Category: Writing

Full or partly completed drafts of some of the stories I’ve written so far.

A competition entry and another short story almost done.

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Hello again,

 

So, since the last time I posted I’ve edited my short story for the 1000 word short story competition a fair few times. It’s close to being finished. Well, as finished as it ever will be. I could spend ages editing it. Coming up with reasons why that one bloke down the street might not like it. But I can’t worry about that. As long as I’m happy I’ve done the best I can, I’ll be fine. I reckon the story will be finished before I next write to you. Possibly. It’ll be close anyway. I’m currently very happy with it but it can always get better. They always can.

Alongside doing this, as you may or may not know, I’ve been keeping on with my preparation for the sequel to my NaNoWriMo 2012 entry, The Searcher’s Want. The story so far has brought up a few things I can work on. A love triangle, which was born in the first story but can be suitably embellished within the walls of the second one, a new direction for the demons to go in (mainly revenge and the total destruction of the world, naturally) a few new characters, a new headquarters for the heroes of the piece and new weapons and vehicles. Along with all these wonderful things, I have most of the original characters from the first one that all require character development and new story lines. I know these things will materialise every time I sit down to write more and more. And this little bit of knowledge always makes me happy to be a writer and always makes me look forward to the next time I write. I hope this continues forever and ever and that.

Right, have a good week of writing and everything else.

Bye Bye

 

A competition entry, the start of another sequel and a bit of therapy.

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Howdo!

 

Since last time I have focused on two things. Editing a short story I’m going to enter into a short story competition and writing a short story, which could be a novella, that will set up the sequel to another story of mine, my 2012 NaNoWriMo entry about demons and those that hunt them and protect the world, The Searcher’s Want.

The first thing started with me writing a brand new story for a competition. 1000 words about anything I wanted with a deadline of 14.08.2014. As I racked my brain to decide what I could write about, I remembered I had planned ahead. I had already written a fair few short stories for just this kind of situation. So, I found one of them that was 750 words, and started to edit the hell out of it for the competition. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed writing the story I picked, about a man scared to share a secret condition he has with his nearest and dearest in fear of rejection (not from personal experience I might add) and editing it brought it all back. Of course I think it’s awesome, but I shall keep editing until I have all angles covered. I’m also thinking it will be fine practice for when I edit The Town of the Mountain. It’s going well so far and I’ve started to edit it only looking at character with the next part being location as I’ve already finished the grammar and punctuation check. I’ll let you know how it goes.

The second thing was the start of my Searcher’s Want sequel. I did start to write a 1000 word story using characters from my demons and hunters yarn, but I stopped and started all over again without the 1000 word limit. And immediately wanted to plan for a sequel. I’ve written 2000 words so far and thought of new things I’ll have to embellish on at some point before I write the full sequel. It’s shaping up already and I think I have the theme and story line for the whole thing. Which has helped me a lot as, in between all this wonderful writing of mine, my day job is winding me up something rotten. I’d write more about it but I don’t want to waste any more time than I already have. So…

The writing has been a kind of therapy for me and helped me get through the last few days. I also know, more than ever, that I want to AT LEAST write stories for the rest of my life. If they’re only for me, that’s fine. If others like them, cheeky bonus!

Ok. Going to get back to it.

BYE!!

 

A distraction? Oh well.

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Hello!

 

After finishing my last short story, which featured the last three hunters from the Town of the Mountain taking on a huge dragon currently known as ‘the big bad’(working name), I had to decide what my next short story would be about. And who it should be about more than anything. I have a few more people I want to write a short story for and set up for the sequel but I just could not decide who I should write about.

There are three names in contention. Darling Bloomflower, the new girlfriend of Markus and the very talented go-go dancer, Clifton Thomas, the owner of the main source of entertainment from the Town by the name of ‘The House’, and the Master Craftsman, the man responsible for training the hunters. Now I can think of how to start these stories and also how each of these characters may play a part in the sequel. This is now. Back then (last week) I could not think which character I wanted to write about. And then, a welcome distraction.

Writing Magazine holds many competitions each month and I plan on entering a few, or at least one anyway, this year. The latest competition is a 1000 word story competition on any genre. My head was buzzing. I could enter a story I’ve already written. Or create a new one. A new one? Hmm….I’ll have a go then.

As I started to write I chose to delve into another story I’ve written regarding Searchers (different word for hunters really) and demons for inspiration. I wrote 500 words and then was tired so went to sleep. When I came back to my 500 I realised I didn’t like it. So I deleted all of it and started again. And then it hit me. I could write a short story, or one a bit closer to a novella, to set up the sequel to my Searchers and demons yarn. So that’s what I’m going to do. And after that I’m going to get back to writing my short stories for the town of the mountain sequel. So many sequels. So little time. But it does give me a lot to write and pushes me further away from any chance of having writers block. For now anyway. And the 1000 word competition will still be entered into, hopefully.

And to finish off this entry to my little block of the internet, Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson is moving along nicely. The hero is getting along with his adventure as eloquently and humourlarly(is that a word? Nope. It stays in) as ever, and my commute to work and back is quick and nice. The only thing I have to worry about is the deaf population of the tram blasting their music through small, white headphones. Wish me luck.

Okidoke. Best get back to it. Bye!

The villains are made. But what of the new hero’s?

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Hello!

 

As the title suggests, the villains have been created. The villains of my sequel to the Bugbear adventure I’m preparing to write that is. I found some notes from around 18 months ago that had, along with the Vampire, Gargoyle, Dragon and Demon, Giants and Werewolves as the villains for this sequel of mine. And, though writing about Giants and Werewolves sounds great, I didn’t fancy having to juggle too many bad guys at any given time. I have finished the villain’s short story that I mentioned at the end of my last post and have crafted the starts of a plan for the villains to combat the new scourge of their lives, the hunters. A plan is in motion so when I come to write the whole sequel, I can at least have a starting point.

I considered writing about the Giants and Werewolves but I’d prefer to be able to calmly create four villains than possibly botch creating six. And in the past I’ve not enjoyed creating loads of villains anyway. I’ve already got seven (so far) hunters to scribble about and I’ve decided to make three out of the four villains have vast amount amounts like them as well. The Vampire will at least have an army at his disposal. An army which can be added to at any time. And, three of the seven hunters only saw real battle at the end of Town of the Mountain, so they’re on a steep learning curve to say the least. Which is the main focus of….

My next short story. Which is already finished! It concerns the newest hero’s to this tale, three of the four hunters that survived almost being beaten to death by the hunters of the town of the mountain, who then survived a hoard of bugbears not long afterwards (for more information, either ask me or look back over my previous blog posts). The three, Jackson, Meredith and Albert, have been sent to London to tackle its Dragon problem. They engage the beast in a heated physical and mental battle before the Dragon retreats. Or so they think. These three may or may not act separately from the main hunters but I’m not quite sure yet. I’ll have to mull it over. I’m glad it all formed on the page enough so that I had a starting point at least. I’m yet to write all the character profiles so this could all go out of the window.

Anyway, in between all of this I’ve kept on reading Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson. I’m just about getting used to the language used, which is well old and with a lot of Scottish words and ways of speaking, but thankfully I can still read it smoothly enough. If I couldn’t, the book would have been out of the tram window in no time. I’ll let you know if I do. And try and take of picture of it as well.

Right then, Bye!

 

A book finished, a birthday holiday, and a short story started.

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Hello

 

It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Since I last spoke to you I’ve finished reading The Picture of Dorian Gray. And a very good book it was to. Full of suspense, drama and it was extremely well written. Probably the most eloquent book I’ve read so far. It was paced very well and I’m happy to have added to my ‘Have read and liked’ collection. I’m hoping this collection will grow after I’ve finished my current book, Kidnapped by Robert Lewis Stevenson. I found it for £3.50 in a small book shop when I went to Anglesey. Of course, what I thought was a little known book, turned out upon its mention to my family that they had all heard of it. Anyway, so far the book it going well. I’ve taken to reading it to and from work religiously. It has made the trip very quick and more enjoyable than usual. Hopefully this will keep up.

I’ve also been busy having a 31st birthday (16th June) and a holiday in Rome (14-19 June) with my lovely girlfriend. I’m hoping to post some pictures from the holiday when I upload them to this here laptop of mine. Wouldn’t you know it, when we got back from my holiday, the charger cable didn’t work for it! So, as I watched the life drain from my computer, I realised I could not type a word or charge my iPod to listen to a song! I wanted to get back to writing after an amazing holiday in Rome and had to go almost primal by using a pen and paper! To be fair it was quite invigorating. Getting out of my comfort zone and having to concentrate on what I’m writing and making it eligible. Most of it wasn’t though but, once my new charger cable had arrived, I typed it all up and it became…

The next short story in my quest to prepare for the sequel to the Town of the Mountain. I was wondering who I should write about next. I ran over who I could write about and a few choices came to mind. Then I talked myself out of some of those choices and after doing this, I realised a question emerged. Who can I write about? Then, just as quickly as that question popped up, another more important one did. Who is the villain, or villains, of my sequel? I actually didn’t have one or any. So, I screwed my face up real tight and wondered who my villain could be. And then, as if by magic, it hit me. I started to think of a human as the villain but I decided against that. Why not a demon or two? I love writing about them? So, I decided that the bad guys will be the top demons of the four categories that plague my version of England. The head Gargoyle that leads to fight to ruin Liverpool. The head Vampire that wants to ruin Birmingham. The head winged demon that wants to ruin Manchester. And a whacking great big dragon, known as the big bad, that wants to ruin London. Once I had decided all this, I made the notes and started to write. I’m half way through it and very happy with what I have so far. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Well, I don’t like to ramble on too long so I’ll bid you a goodbye for now.

Have a good one, bye bye.

Another story, a plan of action, and a question about Editing.

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Hello!

 

Since last time I have not really done that much in the way of writing. Which is why I didn’t update my blog last week as I usually would have done. Today however finds me having done enough to warrant a glorious, in my view anyway, blog post.

I have been reading and am 2/3 of the way through The Picture of Dorian Gray. It started to bore me a little when it was going on about what Mr Gray had done in the years since he realised what gift his picture had given him. For instance, for around four pages or possibly more as I’m pretty sure I’ve blanked it out already, it went on about the different kinds of jewels he collected when he turned his hand to such a thing. Now, I can understand explaining what a character has been up to, but in that much detail? I almost found myself wishing I was reading another book. But then, I got to chapter thirteen. With all that over description done with, the story continued. And continued awesomely! I recommend reading it if you haven’t already done do.

Okidoke. To part of the title of this post. I finished the two swordsman, Stuart and The Count, short story for my lead up to/preparation for the sequel to my bugbear caper. As I was writing it I settled on two things. One, that I thoroughly enjoy coming up with stuff as I’m writing. Stuff which could lead to story arcs and things for the sequel that I had not even considered before sitting down to write. And two, a plan of action. I’m going to get my short stories written, I reckon I’ve got at least ten more to do, and then go head on into editing ‘Town of the Mountain.’

Now, every time in the past that I have gone to do this with any of my stories I have always been distracted. I think of another idea for a story, I see something shiny, I get hungry, my legs hurt, I’m checking how my football bet is coming along, to name but a few reasons why I haven’t exactly embraced editing. But it is an essential part of the process so I’m looking forward to going head on into it. I hope to start in August if I can. Or I might just start in August anyway. Who knows?

Along with reading for the past couple of weeks, I’ve also been on my travels. To Anglesey no less. It was great to have some time away with my girlfriend and my family. It all sets up my next holiday very nicely. Me and my girlfriend are going to Rome! For my birthday! I ordered my Europe’s yesterday and pick them up tomorrow. I’m starting to get excited. I’ve heard not one bad thing about the place so far. Here’s hoping it lives up to the hype.

Right then, I’ll leave you with a question. Do you have any tips for preparing to and doing the editing thing?

Cheers

The more I write the more the ideas keep flowing.

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Hello

 

I finished Eriden Grainger’s little yarn about how she has fared since the events of ‘The Town of the Mountain’ took place. I mentioned last time that she had a lot of worries on her plate. She still does by the end of the story but she now has a clearer idea of what value she may have to Manchester and its demon problem.

As she arrives in Manchester she is welcomed by a policeman who is flanked by five more policeman. Is this some kind of welcome wagon you may ask? Not really. The policeman is not so subtly letting Eriden know that he is scared of her. She finds out that none of the police on show, and probably most of the ones that aren’t, believe in the hunters or value them in anyway. Despite Markus’s already titanic efforts to reduce the demon population. Once she finds this out, she knows that she can’t wait to get to work and prove them wrong. She watches a local news report and see’s Markus being interviewed after his heroics which have been charted in his own short story. He then pays her a visit and fills her in a little bit more. I have always liked linking stories together using only one or two lines or just a small paragraph. Anytime this happens in a film or in a book I get excited. I just don’t want to do it too often though. It is helping me move these stories along so I’ll keeping doing it for now but I’ll stop soon. Honest.

And a related note, at the rate I’m going with planning the second book I’m asking myself, should I start writing it soon? No, I shall not. I’ll need to do plenty of planning and note writing before I do that. I might do it for NaNoWriMo this year. Hmm…..I’ve just paused for a few minutes while writing this to contemplate something I’m going to do in November. I always disliked people who relentlessly wish their lives away. Maybe my impending 31st birthday is making me think like a grown up or summat. I dunno. Whatever.

Other than the above, I’ve had a quiet week. I applied for a new job. I went out for drinks for a friend’s birthday, chilled on Saturday and won £14 betting on the Champions League final (cheers Mr Ramos), visited a food festival before more drinks and watched the latest X-Men movie. Come to think of it, maybe my week hasn’t been that quiet.

I’m going now.

Bye Bye

 

A story almost done…but my 2nd 10k run completed!

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Hello

 

So, following on from last time, the next short story that will help to shape my ‘Town of the Mountain’ follow up is shaping up nicely. It’s entitled ‘The Worry’ and centres on Eriden Grainger, the chief heroine of the Town of the Mountain. I wondered how I would go about this story and, like the first story ‘The Hunt’, I just wrote what I felt like writing.

Eriden is worried that she isn’t as good a hunter as she used to be. The Town of the Mountain ended with an almighty battle featuring all the bugbears of the forest, of which there were chuffin loads, attacking the hunters. Our hero hunters won but now that the town is peaceful, and has been for a while when we drop back into Eriden’s life. It is very quiet and very boring. You see, there aren’t any bugbears to fight. Or any monsters of any kind for that matter. So, with this in mind she decides to join up with Markus in Manchester to fight off the City’s demon infestation. However, she feels out of shape and worries that she may not be able to do what she did for her town for a big city. She also worries about her new boyfriend and not being around for him. And she worries about her mother, who has finally started talking to her again after years of neglecting her, will become as distant as she used to be. My, oh my have I given her a lot of worries. It does mean that the story is flowing quite well and I’m able to try my hand at writing emotional stuff and that. Which is something I actually quite like to write. I will hopefully have finished the story by this time next week so I’ll let you know how it went.

And…I ran the Bupa Manchester 10K for the second year running! I had been worrying about how I would do in the weeks running up to the run. I put myself down for the second wave which is one up from last year. Immediately in my head I thought that everyone else was going to be faster than me and leave me in their collective dust thus allowing me to finish last out of a hell of a lot of people. But, as the race drew nearer and I inched my way forward towards the starting line my confidence grew. And…I was off! I was tempted to just go for it at the beginning but I settled into a comfortable pace. The amazing heat didn’t help matters but the support of strangers on the side lines was brilliant. I finished it in 54 mins exactly in 6533rd place. That was 50 seconds quicker than last time and 2094 places higher. I’m happy to say the least. Got a medal as well.

Right then. I’m off. Thanks for reading and have a good week.

Good bye

Another story done with. And a load more to write.

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Hello

 

As I mentioned last time around, I sat down and wrote something off the top of my head. Whatever came into my head, I was going to write and hopefully it would make sense. Or could make sense after a few edits. It turned into the first short story regarding the exploits of my main character after my bugbear story, Town of the Mountain. And…

I finished it!

I have always enjoyed writing action scenes and seem to type quicker when I do. A majority of the story was to do with a hunter, our hero Markus, fighting a huge, winged demon. I ended up making the demon a teenager which I didn’t expect. It also allowed me to add in a bit of humour, hopefully, into the story. It broke it up quite well. I may add a bit more into it in the edit. Whenever that is. I talked myself into writing a short story to carry on each of the main and secondary characters tales after Town of the Mountain. This equates to about 12 stories at least. It’ll keep me out of trouble and busy which is always good.

So, the story, called ‘The Hunt’, which is a working title by the way, came up to just over 2000 words. I’ve decided to make this my short story word count for each of these ditties that will help to start to map out the sequel to Town of the Mountain. The sequel, at this point anyway, centre around our hero’s helping out the rest of Britain which, like the hero’s little town, is overrun by some kind of monster. For example, Manchester will be infested with winged demons. London will be infested with vampires. Birmingham will be infested with Dragons. And so on in that fashion. I’m not sure how I’ll incorporate all of this into one story but I do like a challenge.

I remember a time I would have balked at that last sentence. Any challenge I used to like, say five years ago and most of the time before that, would have been from a computer game. Now I actually like challenges which could shape my future. This new found drive has also spilled into my day job. I set myself a goal of getting a new job that could open up possible opportunities later in life and I have. It’s only a secondment but I have to start somewhere. Here’s to a new challenge!

Right, I’m off to relax as I’m feeling tired. All this challenge talk is wearing me out.

Good pie!

One off, One on, and a pleasant surprise?

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Hello

 

In case you noticed, I didn’t update my little corner of the internet last week. That was because I had done exactly bugger all in the way of writing. I’m not sure how it happened but that week just flew by. I do remember thinking about what I was going to write next though. When I had chance. Which was never during that week. But I did keep on reading Dorian Gray. I think it was once on the tram to work. So that was One week off writing. But then…

One week on it! As I wrote a couple of weeks ago, I was considering writing a short story based around the idea of the two greatest warriors of a fictional planet. But, I’m thinking that will make a good, full length story or a novella. As I was writing the synopsis and background to it I realised a short story would end up long or novella anyway. Having put that on the back burner, I decided to sit down and write off the top of my head. The last time I did this, wanting to write a short story only, just so I can get a story written as the time before that, a few years back, I did the same thing and it ended up getting really, really long. I’ll get back to that little ditty at some point.

Anyway, I sat down to write a few years ago, off the top of my head, and that turned into my bugbear odyssey, The Town of the Mountain. And as I sat down to write a few days ago I began to tell the tale of a hunt. A bloke hunting and fighting a demon. Which has turned into part of the second book to follow on from Town of the Mountain. It has been running around my head for about a year now so I thought, why not put some of it down on paper. I’m planning on several short stories focusing on all the main characters that will feature in the second book. I have to say, taking a week off can be pretty good sometimes. I took a week off from running as well, which led to…

A pleasant surprise? I ran my quickest run for ages after a week off. Although what I got next took the goodness of that away. I received my running number for the Manchester Bupa 10k Run 18/05/2014. Last year I was in the third group to run, now I’ve gone and put myself in the second group. The white one. The group I remarked on, as they ran passed in the opposite direction looking all professional and that as I ran passed trying not to laugh at the guy dressed as a Rubik Cube, how professional and that they all looked. I was a little worried after I opened the letter but now, I’m looking forward to it. A challenge for me to beat last years’ time. And push myself further as well. I’ll go for a beer afterwards anyway so there is that.

Right, I’m off to do some chores. Hope you have a good week.

Bye