I am very excited by this writing life just now. Why? Well firstly I’m excited about possible options on my Danny Beck novel for publication here and USA in 2012. Given the delay on this I have decided to put my second crime novel on ice and in the hiatus of Renga days – I still find I’m fascinated and surprised by writing this daily verse – several new projects have emerged.
To some extent they are ideas that lay fallow – an East Anglian novel (place is so often my starting point) being one of them. I now have approx 5000 words and a kind of outline of where the novel is going and more importantly I am very much enjoying the writing.
Then there are my short stories, the first of which, about the artist Michelangelo, floated almost fully formed into my head and demanded to be written. I am now working on a themed collection and have just completed a story in the voice of Mark Rothko. This feels like quite a creative leap for me but one which springs out my love of Art and my background in Art History.
There’s my poetry too, I haven’t abandoned working on that.
And last but not least is my Autumn Novel Group – the details of which are below – this is something I’ve wanted to do for some time and feel quite passionate about.
Autumn Novel Group 2010
This autumn I am offering a unique course for writers interested in making significant progress with a book length project i.e. a novel, a collection of short stories or a family memoir.
The course will take place fortnightly in my home in Witton-le-Wear from 7-9.45pm on Tuesday evenings at a cost of £15.00 per session and will initially run from Sept – December (start date Sept 14th) over a period of 12 weeks = 6 sessions. Follow up options may be arranged to continue into 2011 with possible monthly meetings.
Places will be limited to 6 participants. This is to ensure those taking part have sufficient time in which to discuss their current work, their progress and concerns at each meeting.
My intention is that we will concentrate less on reading out and the fine detail of our text (although this may sometimes be appropriate and relevant) and more on process – plot, narrative voice, structure, beginnings, middles, drafting, editing, the language, dialogue, research, procrastination…….we might discuss some or indeed all of these and more, depending on where you are with your writing and what issues or problems you bring to the group.
Having written my first novel The Sweet Track whilst taking part in just such a group I am keenly aware how much there is to learn in the rarefied atmosphere created by the committed few.
It is my intention that as well as leading the group I will write alongside you. My current crime novel has attracted interest with an option for purchase in 2011 and publication in the UK and America in 2012. In the intervening period I will be writing a new novel set on the east coast of England. I am also working on a themed collection of short stories inspired by the lives of well- known artists.
Whether you are just starting out, or already part way through, embarking on and completing a piece of long fiction can be a daunting task. It will be my aim to offer you advice, support and focus in achieving your goals, as well as a warm welcome, coffee and biscuits and a share in my own passion for writing and getting the work done.
If you are interested in joining the group or have any further questions please contact me at: amjoy@hotmail.co.uk
A veritable storm of creativity, a surge forward on all fronts. I like the idea of the short stories combining two aspects of your world- art and writing. Best of all is the sense of enjoyment that sparkles from the post. Anyone who comes to your class with be in for a creative treat.
w
Thanks Wendy – I’m looking forward to the group very much. I know both you and I share the view that working with other creative people in this way hones our existing skills and feeds our own creativity. It will certainly keep me on my toes and keep the creative juices flowing.
A x