much that I could be taught, I have been proven well and truly wrong. This year I've had a lot of ups and downs with my health. Finally being recognised as having an incapaciating illness by student finance and recieving equipment and support has been incredible. To at last have my condition recognised, understood and respected is a massive step away from being told by doctors that I'm overreacting and overexaggerating.
The downside is the effects. I still struggle to go out a lot, to do things with friends, to do things I want to and have the normal life of a 21 year old. EDS III is a full on condition that affects more than just my muscles and joints. Although my illness has lead to me being left out of events, to lots of tears and to reevaluating some parts of my life, I really have learnt who my real family are. My parents, who have been unwavering in their support and understanding alongside my siblings and my incredible boyfriend, and my real friends, who I know will love me no matter what happens. I feel like that's one of the most important things I've learnt this year.
Despite my health one thing I've never done is give up on my passions. This month I finished my latest novel which has now been printed for editing before I send it off to agents to try and get it published. Even though I've been told countless times by my physiotherapist that I shouldn't be sitting at a desk for long periods and that Creative Writing is not exactly a great career path for someone with my condition, I have persevered despite it and I'm proud of myself for that.I've also embarked on two new jobs; working at the Wimbledon BookFest and at the Standen Literary Agency/Three Hares Publishing. Both of these have been hugely educational, allowing me to witness young writers coming to life - both adults and children alike - and have given me the opportunity to see the other side of the coin, opening up my career prospects greatly.
Year Two has been something to remember - from discussing the horrors of the Fifty Shades writing in my Fiction class to dislocating my rib.
But I know that my Third Year can only bring great and stressful with some amazing people. Bring it on.
Wednesday, 7 May 2014
Crossing Off Year One
It's now the beginning of May and I have officially handed in all of my assignments and finished my first year of university.
It's gone incredibly quick. It barely feels like anytime has passed since I moved into my halls room and unpacked all my stuff, unable to fathom where exactly I was going to put it all.
I came to university because I had to. I intended to go straight into a job and work myself up in the industry. However, what I discovered was that to get into publishing, you had to have a degree just to start at the bottom. So here is where I've ended up. And, honestly, I'm so glad I did.
I've learnt so much about writing and though I've been doing it since I was ten, I've realised there's so much more too it. Learning about the small details of writing that I rarely think about when I'm penning a novel has led my writing to improve incredibly. Being aware of the most obvious and simple things is sometimes all it takes.
And I've learnt to love so many new avenues of writing. Journalism was never something I was interested in pursuing but a module this semester has led me to respect and experiment with the art and I've learnt that I'm not as bad at that style of writing as I thought I would be.
I chose London as my city to study in because of its connections. Look up most publishers and literary agents and you will find their offices in and around central London. It's also a wonderful city to experience and discover and when I could no longer stand sitting in my halls room, it was a wonderful place to escape to.
In April I was offered a two week placement at Random House publicity and I adored being able to experience a publishing house. To work in a place I plan to apply for when I leave university was incredible and I advice anyone who has a passion for books or writing to go and give it a chance. It doesn't cost anything but two weeks of your time and you'll quickly learn whether you want to leave after a day or curl up beneath a pile of books and work there forever.
My placement helped me to remember what I was here for. To get into publishing you need at least three work experience's on your CV and I wanted to start early, but I had gotten wrapped up in deadlines, tutorials and writing like everyone else wanted me too. Random House showed me what I was stressing about would come to mean something in the end.
Now, let's talk about my flatmates. Moving into halls I was worried. I was older, having taken a gap year, and I didn't drink. I assumed that the 18 year old's I was sharing with would instantly hate me. However what I came to discover was an incredible set of friends. For the last year I haven't stopped laughing. I've met some amazing people and learnt so much about different cultures and backgrounds and even though its been hard sometimes, I will never regret the experience.
Some of the people I've shared a flat with for the last year will be my friends for life. I know a lot of people say that about friends they made whilst in education, but I genuinely feel like we've grown so close that I will always want them over for tea and a gossip. I love them and they're like sisters to me now, and you don't just forget your siblings. No matter how much you want to kill them sometimes.
My first year has been eventful. It's been a lot of up's and down's with people and places but I've come through it the other side. I couldn't have done any of it without the Other Half's support and as we come up to celebrating our two year anniversary, I know that I couldn't be happier.
So, let me just say - Bring It On Year Two.
It's gone incredibly quick. It barely feels like anytime has passed since I moved into my halls room and unpacked all my stuff, unable to fathom where exactly I was going to put it all.I came to university because I had to. I intended to go straight into a job and work myself up in the industry. However, what I discovered was that to get into publishing, you had to have a degree just to start at the bottom. So here is where I've ended up. And, honestly, I'm so glad I did.
I've learnt so much about writing and though I've been doing it since I was ten, I've realised there's so much more too it. Learning about the small details of writing that I rarely think about when I'm penning a novel has led my writing to improve incredibly. Being aware of the most obvious and simple things is sometimes all it takes.
And I've learnt to love so many new avenues of writing. Journalism was never something I was interested in pursuing but a module this semester has led me to respect and experiment with the art and I've learnt that I'm not as bad at that style of writing as I thought I would be.
I chose London as my city to study in because of its connections. Look up most publishers and literary agents and you will find their offices in and around central London. It's also a wonderful city to experience and discover and when I could no longer stand sitting in my halls room, it was a wonderful place to escape to.
In April I was offered a two week placement at Random House publicity and I adored being able to experience a publishing house. To work in a place I plan to apply for when I leave university was incredible and I advice anyone who has a passion for books or writing to go and give it a chance. It doesn't cost anything but two weeks of your time and you'll quickly learn whether you want to leave after a day or curl up beneath a pile of books and work there forever.My placement helped me to remember what I was here for. To get into publishing you need at least three work experience's on your CV and I wanted to start early, but I had gotten wrapped up in deadlines, tutorials and writing like everyone else wanted me too. Random House showed me what I was stressing about would come to mean something in the end.
Now, let's talk about my flatmates. Moving into halls I was worried. I was older, having taken a gap year, and I didn't drink. I assumed that the 18 year old's I was sharing with would instantly hate me. However what I came to discover was an incredible set of friends. For the last year I haven't stopped laughing. I've met some amazing people and learnt so much about different cultures and backgrounds and even though its been hard sometimes, I will never regret the experience.
Some of the people I've shared a flat with for the last year will be my friends for life. I know a lot of people say that about friends they made whilst in education, but I genuinely feel like we've grown so close that I will always want them over for tea and a gossip. I love them and they're like sisters to me now, and you don't just forget your siblings. No matter how much you want to kill them sometimes.
My first year has been eventful. It's been a lot of up's and down's with people and places but I've come through it the other side. I couldn't have done any of it without the Other Half's support and as we come up to celebrating our two year anniversary, I know that I couldn't be happier.
So, let me just say - Bring It On Year Two.
Thursday, 10 April 2014
Into the Heart of Publishing I Went
Everyone has this fantastical idea of what publishing is.
A busy office with piles of paper everywhere. A buzzing atmosphere where it's books books books.
The truth is it's not like that at all.
I started off my publicity work experience at the Penguin Random House group trying to work out the travel system of London.
As most of the people who read this blog know, I am the least coordinated or travel conscious person around, so tube systems and train times are not my forte.
However, going to work every morning, rushing for the tube and getting annoyed with the slow walkers and the barging businessmen made me feel like a true Londoner.
When you walk into the Random House offices you are met by very fun red swivel chairs and a receptionist who is never off the phone. That's where the glamour ends, I'm afraid.
The offices themselves look like any other offices; desk, chair, computer, paperwork. Apart from the shelves and stacks of books that rest against every wall and get in everyone's way.When I thought of publishing I thought of author events and meetings about books and being the first person to see the next big book cover. However what I failed to remember was that I was in fact there for only a two week work experience placement and therefore unimportant.
But don't fear, I have not turned my back on publishing. In fact, I loved almost every minute of being the publicity assistants lackey. I got to make Showcards that would be put up in bookshops across the country and Press Releases that would be sent to every big newspaper and magazine around.
Everyday I listened to the assistants and the publicists on the phone to travel companies, booking Eurostars and hotels and talking to authors about the gritty details of their books so they could organise appropriate interviews.
And it just gave me the motivation to want to be that person. The one calling the author or going on business trips and book tours with them, or being the author themselves, being asked the in-depth details about my book. It ignited the passion and motivation within me to jump up the gear, to do something I really want.
By the end of the placement I realised that publicity was maybe not my avenue. I want to be connected with the author and the book so much that I feel like its my child as well as theirs. That's why I've made the decision to try and pursue a career in editorial, and in particular children's.
Not to mention all the free books I got given at the end of it.
Wednesday, 19 March 2014
Ticking the Rejection Box
Every great writer is a reject.
JK Rowling got rejected from every publishing house name before Bloomsbury took her. The Da Vinci Code, The Chronicles of Narnia, even Dr Suess where all rejected a number of times before they finally found the right agent or publisher. In fact, all the books you can recognise in the photo to the right have been rejected.
If you write and aim to publish that writing to a public audience, then rejection is inevitable. Every writer or publisher will tell you exactly that. But no matter how many times you tell yourself you'll be okay with that, that you understand its part of the business, it still hurts when it happens.
At first you turn your nose up at the rejection, disagreeing with every comment on your work and convincing yourself that you were just too good for that agent. Then the tears come. The 'I'm a terrible writer and I should give up now' wails.
And then you take a couple of days. You go over the feedback that agent may have given you and you really think about it. About why this could have affected their inevitable choice and how you can fix it.
Through my experience I decided to take every criticism, note them down and then think of ways to remove the problem from the story - whether that be adding to word count with more scenes or removing the subplot or character completely. I mapped every chapter and every characters appearance on my Halls bedroom wall and found that I could now recognise where I'd gone wrong - something I couldn't see before.
When it comes to your own writing you're usually blind. Every single word is perfect and the completed manuscript is your treasured child that, when its beaten down, you feel every bruise too. But there are two choices - two solutions.
Either learn to look at your work subjectively and become a hard critic. Read through your work with new eyes and be tough with your cuts and edits. Not many have the heart or ability to do this successfully.
Or, find a critique partner or group. Many published writers recommend joining one of these groups if you look on their FAQ pages, but if you can't find one in your area or one that doesn't cost, turn to a friend or family member. If they're interested in the genre they may be interested in being your first reader - and possibly having a mention in the acknowledgements. Even a classmate can be helpful. If they're a good person they'll be honest with you when you ask.
The Rejection box is a painful one to tick but its necessary for every writers journey. And most of the time those rejection emails are what make you a better, stronger writer.
If you write and aim to publish that writing to a public audience, then rejection is inevitable. Every writer or publisher will tell you exactly that. But no matter how many times you tell yourself you'll be okay with that, that you understand its part of the business, it still hurts when it happens.
At first you turn your nose up at the rejection, disagreeing with every comment on your work and convincing yourself that you were just too good for that agent. Then the tears come. The 'I'm a terrible writer and I should give up now' wails.
And then you take a couple of days. You go over the feedback that agent may have given you and you really think about it. About why this could have affected their inevitable choice and how you can fix it.
Through my experience I decided to take every criticism, note them down and then think of ways to remove the problem from the story - whether that be adding to word count with more scenes or removing the subplot or character completely. I mapped every chapter and every characters appearance on my Halls bedroom wall and found that I could now recognise where I'd gone wrong - something I couldn't see before.When it comes to your own writing you're usually blind. Every single word is perfect and the completed manuscript is your treasured child that, when its beaten down, you feel every bruise too. But there are two choices - two solutions.
Either learn to look at your work subjectively and become a hard critic. Read through your work with new eyes and be tough with your cuts and edits. Not many have the heart or ability to do this successfully.
Or, find a critique partner or group. Many published writers recommend joining one of these groups if you look on their FAQ pages, but if you can't find one in your area or one that doesn't cost, turn to a friend or family member. If they're interested in the genre they may be interested in being your first reader - and possibly having a mention in the acknowledgements. Even a classmate can be helpful. If they're a good person they'll be honest with you when you ask.
The Rejection box is a painful one to tick but its necessary for every writers journey. And most of the time those rejection emails are what make you a better, stronger writer.
Thursday, 13 March 2014
Spring Begins with Controversy
Every university is filled with societies; the Norwegian society, the LGBT society, the film society. But the drama society at Roehampton, known to the students as the Roehampton Players, have been the centre of attention on campus recently.
I wanted to make this blog post because 'Spring Awakening' isn't your usual classic fun and bouncy musical. It's a controversial German play that was written by Frank Wedekind and adapted into a rock and roll musical for Broadway by Duncan Sheik and Steven Satar in 2006. It tackles the themes of teenage sexuality, abuse and suicide, which caused it to be banned in Germany and vastly censored in the UK when it was first released.
I think that the open representation of sexuality and issues of all kinds on a university campus is incredibly courageous and necessary. So many young people come to university plagued with troubles and scared to express themselves. They're surrounded by new people that may judge who they are or what they think and there's so much controversy in the media and in society that people are afraid to be who they truly want to be.
They decided to shake off the winter chills with their production of 'Spring Awakening'. It was their first time producing the musical and taking into consideration their sold-out shows of 'Guys and Dolls' and 'Rent' over the past few years, the show was expected to be successful.
I wanted to make this blog post because 'Spring Awakening' isn't your usual classic fun and bouncy musical. It's a controversial German play that was written by Frank Wedekind and adapted into a rock and roll musical for Broadway by Duncan Sheik and Steven Satar in 2006. It tackles the themes of teenage sexuality, abuse and suicide, which caused it to be banned in Germany and vastly censored in the UK when it was first released.
This type of play could have caused many issues for the Players, which led to my interest to write about it for the Journalism module on my course and in telling you all about it on this blog.
The Players are no strangers to controversy. Last year they decided to produce 'Rent' which explores sexuality as well as drug abuse, so the campus already had a good idea what they were walking into.
But when I entered the campus theatre last night and the lights went down my stomach flipped. I'm close friends with the Vice President of the society and I had interviewed various members of the cast for my Journalism piece, so I felt a deep connection to the play already. However, even I didn't know how it would be portrayed on the stage.
When the lights came back on I stood from my seat and clapped until my hands hurt. There were tears in my eyes after the emotional ending and I was proud of the society for producing such a daring play with such confidence.
For my Journalism assignment I interviewed Abbie Mccrone, the lead actress in the play and the President of the society, where she said: ‘This makes youngsters know they're not weird and that things like homosexuality shouldn't be frowned upon,' and in the performance they showed no fear when they tackled homosexual relationships, a teenagers struggle with suicide and an on-stage sex scene without fear or hesitation.
I think that the open representation of sexuality and issues of all kinds on a university campus is incredibly courageous and necessary. So many young people come to university plagued with troubles and scared to express themselves. They're surrounded by new people that may judge who they are or what they think and there's so much controversy in the media and in society that people are afraid to be who they truly want to be.
The Roehampton Players tackled this problem head on with an emotional but ballsy performance, sticking up a middle finger (literally for one of the musical numbers) to anyone who dared to contradict their choice. Though this a cautionary tale for parents who don't talk to their children about sexuality and teenagers who act without thinking, it is also so much more for the audience and the people involved.
As Matthew Hudson, the President of the LGBT society, told me for my Journalism assignment: 'Love is love, a kiss is a kiss, no matter who it is between,' the Roehampton Players certainly proved that this weekend in their performance and sent out a lasting message:
Be who you want to be, do what you want to do, and leave behind those who think being different is bad.
Saturday, 22 February 2014
The Interesting Side of Being a Teenager
I really am a bad blogger. I get so distracted by everything that's going on around me that some things slip my mind. I'm ashamed to say that this blog is one of those things. Please forgive me, Bloggersphere, I still love you!
Lately I've had a bit of trouble with writers block. I've had a dozen preliminary ideas that have found a home in the folder 'Ideas' on my memory stick but none of them have stood out in the shining way that a writer requires to risk pursuing a 100,000 word adventure.
The market is currently flooded with dystopian and fantasy novels as I have begrudgingly had to accept. This particular sector of the market is unfortunately my forte. It is the type of story I am most commonly drawn to - the world building, the variety of characters, the adventures that can be had.
I think that a lot of young people are similarly interested for the same reason as a writer. The teenage years of someone's life is majorly filled with school, appearance, popularity and pressure. So a book, for most, is the perfect escape.
Take Game of Thrones or The Hunger Games or Divergent for example. No youngster is the ruler of Dragons or fighting for their District in a rebellion or battling against fellow Initiates. However the majority of teenagers are struggling with identity, falling in love or trying to prove their worth. Which if you look hard enough in a Young Adult book, so are the characters there.
That's why teen fiction is so popular nowadays. Teenagers have grown increasingly interested in reading, yes, but they have also found some friends, some family, in the characters. They have found people who can silently understand and help.
Moving away from dystopia and fantasy has been difficult for me. It's a passionate interest that is hard to detach myself from. But I've found myself wanting to give a voice to those teenagers who are struggling. Not through subtle messages or a battle with the self through a battle with the werewolf that's threatening to take over. I wanted to tackle the problems head on. Mental illness, PTSD, the war, love and pain.
That's why I'm excited and proud of my book that is currently sitting in an agents office being read and considered. Whether it gets published or not I have tried to speak for those who can't. For the minority and majority. That's why I'm confident in the idea that I'm currently working on.
Sometimes it's not about shouting the loudest, sometimes it's just speaking enough to be heard.
Lately I've had a bit of trouble with writers block. I've had a dozen preliminary ideas that have found a home in the folder 'Ideas' on my memory stick but none of them have stood out in the shining way that a writer requires to risk pursuing a 100,000 word adventure.
The market is currently flooded with dystopian and fantasy novels as I have begrudgingly had to accept. This particular sector of the market is unfortunately my forte. It is the type of story I am most commonly drawn to - the world building, the variety of characters, the adventures that can be had.
I think that a lot of young people are similarly interested for the same reason as a writer. The teenage years of someone's life is majorly filled with school, appearance, popularity and pressure. So a book, for most, is the perfect escape.
Take Game of Thrones or The Hunger Games or Divergent for example. No youngster is the ruler of Dragons or fighting for their District in a rebellion or battling against fellow Initiates. However the majority of teenagers are struggling with identity, falling in love or trying to prove their worth. Which if you look hard enough in a Young Adult book, so are the characters there.That's why teen fiction is so popular nowadays. Teenagers have grown increasingly interested in reading, yes, but they have also found some friends, some family, in the characters. They have found people who can silently understand and help.
Moving away from dystopia and fantasy has been difficult for me. It's a passionate interest that is hard to detach myself from. But I've found myself wanting to give a voice to those teenagers who are struggling. Not through subtle messages or a battle with the self through a battle with the werewolf that's threatening to take over. I wanted to tackle the problems head on. Mental illness, PTSD, the war, love and pain.
That's why I'm excited and proud of my book that is currently sitting in an agents office being read and considered. Whether it gets published or not I have tried to speak for those who can't. For the minority and majority. That's why I'm confident in the idea that I'm currently working on.
Sometimes it's not about shouting the loudest, sometimes it's just speaking enough to be heard.
Monday, 6 January 2014
The Game is On, Sherlock!
I was recently introduced to Sherlock by my Other Half and my younger sister. I obviously knew what Sherlock was and I had seen the films but I had never encountered the TV show. I know most of Tumblr and probably some readers of this Blog will be horrified by this fact but it is unfortunately the truth. I had always seen it talked about on the Interweb but I was never entirely sure if it would be something that would grip me.
Was I wrong, Bloggersphere. I started the first episode not fully paying attention as I hadn't seen any of the previous ones and I had writing work to be getting on with. Though within 5 minutes I was gripped.
I had encountered on Tumblr the series finale of Season 2 (no spoilers) and 'The Empty Hearse' began with no Sherlock and a very desolate entourage. I thought the way that Sherlock revealed himself to John Watson in the restaurant was hilarious and set up his character for me and returning viewers very well.
I also myself falling in love with the character of Watson from the very beginning, finding that he was the most relateable character and the most humorous so I have a new found actor favourite in Martin Freeman.
Benedict Cumberbatch is a peculiar man and I think that is why his portrayal of Sherlock is so perfect. Sherlock is erratic and socially inept - an unconventionally likable protagonist - and I think that Cumberbatch delivers his role with precision and realism, allowing the audience of the show to fall in love with this bizarre man.
Whilst watching the first 2 episodes of the series I found I was dragged in by the story lines without consent - and that, my Blogger friends, is excellent writing. I was speculating different theories of how exactly Sherlock pulled off what he did (no spoilers!) and who the culprit of the murders mentioned in the episodes where.
'The Empty Hearse' had me in fits, with Gatiss obviously having searched through Tumblr and picking out all the crazes that the fans reblog and debate constantly. Things such as Anderson and his Fan Club debating Sherlock's stunt - including a reference to Doctor Who (Wholock) for those who looked closely enough - and the Sherlock and Watson gay suspicion.
The second episode, 'The Sign of Three', opened Sherlock up into a new character for me. He is a man that doesn't function well in society with emotions or people, yet in this episode they made him compassionate and humble. I think it was a clever move from the writer's for all viewers. And when he left the wedding early without dancing - well, I expect most Sherlock fans would have been a mess on the floor.
I think that the modernization of the show is fantastic. How they make Watson a war veteran of Afghanistan and set the scene in current London makes the whole of it very relateable. Sherlock is an odd but brilliant man and how they portray his 'Mind Palace' with clusters of words around an object is fantastic.
Sherlock is inventive, hilarious and intense and I will be a frequent watcher from here onwards. The game is on, as they say, to keep me on my toes.
So, basically, in this sort-of review, the only downside I can find to the show is that there are only 3 episodes per series!
Was I wrong, Bloggersphere. I started the first episode not fully paying attention as I hadn't seen any of the previous ones and I had writing work to be getting on with. Though within 5 minutes I was gripped.
I had encountered on Tumblr the series finale of Season 2 (no spoilers) and 'The Empty Hearse' began with no Sherlock and a very desolate entourage. I thought the way that Sherlock revealed himself to John Watson in the restaurant was hilarious and set up his character for me and returning viewers very well.
I also myself falling in love with the character of Watson from the very beginning, finding that he was the most relateable character and the most humorous so I have a new found actor favourite in Martin Freeman.
Benedict Cumberbatch is a peculiar man and I think that is why his portrayal of Sherlock is so perfect. Sherlock is erratic and socially inept - an unconventionally likable protagonist - and I think that Cumberbatch delivers his role with precision and realism, allowing the audience of the show to fall in love with this bizarre man.
'The Empty Hearse' had me in fits, with Gatiss obviously having searched through Tumblr and picking out all the crazes that the fans reblog and debate constantly. Things such as Anderson and his Fan Club debating Sherlock's stunt - including a reference to Doctor Who (Wholock) for those who looked closely enough - and the Sherlock and Watson gay suspicion.
The second episode, 'The Sign of Three', opened Sherlock up into a new character for me. He is a man that doesn't function well in society with emotions or people, yet in this episode they made him compassionate and humble. I think it was a clever move from the writer's for all viewers. And when he left the wedding early without dancing - well, I expect most Sherlock fans would have been a mess on the floor.
I think that the modernization of the show is fantastic. How they make Watson a war veteran of Afghanistan and set the scene in current London makes the whole of it very relateable. Sherlock is an odd but brilliant man and how they portray his 'Mind Palace' with clusters of words around an object is fantastic.
Sherlock is inventive, hilarious and intense and I will be a frequent watcher from here onwards. The game is on, as they say, to keep me on my toes.
So, basically, in this sort-of review, the only downside I can find to the show is that there are only 3 episodes per series!
Saturday, 21 December 2013
A Measure of Madness on the Pages
Bloggersphere, I understand that I've spoken quite often of my writing, but never really spoken of what exactly it is I write.
Considering my writing blog posts tend to get a fair few views, I feel it's only fair that you all know exactly what you're reading about.
Since I was a teenager I've loved to read and write Young Adult fiction. It hasn't been around long but has caused controversy often. It gives writers the opportunity to tackle new subjects - such as fantasy worlds and even illnesses - through the eyes of the younger generation.
My previous focus in writing has been on the magical side - I have a particular soft spot for Dystopian and Fantasy. My shelves are filled with books such as Divergent, Mortal Instruments and Shatter Me. My writing, as most authors, reflects my books and I have a collection of unpublished novels on my memory stick filled with those types of genres.
However, after writing my Dystopian novel, The Divide, which unfortunately went unpublished due to an overcrowded market, I realised I needed to take a new approach on writing. I needed to pick something I felt connected to and something that was yet to be touched on.
My shelves are also filled with YA issue-led fiction - The Fault in our Stars and Noughts and Crosses - and I knew that was what I wanted to write next.
I suffer from a chronic back condition that a lot of people don't understand because it's not a pain that you can see or really understand. Similarly, my mum suffers from a kidney disease that long went undiagnosed and misunderstood because it's so rare. Based on our struggles and the need for recognition in the current market, I decided to write a novel that was centered on the struggles felt in illness in both a physical and mental way.
I chose mental illness because, not only is it interesting to write, but it is also one that is commonly misunderstood. So many people suffer from various mental illness diseases and are ignored and unrecognised. It may be the words of a doctor noting it as a passing sadness, a misdiagnosis or even a parents denial.
So, my kind readers, I introduce you to Ana.
She is my main protagonist in my novel and she suffers from a mental illness herself that her parents and doctors diagnose as Depression when in fact it is Borderline Personality Disorder. She is alone in this illness, but she finds some form of companionship in 4 ill teenagers that she meets in therapy, all with their own illness - ranging from Parkinson's to PTSD. In the scene she has been depicted here, she is forced to go to a party in a dress her boyfriend gives her to wear. I wanted to express the troubles that young teenagers go through in a world that may not understand them. The extent of Ana's troubles may be more than the average teenager - with neglectful parents and bloody accidents - but my point remains the same: sometimes people just need to be listened to. Sometimes they need a little help, even if they don't say so.
My wonderful and artistic friend, Ashling Larkin, drew this concept of Ana for me. She's a wonderfully talented girl who deserves so much recognition. The link to her site is here - http://ashlingdraws.portfoliobox.me/ - and I urge you all to go and look at her art and be amazed!
Thank you for reading people and if you have any questions for me, don't be afraid to ask! Until next time!
Considering my writing blog posts tend to get a fair few views, I feel it's only fair that you all know exactly what you're reading about.
Since I was a teenager I've loved to read and write Young Adult fiction. It hasn't been around long but has caused controversy often. It gives writers the opportunity to tackle new subjects - such as fantasy worlds and even illnesses - through the eyes of the younger generation.
My previous focus in writing has been on the magical side - I have a particular soft spot for Dystopian and Fantasy. My shelves are filled with books such as Divergent, Mortal Instruments and Shatter Me. My writing, as most authors, reflects my books and I have a collection of unpublished novels on my memory stick filled with those types of genres.However, after writing my Dystopian novel, The Divide, which unfortunately went unpublished due to an overcrowded market, I realised I needed to take a new approach on writing. I needed to pick something I felt connected to and something that was yet to be touched on.
My shelves are also filled with YA issue-led fiction - The Fault in our Stars and Noughts and Crosses - and I knew that was what I wanted to write next.
I suffer from a chronic back condition that a lot of people don't understand because it's not a pain that you can see or really understand. Similarly, my mum suffers from a kidney disease that long went undiagnosed and misunderstood because it's so rare. Based on our struggles and the need for recognition in the current market, I decided to write a novel that was centered on the struggles felt in illness in both a physical and mental way.
I chose mental illness because, not only is it interesting to write, but it is also one that is commonly misunderstood. So many people suffer from various mental illness diseases and are ignored and unrecognised. It may be the words of a doctor noting it as a passing sadness, a misdiagnosis or even a parents denial.
So, my kind readers, I introduce you to Ana.
She is my main protagonist in my novel and she suffers from a mental illness herself that her parents and doctors diagnose as Depression when in fact it is Borderline Personality Disorder. She is alone in this illness, but she finds some form of companionship in 4 ill teenagers that she meets in therapy, all with their own illness - ranging from Parkinson's to PTSD. In the scene she has been depicted here, she is forced to go to a party in a dress her boyfriend gives her to wear. I wanted to express the troubles that young teenagers go through in a world that may not understand them. The extent of Ana's troubles may be more than the average teenager - with neglectful parents and bloody accidents - but my point remains the same: sometimes people just need to be listened to. Sometimes they need a little help, even if they don't say so.My wonderful and artistic friend, Ashling Larkin, drew this concept of Ana for me. She's a wonderfully talented girl who deserves so much recognition. The link to her site is here - http://ashlingdraws.portfoliobox.me/ - and I urge you all to go and look at her art and be amazed!
Thank you for reading people and if you have any questions for me, don't be afraid to ask! Until next time!
Wednesday, 18 December 2013
The Bells Are Ringing Out for The Fall of the Doctor..
Christmas is just around the corner, Bloggersphere!
I love Christmas. It's the time of year when family differences are put aside and everyone comes together for a nice day of food and laughter. It's the one day where there's no work, no rushing around or necessity to go outside and run errands. For one day every year everything is calm. It's nice when you think about it like that.
I've been away from home the past few months so coming back here is nice. Seeing my family is the biggest plus point of being back and I adore having their company again. The sound of their voices has been sorely missed. I've also missed the small vicinity of my Hometown. I didn't think I would, I left it for that reason after all. But being able to walk everywhere in a matter of 10 minutes, of having my friends basically around the corner, the beach in viewing distance of my window, is a comfort I'd never really thought of before.
However, Christmas not only brings presents and mountains of food - it also brings the Christmas Special of Doctor Who. A tradition in my house every year is to watch the Who special and every year we wait to see if the current Doctor will make it for another trip in the Tardis.
I've been a Whovian for a few years now, a follower of Eccelston through Smith. When Matt Smith was first brought in as the Doctor I was adamant not to like him. After David Tennant's 'I don't want to go', I didn't want him to go either and with tears in my eyes I committed myself to disliking the big-nosed new guy who was imitating my Doctor.
But as time has passed Smith has proved to be a worthy Doctor Who. Tennant will always be the man that pulls on my heartstrings with his range of emotional acting, but Smith has made me laugh, made me understand the Doctor that little bit more, and has become my friend. He never had a relationship with his companion - which was a necessary relief - instead introduced to us River and Amy and Rory who have all become as much family to us viewers as the Doctor himself.
I will be sad to see Matt Smith go. He's been a fun and troubled version of the Doctor that I have thoroughly enjoyed watching. With his cool bow ties and extravagant hand-talking he's been amusing, acting more like a child than previous Doctor's. Fez's off to Moffat for the story lines too - albeit confusing, they were thought provoking and a took a different twist to the usual Who plots.
Now to see how Clara develops as a companion to the new Doctor in the New Year. So far she's one of my favourite companions and I hope that her story continues. And let's hope Peter Capaldi can keep that sharp tongue of his bitten for the new child audience he's being introduced to...
I love Christmas. It's the time of year when family differences are put aside and everyone comes together for a nice day of food and laughter. It's the one day where there's no work, no rushing around or necessity to go outside and run errands. For one day every year everything is calm. It's nice when you think about it like that.
I've been away from home the past few months so coming back here is nice. Seeing my family is the biggest plus point of being back and I adore having their company again. The sound of their voices has been sorely missed. I've also missed the small vicinity of my Hometown. I didn't think I would, I left it for that reason after all. But being able to walk everywhere in a matter of 10 minutes, of having my friends basically around the corner, the beach in viewing distance of my window, is a comfort I'd never really thought of before.
However, Christmas not only brings presents and mountains of food - it also brings the Christmas Special of Doctor Who. A tradition in my house every year is to watch the Who special and every year we wait to see if the current Doctor will make it for another trip in the Tardis.
I've been a Whovian for a few years now, a follower of Eccelston through Smith. When Matt Smith was first brought in as the Doctor I was adamant not to like him. After David Tennant's 'I don't want to go', I didn't want him to go either and with tears in my eyes I committed myself to disliking the big-nosed new guy who was imitating my Doctor.But as time has passed Smith has proved to be a worthy Doctor Who. Tennant will always be the man that pulls on my heartstrings with his range of emotional acting, but Smith has made me laugh, made me understand the Doctor that little bit more, and has become my friend. He never had a relationship with his companion - which was a necessary relief - instead introduced to us River and Amy and Rory who have all become as much family to us viewers as the Doctor himself.
I will be sad to see Matt Smith go. He's been a fun and troubled version of the Doctor that I have thoroughly enjoyed watching. With his cool bow ties and extravagant hand-talking he's been amusing, acting more like a child than previous Doctor's. Fez's off to Moffat for the story lines too - albeit confusing, they were thought provoking and a took a different twist to the usual Who plots.
Now to see how Clara develops as a companion to the new Doctor in the New Year. So far she's one of my favourite companions and I hope that her story continues. And let's hope Peter Capaldi can keep that sharp tongue of his bitten for the new child audience he's being introduced to...
Tuesday, 10 December 2013
The Life of a Writer
It's been a while Bloggersphere. I'm guilty of this crime, I admit, but it's been a busy few months.
And I'm scared as hell, but here I am, wanting you - no, wait. That's Grey's Anatomy. Sorry.
Anyway, a quick update for anyone who bothers to read this page. Maybe in your spare time, maybe when you're procrastinating over your essays or maybe because you do like me just a little bit.
In the time that I've been away I've been writing. I know this is no big surprise, considering this blog is primarily about books and that lark, but this time the writing has been for a good reason. In the July month of this year, I sent out one of my novels to a handful of agents with the hopes that one of them would love it as much as me. Though many of them took a liking to the characters and the world, none of them became as attached as this crazy lady over here. However, one agent was particularly interested in me. But not in a weird, 'Collector' way. She told me, quote "you write very well - the world you've created is vivid and your narrative voice is strong" unquote. I was thrilled when she asked if in the future I had any other work to send it to her for consideration. At the time I had another novel idea in progress and decided to try my luck by sending her the premise. She was really interested and asked for the first 3 chapters. My task then was to actually write the thing. And now, as December rolls in, she has the full manuscript and is currently considering becoming my agent.
This is a huge deal for me, Bloggersphere. It's the one thing I've been working toward for all the years I've been writing. The process of getting here was long and frustrating about 92% of the time, but I loved every minute of it. Because I believe, as I told another writer the other day, if it's not difficult then it's not work. If you find it hard then it means you're onto something great. That's usually what I find anyway. And what I like to tell myself to stop me closing the laptop and throwing it from the window in the times of Writer's Block. I love writing, it's everything I'm good at and everything I want to share with the world. The characters I create become my family, my friends, my children. And I'd love to have the world read and experience them with me.
Everything is crossed that she comes back with something positive and that she comes back soon. The waiting is killing me!
In the last few months I've also joined the life of University-goers. After almost a year of procrastinating and debating internally, I decided that the best course for me would be Creative Writing. I know it sounds obvious now, but before I have always been a Literature Lover. I came to the difficult conclusion that English, however, would not be my strongest subject to study. I discovered that Creative Writing would not only further my writing ability, but it would also help me to break into the Publishing Industry.
University has been a big change for me. It's something I will probably be posting on here about for a long time. It's introduced me to some wonderful new friends and some like-minded people. It's encouraged me to grow up and live like an adult. It's given me the time and opportunity to realise exactly who I am, what I want and how I'm going to get it.
My first semester here is drawing to a close and it's been a ride, that's for sure. There's been drama, laughs, birthday's and panic about deadlines.
But what I've also learnt this semester is not only how much my Other Half (boyfriend) means through all of this and how much he's helped me, but I've learnt that maybe I can do this whole adult thing. Maybe I can get the life I want.
And maybe I'll be just fine after all.
And I'm scared as hell, but here I am, wanting you - no, wait. That's Grey's Anatomy. Sorry.
Anyway, a quick update for anyone who bothers to read this page. Maybe in your spare time, maybe when you're procrastinating over your essays or maybe because you do like me just a little bit.
In the time that I've been away I've been writing. I know this is no big surprise, considering this blog is primarily about books and that lark, but this time the writing has been for a good reason. In the July month of this year, I sent out one of my novels to a handful of agents with the hopes that one of them would love it as much as me. Though many of them took a liking to the characters and the world, none of them became as attached as this crazy lady over here. However, one agent was particularly interested in me. But not in a weird, 'Collector' way. She told me, quote "you write very well - the world you've created is vivid and your narrative voice is strong" unquote. I was thrilled when she asked if in the future I had any other work to send it to her for consideration. At the time I had another novel idea in progress and decided to try my luck by sending her the premise. She was really interested and asked for the first 3 chapters. My task then was to actually write the thing. And now, as December rolls in, she has the full manuscript and is currently considering becoming my agent.This is a huge deal for me, Bloggersphere. It's the one thing I've been working toward for all the years I've been writing. The process of getting here was long and frustrating about 92% of the time, but I loved every minute of it. Because I believe, as I told another writer the other day, if it's not difficult then it's not work. If you find it hard then it means you're onto something great. That's usually what I find anyway. And what I like to tell myself to stop me closing the laptop and throwing it from the window in the times of Writer's Block. I love writing, it's everything I'm good at and everything I want to share with the world. The characters I create become my family, my friends, my children. And I'd love to have the world read and experience them with me.
Everything is crossed that she comes back with something positive and that she comes back soon. The waiting is killing me!
In the last few months I've also joined the life of University-goers. After almost a year of procrastinating and debating internally, I decided that the best course for me would be Creative Writing. I know it sounds obvious now, but before I have always been a Literature Lover. I came to the difficult conclusion that English, however, would not be my strongest subject to study. I discovered that Creative Writing would not only further my writing ability, but it would also help me to break into the Publishing Industry.
University has been a big change for me. It's something I will probably be posting on here about for a long time. It's introduced me to some wonderful new friends and some like-minded people. It's encouraged me to grow up and live like an adult. It's given me the time and opportunity to realise exactly who I am, what I want and how I'm going to get it.My first semester here is drawing to a close and it's been a ride, that's for sure. There's been drama, laughs, birthday's and panic about deadlines.
But what I've also learnt this semester is not only how much my Other Half (boyfriend) means through all of this and how much he's helped me, but I've learnt that maybe I can do this whole adult thing. Maybe I can get the life I want.
And maybe I'll be just fine after all.
Saturday, 9 March 2013
Books on the Big Screen
Books are today’s fashion. They capture
your imagination for hours and steal away an entire day without you realising
what’s happened. Movies continue to stand the test of time, bringing a simple
story to life before your eyes with explosive CGI and incredible settings. As
of late combining these two medias to create a box office hit appears to be
‘the next big thing’ those conglomerate moguls have stumbled upon. Developments
of a vet’s story in a circus to young adult zombies who fall in love have been
a great success in the box office lately and the adaptations just keep coming;
‘The Mortal Instruments’, ‘The Host’, ‘The Great Gatsby’ – there are even talks
of a ‘50 Shades of Grey’ motion picture in the near future.
My question is what is it exactly that
makes for such a huge success in a literary adaptation? Is it the ease of not
having to develop a whole new original story that doesn’t, ironically, imitate
an already written piece? Or perhaps the instant audience the film will have
before it has even started post production? Everywhere you look nowadays there
is a poster for a movie that has a book behind its name. Even movies like
Apocalypse Now took its inspiration from Joseph Conrad’s ‘Heart of Darkness’!
I, personally, am loving these adaptations. As a huge book-nerd myself – and proud to admit it – it’s my dream to see novels come to life. These adaptations take your favourite characters and bring them to life in front of your eyes. Sometimes they are wrong, yes – they have the wrong hair colour or the wrong colour Converse – but ultimately those directors have reached into your mind and slapped onto the screen your dreams for you to adore and display forever on your shelf.
My current favourite adaptations that I am
awaiting the release of are ‘The Host’ by Stephenie Meyer, ‘The Mortal
Instruments’ and ‘Warm Bodies’. Now yes, I am well aware that all these ring
the a similar bell of being Young Adult novels, but Young Adult is on the rise
in book charts and statistically 18-25 year olds are the biggest movie goers
around! All have interesting premises; one about aliens invading earth, the
other Demon Hunters – even Zombies falling in love features in the last! But
what makes me look forward to them most is how they will be transferred from
screen to book. Creating an alien that resembles a glowing centipede appear
realistic is one that I am highly intrigued by.
Books are apparently not the only things
being adapted though. Lately there have been rumours of ‘Halo’ and ‘Assassin’s
Creed’ movies in pre-production. These games are encrypted with not only hours
of entertainment, but back stories worth paying attention to. The popularity of
the product appears to increase the likelihood of its success in other fields.
So get creative people, you never know who could be next…
Thursday, 24 January 2013
Music and the Movies
Everywhere I look fabulous looking movies are being advertised. Whether it be through TV spots or YouTube adverts or Facebook pages.
I personally have discovered an amazing new band through adverts and trailers recently and I suggest everyone go listen to them. They are Imagine Dragons. Their song 'Radioactive' first featured on the Assassin's Creed advert, which is where I heard it and YouTubed it myself. It was then taken by The Host and used in their first, brand-spanking new trailer. (This film looks amazing by the way!) Practically unheard of before, Imagine Dragons now has an official video for 'Radioactive', seen here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktvTqknDobU - which I have seen appear on TV music channels! Movie trailers have not made this band, they do that themselves with their incredible talent, but they have certainly giving them that push toward popularity :)
Literary adaptations seem to be most popular lately, in particular, Young Adult. With The Host coming out, The Mortal Instruments and Warm Bodies just to name a few, I can say I am in every way excited!
Another thing I have particularly noticed is the use of popular music on these such trailers. Beautiful Creatures use the wonderful Florence and the Machine 'Seven Devils', one of my favourite songs off of her latest albums to create the moody atmosphere that accompanies the book about Witchcraft in a small southern town. This is most probably a ploy to draw in a wider audience to their film and entice their current audience by showing they're 'with the times'. But what I love is the popularity it is giving bands. Every time that advert is played, the song plays with it and people here the tune and hum along, listen to the lyrics and decide they like the sound of it, google it, buy the album. And music that deserves to be heard, is.
What I also love is how many smaller scale bands are being thrust deservedly into the lime light :) Bands like The Black Keys are being featured on the Warm Bodies trailer and though they are veritably well known for their wonderful, dark music, having been featured on the radio and accumulating their own following, they are now featured everywhere, with a whole new audience listening to them who may have never discovered them before.
I personally have discovered an amazing new band through adverts and trailers recently and I suggest everyone go listen to them. They are Imagine Dragons. Their song 'Radioactive' first featured on the Assassin's Creed advert, which is where I heard it and YouTubed it myself. It was then taken by The Host and used in their first, brand-spanking new trailer. (This film looks amazing by the way!) Practically unheard of before, Imagine Dragons now has an official video for 'Radioactive', seen here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktvTqknDobU - which I have seen appear on TV music channels! Movie trailers have not made this band, they do that themselves with their incredible talent, but they have certainly giving them that push toward popularity :)
Like Jaws, I think if you took away the music from trailers, it would be boring and uninteresting. Music creates an atmosphere, sets a scene, terrifies you and even turns you to blubbering mess. To prove my point, if a soundtrack weren't included in a movie, would we ever have had musicals?
Singing off x
One Huge Step For - Well, Me.
So bloggersphere, I haven't been very kind to you lately. I have abandoned you somewhat and for that I am sorry. But I have my reasons! Or excuses, whatever you will call them.
I have been working non-stop over the Christmas period - and when I mean non-stop I mean 44 hour weeks non-stop, so I haven't really had time to sit down for a cup of tea, let alone think of something witty and readable for this blog. I also have been revising for my retake exam that I took this morning. Eek! Plus I got a new boyfriend so I've been all smitten and loved up, much to the disgust of those around me :P
But now I am back and I promise to grace you with my presence a lot more often!
So what's been happening with me? Well I finally applied for University. Which was scary and stressful and chaotic. Everything I expected it to be really. If anyone ever tells you the process is easy, then, well, they've never gone through the process. I rewrote my personal statement about three times, got sent back my application by college about seven times and am currently trying to iron out one of the mistakes that my college made. But it's done. I'm going to an open day in two weeks to check out the University I desperately want to go to and their Creative Writing course. University is a massive step. It means being grown up and independent and that's scary. I mean, I can't even use a washing machine! But I guess that's the adventure really, doing things you've never done before and learning that you're not actually that bad at being an adult.
I also retook my A2 Literature exam today. It wasn't a matter of needing to, I already have the points I need to get into University. It was more pride than anything. I couldn't stand to have that low grade beside my name for the rest of my life. I'm stubborn and determined and I wanted to be able to say my grade with pride. I think this mental attitude comes from a great upbringing by my parents. They always supported me in what I did and pushed me with the right amount in the right direction. I can never thank them enough because their support is why I'm going to university in the first place.
Well that's the boring part of what's been going on with my life out of the way. Next blog will be filled with book reviews, music rants and raves and all that exciting stuff! :D
Signing off x
I have been working non-stop over the Christmas period - and when I mean non-stop I mean 44 hour weeks non-stop, so I haven't really had time to sit down for a cup of tea, let alone think of something witty and readable for this blog. I also have been revising for my retake exam that I took this morning. Eek! Plus I got a new boyfriend so I've been all smitten and loved up, much to the disgust of those around me :P
But now I am back and I promise to grace you with my presence a lot more often!
So what's been happening with me? Well I finally applied for University. Which was scary and stressful and chaotic. Everything I expected it to be really. If anyone ever tells you the process is easy, then, well, they've never gone through the process. I rewrote my personal statement about three times, got sent back my application by college about seven times and am currently trying to iron out one of the mistakes that my college made. But it's done. I'm going to an open day in two weeks to check out the University I desperately want to go to and their Creative Writing course. University is a massive step. It means being grown up and independent and that's scary. I mean, I can't even use a washing machine! But I guess that's the adventure really, doing things you've never done before and learning that you're not actually that bad at being an adult.I also retook my A2 Literature exam today. It wasn't a matter of needing to, I already have the points I need to get into University. It was more pride than anything. I couldn't stand to have that low grade beside my name for the rest of my life. I'm stubborn and determined and I wanted to be able to say my grade with pride. I think this mental attitude comes from a great upbringing by my parents. They always supported me in what I did and pushed me with the right amount in the right direction. I can never thank them enough because their support is why I'm going to university in the first place.
Well that's the boring part of what's been going on with my life out of the way. Next blog will be filled with book reviews, music rants and raves and all that exciting stuff! :D
Signing off x
Friday, 28 September 2012
The big scary 'U'...
It's been a very long time since I've written a blog people and that's mostly because nothing was happening in my life back in April. But a lot has happened since then, giving me some blog material.
In this particular blog I'm approaching that big important 'U'. In case you can't work out what the hell I'm talking about - per usual - it's University.
The majority of my friends and year all disappeared from my home town this September and dispersed across the country, to their respective new homes.
I, however, am still in the same place, having missed the boat that sailed to the land of University. Back in October last year, when everyone made their choices of which University to attend, I was at a loss. I had no idea what I wanted to study, let alone where I wanted to pack myself off too. As a writer you think my choice would have been easy - writing. But at the time I wasn't really aware that there was a writing course, if I'm honest. My ambition had always been to go and study English Literature at University. It was what I was good at after all. But after having to take my AS exam three times I quite clearly saw that perhaps I wasn't as good as I thought I was. I was then stuck with nothing. So as everyone else chose their courses and attended open days, I still had no clue what I was doing with my life.
It wasn't until July this year that I finally discovered the course for me. It was as if it had been screaming at me all this time, waving it's tiny university arms saying 'pick me! pick me!' and I had been blind to it. And with the discovery of the course came the quick decision of my ideal University. I'm now going to study Creative Writing and Media at Kingston University (hopefully) to try and get into the literary and publishing business. But by the time this years term came around I had missed the marker for my chance at going this year. There was always the possibility of going through clearing, but the idea of packing up my life and moving to a place I'd never been before to attend a University I'd never seen terrified me, so that wasn't an option.
Instead I watched all my friends leave. There are a few us left here and those few are quickly becoming my close friends.
It may sound like I've just moaned about my idiocy in this blog, but what I'm trying to get at is University is huge. It's a painful process and a massive life change. You leave home, you live alone for possibly the first time in your life and you become an actual adult. You study for a degree; a crucially important qualification in your future. And in those three or four years that you spend away you discover who you really are. You may finally see what sort of person you have become or will become, you might realise you don't really like the subject at all (which will suck for you). You never know, you might even find love.
Seeing all the photos posted on Facebook over the past few weeks of people at Freshers, makes me feel like all my friends are now significantly older than me. They make me excited for when my turn comes around.
All I want to say to any of my 'Uni friends' reading this is don't forget me! aha! Have a great time, don't miss a moment and look out for me next year, because I'm coming for y'all.
Signing off.
In this particular blog I'm approaching that big important 'U'. In case you can't work out what the hell I'm talking about - per usual - it's University.
The majority of my friends and year all disappeared from my home town this September and dispersed across the country, to their respective new homes.
I, however, am still in the same place, having missed the boat that sailed to the land of University. Back in October last year, when everyone made their choices of which University to attend, I was at a loss. I had no idea what I wanted to study, let alone where I wanted to pack myself off too. As a writer you think my choice would have been easy - writing. But at the time I wasn't really aware that there was a writing course, if I'm honest. My ambition had always been to go and study English Literature at University. It was what I was good at after all. But after having to take my AS exam three times I quite clearly saw that perhaps I wasn't as good as I thought I was. I was then stuck with nothing. So as everyone else chose their courses and attended open days, I still had no clue what I was doing with my life.
It wasn't until July this year that I finally discovered the course for me. It was as if it had been screaming at me all this time, waving it's tiny university arms saying 'pick me! pick me!' and I had been blind to it. And with the discovery of the course came the quick decision of my ideal University. I'm now going to study Creative Writing and Media at Kingston University (hopefully) to try and get into the literary and publishing business. But by the time this years term came around I had missed the marker for my chance at going this year. There was always the possibility of going through clearing, but the idea of packing up my life and moving to a place I'd never been before to attend a University I'd never seen terrified me, so that wasn't an option.
Instead I watched all my friends leave. There are a few us left here and those few are quickly becoming my close friends.
It may sound like I've just moaned about my idiocy in this blog, but what I'm trying to get at is University is huge. It's a painful process and a massive life change. You leave home, you live alone for possibly the first time in your life and you become an actual adult. You study for a degree; a crucially important qualification in your future. And in those three or four years that you spend away you discover who you really are. You may finally see what sort of person you have become or will become, you might realise you don't really like the subject at all (which will suck for you). You never know, you might even find love.
Seeing all the photos posted on Facebook over the past few weeks of people at Freshers, makes me feel like all my friends are now significantly older than me. They make me excited for when my turn comes around.
All I want to say to any of my 'Uni friends' reading this is don't forget me! aha! Have a great time, don't miss a moment and look out for me next year, because I'm coming for y'all.
Signing off.
Monday, 30 April 2012
Falling in Love With the Sound of Music..
You know when you watch a TV program and hear a song that makes you stop whatever you're doing in that moment and just listen? Or perhaps when you're on YouTube and you click a link at the side of the video you're currently watching and it takes you to something great.
That feeling when you discover a new love for something you felt you should have had a hold on for all your life is a hard feeling to describe. All in one moment you are alive, you are in love, you are excited to share it with anyone that is willing to listen.
That doesn't necessarily just describe the feeling of discovering new music; perhaps you're not such a fan of music. But when you are passionate about something or someone - which I believe everyone has; some sort of passion and drive for at least one thing - you want to shout it from the rooftops or scream out the lyrics or words with all the force of your lungs.
This happens to me when I find a song that I feel like my ears should have been hearing for years. Currently this song is Sorrowing Man by Colour and City - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAMDfVHsxpk
Next week it will probably be a completely different song or book or film. In fact I can pretty much guarantee that's how it will be. But for this moment this is what I love, this is what I'm excited about.
And though you may all think I'm a little crazy to be this 'ohmygodthisissoawesome' about a song, give it a listen and you might understand why. You might not, but at least you've given it a chance.
This was just something simple, something unimportant I wanted to share.
Signing off.
That feeling when you discover a new love for something you felt you should have had a hold on for all your life is a hard feeling to describe. All in one moment you are alive, you are in love, you are excited to share it with anyone that is willing to listen.
That doesn't necessarily just describe the feeling of discovering new music; perhaps you're not such a fan of music. But when you are passionate about something or someone - which I believe everyone has; some sort of passion and drive for at least one thing - you want to shout it from the rooftops or scream out the lyrics or words with all the force of your lungs.
This happens to me when I find a song that I feel like my ears should have been hearing for years. Currently this song is Sorrowing Man by Colour and City - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAMDfVHsxpk
Next week it will probably be a completely different song or book or film. In fact I can pretty much guarantee that's how it will be. But for this moment this is what I love, this is what I'm excited about.
And though you may all think I'm a little crazy to be this 'ohmygodthisissoawesome' about a song, give it a listen and you might understand why. You might not, but at least you've given it a chance.
This was just something simple, something unimportant I wanted to share.
Signing off.
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
In a Moment of Sadness There Is Always some Sparkle of Hope and Happiness..
I mentioned in an earlier post that a young girl died recently, unexpectedly, bringing sadness to many of my friends and classmates at college. Today they decided to do something about this death, something that didn't involved dismay or bereavement. They decided to remember her in the best way possible.
An event was organised, so small yet with an impact that made it beautiful in so many ways. All around the college I saw purple. On people's T-shirts, whether it was in patterns or stripes or the entity, on basic things like socks and through make-up. People wore purple in memory of the young girl's vibrancy and to commemorate her happy life. The colour was everywhere, no matter how small or how much. People who barely knew her or who didn't know her at all wore the colour and that in itself was a wonderful sight. For people to care in a way that they had no idea they were doing. To comfort without saying a word or offering any contact.
But today was also about something else. It was about raising awareness for a particular charity. This charity is called CRY - Cardiac Risk in the Young. CRY is a charitable organization that helps raise awareness of cardiac risk - of Sudden Cardiac Death and Sudden Death Syndrome. It initially promotes the heart screening of young people and contributes to medical research. It holds ECG screenings, donates medical equipment to hospitals and offers support to suffering families and friends that have lost someone to these conditions. Their work is miraculous and amazing, but they, like any charity, desperately need your help. They need donations to help keep up what they are already doing.
Though I was disappointed with the few buckets and pots around college offering people the chance to donate, I have heard that we as a college raised over £200 in aid of the charity.
I can't do much and that annoys me because I feel useless. But some of you read this blog and those few of you can do something with me. This is my way of helping and doing something worthwhile toward this.
This charity has the potential to save many lives, even with just a small donation that you can offer. Please, follow the link, look around the site and research it, give what you can - no matter how little or large. http://www.c-r-y.org.uk/donate.htm
Thanks for taking the time to read this and everyone who took part today, you did a good thing. Everyone that donated, you're great in many ways and just remember your money has gone toward someone's life that may have been lost without the loose change in your pocket.
To the organisers of today, I salute you. I wish I could hug you. You are absolutely brilliant and wonderful, caring and loving people who should be proud of what they've achieved.
To those of you reading this click the link. Please.
Signing off...
An event was organised, so small yet with an impact that made it beautiful in so many ways. All around the college I saw purple. On people's T-shirts, whether it was in patterns or stripes or the entity, on basic things like socks and through make-up. People wore purple in memory of the young girl's vibrancy and to commemorate her happy life. The colour was everywhere, no matter how small or how much. People who barely knew her or who didn't know her at all wore the colour and that in itself was a wonderful sight. For people to care in a way that they had no idea they were doing. To comfort without saying a word or offering any contact.
But today was also about something else. It was about raising awareness for a particular charity. This charity is called CRY - Cardiac Risk in the Young. CRY is a charitable organization that helps raise awareness of cardiac risk - of Sudden Cardiac Death and Sudden Death Syndrome. It initially promotes the heart screening of young people and contributes to medical research. It holds ECG screenings, donates medical equipment to hospitals and offers support to suffering families and friends that have lost someone to these conditions. Their work is miraculous and amazing, but they, like any charity, desperately need your help. They need donations to help keep up what they are already doing.
Though I was disappointed with the few buckets and pots around college offering people the chance to donate, I have heard that we as a college raised over £200 in aid of the charity.
I can't do much and that annoys me because I feel useless. But some of you read this blog and those few of you can do something with me. This is my way of helping and doing something worthwhile toward this.
This charity has the potential to save many lives, even with just a small donation that you can offer. Please, follow the link, look around the site and research it, give what you can - no matter how little or large. http://www.c-r-y.org.uk/donate.htm
Thanks for taking the time to read this and everyone who took part today, you did a good thing. Everyone that donated, you're great in many ways and just remember your money has gone toward someone's life that may have been lost without the loose change in your pocket.
To the organisers of today, I salute you. I wish I could hug you. You are absolutely brilliant and wonderful, caring and loving people who should be proud of what they've achieved.
To those of you reading this click the link. Please.
Signing off...
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