The Synopsis Saga

You would think logically, that the hardest part of actually preparing a novel for submission, is the actual writing of the novel itself, wouldn't you? I've managed to write a novel of just under 80,000 words, yet why am I struggling to grasp the concept of writing a synopsis, to prepare to market my book to an Agent? I've so far managed two sentances - hardly going to set an Agent's world alive with that, am I?

My brain states that logically I should bullet point the entire novel/characters and hopefully turn it, into something resembling a synopsis. If all else fails, then I may be visiting this lady http://www.bubblecow.co.uk/

Radio Nottingham Take 7

Well, my Radio Nottingham appearance came and went, fairly quickly. It was another short and sweet appearance, but this time I managed to talk about my blog and also about my book, as well as the various news stories that I had picked out to discuss. If I can work out how to extract the recording off the BBC Website, then I will add it to the others.

It's quite handy to do my appearances first thing, as I'm done and dusted by 8:30am, which gives me chance to get into work for 9am and then I don't have to ask for time off, which is always a good thing, in the current state of play.

Thank you for all your recent comments about the OU courses. I've suddenly developed a whole new understanding about the OU over night and will endeavour to find out more about the courses, but it won't be tonight.... Tonight is date night, so I've got pizza and a movie waiting for me. If you're lucky, I might just save you a piece...!

Bonjour

Still looking on line for French courses. The OC course that came recommended is a non starter at £430 (was thinking more about £40!).

Also currently writing my synopsis. I never realised there were different ways to write this, so I'm hoping I choose the right option! Had a look at Agents in my Writers & Artists Yearbook and have circled the chosen few. Question; is it wrong to want someone to act as your agent, just because you like the sound of their name?!

Don't forget I'm on Radio Nottingham tomorrow at around 8:15am. Will attempt to sound bright and cheery, but probably will be feeling tired and cranky, due to the fact that I won't have had my breakfast beforehand.

Thanks

I took some advice yesterday and I'm currently looking on line for beginners French classes. There seems to be quite a lot of French tutors around, which offer one on one coaching but at £40 an hour, I don't think I will be exploring that route!

I also finished the second edit on my book today and my next step will be to surf the net for advice on a synopsis. Just when you think you have finished with everything, there's a whole new list of items you have to complete, before sending anything through to an Agent!

Did I mention anywhere that my novel has a back story of football? It now seems that, that particular theme is following me around at the moment. On Wednesday I went to see The Damned United and tonight there's a programme about George Best, both of which cover the aspect and times that I'm trying to emulate in my novel. I'm also starting to read a lot more information/articles on the whole writing process. Funny how some things just seem to take over your life.

Which Way Next?

I'm having one of those days today, when I'm seem to be taking stock of everything around me, getting things organised and jobs completed. My poor list has been neglected this year it has to be said. Mostly over lack of motivation, but a large part of that has been down to the fact that I've been concentrating on my book and had very little chance to do anything else. That has been good in some sense, I've been weaned off Facebook and other wasting time Internet applications, but not so good for my poor old list.

So now I have a bit more spare time to concentrate on my list, I've got a dilemma. What do I do next? I've got the hot air balloon ride lined up for May and Wimbledon for June, but I'm not sure which direction to go - any ideas?

Radio Nottingham

I received another email from Radio Nottingham the other day, requesting my presence, so I will be making my next appearance on Tuesday 28th April from 8:15am onwards. I will be doing another paper review and hopefully updating listeners on my blog.

Live

As promised, finally, my website is now up and running http://www.janettejones.co.uk/ - I'd like to think it comes across as professional, but that I've injected a little bit of my personality in there somewhere, as well! My hubbie has spent many painstaking hours, building this for me, of which, I am very grateful. Your comments will be greatly appreciated.

Lazy Sunday/Why I've Not Got Any Further With Any More Tasks...

It's been one of those weird days today, where I've been kind of lazy all day and had no concept of time, whatsoever - ate when I was hungry, as apposed to when it was the 'proper' time to do so, etc.

One thing I did manage to do, was finish reading my book, for the second time. After making the initial, first edits, I wanted to read it from start to finish, to see if it worked and it does (shock, horror, gasp!) In fact, I sat on the sofa, this afternoon, after I'd read the ending and thought, bloody, hell, I really feel proud of that!

Of course, it still needs some 'tweaking' and a copy is currently with a friend of mine and will probably need even more 'tweaking', when it comes back from there. At the moment, I'm still in that stage, that can't quite believe I've actually finished doing something, that I've been planning in my head for so long!

I am getting itchy feet though. I want to get the book to the stage, where I'm submitting it to Agents, so it's technically 'finished' and there is nothing more that I can do on it, at that moment in time. I've completely loved the process of nurturing the characters from start to finish and I can't wait to start on my next project.

Me and hubbie have also been working on my website, which is nearly finished and should be ready to launch very shortly. Watch this space....

25) Learn To Do The Tango

I've never been a fan of organised activities or clubs, so it came as a bit of a surprise that I enjoyed joining the dancing community for a brief six weeks. Of course I love people watching and there were, it has to be said, quite a lot of characters to watch! In particular I loved the fact that every week, we witnessed the Olympic champion limbering up, before each session and the fact that he had homed in on his favourite participant and stuck with her (literally!), towards the later part of the lessons - I didn't even get a look in!

The most annoying aspect of going to these sessions, is that you need a regular partner. The first couple of sessions, we had to share the dance instructor between us. This was made easier, towards the end, as some people had drifted away and a couple of lessons, I got the instructor all to myself. But it's that feeling, when we go from dancing separately to dancing with partners, when you stand, waiting for someone, anyone to ask if you want to dance with them, that I didn't like. Very reminiscent of being back at school and waiting to be picked for a team in gym class.

So six weeks later and for a very bargain £30, I can now dance a basic Tango, which I am very pleased about. At some point in the future, I may go back again and see if I can push to an intermediate level, but for now, I'm quite happy, if only I could get rid of slow, slow, quick, quick, slow out of my brain!

I've Been Away

Apart from yesterday's post, I'm aware that I'm not blogging as much as I would like. I'm currently eating, breathing and trying to edit my novel, so apologies I've been neglecting this site. Business will be back to normal shortly.....

Blog Of The Week: Mug Of Strong Tea & A Chip Butty

So I figured nothing ever happens on a Sunday right? Well, nothing to do with my 40 things list anyway. So I've decided to dedicate each Sunday from here on in, as a celebration of my blog friends, that have made me who I am really and have supported me in my hour of need.

It's always great when you get to meet and make friends with the cyber people that you first contact, none more so, than my first Blog of The Week:- MUG OF STRONG TEA AND A CHIP BUTTY.... I first met Phil, a few years ago at the Goose Fair as part of the Flickr brigade and we've been great buddies ever since. Phil shares my love of the arts, has a cracking sense of humour and is also a big fan of the Broadway Media Centre, where I like to frequent on a regular basis.

In his blog, Phil shares with us his mission to cover the width and breadth of Nottingham, exploring the many cafes, coffee and tea houses that frequent the many streets. From the chain stores to the back street establishments, Phil expertly guides us through each and every one and even though I've been a native of Nottingham all my life, he is forever finding places, that I didn't know existed! His writing excellently captures his sense of humour, whilst sharing with us his passion for food and people. His people watching in particular, will get you howling with laughter at his honesty.

If you add one new blog to your list this week, then let it be this one. I'm sure Phil will have a cup of tea and an anecdote waiting especially. Just don't eat all the jammie dodgers, they're mine!