Do you enjoy storytelling?

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 ... storytellers of an earlier time!

Last week I had the opportunity to join fellow writers at a creative writing event.  The event was organised to showcase stories on a local radio station (Wycombe Sound).  I enjoy the radio and I particularly love listening to stories and plays.

It was fun to be part of the audience.  As well as enjoying the literary event, for me, it provided ideas, thinking space and feedback about what makes writing an enjoyable pastime. 

·      How good it is to listen to a story

·      How valuable to hear the rhythm of the words

·      How worthwhile to savour the vocabulary expressed

·      How alive a story becomes when read aloud

·      How the story sounds in different voices and accents

·      How deliberation and intonation can make a character come alive

·      How writing and sharing stories can push us out of our comfort zones

·      How we have preferences for particular types of writing

·      How we can be seduced by new and unusual styles

·      How we can write more creatively learning from others

·      How we tell a different story from the same picture prompt

·      How we fully appreciate the pain of several rewrites

·      How joyful we can be after the final edit!

Creative writing is a great way to capture and share stories – happy stories, sad stories, stories with a moral, stories with a twist and even stories of the tallest kind!  Stories have added benefits of sharing a message.  They amuse and entertain adults and children.  Many stories allow a person to travel for miles without leaving the comfy armchair. Writing and storytelling can be very therapeutic too, in my opinion.

A note of thanks to my new writing friends for an entertaining evening.  I look forward to tuning in to hear their short stories on the radio this week (Friday).  Feel free to join me from wherever you are … invite your writing muse. Who knows what stories may unfold?

What annoys your Procrastinator monster?

... write like there's nobody watching

Sometimes the hardest thing about writing is  ... making a start!  Have you ever noticed how the Procrastinator monster weaves his way into your thinking brain in a deliberate effort to sabotage the creative flow?  He's very good at planting seeds of distraction just as I settle at my desk.

'Maybe a cup of tea before you start?'

'Did you remember to ..?'

'What about ..?'

'Have you organised something for dinner?'

And if truth were told, I can be easily distracted.

'Focus!... focus!' screams Writing Muse.

She's been so keen since our recent trip to Ireland and our participation at the Ireland Writing Retreat. She uses all opportunities to guide, direct and cajole me into spending more time writing.  She's insisting on a 'short write' every day. And for that I'm thankful and happy to engage.

'Just write', she'll say.

The 'short writes' don't always makes sense.  I mean my paragraphs and prose are not quite Man Booker prize material  ... and that's okay for now.  Such diligence really winds up the Procrastinator. Oh yes, groans and grumbles can often be heard in the background.  He's used to getting his own way and loves to win at all costs.

The Writing Muse and I have been carefully balancing creative writing with work and play this week. There's been more work than play but a girl needs to earn a living too!

Dance like nobody’s watching …

photo courtesy of Magpie Tales Creative Writing

They danced

  One, two, three, one two, three

Swaying to the rhythm,

Singing with the radio,

Moving with the melody,

Holding each other tightly,

They danced as one,

Oblivious to all,

Even me,

Mesmerising each other,

They danced

On the dull patterned linoleum,

Seductively,

And in love.

What do you need to be a domestic goddess?

Sometimes it can be difficult to get back on the writing track when one gets caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and living.  Sometimes the creative writing spaces becomes full with additional work schedules, visits to school, doing the laundry, trips to the dentist, the doctor and candlestick maker.  Life as a domestic goddess is not an easy one.  So where and how does one kick start the creative process again? Thankfully inspiration comes from two friends this week, both very creative ladies.


Sewing has never been one of my talents as a domestic goddess.  My domestic science teacher Mrs P would definitely vouch for that if she were around today.  I would like to state for the record that her grey hair (possibly stress induced by my particular class) had nothing to do with my unfinished sewing assignments.  No-one was happier to learn about the invention of velcro more than me!  I was very inspired however when I attended my friend Pat's creative class.  They make all sorts of things there and she has her own website called  MadebyPIN so that you can be creative at home.  Do stop by and have a look.    


Baking is another talent in the armoury of the domestic goddess.  I recall vague words from Mrs P, something about Victoria sponges, shortcrust, puff and choux pastry.  I distinctly remember the sampling stage but have no recall of the baking stage at all.  Strange that.  Thankfully my friend Di at The Bluebell Cafe, a great maker of cakes and all things delightful too, shares great recipes for banana cake and cinnamon cake.  Again worth a visit for some mouth watering treats.


Thank you ladies, how inspirational you have been.  Well that leaves a little time now to do something a little creative before my next blog post.  Now where did I leave that needle and thread?             

Magpie Tale 55 – Pancakes and Lemons

An intriguing photo from Tess over at MAGPIE TALES this week prompted this story.

“Look, all I said was, I can’t stand lemons!”

 “Are you sure that’s all you said?”

 “Positive!”

 “So what’s with the bloody fork then?

 “You sure it’s blood and not paint?”

 “I’m sure and the knife, it’s missing.  Where’s the knife?”

 “You don’t think …?”

 “No, she wouldn’t, would she?”

 “You sure that’s all you said, you can’t stand lemons?”

 “I may have mentioned the outfit.”

 “What outfit?”

 “The Carmen Miranda outfit, you know the one where she wears bananas, pineapples and lemons on her head.  Honestly, she’s such a prima donna and    no sense of humour.”

 “Don’t be so tough, she probably spent ages on that.  She’s really making the effort to get involved this year.”

 “Come on, if you think for one minute that I’m dressing up like that for a sponsored pancake race, you’ve got another think coming!” 

 “But it’s for a good cause.  Harry’s going as Count Dracula.”

 (A pained voice screams in the distance) “AGGGGHHHHHH! Stupid woman, I was only joking about the lemons!”

 “Who said that?”

 “It’s coming from the stationary cupboard.”

 “Oh dear, sounds like Count Dracula.  Looks like he’s wearing a knife in his leg! You know he’s really squeamish, can’t stand the sight of blood”

 “Pity that means our team is one man down for the pancake race this year!”

I am a Stylish Blogger!

I'm so pleased ... (big smile ...idiotic grin from ear to ear).  I have received a Stylish Blogger Award from Ann over at Inkpots n'Quills.  Now there's a first! ... for me, not Ann!  It was a lovely surprise when I checked in to update my blog.  However, by the time I stopped by and read several of the other Stylish Bloggers ... well it was time to retire for the evening and save my ramblings .. I mean ... writings for another day.   Now the award does come with some instructions.  As a receiver of this prestigious award I need to share seven things about myself and pass on the award to three more bloggers.   I'm going to let this special award sit on my mantelpiece for a day or two before I pass it on ... this has made my day!  Thank you.

Seven things about me

1. I love writing and enjoy blogging.
2. I dislike clothes shopping but can spend ages in a book store, a charity shop, anywhere that sells books and cards.  Have been known to get lost there too!
3. A long time ago I made an LP (yes, you've read correctly! ... a very long time ago).  Actually it was part of a fund raising event.  And no it wasn't a worldwide success nor did it make me rich and famous.  But I do remember we had a lot of fun doing it and we raised lots of money too!  Emmm ...wonder if that electric blue jumpsuit would still fit?  Oh I was so trendy back then.
4. I love going to the theatre and would happily go every week if I could afford to do so.
5. My heart place is a cottage in Co Donegal, Ireland with a real peat fire that smells wonderful especially on  cold autumnal days.  Peace, tranquillity, a good book and lots of white wine thinking.
6. I admire people who can make beautiful storytelling patchwork quilts ... never was the star of Mrs P's needlework class at school but have learned to be very creative with paper clips and Velcro.  I think, as a past pupil, I may have made her proud  ...well maybe just a little  ...
7. I'm a hoarder and love to keep mementoes  ... a nightmare when it comes to moving!  My husband will vouch for that.  Thankfully we don't move often.

And now ....(roll on the drums)  ... I would like to pass this award to

1. Betty over at Bossy Betty
2. Tess at Willow Manor
3. Niamh at Words A Day

Have a good week one and all.

Magpie Tales – Skates On!

(Snow Trio from Magpie Tales)

'Blog hopping' is becoming a favourite hobby of mine and today I 'hopped' over to Magpie Tales, a great site for aspiring writers and poets. What a great idea for a blog. It provides an opportunity to challenge us aspiring writers. I've often stopped by, read and admired the writings here. Such talent! One day I'm going to have a go at writing a Magpie Tale .. one day ... when I'm brave enough! Today I felt brave and a little creative too and I've made my first contribution to Magpie Tales. Enjoy. (Hope I manage to get the links and photo right!)

“Come on, hurry up. For goodness sake, take the photograph Edward. If we stand here much longer we’ll freeze to death” shouted Ella.

Her friends Elisabeth and Kitty stood and grinned. They refrained from getting caught up in the good natured brother-sister banter. Kitty had always admired Edward. In fact it could be said that she was quite smitten by the young, handsome dark haired man with the camera. He had smiled at her, not once but twice when they met outside the library at Marchmand House.

“Just one more shot and we’re finished here” called Edward from behind the curtained camera. One day he would be a famous photographer with a studio in London. One day they would appreciate his fastidiousness and attention to detail as he worked.

“You need to get yourself a proper job,” his father had said over and over again. A photographer was a proper job as far as Edward was concerned.

His father had plans for him to work in the City, ‘a sensible career in banking or the stock market’. His plans hadn’t included Edward ‘wasting time on photography and spending endless hours developing pictures that no-one wanted to buy or admire’. But Edward Marchmand knew different. One day people would travel miles to see his great photographic exhibitions and leave in awe of the great photographer.

But today, he was keen to impress the shy and demure Kitty Delaware, his sister Ella’s friend. Kitty was staying for a few days at the Marchmand Estate. He wondered if it would be appropriate to invite himself along to join them skating. Perhaps that might appear too forward? Would it be considered rude and un-gentlemanly? Would there be opportunity to engage in conversation with the lovely Kitty before she left tomorrow?

“Here, I’ve brought your skates too” shouted Ella. “Come on, we’ll race you there.”

Kitty Delaware smiled and he smiled back.

What do you create with your junk mail?

http://www.frasersfotos.com

I’ve been ‘blog dipping’ again and I’ve dipped into Fiona’s blog at Planting Words. I dip in and out fairly often as I enjoy her writings and her take on life. But don’t just take my word for it, dip in yourself and see. Anyway, yesterday she wrote a clever little piece inspired by a piece of junk mail which I quite enjoyed. It got me thinking about the ‘what’ that helps us to begin a piece of writing, I mean junk mail? Well done Fiona. So when my junk mail arrived yesterday (I’m very fortunate to have a delivery every day where I live!!) instead of the usual rush to the recycling bin, I stopped and scribbled.

So here it is especially for you today a little ditty entitled ‘Pizza poetry’. I don’t expect it to win any prizes but if makes you smile, cringe or even consider an alternative to recycling junk mail then it makes my effort all worthwhile.

Have a happy weekend.

Pizza poetry

Pizzas wi’ peppers, Pizzas wi’ cheese,

Pizzas wi’ mushrooms, Lots to please.

Chicken wi’ nuggets, Chicken wi’ chips,

Chicken wi’ sauces, To last on the lips (hips?).

Pizzas wi’ flavours, Spicy and bold,

A bottle of pop, A feast to behold!

The blogging question

http://www.frasersfotos.com

I don’t know about you but sometimes when it comes to updating my blog, I simply don’t know what to write about. Sounds familiar? Maybe you are much better organised than me and work with a particular theme or an inspirational thought? I’m all for being organised and adhering to timelines and deadlines but sometimes it’s good to allow the creative juices to flow uninterrupted and without restraints to block the way. And that’s okay.

There are events which happen during the course of the day and the week and when they do I hear myself saying, “I must write about that”, but invariably what happens is that I get sidetracked and the creative thought disappears from whence it came. I could scribble it down, indeed on occasions I have done and my little moleskine notebook is full of such scribbles. But then when I read them back I sometimes leave my mind to pause on said scribbling and before I know where I am, I’m lost in a moment of meditation. I must confess it’s very therapeutic too!

Today has been one of those days. My little notebook sits open and I note the scribbles of inspirational thoughts, funny moments and words of wisdom. For another day I think.

My question for you today - who or what inspires you to blog?