tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-11-21:/"Writing is the hardest way of earning a living, with the possible exception of wrestling alligators."Olin MillerMokoFeed2009-11-21T02:18:22+01:00tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-11-20:/2009/11/21/starting-a-new-book-part-i-7423439/tylluanpenry2009-11-21T00:20:29+01:002009-11-21T00:20:29+01:00 <p>My publishers were really pleased with the way my second book sold on its first day. So they've asked me to write another (my third). That means putting the book I was working on (about Runes) onto the back burner and getting on with the book they want to bring out next (on psychic self defence.) </p> <p>When you write professionally, as I do, you just have to get your head down and write what you've been asked for. And you have to produce it to the required length and by the required time. There's no time for the Muse to visit - you just have to get on with it.</p> <p>Actually, I'm rather enjoying the research so far. I begin by sketching in a few chapter headings - three in this case. It will expand as I fill in the research. So far I have sketched out about six chapters. Done lots of research. Scribbled some notes. Filled in paragraphs here and there. And it looks like another big book (the last one was 424 pages. I had to cut 12,000 words on the final draft.) It'll be a few more weeks before I can begin the first draft in earnest. At the moment I'm just trying to knock it into shape. </p> <p>The most important thing when you write a book - any book - is to always bear in mind what your readers want. Why - in this case - will they want to buy a book on psychic self defence? What do they want from it?</p> <p>All the time you're <del>writing</del> trying to write you have to constantly keep thinking of your readers - they're your employers - and they can fire you any time they want. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/11/21/starting-a-new-book-part-i-7423439/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-11-20:/2009/11/20/cannabis-culture-a-man-s-best-friend-7421459/DynamicDan2009-11-20T17:57:20+01:002009-11-20T17:57:20+01:00 <p>When I wake up in the morning the first thing that comes to my mind isn’t coffee. When thousands of teenagers wake up it’s a ‘spliff’. Take Monday for example. Its 9am and I’m up and ready for college. There’s a cannabis joint left over from the night before. I’m not in a bad mood, but then again I’m not in a particularly good one either. It was probably all that smoking last night that caused it. What the hell, I was happy weren’t I? </p> <p>Now I’ve got a decision to make. Should I smoke it now? What about later? I can’t get any more money, I should definitely save it. Oh what the hell its Monday, I need a break. A little bit like the one I had at the weekend. Roll it up and let’s go I can smoke it on the way to college. Half way there I’m feeling good, a little under confident, but good. I know it’s probably not the best time to think about it... But all I want to do is go home and get blazed. Pfft fat chance. I’ve got some work to do. </p> <p>Long day at college, can’t say it was particularly fun. But now what? I’m home, bored. What can I do I think to myself? You guessed it; it’s time to fire one up. Damn, I’m out of grade. It’s going to be another one of them days. It doesn’t take much to start me off nor does it take much to make it worse. But I am getting angry. I can’t make out if its anger or frustration. I’m frustrated that I have no weed and I’m even angrier I can’t afford to get any.</p> <p>Now we’ve got a dilemma. Where am I going to get some money? I already owe all of my friends and can’t afford to tick anymore. Aaa… ‘Ticking’, that’s another subject for later. It’s like a tab, for weed. You take it and pay later, sort of like them catalogue offers you see on the television, buy now, pay next week. Pretty similar except from one major difference, you won’t be going to court if you can’t afford to pay this one, think closer along the lines of hospital.</p> <p>Anyway this dilemma still needs solving. I head to my girlfriends house, perhaps she will have money. It’s only when I get there I realise she hasn’t. I don’t know why I expected she would have; maybe it was more hope than anything. There’s nothing like withdrawal to put you in a bad mood and that’s what I’m in now. The burning sensation from the gut, that’s how I know I’m about to lose it. My temper I mean. It’s probably the same for 99% of cannabis smokers. I need help; I sit and think to myself. It’s no use, it isn’t help I want, its weed and that’s what I’m going to have, one way or another. </p> <p>It’s a sad situation I’m afraid. Not just for me but for thousands of other teenagers like me. I mean I don’t mean to stereotype but we all know the effects of cannabis. What about the atmosphere surrounding the drug? What do I mean? Well you can’t buy it from a shop, so where do you get it from, more importantly who do you get it from. Surely ending up with a cheap substitute of the drug is far worse than the actual drug itself. </p> <p>Let’s take a typical day. I’ve finished college and head over to my mates flat. I won’t reveal his name for obvious reasons. On this occasion I have managed to acquire the small £10 to buy a couple of joints. From my Nan probably, bless her. I pull up outside and head to the main door of the flats, I can smell the pungent smell of cannabis from outside, don’t get me wrong I’m not complaining, if you ask me I think it smells natural. Anyway I make it inside. If I haven’t mentioned it by now I’m feeling happier by the minute. I can’t explain why, it’s a funny thing is the mind; the smallest things can make such an impact. The thought of relaxation and happiness in the palm of my very own hand just makes me want to smile. </p> <p>What about the act itself? What can I say? It’s a great feeling. A feeling of excitement yet nervousness, I guess that’s where the paranoia comes in. The reason I smoke comes down to stress. No matter how angry I get I know when I’m sitting in my bedroom, smoking weed and playing games, there nowhere else I’d rather be. It’s an escape from reality. An illusion that makes things seems ok. After all, that is what we all want isn’t it? Everything to be ok. I often sit and wonder what my life would be like if I was weed free, it doesn’t really bare thinking about, let’s just say it would be like losing a friend, a good one at that.</p> <p>Where was I? Oh yeah, firing one up with my mates. What can I say about my mates? Well let’s take my dealer for example; he’s just the same as me if not worse. The burning desire to smoke cannabis has also affected his cagey existence. The average day consists of buying, selling and smoking dope. He’s younger than me, only an 18 year old lad. Did I mention his 1 year old daughter? She lives with her mother of course; I mean how can you juggle being a dealer while trying to be a father? Maybe he just doesn’t want to.</p> <p>That brings me on to ambition, or rather lack of it. We all know cannabis makes you lazy and tired, I mean that’s the idea of relaxation. However smoking weed crushes your sense of ambition and leaves you with a complete lack of motivation often resulting in foul moods and a general idea that you’re going nowhere in life. That’s not healthy is it? No it isn’t. On the other end of the spectrum it has been proved by scientists, even though cannabis affects your short term memory, it increases your brain activity, therefore resulting in better ideas and what I like to call “out of the box” thinking. </p> <p>It's a working progress, please leave comments, appreciate them very much. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/11/20/cannabis-culture-a-man-s-best-friend-7421459/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-11-20:/2009/11/20/short-poem-7420410/DynamicDan2009-11-20T15:23:24+01:002009-11-20T15:23:24+01:00 <p>We had an english lesson at college , it's part of our journalism course. The teacher asked us to write a short poem using similes. This is mine, she liked it and wants to use it to teach her year 11's. </p> <p>I'll start off counting, one, two, three<br> This is a poem about smiles<br> As black as coal, as cold as ice<br> Try to use them you'll find they're nice</p> <p>Blue like the sky or as green as the grass<br> Both of these will guarentee you a pass<br> I've thought of another, as white as the snow<br> How white is that? Wouldn't you like to know</p> <p>You'll notice by now they involve lots of colours<br> Blue, green and red, can you name any others<br> As warm as the sun is another i've heard<br> Like as heavy as an elephant, or as free as a bird</p> <p>As cool as cucumber, now how about that<br> I'm sure you can read it, you aren't as blind as a bat</p> <p>Im coming to the end now, i've run out of words<br> I've talked about elephants, bats and birds<br> Remember your similes, most start with as<br> If you can't do that, your as thick as a SPAZ! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/11/20/short-poem-7420410/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-11-16:/2009/11/16/poem-about-an-alcoholic-7384485/Laurasummer2009-11-16T12:25:19+01:002009-11-16T12:25:19+01:00 <p>In a bit of a reflective mood and felt the need to vent this, I haven't posted on here before but I normally write much happier stuff. Let me know if you've got any tips for me on my writing:</p> <p>poem:</p> <p>It's 4 o clock in the afternoon<br> You're still shuffling about in a dressing gown<br> Don't you know it really gets me down<br> That you reek of poison<br> And you can hardly see?</p> <p>Yet you're the one telling me to leave</p> <p>As I'm standing in your doorway looking gorgeous<br> You know you'll never get another one like me.</p> <p>It's pretty rich to say that I can do better<br> when you can't even string a sentance together<br> fill your days with nothing and your glass with booze<br> What exactly have I got to lose?<br> The fact that I'm too good for you is plain to see<br> You know you'll never get another one like me</p> <p>The thing is, when you were sober,<br> no-one could have ever loved me any better.<br> But too many if's and but's<br> make it just too hard to love<br> Maybe saving you wasn't something I could do,<br> But you will never get another Me,<br> And I will never get another one like you. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/11/16/poem-about-an-alcoholic-7384485/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-11-12:/2009/11/12/reasonable-request-7357104/silverscribbler2009-11-12T10:48:53+01:002009-11-12T10:48:53+01:00 <p>(By Silver Scribbler)</p> <p>Invite visitors to our home?</p> <p>With the parking problems</p> <p>Here in Willow Green</p> <p>Best come by rail! </p> <p>Arrive to find the station</p> <p>No more than a platform and shelter</p> <p>Walk down the ramp</p> <p>Through the dimly lit underpass</p> <p>Mind the dog mess, whose owners</p> <p>Have never heard of the blindness</p> <p>Toxocara canis can cause. </p> <p>Passing piles of bricks</p> <p>Where once the Railway Hotel stood</p> <p>Stepping through puddles in the road</p> <p>Keeping an eye, for the bulky lorries</p> <p>As they ramble over the bridge.</p> <p>Right at the end of the road</p> <p>Head toward the light, aroma of donar kebab</p> <p>Ignore the litter, youths hanging around</p> <p>Don’t chastise them for</p> <p>Their disgusting habits</p> <p>Just walk on</p> <p>And welcome </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/11/12/reasonable-request-7357104/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-11-11:/2009/11/11/swooning-sleepless-7348458/Prettyintelligentprincess2009-11-11T01:31:53+01:002009-11-11T01:31:53+01:00 <p>Hate the concept<br> dread the thought<br> of sleep<br> she said.</p> <p>Swooning.</p> <p>@prettyintelligentprincess </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/11/11/swooning-sleepless-7348458/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-11-07:/2009/11/07/xmas-is-coming-7327778/rolandbastien2009-11-07T21:28:11+01:002009-11-07T21:28:11+01:00 <p>Hi guys<br> Xmas is coming- Buy one of my art works for your best friends at :<br> <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/Rolandrimsky">http://www.redbubble.com/people/Rolandrimsky</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/11/07/xmas-is-coming-7327778/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-11-04:/2009/11/04/its-a-beautiful-day-7306996/chellietaino2009-11-04T17:45:51+01:002009-11-04T17:45:51+01:00 <p>hey ev'ry1</p> <p>i am new on this group and i am very excited to learn from each and every talented writers in this group! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/11/04/its-a-beautiful-day-7306996/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-11-04:/2009/11/04/returning-officer-7306546/piyabandure2009-11-04T16:58:34+01:002009-11-04T16:58:34+01:00 <p><strong><br> </strong><br> "Friends, I , the returning officer hereby declare Hon tortoise, Ludgate as the elected President of territory 28793 XX of crater Palanduma, Mars. Out of the Total 23987 votes, 23943 were discarded as void. God bless all." </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/11/04/returning-officer-7306546/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-11-04:/2009/11/04/hi-all-7303825/longtail2009-11-04T09:17:39+01:002009-11-04T09:17:39+01:00 <p>I have been doing my crafting this week getting my christmas cards maked so not alot of writing being done. My garden has to have so work done on it too. The children book I am having a go at is still being hard work at the bit of it that I cannot think of the next bit. I know the end and the start is down. It is getting it to the end. I write short storys and this one is alot longer. But I would like to do it if I can. Working on christmas storys for my blog this weekend. Happy writing all </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/11/04/hi-all-7303825/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-11-03:/2009/11/03/trying-this-blogging-7301924/poemsbylennygazbowski2009-11-03T22:10:12+01:002009-11-03T22:10:12+01:00 <p>........thing out! Hopefully I'll get used to the set up! Any other good folk from the UK???!!! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/11/03/trying-this-blogging-7301924/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-11-03:/2009/11/03/hi-7300891/Walktallpoet2009-11-03T19:49:15+01:002009-11-03T22:54:18+01:00 <p>I just wanted to say hello. Im pretty new to blogging and am still learning the ropes. I get great pleasure writting poetry, and thought that by bloging. I could share it with other people. The following poem is titled </p> <p>Chaos of alcholism</p> <p>Stripped of dignity<br> and set on one.<br> Stood at the bar like<br> he lost someone.</p> <p>Why wont you just tell<br> him whats going on?<br> Ten pints later<br> crying for his Mum.<br> Where did it go wrong?<br> Where has he gone?</p> <p>"Could of been something"<br> He mutters "could've shone<br> Instead I'm Here,<br> Having another one"<br> Drinking his answers<br> His questions have gone.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/11/03/hi-7300891/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-11-03:/2009/11/03/hi-7297063/longtail2009-11-03T08:43:26+01:002009-11-03T08:43:26+01:00 <p>Hi hope you all read my little story I posted. Working on some christmas ones now. I write for children but hope all will like them. I am still working on the bigger one. But it is not going to well. Cannot get sat down to write it lots of things to do around the house. I also love reading old books and I sit down to write then end up reading a book. I know I should be writing but I do it. Or I end up in the garden on a good day. Maybe I will get work done this winter when it is to wet outside. Happy writing all <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0">. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/11/03/hi-7297063/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-11-03:/2009/11/03/can-t-is-waiting-7296135/birdsong2009-11-03T02:21:37+01:002009-11-03T02:22:02+01:00 <p><em>I can't seem to find<br> Any my space in my mind<br> There are the things<br> To do<br> the people Who<br> must be seen and spoken to</p> <p>All I have inside are things<br> I have to decide<br> But there's<br> No-one awake to listen to</p> <p>I hear the sirens in the street<br> the voices raised<br> as people meet<br> and cars passing make<br> sounds like waves on the beach </p> <p>I can't seem to find<br> Anywhere to sit and hide<br> To watch<br> and learn from my children<br> Missing them is watching<br> Through someone else's eyes</em> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/11/03/can-t-is-waiting-7296135/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-11-02:/2009/11/02/a-long-time-waiting-7295476/She-Devil2009-11-02T23:10:19+01:002009-11-02T23:10:19+01:00 <p><span>If it's coming, let it come.</span></p> <p><span>Bring on the darkness. I've waited so long for it's cold shadow to descend.</span></p> <p><span>A month I was told. Three have passed and still I wait.</span></p> <p><span>I relax, and here it comes. All pain gone.</span></p> <p><span>I am no more.....</span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/11/02/a-long-time-waiting-7295476/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-11-02:/2009/11/02/autumn-days-7292848/GinettePooley2009-11-02T16:01:21+01:002009-11-02T16:01:21+01:00 <p>Leaves a trillion on my lawn<br> I rake and then...<br> They're back by dawn</p> <p>I rake, I sing,<br> I'm full of beans<br> I feel as though<br> I'm in my teens</p> <p>The air is clean<br> the morning's fresh<br> This time of day<br> for me is best</p> <p>Heart a pumping<br> back now breaking<br> But I must continue<br> Raking</p> <p>Because the gardener<br> comes on Friday<br> So the garden<br> MUST be tidy</p> <p>I cannot have him<br> think me lazy<br> Though my husband<br> says I'm crazy</p> <p>The tree that sheds<br> the leaves galore<br> Aint even ours<br> It's theirs next door!!!</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/media/photo/cottage_tree/4068195" title="cottage tree"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/195/4068195_01177de130_m.jpg" alt="cottage tree"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/11/02/autumn-days-7292848/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-11-02:/2009/11/02/enough-is-enough-7292559/She-Devil2009-11-02T15:11:04+01:002009-11-02T15:11:04+01:00 <p><span>Bang, bang, bang!<br> I gritted my teeth and sat quietly.<br> Bang, bang, bang!<br> I tried desperately to pretend it didn't bother me but it was no good, I was mad as hell.<br> Was it the fact that I was tired or was it really annoying?<br> In my pondering I hadn't noticed that it had gone quiet.<br> I started to relax and with a deep sigh, went back to my book. <br> Two words in and there it was again, the rhythmic kicking of the back of my seat.</p> <p> My long haul flight to Thailand had been marred by some little brat kicking my seat. Well enough was enough they were going to get the full force of my wrath.<br> I stood up and turned in my confined space and shouted at the top of my voice<br> "Can you stop kicking my seat? Four bloody hours of bang, bang, bang. I've had......"</p> <p> I was halted mid sentence by the sight before me. My seat was being repeatedly kicked, and I had every right to complain, but the culprit was a little boy with Cerebral palsy. </p> <p> Floor open now and swallow me; wait a minute, I would be outside the plane then, falling at speed. Perhaps that would be my punishment.</p> <p> His parents and most of the other nearby passengers glared at me. <br> I sat down again hanging my head in shame and said nothing for the rest of the flight.</span></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/11/02/enough-is-enough-7292559/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-10-27:/2009/10/27/the-thing-that-it-has-been-is-not-as-it-7250676/birdsong2009-10-27T02:01:54+01:002009-10-27T20:58:53+01:00 <p>I am not a creative writer...<br> I am a destructive writer</p> <p><em>The thing that it has been<br> Is not as it shall be<br> And not as it should be</p> <p>I discern faults and cracks among the surfaces<br> and among the faces there are gourds<br> and shells of eggs<br> and pickle jars<br> and horses<br> with feet of clay and eyes alight with dust</em></p> <p>Do comment please.<br> I am curious to learn where this new material is going, and how long the stream is. Seems an endless not... </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/10/27/the-thing-that-it-has-been-is-not-as-it-7250676/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-10-26:/2009/10/26/my-poetry-book-is-selling-now-7246411/banana2009-10-26T12:52:00+01:002009-10-26T12:52:00+01:00 <p><a href="http://thealternativepoetry.blog.co.uk" title="PICT0186"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/954/4023954_cf30c1effe_s.jpeg" alt="PICT0186"></a></p> <p>Here's a picture of the proof copy of the paperback edition of Alternative Poetry Books - Yellow edition. It was exactly right and so the book has now been released for sale on the various Amazon sites!</p> <p>It is only £4.99 in the UK and $7.99 in the US and is various prices in other countries.</p> <p>It can be bought from my blog (linked to from the picture) - where I am still selling signed embossed certified copies (only 50 so once they're gone they're gone) for the same price as the standard copies are selling on Amazon.co.uk - £4.99 - but with £2.00 P&P</p> <p>I have started a Blog Tour to promote the book and my first interview is on the WordPress Blog site with Janet Colley on her "A Place of My Own Blog" : <a href="http://jscolley.wordpress.com/2009/10/21/interview-with-a-poet/">http://jscolley.wordpress.com/2009/10/21/interview-with-a-poet/</a></p> <p>The yellow edition is the first of a seven book series which is intended to build to create a rainbow of poetry for your bookshelf.</p> <p>I'm busy putting together the Pink edition (instead of Indigo) to be released in December/January and the Red edition will be released in time for Valentine's Day.</p> <p>I took advice from my lovely Blog.co.uk readers as to the format of the book and the price so here's hoping I got it right <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>You can read a free sample short e-book on the Freado website here : <a href="http://www.freado.com">http://www.freado.com</a></p> <p>My little yellow/red book is on the front page twice as it is third in rank for most viewed book and second in rank for most pages read! Just click on the image of my book on the Freado site and it will take you to a free view sample of the yellow edition.</p> <p>Sorry if this entry is a bit spammy - this is the first time I've done something like this and I'm finding it hard to get the right 'tone' I think. I just get a bit over-excited and then possibly get a bit too pushy. It's difficult for me to judge. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/10/26/my-poetry-book-is-selling-now-7246411/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-10-23:/2009/10/23/publication-day-almost-there-7231870/tylluanpenry2009-10-23T20:37:15+02:002009-10-23T20:37:15+02:00 <p>My second book, The Magical Properties of Plants... and How to Find Them is almost published. The proofs have been painstakingly checked and sent back, corrections made, and now it's just a matter of waiting. As far as I know, publication date is 1st November or thereabouts. </p> <p>It's a bit like giving birth in a way... I know roughly what it will look like, but not the detail. It will have illustrations that I finished earlier in the year, but I don't know exactly where they will end up in the text. One, which was drawn to resemble a woodcut, heads up every chapter. </p> <p>I always like the way my publishers put their books together. On my first book which came out last year, I was amazed that they even used the sort of font that I'd envisaged!</p> <p>And of course, I'm already writing on my next book - and the one after that. I thought I'd finished the next one... it was sitting on my desk, waiting for me to pack it up and send it off and then... WHAM! A chance browse in a book and I realised I'd missed something really important.</p> <p>Now maybe some people would say 'Sod it' and just send the manuscript off, but not me. In a book of about 300 pages I'm not going to settle for anything less than my best. So I had to bin the printed text and go back to the original manuscript and rewrite. But I tell myself it'll all be worth it in the end.</p> <p>I had something rather similar with this present book (the one on plants.) It grew so large and unwieldy that eventually I decided to go back and rewrite it in order to lose 12,000 words. Even so, the finished book has weighed in at over 400 pages!</p> <p>If you're going to write a book, demand the best from yourself. You deserve it! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/10/23/publication-day-almost-there-7231870/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-10-21:/2009/10/21/chapter-1-wet-wet-cold-and-wet-the-story-of-7219196/LouLuS2009-10-21T21:52:12+02:002009-10-21T21:52:12+02:00 <p><em><u>Chapter 1</u></em></p> <p>Wet, wet, cold and wet. The story of my weather. When the sun shines it only melts the frost and the breeze only forces the rain on to your face. Do I need to explain anymore why I moved? Well, I suppose my dad’s promotion could account for some part but only a very, very small part. I don’t know who was more surprised at my reaction to the news! Me or my parents? They did the whole<br> “Can you come downstairs for a second Rachel, me and your dad need to talk to you about something”<br> So the typical ‘big news is coming’ intro. Maybe a death, pregnancy, adoption, selling the house, but never would I have guessed I was getting the best news ever. Moving to California! Some people would see that as the worst possible news. You know, moving out of childhood home, starting a new school in 5th year (well 11th grade from now on) in a new country half way across the world. Yeah, not me. For me it was like music to my ears. And the music was good. It was more like party music than a lullaby but not some cheesy celebration song either. More like “get this party started”. That kind. But seriously what was bad about moving to California? The sun, the sea, the cute surfer guys and the chance to start my whole life over.<br> Ok, my normal life was not that bad but Glasgow was becoming a bit cramped and predictable! And my friends were starting to get on my nerves! I never felt like we were really all close. There was too much making fun of people and not sticking up for each other. I mean what kind of friends are those! But here’s looking to the future and good friends<br> So now on the plane from London to Los Angeles airport I kind of now understand why my mum and dad are so surprised at my reaction. You see I forgot to ask them the obvious question: where are we staying? Obvious to some people but apparently not me. So, yeah a couple of days later I hear where we are actually going; Cayucos, California, USA. Where? I know! So I did a bit of googling and it is located in northern California on the coast. It is half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco 222 miles from Los Angeles, which almost a 4 hour drive and 223 miles away from San Francisco. Basically away from right bang in the middle! Then I noticed the current approximate population is; 2700. That's’ like only double the amount in my school back home! I probably haven’t told you but I'm pretty much a big town/city girl. I'm like the bubbly, chatty, friendly, funny girl who always has people around her. Yet here I am moving to some tiny place with 2700 residents, some of which aren’t permanent and most are like over 40, and I wonder why my parents were confused at my excitement of moving.<br> Now on my 3 hour 45 minute car journey from Los Angeles airport I am preparing for the end of my normal life. I am ready for rural mania. Let’s just hope the beach is worth it.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/10/21/chapter-1-wet-wet-cold-and-wet-the-story-of-7219196/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-10-20:/2009/10/20/unseeing-bird-7211522/birdsong2009-10-20T22:26:08+02:002009-10-27T02:03:16+01:00 <p>I'm listening to the unbelievable work of Antony & The Johnsons.<br> Inspired? Don't know, but this fell out of my fingers...</p> <p><em>Long ago<br> I was pulled from the fire<br> But the embers still glow<br> And I am still burning</p> <p>My arms<br> Ached less then<br> I was strong enough, and willing<br> For years<br> But now the dust<br> Has fallen<br> Covers all and people<br> Write their names on my eyes</em></p> <p>I rarely punctuate my verse, or edit back what first emerges.<br> That way I feel it keeps the spontaneity of the moment in which it was written.<br> It is entirely a thing of that moment.</p> <p>I also habitually break the structure and rhythm of the lines.</p> <p>What does that say...?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/10/20/unseeing-bird-7211522/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-10-19:/2009/10/19/poetry-a-viewpoint-7203961/Jamesapps2009-10-19T22:10:35+02:002009-10-19T22:10:35+02:00 <p>I like poems in general that tell a story although I am willing to look at anything in verse because I enjoy it.  I enjooy listening to poetry read well and I like to read it for myself.  Reading other poet's work will inspire me to write my own most of the time although when I read Marrianne Moore I feel inadequate.  When I read Chaucer or Shakespeare I get interested and become deeply involved with it.</p> <p>I love to write blank verse and rhyming couplets. </p> <p>With Island Artists I also enjoy performing and reading my own prose and verse.  There is a thrill about having an audience for your work who will respond often by asking for more if you get it right and heckle you if you don't.   As I said, I like poems that tell a story so one day I began a poem inspired by Lewis Carroll's <em>Jabberwocky</em>  and the mad genius of Spike Milligan to emerge two years later with a sixty page epic poem with illustrations drawn by myself. </p> <p>The title is <em>The Turval and the Grobble</em>  ISBN 987-1-4452-0198-6 which I not only enjoyed writing but also enjoy reading.  When I read portions of it I wonder where on earth it came from recognising influences from my studies of Shakespeare's works and Chaucer's - a certain bawdiness combined with a desire to write a comical story that is a little bit saucy but at the same time is good verse.  I think I have done it right.  </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/10/19/poetry-a-viewpoint-7203961/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-10-17:/2009/10/17/endless-note-7190107/birdsong2009-10-17T21:20:45+02:002009-10-17T21:20:45+02:00 <p>Should I really be listenign to TG at my age...?</p> <p>Anything<br> Anything</p> <p>I do not have<br> Anything<br> For you<br> Despite the screaming</p> <p>Anything<br> Anything</p> <p>I do not want<br> Anything<br> From you</p> <p>Bleeding in sleep<br> Does not leave<br> Anything<br> For me</p> <p>You could be anyone<br> But you are not anyone<br> And tonight<br> Does not mean<br> Anything</p> <p>You turn to steal<br> From me<br> But I do not have<br> Anything for you</p> <p>Turn to steel<br> Turn to stone<br> Turn to sleep again</p> <p>Anything could happen<br> Anything could happen</p> <p>What just happened?</p> <p>You did not say<br> Anything<br> I did not feel<br> Anything</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/10/17/endless-note-7190107/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-10-17:/2009/10/17/taunting-the-memories-7184950/Prettyintelligentprincess2009-10-17T01:09:01+02:002009-10-17T01:10:22+02:00 <p>Taunting and trivial..<br> He was there again,<br> him and I<br> the conversation<br> again.</p> <p>Talking<br> before sleep hits,<br> Words,twist inside.</p> <p>'Disappointed'<br> 'Embarrassed'</p> <p>'YOU DID NOT'<br> 'YOU DID NOT'<br> 'YOU DID NOT'</p> <p>No, I did not<br> But you...<br> you did.<br> Over and over<br> again.<br> You did.</p> <p>Voice outside sleep<br> is strong.</p> <p>I stand up.<br> I face him.<br> I tell him.<br> Screaming silent words.</p> <p>Silent now.<br> Heart racing.<br> Tears falling.<br> Hands clenching.</p> <p>Wishing to be somewhere else<br> Someone else</p> <p>Wishing for sleep<br> and silence<br> and sense.</p> <p>He does not hear.<br> can not hear.<br> Never hears.<br> He is not there.</p> <p>He is here.<br> Stuck.<br> Deeply piereced<br> inside the fragments of thought.</p> <p>Inside the mess of memories<br> The mess of me. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/10/17/taunting-the-memories-7184950/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-10-16:/2009/10/16/17-again-film-7178594/jaoyingnoi20092009-10-16T03:35:31+02:002009-10-16T03:35:31+02:00 <p><a href="http://dvdcomedy-uk.blogspot.com" title="17again"><img src="http://data6.blog.de/media/561/4007561_8bea91dbe9_s.jpeg" alt="17again"></a></p> <p><img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"><br> Plot</p> <p>In 1989, Mike O'Donnell (Zac Efron) was a big success in high school. He seemingly had it all, when, right before the championship basketball game, his girlfriend Scarlet Porter (Allison Miller) informed him she was pregnant. In that moment, he made the decision to throw everything away (including basketball and a chance at a scholarship) and proposed to her.</p> <p>Twenty years later, Mike's (Matthew Perry) life has come to a standstill. Scarlet (Leslie Mann) has separated from him, forcing him to move in with his geeky and wealthy best friend Ned Gold (Thomas Lennon). His job is going nowhere, and his kids Maggie (Michelle Trachtenberg) and Alex (Sterling Knight) want nothing to do with him. While visiting Hayden High School to reminisce about the life he threw away, he encounters a mysterious janitor (Brian Doyle-Murray). On the way home, he sees the janitor standing on the edge of a bridge - apparently about to commit suicide, Mike runs towards him, but his path is blocked momentarily by a passing truck. When he reaches the edge, the janitor is gone, and there is a strange vortex below the bridge. Mike slips and falls into the vortex, blacks out, and awakens back on the bridge. When he gets home, he discovers that he has been magically transformed into his 17-year old self.</p> <p>Ned sees Mike in his house, and thinks he's a thief. Ned fights with Mike, as Mike trys to prove he's the real Mike. When Ned trys to hit Mike over the head with a picture of the two of them at their 1989 graduation, he realizes that's the real Mike. Mike then returns to the school to find the janitor that he spoke with the day before and became aware of there being no such person working there. Mike then decides that with Ned posing as his father, Mike enrolls at Hayden High as "Mark Gold". He believes he has been given the chance to live his life over again, "but to do it right". Then he discovers that Maggie is dating the basketball captain Stan (Hunter Parrish), who is bullying Alex. He realizes that his real mission is to help his children, and makes friends with both Alex and Maggie. With "Mark"'s help, Alex gets a place on the basketball team and the girlfriend he desires. "Mark" comforts Maggie when she is dumped by Stan, who was pressuring her for sex. "Mark" also meets Scarlet. He helps her decorate her garden, gaining a new appreciation for her, and dances with her before she goes on a date (to the song that he and Scarlet danced to at their wedding). "Mark" and Scarlet clearly feel a connection as they danced, and are about to kiss, until Alex walks in on them. At first Scarlet seemed uncaring that her son is right there, but then she feels embarrassed and tells "Mark" that she is Alex's mother and that this is inappropriate.</p> <p>With "Mark's" help during the basketball game, Alex makes the winning basket. Meanwhile, Ned is attracted to the principal of Hayden High, Jane Masterson (Melora Hardin). Although his initial attempts to 'peacock' her fail he manages to take her out to dinner. When "Mark" notices the two of them leaving he decides to throw a party at "Ned's" house to celebrate Alex scoring the winning basket and to help him get the girl he likes. Purring the party Scarlet appears, looking for Alex, and "Mark" tells her that Alex could have a girlfriend by the end of the party and brings her up to the balcony to show her. Ned and Jane soon bond over a love of The Lord Of The Rings. However, when he takes her back to his house, they discover an out-of-control party raging there. (after Maggie tries to have sex with "Mark") Maggie sees Ned and goes looking for "Mark" to warn him and finds Mark with her mother Scarlet. While "Mark" and Scarlet are talking, Mike's feelings for her are reawakened, (especially after she tells him "he's really become a part of the family"). But when he kisses her, she is appalled, and slaps him and calls him a "weirdo little man child" even though he chases after her and tries to tell her that he is Mike. This exchange is witnessed by Maggie and her friends, who are all disgusted, especially since Maggie has become smitten with "Mark".</p> <p>The following morning, Ned reminds Mike that it is the date of his divorce hearing with Scarlet. "Mark" appears in court to read a letter from Mike O'Donnell. Scarlet is touched by the letter. When she sees that the "letter" is really just a piece of paper with directions on it, she realizes that "Mark" spoke extemporaneously. Later, at the championship game, Mike makes a gesture which she recognizes as his. Realizing that she is in the same situation as twenty years earlier, she flees the scene. Mike follows, handing the ball to Alex, who goes on to make the winning shot. The janitor catches sight of Mike and changes him back into his adult self. Mike promises Scarlet to spend the rest of his life making it up to her. Scarlet and Mike kiss and reunite.</p> <p>In the end, Mike happily reconciles with his family, and becomes the coach of the Hayden High basketball team, while Ned and Ms. Masterson seem to have a "relationship".</p> <p>Cast</p> <p> * Zac Efron - Mike O'Donnell (17 years old)/"Mark Gold"<br> * Leslie Mann - Scarlet O'Donnell (37 years old)<br> * Thomas Lennon - Ned Gold (37 years old)<br> * Michelle Trachtenberg - Maggie O'Donnell<br> * Sterling Knight - Alex O'Donnell<br> * Hunter Parrish - Stan (Maggie's boyfriend)<br> * Melora Hardin - Principal Jane Masterson<br> * Matthew Perry - Mike O'Donnell (37 years old)<br> * Jim Gaffigan - The Coach<br> * Nicole Sullivan - Naomi<br> * Brian Doyle Murray - The Janitor<br> * Margaret Cho - Health Teacher<br> * Allison Miller as Scarlet O'Donnell (17 years old)<br> * Tyler Steelman as Ned Gold (17 years old) </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/10/16/17-again-film-7178594/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-10-14:/2009/10/14/the-lipstick-7169232/IndieGurl2009-10-14T18:32:57+02:002009-10-14T18:32:57+02:00 <p>It's vivd colour, 'choosy cherry,'<br> Slicks on like paint,<br> Can come with or without a pretty case,<br> Easy to play with when you're bored,<br> Less easy to get off your teeth,<br> More grown-up than lipstick - it's lost its childish sparkle,<br> Yet a childs first thing to hand when dressing up,<br> Covering their cheeks,<br> Giving themselves a bright red smile,<br> Saying 'Dolly wants some too,' followed by a mothers yell of 'No!'<br> Scribbled messages on walls,<br> Or as you get older, kisses on secret notes,<br> 'SWALK',<br> The colours getting more duller, more neutral,<br> As the individual gets older,<br> Eventually leaving some smudged,<br> On their grandsons cheek. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/10/14/the-lipstick-7169232/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-10-12:/2009/10/12/mirror-mirror-7155598/silverliz2009-10-12T19:19:32+02:002009-10-12T19:19:32+02:00 <p>Mirror, mirror, tell me true<br> Who is this I see<br> Can this old woman<br> Really be me.</p> <p>My hair is still plentiful though a mixture of shades<br> My eyes see clearly now<br> Hearing is not what it was<br> People do mumble these days !<br> Can this old woman<br> Really be me ?</p> <p>The music blares out of the TV<br> Just when I'm trying to follow the plot<br> One day its Monday<br> Suddenly its Friday approaching again<br> Can this old woman<br> Really be me</p> <p>My shoes are flat<br> Dress sizes get bigger and bigger<br> Once I had a waist<br> My figure was shapely and trim<br> Can this old woman<br> Really be me ?</p> <p>Did I take my tablets ?<br> Oh no I've forgotten again<br> I think I'll just have a lie down<br> Put the wireless on<br> Yes this old woman<br> Really is me.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/10/12/mirror-mirror-7155598/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-10-10:/2009/10/10/train-journey-7135024/Prettyintelligentprincess2009-10-10T01:18:45+02:002009-10-10T01:18:45+02:00 <p>He ate his sandwiches,<br> the old man,<br> then reached for a soft banana;<br> dessert.</p> <p>'I'm watching him,' he said.<br> 'I wish I was watching him too,' she said.</p> <p>It is dark as the train burrows through the blackness...<br> ...it is dark here too.</p> <p>Dark.<br> Mixed and rapid response.<br> She giggles, then chuckles<br> deeply, into her glass of red.<br> many women,<br> many.</p> <p>'No,just one,' he said.</p> <p>'I would love you to have me,' he said.</p> <p>A precious time capsule, still.<br> Precious and secure.<br> Locked.</p> <p>Across the ocean<br> across the spinning of time,<br> she wraps herself around<br> around<br> and around...</p> <p>inside the silky web of<br> adulterous cushions and drapes...</p> <p>Inside the secretness<br> Of her other life.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/10/10/train-journey-7135024/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:creative-writers.blog.co.uk,2009-10-07:/2009/10/07/the-rain-poem-ii-7116416/kawaakibb2009-10-07T11:18:01+02:002009-10-07T11:23:30+02:00 <p>Another poem I wrote on a rainy day... gee it appears that i like rain a lot... <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p><em>The Rain Poem II</p> <p>I like watching the rain drops<br> I like watching how they fall from nowhere in the sky and then on the rooftops<br> I like watching the drops gathering with their kind and then flow down onto the ground<br> I like watching how soil and grass look browner and greener after the rain falls on them</p> <p>I like the sound of the rain drops<br> As they race to hit the rooftops<br> I like how the rain sounds approaching, distancing and returning<br> as the wind blows them everywhere it likes<br> I like the sound of the wind coming with the rain<br> And I like how it blows upon the trees, making them shake under the rain</p> <p>I like how the wind feels on my skin<br> As they pass through the opened window behind which I stand watching</p> <p>I like rains to shower longer<br> Because I like how the clouds cover the sun and make days look gloomier<br> I like listening to the rain drops longer<br> Because they resemble the rhythm of my heart</p> <p>I like how people run under the rain<br> And then find shelters somewhere else<br> I like how they stand waiting for the rain to stop</p> <p>But I like it only when I'm safe and warm at home<br> When I only look at rain wetting the earth but not me</p> <p>I liked dancing in the rain<br> But that was when I was little<br> And now that I have felt enough<br> I like it better to remain dry</em></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://creative-writers.blog.co.uk/2009/10/07/the-rain-poem-ii-7116416/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>