It would appear that we have a few writers on the board.....so come on...it's time to stand up and be counted!

*What do you write......(Songs, Poetry, Short Stories, Books, Screenplays..etc...etc...)?
*What is your genre?
*How long have you been at it?
*Have you ever been published....(big time or even in a magazine...anything!)?
*Where would you like it to lead?
*What got you started?
*Can we read your work?
* Anything else?

Coastie:

*What do you write......(Songs, Poetry, Short Stories, Books, Screenplays..etc...etc...)?
I write pretty much anything but am currently focusing much of my energy into screen writing (movies, TV).

*What is your genre?
My screenplays, one attempt at a book and short stories tend to be more crime related but I dabble in the comic horror fantasy and drama fields aswell.
My poetry more nonsense orientated.
My songs christian based.

*How long have you been at it?
I've always writen something and even wrote a 63 page book at the age of 7....still have it...didn't finish it though. I have only started to take it seriously (as in with aims of it taking me somewhere) in the last 3yrs.

*Have you ever been published....(big time or even in a magazine...anything!)?
Some of my Christian songs get sung at my local church and I have had a couple of short stories published in work and church based news letters.

*Where would you like it to lead?
Oooo...Baftas, Oscars...well I would love to have one of my screenplays developed into a movie one day anyway!

*What got you started?
If I didn't write down what's in my head I would go nuts....I just have a hyper imagination and have to let it out in anyway shape or form or I would explode!

*Can we read your work?
My First two screenplays '10-4-10' (international crime thriller)and 'Hear, See, Speak'(British seriel killer flick) are available for viewing on triggerstreet.com but unfortunately you would have to become a member of the site to read them....but it is free...my third screenplay 'Salty Charmer' (heart warming drama) will be finished soon!

* Anything else?
I still have alot to learn with regards to what they look for in a decent screenplay and am getting there slowly....but more importantly I am enjoying the ride. I struggle to finish projects I have started as I get distracted by the next one....the screenplay format is teaching me disapline in this field...I can just about managed 120 pages before losing the thread...

I continue to write other bits and peices and even if it leads nowhere I will always write....simply because I love it!!

Some of my Christian songs get sung at my local church and I have had a couple of short stories published in work and church based news letters.


Coastie you sang me one of your songs in Edinburgh - do you remember?? I was v. impressed at both the song and your voice.

You really are a very talented little lady.:thumbsup:

Coastie you sang me one of your songs in Edinburgh - do you remember?? I was v. impressed at both the song and your voice.

You really are a very talented little lady.:thumbsup:

Er...that wasn't my song Flip....'Be though my vision' I think it was...someone else wrote that one! :blush: I do a mean percussion bit on it though! :ninja:

Unless......did I sing 'Highest Mountain' and do the actions...!
or
'What Sacrifice' (my best so far....and totally inspired!)....

I can't remember the name of the song - you just sang to me - you loon!!! I am sure ils was there as well, maybe she can remember??

I can't remember the name of the song - you just sang to me - you loon!!! I am sure ils was there as well, maybe she can remember??


I was there Flip, but I have no idea what song it was, I think we had, had too many drinks for that :drinking:

Coastie:

*What do you write......(Songs, Poetry, Short Stories, Books, Screenplays..etc...etc...)?
I write pretty much anything but am currently focusing much of my energy into screen writing (movies, TV).

I'm always curious where one gets their inspiration for writing...do you write stories based on real moments in life and go from there? Do you develop your characters from people you know? Or does everything pretty much come from your imagination?

Your imagination makes it special, but most draw from 'real' things and 'real' situations, and of course 'real' people - you just don't admit it?

But we all know that what we see is different to what someone else sees?
How we interpret things differs?
Never met a writer yet who doesn't either have a good memory or a diary.
Log everything, in your head is good, on paper next best.
If it's 'real' people will 'get' it - however bizarre.
The strangest things are often true.
The written word can convey 'thoughts' that a film cannot, what is going through a persons mind can be more telling than a face appearing at the window, with whatever soundtrack.

I'm always curious where one gets their inspiration for writing...do you write stories based on real moments in life and go from there? Do you develop your characters from people you know? Or does everything pretty much come from your imagination?


I have a very vivid imagination and so much of what I write comes from there...it is however inspired by my interests in say - Crime, Christianity, Travel and stuff....I hear things from time to time that I think..ooo must write that down and have been known to wake with a start with an idea for a story or a solution to a problem I'm having with a current one......

I am blessed to know people who have a wealth of information about stuff I'm interested i and like to write about and so I am often picking their brains....some of what I learn is quite scarey and so I chose to be responsible in my writing and not give to much away to those who may read and act on what they learn!

Well.....119 pages of screenplay have been completed today.....I have printed off a copy to pass onto an English teacher friend of mine to do all the grammer and punctuation stuf.....this is my biggest weakness in the literary field.....

Anyway....

It's called 'Salty Charmer' and it is the story of a man who shares a dream with his beloved wife to sail around the UK on a yacht of their own creation.....unfortunately she falls ill and dies but makes him promise to fulfill their dream....reluctantly he sets off with his best friend Jib a golden retriever, bought for him by his wife.....the yacht gets caught in a storm and Jib gets swept over board....The man has to complete the passage alone a broken man..... :cry:

Ooh Coastie, well done you. :thumbsup:
Sounds really good.

I also find it amazing where people come up with ideas. My imagination is zilch, I wouldn't even know where to start.

I think I've always been a writer, really, no matter what I thought I was doing at the time. I've been published a bit over the years... some poetry and short fiction, a newsletter and freelance articles on campaigning issues, and some stuff ghosted.

I've also written a couple of plays - one for stage and one for radio - that have seen neither footlights nor studio but have gathered some pleasant comments from people in the business while they were rejecting them. I've just turned one of the plays into an ebook, which several SO members are reading at present.

And I have a big, historical, psychological/supernatural thriller half-written on a dismantled old computer in the attic. That one is looking good for resurrection sometime later this year and completion sometime later this life.

I get my ideas from everywhere. I know that's hardly helpful, but I promise I'm not trying to sound enigmatic. It just happens for me anywhere and anytime... often in my sleep, even. A bit like sex, but the endings are usually drier.

At the moment I'm leaving commercial writing behind and turning back to creative writing. It's where I've always been happiest, if not richest. I'm blogging the process, if anyone's interested in reading my mental meandering. My blog address is in my profile here.

I have a very vivid imagination and so much of what I write comes from there...it is however inspired by my interests in say - Crime, Christianity, Travel and stuff....I hear things from time to time that I think..ooo must write that down and have been known to wake with a start with an idea for a story or a solution to a problem I'm having with a current one......

I am blessed to know people who have a wealth of information about stuff I'm interested i and like to write about and so I am often picking their brains....some of what I learn is quite scarey and so I chose to be responsible in my writing and not give to much away to those who may read and act on what they learn!

Very interesting. See, I love writing, but have never done any fiction of any sort. I keep a daily journal, and I love to write non-fiction...which I'm pretty good at in my academics. I've always been able to take what's there and present it well in writing...but have always had trouble with the more imaginative and creative side. lol. I know my creative side is there...i just have to learn how to use it i think.

I've just started an Open University Course "Start Writing Fiction". I've received all the materials today and I'm really looking forward to starting it.

It all seems quite complicated cos most of it's done on line. So I will in effect being joining another forum, where the students discuss and conference on-line with a tutor.

I've got CD-Rom things to download and I haven't got a bloody clue what to do ... I thought I'd just have to write a story about what I did in the summer holidays!

Anyway I'm all gee'ed up and raring to go ... if only I could understand the downloading bit .... looks like I might have to read something and take a chance!

Oooh Dol - that sounds fascinating!! Let us know how you get on?

and don't forget us when you're the next JK Rowling

Oooh Dol - that sounds fascinating!! Let us know how you get on?

and don't forget us when you're the next JK Rowling

JK Rowling - pah! eat your heart out JK!

I see myself as more of a George Orwell or DH Lawrence type .... pretentious? moi?

I'm really only doing for self interest and cos my son is rapidly approaching the age where we will do less and less together and I don't want to be one of those women who suddenly realise they've built everything in their life round their children and then find they are left feeling empty. So I'm currently looking for things to fill my empty life!!! :laugh:

It's called 'Salty Charmer' and it is the story of a man who shares a dream with his beloved wife to sail around the UK on a yacht of their own creation.....unfortunately she falls ill and dies but makes him promise to fulfill their dream....reluctantly he sets off with his best friend Jib a golden retriever, bought for him by his wife.....the yacht gets caught in a storm and Jib gets swept over board....The man has to complete the passage alone a broken man..... :cry:
Poor Jib :cry:

Sounds very good though Coastie!

I've just started an Open University Course "Start Writing Fiction". I've received all the materials today and I'm really looking forward to starting it. [/color]

Ooh well done you Dol :thumbsup:

Ooo sounds fab Dol...wish I could do it...one of the pantsiest things about not having internet or even a computer at home....just me and my little (very old) word pad! :cry:

All the best...if you want me to proff read anything I'd love to....just don't ask me to check spelling, grammer and punctuation...I'll just give you an honest appraisal as to how enjoyable it is! :smartie:....mind you I will be honest as I think that's the only way to improve in the writing world is to receive honest and constructive feed back!

Poor Jib :cry:

Sounds very good though Coastie!

Ack fear not Peej....it all turns out fluffy in the end! ;)

Phew that's a relief Coastie, I do love a happy ending! I was feeling sorry for the poor bloke already!

M

Unfortunately the guy who was editing all my spelling and grammatical errors has had a bit of bad news recently and so I haven't seen him for a while....in light of this I am still waiting to make the final (first draft...these things always change after feedback etc) version available for public viewing! :(

I've already started my next one though......another dark crime thriller.... :devil:

Hmmm dark crime thriller has stepped aside to allow me to get on with clever crime caper! :w00t:

Dol.....how's it going?

Dab.....excellent work in the poetry thread!

All others keep at it..wooo! :w00t:

Dol.....how's it going?


So far I'm really enjoying it! Mind it is only day three! Most of it is on-line so I'm afraid I'm being unfaithful to you guys at the moment and am splitting myself between you and my new "writery" friends!! I haven't got to know any of them at the moment and every exercise I've done on-line so far I seem to come at it from a completely different angle to everyone else! Next time I'm gonna cheat and read what they write first!!!

I've also been in the OU chat room a couple of times, but it's not nearly so much fun as ours! I have yet to go into the OU site after a bottle of red, that should be interesting when I do!! I definitely feel I'm going to enjoy it, but I wouldnt' feel nearly so confident about it if I hadn't ever been on-line with a forum before.

Dol.....do not adapt your style to match the others.....it's the original thinkers who stand out in the writing world! :thumbsup:

Started a new book today.....haven't decided on a title yet but I'm looking for it to be my first novel! :w00t: Very excited about it...will sign copies for you all when it is published! (well one has to stay positive!) :thumbsup:

Well done you Coastie.
Count me in for one of the first signed copies :thumbsup:

Started a new book today.....haven't decided on a title yet but I'm looking for it to be my first novel! :w00t: Very excited about it...will sign copies for you all when it is published! (well one has to stay positive!) :thumbsup:

Excellent Coastie - looking forward to my copy :thumbsup:

I've hit a wall with my latest screenplay (slick crime one) so I have decided to put it aside and start this new, far more adventurous project. I spent 4hrs on it yesterday before I had to stop and come to work....I shall be adding more to it later today after the carpet fitters have been and I have re-done the front bedroom. Very excited! :w00t:

OOOH Coastie your 'Salty Charmer' sounds brill...
can't you post bits of it and previews of it here somewhere?We could pay you. :-)
Sob..pity about the dog tho'.
That reminds me of one of my fave songs..about the ship sailing from Cobh to New York and loosing all it's crew except the captain and the dog...and then the dog fell overboard and drowned.
:-(
(I always change that line tho'...'and the poor aul' dog was SAVED')
Woo hoo!

'Salty Charmer' is still in the hands of a freind of mine who offered to proof read it and correct all my dogey grammer and punctuation...unfortunately I thought he would be done in a month..tops...but his dad fell ill and then he had exams to mark (he is an English teacher) and then he went on holiday so three months on I am still waiting! :mellow:

What I may do...once it has been sorted...is make it accessible via this site via a link if Haydon is okay with my doing that.

In th mean time several more hours have been spent on my latest baby! :)

I've just started an Open University Course "Start Writing Fiction". I've received all the materials today and I'm really looking forward to starting it.

It all seems quite complicated cos most of it's done on line. So I will in effect being joining another forum, where the students discuss and conference on-line with a tutor.

I've got CD-Rom things to download and I haven't got a bloody clue what to do ... I thought I'd just have to write a story about what I did in the summer holidays!

Anyway I'm all gee'ed up and raring to go ... if only I could understand the downloading bit .... looks like I might have to read something and take a chance!

Only just seen this Dol, good for you! It sounds brilliant and I'll be interested to hear how you get on.

I studied with the OU for 4 years in total and although I frequently complained about the work load, I loved every minute of it, and it did my confidence no end of good as well. I really hope you enjoy it :)

VOR - Dol keeps promising me a peek at her task book stuff so I can see if it's something I would like to do...but alas she repeatedly dissapoints! :sad:

i gave up before the final assigment! :blush: I'm ashamed to say.

I was in a "dark place" and feeling very exhausted and just couldn't keep up with the workload .... so I'm sorry to report that I failed!

I was enjoying it though ... but in the end the effort and deadlines were too much!

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Oh well, just so long as you can still enjoy writing! :wink2:

Do you still have any of your course notes...thinking of doing this course myself!

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Oh well, just so long as you can still enjoy writing! :wink2:

Do you still have any of your course notes...thinking of doing this course myself!

I do! you are welcome to have a copy. Would you like a set? ifso let me know and I will surreptisciosly (sp!) use the copier at work.

I would love a copy and I am willing to pay two large glasses of red wine and a plate of nachos for the privillege of viewing your course notes! :wine: :wine: :eat:

I would love a copy and I am willing to pay two large glasses of red wine and a plate of nachos for the privillege of viewing your course notes! :wine: :wine: :eat:


I'm afraid you will have to wait until hell freezes over lady!! ... or at least until you give me some good rep! I'm guessing the former will happen before the latter!! :laugh:

Bummer you noticed....I was just sticking up for TE and you have so many shiney boxes I figured one red blob would harm your overall feeling of glorious wonderment! :unsure:

i gave up before the final assigment! :blush: I'm ashamed to say.

I was in a "dark place" and feeling very exhausted and just couldn't keep up with the workload .... so I'm sorry to report that I failed!

I was enjoying it though ... but in the end the effort and deadlines were too much!

Ah well, not to worry, as Coastie says you can still write if you want to :)

The new books going well.....first few chapters writen and a good solid story line in mind.... :wink2:

Hurrah! Bravo.
Praps you could bring the first 'draught' over to the sticky dublino meet...and give us a rendition????
:-)

:bored: I'll see how it goes although I doubt a first draft will be complete by then!

I do not want to be here today...I am at really cool bit in the story and I want to be writing more....not fair this ruddy work malarkey gets in the way of my creativeness...it's crushing me! :cry:

The book is going well! :thumbsup:

I have also signed up for a course with the Writers Bureau that gives invaluable guidence as to how to get published and develop your work in a variety of fields.....I am awaiting the arrival of my starter kit and first asignment...very excited! :cool2:

Hurray...well done Coastie.
Praps you could bring the first exciting chapter over to the Dublin meet.
We could gather around the fire in Kehoe's or somewhere and listen intently!

Hurray...well done Coastie.
Praps you could bring the first exciting chapter over to the Dublin meet.
We could gather around the fire in Kehoe's or somewhere and listen intently!

The first chapter is only four pages long...they get longer as the story goes on....all very exciting...well to me it is....! :bag:

Still waiting for my starter pack...... :sad:

Still waiting... :whistling:

I have all my course material through now and it all looks fab! I am so psyched....completed the first part already....'Why do you want to Write?' - I mean it's like asking a person why she wants to breath! :mellow:

I have all my course material through now and it all looks fab! I am so psyched....completed the first part already....'Why do you want to Write?' - I mean it's like asking a person why she wants to breath! :mellow:

Yay, well done you.
You go girl:thumbsup:

It would appear that we have a few writers on the board.....so come on...it's time to stand up and be counted!

*What do you write......(Songs, Poetry, Short Stories, Books, Screenplays..etc...etc...)?
*What is your genre?
*How long have you been at it?
*Have you ever been published....(big time or even in a magazine...anything!)?
*Where would you like it to lead?
*What got you started?
*Can we read your work?
* Anything else?


ahem i write poetry well when i have time!
i have had my poem published in a poetry book called "The road that never ends"

I am never going to be a great poet!!!! :laugh:

you can read my poem if you wish, i'll print it below, no laughing now. :blush:


Warm crystal waters
dew drops on leaves
the soft tinkering water
and the buzz of the bees

The trees whispering
in their secret code
and the unmistakable noise
of the fire- bellied toad

Delicate daises
nodding in the cool breeze
their petals gently floating down
to the foot of the oak tree

Warm summer days
the birds singing their songs
in this ancient forest
this is where they belong.

:thumbsup: Beautiful Bridge! Keep up the good work!

I shall be paying a visit to HMS Victory next week sometime as I have to write about a visit to a market/fete/sporting event/or place of historic interest as one of my assignments....I always feel inspired by the Victory so I figured it's been a while and I have nothing else coming up soon enough so I shall go forth again and tread the boards of Nelsons flag ship! :wink2:

:thumbsup: Beautiful Bridge! Keep up the good work!

I shall be paying a visit to HMS Victory next week sometime as I have to write about a visit to a market/fete/sporting event/or place of historic interest as one of my assignments....I always feel inspired by the Victory so I figured it's been a while and I have nothing else coming up soon enough so I shall go forth again and tread the boards of Nelsons flag ship! :wink2:


Why thank you Coastie x Enjoy your trip to HMS Victory. :)

I'm going to the Victory on Friday...Mama Coastie has asked to tag along aswell.....it's her day off and she really can't be fished to crack on with her NVQ and so is looking for any excuse....I just hope I can take the notes I need with the added distraction of Mama Coastie around! T-he! :laugh:

I'm going to the Victory on Friday...Mama Coastie has asked to tag along aswell.....it's her day off and she really can't be fished to crack on with her NVQ and so is looking for any excuse....I just hope I can take the notes I need with the added distraction of Mama Coastie around! T-he! :laugh:

LMAO awwww Bless !

Been there and done it...had a fab time wandering around the Victory, note book in hand scribbling away. I did have to keep half an eye on Mama Coastie....she kept fiddling with things that had signs saying 'Do Not Touch' - What's that all about! There was group of school kids (about 7-8yr olds) with harrassed looking teachers and helpers running around after them which was fun to watch :laugh: I was about their age (the kids that is) when I first visited the Victory....oh the memories!).

I now have to turn the ten pages of notes I've taken to 300-500 words of interesting text for my assignment! :cool:

Assignment one has been sent off....I am now cracking on with assignment two!

I'm thinking of writing a piece about cyber-life for part of it....hmmmmmm...something along the lines of 'My alter ego and I' or 'Who're you calling a geek?' or 'Keyboard Pals' or 'My Life on the Line'....

Hmmmmmm :mellow:

Well done for finishing your first assignment, Coastie :thumbsup:

Gosh.....I have done nothing but count pages, words and articles in magazines for what seems like eons! I have completed three assignments and have been told to send off my proper article I wrote for assignment 2...it's about diving. I have sent it off and am awaiting a reply from the dive mag I posted it to.....

I've also posted a copy of my visit to HMS Victory report to a local publication and am waiting to see if a letter gets published in another magazine.

This course basically bushwhacks you into getting off your bum and get your decent stuff sent off instead of just sitting on it and dreaming about becoming published!

I'm loving it but gee whizz it's tiring at times.

You go girl - am looking forward to reading more - MORE, MORE!!!!

[Still have a tear thinking of Jib's reunion......:blush: ]

I have been getting some useful feedback on Jib's salty tale! I'm looking forward to doing a bit of reworking but for now I shall let the feedback keep coming (as most of it is very, very positive!) as I am tied up with my course.

Thank-you immensely for your feedback. It was wonderful that you not only took a couple of hours out of your busy day but also went to the trouble of giving me some valuable advice. You are a real treasure to be sure! :wink_kiss

I am currently holding my breath but do not wish to divulge more until I am certain!! :shutup:

I'M A PUBLISHED WRITER!

I came home from my Christmas hols down in Newquay to discover three large brown envelopes waiting for me.....the first was a very nice rejection letter from the local paper (yes it was nice...he loved the article but couldn't fit it in)...the other two were from a localish magazine and guess what...they had my 1st assignment article printed in the latest edition...wooo wooo...due to the type of mag it is I recived two copies and a really nice diary (too big for my needs though) in payment....I am so chuffed! :smartie:

Dol....It's in the Portsmouth District Post magazine page: 10! :naughty:

CONGRATULATIONS

(When do we get to read it? or have I missed something? :unsure: )

brilliant news Coastie!

Well done indeed. I shall go out and order 200 copies forthwith!

Keep up the good work!

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CONGRATULATIONS

(When do we get to read it? or have I missed something? :unsure: )


Hmmm....it might prove a little difficult for you Rob since it's been published in a local magazine.....it's about a visit I made to HMS Victory and was the first piece I wrote for my writers course....I got it back from my tutor with positive reviews and decided to send it off to test the waters....well chuffed!

Dol....you might need another 10 copies in order to completely paper your walls with my article! :naughty:

Good going you!!!!! How long is it??? Can you e-mail me a copy or can I access it through their website??? Details woman, details!!!! You know I'm accross the water here!:wacko:

Unfortunately it can only be read in the magazine....although I could be cheeky and type it up on here but it is around 450words.....hmmmmm:unsure:

Go for it then Coastie as we all want to read it. Very well done to you.

Here it is...my first published article!

PRIDE, PASSION & VICTORY by COASTIE

My heart fluttered in awe as I approached HMS Victory, Admiral Lord Nelson’s flag ship, at the time of his greatest victory at Trafalgar on 21 October 1805.

The looming black hull, carved with sleek lines in 1778, and three tall masts make the Victory a powerful presence in the bustle of Portsmouth Dockyard.

It’s easy to visualise the 821 men working the 104 guns and climbing barefoot through the black tar rigging. Closing my eyes, I imagine hearing the officers shout the order and see the 6,510 yards of sail drop and fill with what ever breeze God has sent that day.

This is a vessel that, if you’re quiet, will whisper you a thousand stories.

I step up the gangplank and enter the lower gun deck. The smell of sour vinegar attacks my nostrils, as I breath deeper and close my eyes once more, I catch a whiff of gunpowder and smoke.

Other visitors move around and above causing the boards to creek. I replace their faces with those of the determined men who once sweated for their country as the 3 ¾ tonne cannons were fired, wheeled back, refilled, slung forward and fired again, until the victory was won.

My arms develop goose bumps as I look down one of the cannons. Through the opening I visualise a battered enemy ship at close quarters and hear a cheer from the Victory’s crew as another shot hits home.

I proceed to the middle gun deck as a burst of laughter erupts from a private party; or was it the old ships crew sharing a jug of rum?

Cold black balls of death that never had their chance to break the enemies back line my route to the upper gun deck. Red jackets, muskets and swords yell that this was home for the ships Marines. This level also houses the Great Cabin, Nelson’s quarters.

A large table set for 22 comes to life as I see Nelson seated with his most trusted men around him. There is a confident air, a sense of invincibility about the place as I look out of the Admiral’s large bow window. For a man of such small stature Nelson still fills this room. His presence creeps up the back of my neck, but I don’t feel uncomfortable, instead I feel a sense of British pride.

The entire ship from hold to the top of the mast screams a thousand stories. The place on the deck where Nelson was shot begs for mercy, the surgery where he died, weeps as it reflects the feelings of the crew.

The original slate, which gives the instruction that the signal “England Expects That Every Man Shall Do His Duty” be raised, makes me pause for thought before I turn to leave.

As I step ashore I can already hear the ship calling me back with its desire to share its secrets and I know I will return.

Cool article - I want to go and see HMS Victory now!!

Thanks Coastie

It'll be a feature for the next Pompey meet..woo woo! :naughty:

Lovely piece Coastie it would definitely inspire those that have not been to make a visit to it. I went in the summer with a group from work and everyone enjoyed it.

Congratulations Coastie!

It would appear that we have a few writers on the board.....so come on...it's time to stand up and be counted!

*What do you write......(Songs, Poetry, Short Stories, Books, Screenplays..etc...etc...)?
A)
Classical and folk orientated songs. Some short stories historically set. Plus 1 or 2 plays again historically set. Some stories for children.

*What is your genre?
A)
Social history, wartime memoirs, major historical events of social, religious, political or historical importance.

*How long have you been at it?
A)
I suppose you could say the last 30 years. I was thirteen when I wrote my first full length novel. Very similar to Anne of Greengables or Anne of Avonlea.
It remains unpublished although it has been professionally edited via a childrens book publishing agency.

*Have you ever been published....(big time or even in a magazine...anything!)?

Never published in commercial magazines but some of my sociology and historical papers are published in educational magazines available in Universities. Various critical comments do exist about my music and theatre contributions performances in my home region. I also came second in an International art competition at the age of 15.

*Where would you like it to lead?
A)
I would like one or two of my plays produced for television and I would like them published. I have had one of my plays broadcast over both local and national radio in 2003. The BBC did show an interest in one of my plays but requested that I should have forwarded a proposed budget as to the costs involved in getting to that stage. At this point I am stumped.

*What got you started?
A)
My father has been the most influential person in my life, I am a daddies girl. However, throughout the years of growing up I met and spoke with many actors and actresses from professional and live theatre stage rep companies. There experiences thrilled me to bits.

Futhermore, at school, if I was ever rude or insolent to a tutor or if I appeared to be behaving badly causing a disruption the people responsible for me would disciplin me, by detention in school with a writing topic - on at least 7 out of 10 situations. I would be hit on the remaining three. My father, whose bark was far worse than his bite, rather than hit me would send me to my room to read literary works and write upon a topic of his choosing.
Eventually it was not a punishment it became an activity I enjoyed.

*Can we read your work?
A)
Students of history or sociology probably are reading some of my published papers.My dissertation is the only other limited published work available at my graduating University.

* Anything else?

A)
At school, I always felt that I was an average pupil and expected to get average grades. As an adult if I take deliberate care to ensure that what I write is grammatically correct - I have been informed that my writing is very vivid and creative. Academically, I have double A grades across the board for English.

Under professional critcism my work has sometimes been likened to the music of Mozart. Which can make heavy but interesting reading full of very descriptive and intricate detail.

Maureen
Northern angel

Hello Coastie

The very best of British luck with salty charmer.

Sometimes joining a writing club can get your work published locally.

May I also recommend to you these books as essential reading for professional publishing.

An authors guide to publishing. By Michael Legat. Hale pudblications.
+
Writing for pleasure and Profit. Also by Michael Legat. Hale publications.

These books could well be useful to you.

Maureen
Northern angel

Cool story Coastie!! Best of Luck with the writing!!:pimp:

i enjoyed that article Coastie. I particularly liked the use of the present tense with flash backs to "days of yore".

The thing with the Victory is that they usher you round it quite quickly and it's very difficult to get a good feel for it, but you've managed to collect your thoughts and transfer them to paper ... well done!

as an aside last time we went on the Victory (me and my son) at the end of the tour my son very kindly offered the guide a sweetie, the guide was very touched at my son's generosity .... and then he was very shocked as I snatched it out of his hand ... my delightful son had given him a garlic flavoured "joke" sweetie ... bloody kids!! :kid:

I didn't have a guide Dol....I don't know if it has become the norm but now there are just a few 'skiving' sailors dotted around so you can ask them questions if you so wish...otherwise you just follow the marked route with your own map like folded guide of the ship...much better really as you can take as long as you need...:wink2:

I love your son...he has just gone up 10 notches on my 'Nuff Respect' list! :naughty:

are you sure you weren't on the Warrior, Coastie?! not that I'm doubting you ... obviously! :wink2:

Nope....I was surprised myself as on previous occasions I to have been led around with a gaggle of tourists but the last time I went with Mama Coastie to research this article...I was free to breeze around as I saw fit...maybe it's because I went out of season....they probably still do the proper tours in the summer etc for all the real tourists!

Oh...and funnily enough I've never been on the Warrior...the Victory numerous times as I just love it the Warrior...nope it just doesn't grab me in the same way!

This is the first I have seen this Coastie - Well Done and about bloomin' time too!

Just remember your friends at your premiers! :)

I also enjoyed the article and like Dol, like the way you commented on the past - great stuff! :thumbsup:

And Dol, I am loving your son, obviously takes after him mum! ;)

I've only just seen this as well.
Great writing Coastie, well done you.
Where was it published?

It was published ina local mag called 'The Portsmouth and District Post' Andrea.....

I am eagerly awaiting the next issue of another mag to see if the editor did fit another article in....and a few other mags have been sent a couple of letters today....I am now struggling for inspiration as to an article to write for a womans magazine (or mens) and well since I am not one who partakes in the reading of such mags as most of the stuff in them (if not all) relates to things I'm not interested in I'm banging my head against a wall at the minute! :wallbash:

Bella....I shall invite you along to line the red carpet so you can all shout "There's Coastie she wrote the movie!" so everyone will know who I am....this is a common problem for writers..they rarely if ever get recognised as they stroll down the red carpet...I will obviously stop and wave and may even sign something for you.....maybe I could wear my S.O. T-shirt....:whistling:

Horrah....I have a letter to be printed in the next Practical Boat Owner magazine....woo wooo....unfortunately it doesn't look like my diving article got in in the end....the mag didn't have room but has kept hold of it for now...possible future use but I'm thinking of asking for it back and sending it elsewhere....:glare:

Horrah....I have a letter to be printed in the next Practical Boat Owner magazine....woo wooo....unfortunately it doesn't look like my diving article got in in the end....the mag didn't have room but has kept hold of it for now...possible future use but I'm thinking of asking for it back and sending it elsewhere....:glare:

Brilliant Coastie! :thumbsup: my dad gets the PBO (as we mockingly call it!) or at least he used to, not sure if he still does I will ask for this months copy from him, otherwise you will find me flicking through it in a newsagents!

It should be in the March issue Dol...don't rush out for February's!:wink2:

Page 30 of this months DIVER magazine....an article entitled 'Opening the Window' - in the bottom right corner you will see apicture of me and my dive buddy giggling in our dive gear in Egypt...this amidst the article which I wrote! Woooo....my first published article in a national mag and my ugly mug on display to! :nerd:

Page 30 of this months DIVER magazine....an article entitled 'Opening the Window' - in the bottom right corner you will see apicture of me and my dive buddy giggling in our dive gear in Egypt...this amidst the article which I wrote! Woooo....my first published article in a national mag and my ugly mug on display to! :nerd:

Oooh, Coastie you'll be in the tabloids yet (for the right reasons, I hope)! I must ask if my friends get this mag - one of them helps run a diving club and the other one is a keen diver and dives all over the world!

Well done Coastie, it must be great to see your words published. The only thing I have ever done is sent a poem to a magazine but I had a nice little rejection slip so it must have been cr*p.

What did the nice little slip say?

I imagine something along the lines of:

Dear Mazza

Thank-you for sending us a copy of your poem which I enjoyed reading.

Unfortunately there is no room for it in our publication at this time.

Regards

Uninterested of Nu-Nu Mag

Features Editor

Coastie, one day the forum will be able to boast 2, yes I said 2 writers, as I'm trying to work on my forever in progress fictional novel and a curriculum book for daycare teachers from infants to Pre-Kindergarten!! Do find you have to set goals for yourself or do you just sit and hash out in one long sesh??

Oi I'm a writer too you know :kid:

MissG...it depends what I am working on. If it's an article I have to thrash it out until it is done. I then set it aside for a couple of days and read it afresh correcting and editing where I see fit.

When it comes to books I just keep going as long as I have the time and inspiration. If you can do not try and force it but at the same time do not give up to soon. Writers block can be dealt with in several ways depending on the person. I find simply moving away from the PC and doing something completely unrelated or working on another project for a few minutes helps.

Stick with it, never give up and remember the most important thing is that you enjoy what you are doing! :w00t:

JB....well done you! Stick with it. I look forward to reading some more of your stuff :thumbsup:

I received a free copy of the Portsmouth and District Post again yesterday.....it had a letter from a reader forwarding his thanks and praise for my article on the Victory. He was inspired to go and visit the ship again. I have to say I was more than a little chuffed...I mean someone actually went to the trouble of writing a letter to say thank-you for the inspiration to go and have a wonderful few hours exploring the Victory...horrah!

JB....well done you! Stick with it. I look forward to reading some more of your stuff :thumbsup:



Why thank you. And yes, writers block is a bitch:kid:

I'm working on a bit of teenage fiction at the moment....I had forgotten how difficult it is to write stuff that is relevant and reflective of todays teenagers...my main characters are 13yrs old and attend a regular comprehensive. The problem I have is I want it to be a universally acceptable story but whenever I visit schools or experience kids of that age today their vocabulary consists of a huge amount of swearing and sexual connotations, not something I want to encourage in youngsters and so not something I want to use in my novel.

I am sticking to my guns on this one and will avoid any overly offensive language...which considering their is a bullying storyline involved is quite a challenge...but I am enjoying it so horrah!

You gotta have some swearing Coastie, kids love it! Last year we read a book and it said **** in it and the whole class got very excited about it and wanted to read the book more and more! :kid:

Dickhead, ****face, cock smoking, mother ****ing, asshole,
dirty ****, waste of semen - all fun!

I know where your coming from JB - we had a well thumbed book in school called 'Forever' only those fifteen and above were allowed to take it out of the library! :naughty:

Anyway...as much as swearing appears to be very much a part of everday teenage language I would like to think that by omitting it as much as possible from my work children and young adults alike will learn to see that there are better, more wonderful words out there with which to describe things and insult people (if that is your thing) without resorting to the ill imagined swear words.

lol More nicer ways to tell someone to **** off?

Yep...you could use words and phrases like:

'Leave and take your friends!'

'Go stick your head in the oven!'

'Go play on a motorway!'

'Jesus loves you but I think you're a prat!'

'Bog off!'

'Naff off!'

'Go suck on an exhust!'

'Go sniff a fart!'

'Leave or I'll do what the voices in my head are urging me to do!'

....all much more creative than just a simple F*** off!

Errrr no :kid: **** off is fine thanks

Got another letter posted...it's the one I was waiting to appear in PBO magazine...I'm a bit gutted that it was published during a month where they didn't have any freebee stuff to give those who were published but hey at least my name is getting out there! :wink2:

Good on ya Coastie :thumbsup:

Well done Coastie keep at it.:applause:

Well done Coastie :applause:

Got another letter posted...it's the one I was waiting to appear in PBO magazine...I'm a bit gutted that it was published during a month where they didn't have any freebee stuff to give those who were published but hey at least my name is getting out there! :wink2:

very good! :good: i stood in the newsagents and read it today. I understood all of it! i felt very proud of you!
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Thank-you all! :wub: Everyone at work has been reading it and I haven't got into any trouble so far...phewy! :bag:

Now Dol (and the rest of you)...you have to write into the mag and say how much you loved the letter and that you think the writer should have a regular paid column! :w00t:

Okay...maybe that's asking a bit much...

Thank-you all! :wub: Everyone at work has been reading it and I haven't got into any trouble so far...phewy! :bag:

Now Dol (and the rest of you)...you have to write into the mag and say how much you loved the letter and that you think the writer should have a regular paid column! :w00t:

Okay...maybe that's asking a bit much...

Seems like you're a hit Coastie!

Any over-seas mags you'll be writing in anytime soon?

Thank-you all! :wub: Everyone at work has been reading it and I haven't got into any trouble so far...phewy! :bag:




I noticed you put your name, rank and number (or the Coastguard equilavent!) at the bottom of the letter. Do you have to declare who you are if you write anything about the service?

Well you have to give a name...and since it wouldn't take anyone at HQ long to find me and because it was obvious I was an operation sort somewhere I simply told it like it is...hence the fact the letter is far more diplomatic than the true opinions and solutions felt around here regarding those particualr individuals! :naughty:

Very happy...once again one of my letters has sparked a response...woo wooo...it's the one I sent to PBO that was published last month! :naughty:

I'm now thinking of writing another one...but well...this mag don't pay! :unsure:

Ooo OOOOOOo ooooo I received a cheque for £50 today from Diver magazine for my contributoin to the February edition!

Horrah...and totally unexpected! :yahoo:

Published and paid...I have now fulfilled two of my lifes ambitions! So chuffed I could pee....but I wont as we have to share the chairs at work and it wouldn't be nice for the next people who had to use the one I am on...:unsure:

Well done to you Coastie:applause: What are you going to spend it on?

Well done to you Coastie:applause: What are you going to spend it on?

i can be available at short notice for celebratory drinks! hint, hint!

wd coastie - way to go!