Gwen's Journal

2010-08-11T04:27:00.000-07:00

I have posted some articles in EzineArticles.com on writing the novel under the name of Jaci Gwyn. I find this a very good site with lots of interest. I am planning a lot more articles.

2005!

2010-08-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

I have written three more books since then. Here they are.

Take My Child

Mothers and Daughters

Keeping Secrets

I've been busy!

Last Post 2005!

2010-08-09T06:41:00.000-07:00

All because I forgot about this blog. Didn't know username - didn't know password. I'm a dummy.

But now I've got it back. And I'll be blogging - I hope.

I have got lots of articles I am planning to write on How to Write the Novel. They go initially to EzineArticles.com I can disseminate them from there to my other blogs. Cool eh!.

You'll be hearing from me.

Moving along

2005-06-27T23:03:00.000-07:00

Worked well today. Chapter 4 is complete (in draft) even though it is not a long chapter. Over 10,000 words written to date. OK it's a long way from the 100,000 I need, but I've made a start.

David returns from the grave in Chapter 5. This should prove interesting. His unexpected return will have an impact of several characters. I can't wait to get to my keyboard tomorrow to find out what happens.

Here's Monty, my faithful companion. He sleeps in an armchair near me as I work. He knows I'm working so he keeps very quiet. He's probably dreaming about juicy ham bones.

Progress!

2005-06-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

Jacket Cover of my third novel.

First novel - DAUGHTER OF SHAME
Second - BY LIES BETRAYED
Fourth - NO CHILD OF MINE
Fifth - THE STOLEN BABY published in pb May 2005
Sixth - HER MOTHER'S SINS to be published in pb May 2006

After a barren couple of days I have now completed chapter 3 and am well on with chapter 4. I am telling the story in a linear/chronological mode at present. However, I have not altogether given up the idea of opening with an explosive chapter from later down the line , and then jumping backwards in time to explain the action and motives.

Starting with a powerful action scene grabs the reader's attention, but there won't be time or space to explain the reasons for character's action - for example - a woman giving her child away appears callous to the reader if this happens in the first chapter and there is no real explanation of why she does it - but it takes time to explain that this drastic step is to save the child's life. At the same time you can't afford for the reader to jump to the wrong conclusion - if she takes a dislike to your main character then that's it. You've had it.

I'll continue working in chronological mode until more of the story materialises - I must not second guess myself. The right starting point will work through eventually I am certain.

Bountiful day

2005-06-22T17:20:00.000-07:00

Chapter 3 is well on its way. From standstill yesterday over 1300 words written today I've done well. I was determined. This may of necessity be a short chapter, but that's OK. Further chapters should contain more in the way of action and tension.

I've got seven days of comparative freedom - I must get as much done as possible.

Fruitless day

2005-06-21T23:10:00.000-07:00

Out of sorts today and it affected my writing. Even though I have the information I need to begin Chapter 3, no words would come. This is not writer's block though. I am just not ready to begin - haven't thought it out properly.

Maybe tomorrow will be a better day.......

Research

2005-06-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

The research I did recently about the Western Front campaignes is working out well. I now feel I can begin chapter 3 with a much clearer idea of what is called for. Sorted the dates out this morning, and worked out where my character was when he was injured and taken prisoner - On the Somme in 1916. He is not retrieved until the offensives by the Allies in July 1918. He returns to his home late August.

Must make more progress now to get the first few chapters and synopsis ready for presentation.

As soon as Hubby is back where he belongs I shall feel much more at ease. Let it be soon.

Last minute

2005-06-19T23:22:00.000-07:00

No writing today or research. Spent day with B and M. Back at tea time. So warm, sleeping will be a problem I think.

My 'Shadow' at http://www.the-incredible-sulk.blog.co.uk is another self, so to speak. Looks like this link isn't working. Trust me to get it wrong!

Time is moving on. I didn't want the day to pass without a daily blog. But now it's up the wooden hill to Bedfordshire.

Time spent

2005-06-18T20:09:00.000-07:00

Before I can begin chapter 3 I need to do research about the campaigns of the First World War. I did this this morning before lunch. I would have liked to spend more time on it but I had to visit Hubby at the hospital by 2pm. I think I've got enough material to continue with the story of David being lost in action, possibly on the Somme. Will have to work it out.

Arriving home from the hospital at 4.30pm I was too tired to do anything but watch TV. Especially Dr Who. Good finale.

Bought another handbag yesterday. I must stop doing that. I have too many handbags and purses and no money to put in them - ah well!

It's very hot out today - for a change. Hope it's the same tomorrow when I go to lunch at B and M's. We can sit in the garden and Monty can have a high old time chasing imaginary rabbits on the lawn and under the hedge.

I have had face-ache the last couple of days only held at bay with paracetamol. Open windows in the taxi blew me to smithereens. Hope the ache doesn't get worse because of that. Gwen - stop whinging!

Poor Hubby, he's still agitated. He thinks Mam is still alive and asked after her. I played along. Why distress him with the truth. Maybe he'll be more settled when he goes back to St Martins.
When will that be I wonder?

Talking into a Void?

2005-06-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

Does anyone actually read these blogs, I wonder? Never mind. It amuses me to write them.

What remains of my family comes home from holiday today. I'll go to lunch with them Sunday. Little outing for Monty, my dog, too. It's been a busy week though. Dentist Tuesday. Meeting at the hospital to discuss a Continuing Care plan for my poor hubby on Wednesday.

And I've tried to press on with my new book. Getting the words out is akin to pulling teeth. But then if it were easy perhaps it might not be any good.

It pains me that I'll never drive a car again or wear high heel shoes. But it's no good pining after 'lost youth'. Be happy with what I've still got. Now Hubby is out of my care I can think about myself. My litttle dog is a great comfort to me. He loves me unconditionally and he's always there. What a blessing.

Telephone Selling

2005-06-16T20:25:00.000-07:00

This telephone selling is getting bit much. Two years ago I had new windows and doors throughout the house ( except for two windows I didn't want changed). I was pestered mercilessly afterwards not only by telephone but also by callers at my door. The Devil's own job to get rid of them, too.

I have just had another of those calls, by a very persuasive young man wanting to leave a price for the two windows not renewed. I did and said everything I could think of to put him off. To no avail. Now a representative is calling tomorrow to measure. I can't afford more windows! Why won't they take no for an answer?

* * *

I managed to finish chapter 2 of my new novel this morning in draft form, of course. Now I am trying to work out what comes next. I must be careful to preserve the time line in the novel. I was careless last time and that caused me a lot of extra work after I submitted the manuscript to my publisher. I have to plan ahead. I am not one of those writers who can sail straight into a book without knowing exactly where I am going. I need a map of the route. No writer can't afford to slide into sloppy ways.
I want to carry on working tomorrow - now that rep is calling - more interruption.

He who dares wins. Or she!

2005-06-15T21:43:00.000-07:00

This is my first blog so, naturally, I am a bit nervous. Better keep it short until I know what I am doing.

This is a working author's journal really. I shall record work in progress - hopefully. Currently I am working on book number 10. (Eight already published - the ninth next year).

Chapter 1 complete in draft - chapter 2 in progress.

Life and fate have been getting the way recently - when doesn't it?

Let's see if I can do better tomorrow.