Megan Wynne

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noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 21:26:00 +0000

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What to Write?

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 06:29:00 +0000

This topic is a tough one; whether to write what I think will sell, or what is in my heart waiting to come out. Since the beginning I have practiced the latter. I don't enjoy the majority of books that sell - weird, I know, seeing as I love reading and have at least three books on the go at any one time. I think I enjoy not enjoying them, in a way. It gives me satisfaction to throw a novel down and say 'I can do better than that!'

In the meantime I continue writing my own masterpieces. Marion Keyes says you should write the type of book you want to read. That was her pathway to success. No one was writing funny, but serious, novels about sexually active single women until she came along. Similarly, Patricia Scanlon broke new ground with her novel Apartment 2B. I ate up her novels when they first came out, and there's been a multitude of similar novels on the market ever since. But now I want to break new ground. I want to, and am writing, the kinds of books that I can't find on bookshelves in shops - a novel that is easy to read, but has the subject matter usually reserved to literary fiction. It's not an easy road to take. My 'soon to be I hope literary agent' classifies my writing as commercial literary fiction. Yes! I like it. That's the kind of book I like to read, but there aren't many of them about.

I am currently doing a re-write of my latest (and best) manuscript. After recently meeting with my dream publisher, my 'write from my heart' mantra has been severely tested. It's taken me over six weeks to sort out what I think and believe from what this editor thinks will sell. And I was sorely tempted to throw away my beliefs (held on to tightly for seven years) and jump in with the commercial view point. However, my heart groaned at the prospect. I barely wrote a word in weeks, and what I did write was akin to the type of material that I throw down in disgust. I was thoroughly miserable. In the end I had to ask myself what is more important 'Getting this novel published or being happy and peaceful?' Being peaceful won, and it suddenly seemed so simple that I wondered what all the fuss had been about.

It's not easy though, following ones heart. It's usually inconvenient and goes against what everyone else (publishers, sometimes friends, husbands and families want you to do). I've done it though, for the last seven years. And where has it got me? Through very difficult times, actually. I've also experienced an immense sense of satisfaction and achievement in doing what I was made to do (whether or not anyone likes the outcome). It has brought me a job that I love - teaching Creative Writing, and my own working hours. It has not brought me what I expected and hoped for - international fame as a published author - but, hey, maybe that is yet to come.

It's every day that counts though, isn't it? I'm doing what makes me peaceful and happy today.

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:59:00 +0000

Summer is coming - thank God - and I wake earlier as my bedroom faces East, and the sun rises over the Irish Sea upon us. Yesterday, for the first time this year, I took to the water and went paddle boarding in Skerries harbour. Curious seals watched me drift by, and people, who (like me) can knock off early from work, sipped summery drinks on chairs outside Blue Bar and Joe May's Pub. I remembered what the summer is like, and now I can't wait for it.
Already I'm making plans. In June, I'm running a week long summer course for adults in Skerries Mill and one for children/teens in July. In August I shall venture to Drogheda to run one for children/teens, and in July I am helping Claire Hennessey run a course in Rathdown School, Glenageary. In between all of that, I hope to go on holidays with my husband, and after that write, write, write!
It is not my natural inclination to plan ahead, just as I avoid plotting stories. Where's the fun in living, or writing, if you know what's going to happen? I'd much rather wait and see what occurs, however that approach, I have discovered, doesn't work so well in my line of work, so I am ringing venues, making posters and marking the calendar ahead. Once that's done (very soon I hope) I shall return to watching each day unfold, and in the words of the writer of the wonderful film 'Up' enjoying My Great Adventure!

Life.

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:50:00 +0000

I was going to write about 2010 and celebrating my birthday but what I really need to write about is depression. This month it stole a very good friend of ours. A lovely man called Alan, who was friendly, fun, incredibly generous and always ready for banter and slagging (and those inadequate words can't begin to describe the light and energy of Alan's soul). People who met him walked away smiling. He had that effect, and yet for over thirty years Alan battled privately with depression, all the while joking, laughing and helping out anyone who crossed his path.

I hate depression more than cancer. No one can comfort you, and anyway you feel so ashamed for feeling bad that you don't tell anyone. It is utterly lonely - a cold dark endless place where an evil voice tells you nobody loves you, you're worthless and a waste of space.

That you're better off dead.

At Alan's funeral some of us admitted that we know how this feels. But, except for at that funeral, very few of us ever tell each other because we're ashamed. We're supposed to be happy. But do you know what? There's nothing wrong with being sad. We need to reach out and tell each other if we're down and struggling. Not wait for someone to ring us up by chance to see how we are, and then say 'fine'.
Right now, I'm sad. So sad that this lovely man is gone. My prayer and hope is that no one else finds him or herself in that same place, ever.

Rest in Peace, Alan.

Good Books

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 18:35:00 +0000

In the last week I've read two books that were so good I was pinned to the sofa with my legs crossed when I needed to go to the loo. The first was 'The Brightest Star in the Sky' by Marian Keyes the second was 'Picture Perfect' by Jodi Piccoult. After Marion Keyes' last book 'This Charming Man' I wasn't too keen on buying the next one. 'This Charming Man' was so damned depressing that I wanted to burn it or throw it in a bin. I'd nearly lost my faith in Ms. Keyes, but only nearly. When my lovely sister asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I said 'The Brightest Star in the Sky', willing to give one of my favourite authors another chance. At first, I was bored and felt like ditching the thing. Who cared about a collection of individuals living in an old house that was converted into flats? However I plodded on, trusting Marion not to disappoint me. She didn't. The story of Maeve and Matt sneaks up on you. It's brilliant, under stated and truthful. It highlights the devastation of crimes against women, and the pathetic judicial system that is ours. I sat up straight when I realised that Marion Keyes was sending a message of hope to women who've been hurt by men, and telling them that she understands. I feels so grateful that Marion exists. Yes, she makes a fortune with her writing, but I don't think that's her objective. She wants to make a difference, she wants to highlight what is unfair and just plain wrong in our society. She makes me feel safer, and Marion has become a heroine of mine.
Another one is Jodi Picoult. I read 'Picture Perfect' yesterday, pretty much from start to finish. Like 'The Brightest Star in the Sky' it doesn't start off too well. The opening couple of paragraphs were good but soon after I would have lost interest if it wasn't Christmas and I didn't have time on my hands. However as I read on, I saw that this book has also got a message. It shows, in a way that I have never been able to understand before, why a woman stays with a man who beats her. She loves him completely and utterly, exactly as I love my husband, and when he hits her, he is so filled with remorse that she cannot bear to see it, and tries her best to comfort him so he won't feel so bad about it. It's brilliant. It's real, and the ending is not predictable. Jodi Piccoult is, in my opinion, a genius, and I was lucky enough to tell her so last year in Dublin when I met her. Marion Keyes is one too. And not only that, they're both concerned about the rest of us. That's the kind of writer I want to be.

Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 11:06:00 +0000

I'm so glad it's Christmas. I received a card this week which said 'Time Stands Still at Christmas'. It was exactly what I needed to hear. I love the idea of everything being frozen, to give us a chance to hug, share food, sing, and just be.

It is only now that I've stopped that I realise how hard I've been working. I need to wrap up warm and rest, however, first I will visit a stable. My friend owns a beautiful horse called Harry, and on Christmas Eve I love to listen to him munch and watch the steam from his breath puff out of his pretty nose. I imagine what it was like for Mary giving birth in a stable, and every year I am struck by what a wise choice it was. Animals don't fuss - they gaze, chew and give comfort with their warmth.

I need that peace and silence today. The shopping is over - my fridge is packed full of sausages, cheese, wine, juice, rashers, cellery, carrots, potatoes, custard, cream, and everything else my husband and I imagine we might need to get us though to December 27th.

I am disappearing into this magical time, when all industry stalls. I hope you get lost there too. See you on the other side. Happy Christmas!

Booklets on Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:41:00 +0000

The booklet of short stories are gorgeous. Colourbooks Ltd (based in Baldoyle) did a brilliant job. The cover is smooth and glossy, and the inside smells like a new school textbook.
Producing the booklet was an absolute doddle this year in comparison to last. Two of my adult students, (Barbara Coleman and Carol Lee) did all the editing, and another (Maria Manueco) typed up the corrections. Last Christmas I was so tied up with editing, printing (and pulling my hair out) that my friends barely saw me, and I missed my quota of at least ten Christmas movies. This year is, oh so, different - I've already started watching Christmas movies. Today was the first - The Holiday with Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz. I love when Kate Winslet's character arrives in L.A. and runs around the house squealing with delight. I would do exactly the same. Oh, the sunshine and swimming pool! What a perfect place to chill.
Perhaps, when one of my novels is made into a movie and I'm invited onto the set in L.A, I can run around a mansion in Beverley Hills too..... A girl can dream!

Booklet With Printers!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:48:00 +0000

The booklet of short stories, written by the adults, teenagers and children who attend my Creative Writing classes in Skerries, has gone to the printers and will be delivered next week! This year, the charity chosen by the authors is Remember Us in Balbriggan - a social support group for young people with special needs and their familes. To find out more about REMEMBER US, please click [here].

The title of the collection is Stories to Remember Us (inspired by the charity) and you can see the cover above. And, if you want to check out the names of the writers and their stories, click on the contents page below! (To view the cover or contents page in more detail, click on either picture.)

The booklet will go on sale in the Skerries Bookshop, and other local outlets, from 7th December. If you are interested in buying a copy, please buy early so as not to be dissappointed!

Christmas Stories

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:23:00 +0000

Last year my wonderful creative writing students wrote a collection of short stories for Christmas. (See the photos of the launch above.). This year we are doing the same thing.

Our booklet is a mixture of fairy tales, spooky stories and adult contemporary fiction, written by authors ranging from eight to seventy-one years old!

Last Christmas the response to our booklet was overwhelming. The book launch was packed out (not enough drinks to go around) and the booklets were a complete sell out - I had to ration out the numbers of books I could sell to each family unit! This year, however, we shall have plenty; we are printing 300 copies and they shall be on sale in Skerries Book shop from mid December.

I am really looking forward to the launch, which takes place at 6pm on Friday 11th December in Skerries Mills. There will be nibbles, drinks and hopefully a few readings. It will also be a unique opportunity to get booklets signed by the authors.

Everyone is welcome - family, friends, Grannies, Uncles and Aunts!

Hope to see you there!

Writing Emotions

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:10:00 +0000

My emotions around writing confuse me, and I suspect I'm not alone.

I want to write, I really do, and when I've done my session each day I feel great, but before I begin I dread it - a bit like the feeling I used to have with homework, except no one is making me do it but myself.

This week I have been writing quite merrily for just over an hour each day - that's standard for me when working on a first draft. And it's true that the more often I write the easier it is to return to the desk. Any sort of time gaps between sessions can allow those feelings of dread to grow.

And what is it exactly that I dread? It must be that the ideas will run out - I will be left staring at the page with nothing to say and no idea of where I am going. And why is this thought so terrifying? Because if I didn't have characters and stories, life for me would be very flat and grey. I don't know why but the fictional world is more colourful to me than the world I live in. I think it's because in a story I can get into everyone's heads - which I find fascinating whereas in my world the only head I live in is my own.

I haven't written today. The fear got too much for me, and I have the very valid excuse of having a cold. But I will tomorrow, or if not then, Tuesday. I always come back to writing, like a moth to the light, something pulls me back to the story. It's the only way forward ...

September Treats.

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:55:00 +0000

There is a lot going on in Dublin's writing world this September. Last weekend I lounged about a lecture hall in Trinity listening to Fiachra Sheridan, Chris Binchy, Patricia Scanlon and Sheila O'Flannagan (amongst others) talking at the Books 2009 festival. It was lovely to be there - I could almost pretend I was a student once again, except these days no acholol consumption is allowed on the grass outside the Pavillion Bar. It doesn't seem fair. I spent so many happy Friday afternoons swiling pints of Budweiser for a pound a pint (yes, I know I that makes me sound ancient) but now students are shooed off the grass with their cans. It seems a pity, especially as it was a perfect sunny day, exactly like those May afternoons when you're supposed to be studying and absolutely can't. Ah well, them were the days!

This week my home town, Skerries, is having its own Arts Festival - Sound Waves. It's been running for six years and this year they asked me to teaching Creative writing in the local primary schools. It was quite a task. I met thirteen classes in a week! But we managed to get a lot done and last night I read their stories aloud at the opening. They went down very well and when walking around town today people came up to say how much they enjoyed listening to the stories. It made me feel part of the community, which makes a nice change as most of the time I'm locked away with me old laptop.

Another writing treat this month is the Reader and Writers' day run by Fingal County Libraries. It takes place in Blanchardstown library next Saturday. There will also be workshops in other Fingal libraries over the next couple of weeks. They're free so do check them out. Tax payers get your money's worth!
And finally on the writing front - all is going well. I'm on a roll, as they say ( of course having said that it will most probably stop) however long may it last. There is nothing better than writing - it beats reading any day!

Hello World!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 07:14:00 +0000

I've missed you, and I've missed myself. For the past four weeks I've been running around organising venues for classes in September, buying ink, designing advertisement posters (my husband had the cheek to follow his own interests - windsurfing - and leave me for two weeks without technical back up. It's amazing how much I learnt in his absence) and putting up said posters in local shops. I've also been lost in the Twilight novels by Stephenie Meyer. These novels should come with a warning sticker 'Make sure you have nothing pressing or urgent to attend to.' I was awake in the middle of the night thinking about Bella, Edward and Jacob (the way I usually do about the characters in my own books). Oh, the passion and tension!

I originally began reading these books as I like to know what teenagers are reading, however soon I couldn't fool myself that was my motivation. They're just plain fab! A really unique story, with loads of tension, and did I mention passion? Who could have thought making love with vampire could be so, well, gripping. Read them if you have nothing pressing to do for, like, the next month. Thankfully I finished the last one, Breaking Dawn, about a week ago, and so now I have my life back.
Talking of books, I'm now reading an interesting one called The Write Type. It is about discovering your true Writer's Identity. According to the author, Karen. E. Peterson, I am a L.C. writer. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, L.C. stands for Log Cabin, which means that I need oodles of time in a remote place in order to write (or, Ms. Peterson points out, I think I do). This is a current problem as I do not have long empty days in which to walk the beach, ponder my novel, and write so I need to learn a new writing pattern. My best writing time is early morning - if I manage to get an hour, or better two, done first thing in the morning the rest of the day I float around in a self-satisfied daze. However this seldom happens because of my current workload and enemy -addiction to the Internet. This topic should probably be saved for another day, but as I haven't written in months, sure I'll pop it all in here.
I'm a member of two writers' forums and I have two email addresses, and I'd say I spend two hours a day checking all of them. The problem is, one of those hours is usually first thing in the morning, when I should be writing. Instead I become distracted by other writer's thoughts and can't concentrate. My own novel is gone for the day. Teachers used to write on my report in school 'Megan is easily distracted'. Unfortunately I still am. So I need to minimise distractions. Last night, however, I did the opposite and added a new one to my list: Facebook. I kind of joined months ago, not really knowing what I was doing, and since then I've received emails from people asking me to be friends. I didn't know how to respond and didn't. However, niggling at the back of my mind, I wondered whether I was being terribly rude? So last night, I opened up my profile, uploaded a picture and responded to the most recent requests. Then I spent two hours viewing other people's profiles TWO HOURS! And I had been planning to blog. Oh well, one day at a time, as they say. Today I shall keep off the Internet until at least one o'clock. Wish me luck.

Accepting Criticism

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:21:00 +0000

It has taken me many years to learn the art of accepting criticism. My agent taught me the first step. Whenever she suggested a change she urged me to 'sleep on it' before responding. Words of wisdom indeed. My first reaction is nearly always: no way! I am not changing a thing about MY book and how dare you even suggest it? I hate you! Anger is closely followed by despair - I should never have believed in my book and myself anyway. What was I thinking of? - I then used to dash off to change my novel completely. Not anymore.
These days when I receive criticism, I allow the initial feelings of hatred to wash through me, knowing they are just a stage. I put the suggestions aside, for about twenty minutes, and read it again. I still hate the critic, but perhaps less so. The next day, I might aknowlege the trouble the reviewer has gone to. I mean he/she has spilled thoughts, about my work, from one human brain, onto a page, for me to consider. I hate him/her slightly less. Then, as before, depression sets in. This can last for several days or even a week. Then the day comes when I read the suggestions again, shrug my shoulders and think maybe this person has a point, maybe they don't. Feeling slightly less hurt, I may thank the critic (if they haven't said anyting too awful.) A week or two later, after I've thought about their comments, while walking the beach, daydreaming in bed and staring at many white walls, I pull out the manuscript and re-read it. I wonder if the suggested changes may add to the book. If the answer is, yes, I try them out. Sometimes I'm not sure whether or not they have worked. If one of them niggles at me, like wearing the wrong belt with an outfit, I take it out again.

My motto used to be: I'd rather do something on my own, and get it wrong, than collaborate with anyone else.
Slowly that is changing. I have learnt the value of a good critic. When, and only when, I have gone as far as I can with a piece of writing myself, a good critic can point out the gaps. If he/she wants to know more about a character or a setting, I'm okay with that. In fact that is very useful information. I have a tendency to write quickly and not hang about too long with description (even though I'm always pointing out this flaw to children and teenagers).

This morning I received criticism from a good critic. She, like others, wanted more back story on my main characters. I am not a fan of backstory. The less the better in my book - literally. However I shall see what I can do, and in the meantime I have thanked her. See? - I am maturing!

Summer Camp Success!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:54:00 +0000

I had my first children/teen summer camp in Skerries a week ago and it went really well, even if I say so myself. Above you can see the very intelligent and likable bunch who attended. They wrote stories together about characters living in the Big Brother house, and afterwards, followed them home to show how their lives were changed after the experience. Later I asked them to describe the sensation of eating a piece of chocolate Santa Claus, (whilst chewing) and the prize for the best one was the rest of the large Santa all to themselves. Characters fainted from chocolate fireworks in their mouths or were lifted up to heaven by multitudes of angels. The results were brilliant and I discovered a key motivational tool in writing - chocolate.
And I thought it was all about the love of the craft!
My next summer camp is in Rathdown school, Glenageary next week and I'm looking forward to it. First I must go and source another chocolate santa...

Making the Grade

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 20:09:00 +0000

My first children's and teenage summer camp is underway, which is the reason for my lack of blogging. Yes, yes, I know - I always have an excuse. They're an excellent bunch. It's amazing how much I get done with children and teenagers. They fly through the work and at breaktime run outside for games and fresh air to rejuvenate their minds. Adults, on the other hand, chat away during class time. They give feedback on each other's work and encourage one other to keep writing when they feel useless and want to give up.
It makes we wonder at what age we stop believing that we're any good. I've yet to teach an adult who really believes in their own writing. I think it must happen in secondary school when the grading system comes in. How does a teacher grade an English essay? Yes, I know there is structure, punctuation and grammar, but to me grading a story is like giving a painting by Cezanne marks out of one hundred. His perspective may be wrong (on purpose) and the colours unrealistic, but that's how he saw it, and the overall impression is beauty.
My job as a teacher is to draw out whatever is in my students' imagination, not to give it a mark out of ten. Anything unique and beautiful can't score one hundred percent, anyway. Think of a rose - the blemished spots on its petals are what make it real and unique.
That's what I tell myself anyway.
There is another reason for my writing this topic. Last week I received a professional critique for the opening chapters of my novel Soul to Soul. You can read the critique, and the chapters, on the following link on the youwriteon site.

The reviewer didn't like my main character much. That upset me, but I'm getting over it.

Dealing with criticism. Hmmm... That's a topic for the next day.

Good News

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:13:00 +0000

The good news today is that the opening chapters of my novel 'Soul to Soul' have joined the best seller list on the Youwriteon site in the UK. Reviewers scored it for plot, character, narrative voice etc. I'm very pleased as publishers look at the best seller list and the best of these books will be published next year.
Also my children's book is going well, just as I said it would (once I got started), and I can almost see how Enid Blyton churned out so many books each year. When the words are flowing it all seems so easy! I know what is happening next, but I stopped in the middle of a scene today so that it is easy to take up again tomorrow (a good tip, that).
In preparation for next week's teenage summer camp I recently watched the film Twilight. It's very good, in fact for the first time I found a film to be better than the book. It is brilliantly made and we're spared the endless paragraphs about how gorgeous Edward is. Instead we look at him, and yes, he is gorgeous. It's the best teenage movie I've seen. My next task is to read book number two, 'New Moon'. I'm looking forward to it.

Back in the Saddle?

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 09:02:00 +0000

I've returned from holidays and today normal life resumes, supposedly. It's after ten and I haven't quite started yet and that is because I am SO fond a pottering about in the morning - I read bits of books, drink coffee, write in my journal and think. It is my favourite time of day - I think and plan but don't actually DO anything. I love thinking and planning. I'm not so fond of action.
Before I went on holidays I'd made a breakthrough with my children's novel. I put my laptop aside, sure in the knowledge that I would be gagging to get back to the writing on my return. It's not quite turned out that way. I DO want to write but I'm scared. Returning to my book feels a little like jumping off a cliff - I have absolutely no idea what is going to happen and it is my dread that nothing will. From experience I know that the only way through this feeling is to write. I can procrastinate all I like but will feel dreadful if I don't write, so I really need to put my head down, open the laptop at the RIGHT page (not an internet one) and let the words come. And once I do, I KNOW I'll feel great. I'll be delighted with myself and I'll be crowing to you here about how brilliantly my book is going. But, there is just one problem - the niggling risk that I'll be completely stuck and wonder why I'm writing the book at all. THAT'S why I'm so slow to open the document, and THAT is why I am writing my blog first. This is easy - I write exactly what is in my head. (Yeah, turns out I'm no good at self-censorship).
But I will get back to my novel, truly I will. Just one more thing to tell you about first:
My adult summer course was a great success. I had a truly LOVELY class. We bonded over coffee, lunch and tables in a field in the sunshine. What a joy it is to spend my days doing something that I love whilst making others happy at the same time! My first children and teenage course begins next week, so I shall spend the next few days brushing up on Stephanie Meyer's series of Twilight novels - they are all crazy about them!
Oh, one last thing. To those of you who were kind enough to inquire about my back - it's getting better. Bending down is still sore but I'm planning on doing lots of swimming this week which should sort me out. Thanks for stopping by... I'll let you know how I got on with my writing, tomorrow... Wish me luck!

Sick and Away.

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:30:00 +0000

Apologies for my lack of blogging. There are two reasons for this: One, I did my back in last Sunday (fell off a horse years ago and my poor back has never quite recovered) and Two, I developed a tummy bug from swimming in the Irish Sea - in an attempt to help my back. Thankfully, I am now on the mend and very happy to join my blog again.
Last week I was harping on about NOT having to write, and I fully convinced myself that I didn't have to write for the next six months (if I didn't want to), which I don't, but yesterday I did a neat U turn, and began writing my children's book again. I had been stuck, you see, but during the intensive adult writing course, I was teaching this week, I outlined the plot of my novel to the class so far. In doing so I had an Eureka moment, and knew how to continue. I returned home and all I wanted to do was write (bad back or no bad back) and in the end the only reasons I stopped were hunger and fatigue.
So, I am now back in the writing saddle. Well, except for next week when I'm going on my holiers, sans Lap Top. It will be the first time in six years I shall holiday without it. But if feels like the right decision (and as I can't drive myself to my destination - cos of my dodgy back - I must be considerate about how much luggage I bring).
So next week will be another quiet one here - I shall be cut off from internet and phones (for the most part), but looking forward to blogging again on my return.

When Not To Write.

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 09:31:00 +0000

Many writers bang on about having to write something everyday. I don't always agree with that. One can end up writing a whole pile of rubbish, while sticking rigidly and miserably to the rule. Sometimes it is better to take time out to let the story come to the surface. That's what I'm trying at the moment, and it feels right.

I'm in the middle of writing a children's novel with a very challenging plot. I have been veering off, skirting around, in fact doing anything to avoid the plot, but in doing so I'm getting further away from what I actually want to write. So, I've decided to take time out, to mull things over, and keep my eyes and ears open to clues as to how I might move forward.

The plot I envisage has not been done before - that's what makes it so difficult. If I heard someone else had written it I'd say -what I genius idea, wish I'd done it! But there is a reason why no one has, and I need to find a solution to that reason. Continuing to write in the wrong direction, is not the answer (I know because I've done it before).

I Did It.

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:19:00 +0000

Thanks to those who read my blog yesterday and inwardly (or outwardly - Shirley!) wished me luck. The very good news is that for twenty-four hours I managed to succeed in Letting Go, and I am still in the 'Letting Go' state this morning - yipppeee!
Yesterday I did things that I don't normally allow myself do when I'm in terrified 'controling my life' mode: I baked two batches of fruit scones, while listening to Madonna, I went swimming (my absolute heaven), and later drank a glass of Rosé on the balcony whilst reading Penny Vincenzi's latest blockbuster. Despite all these treats I also managed to get a lot of 'constructive' work done: I organised materials for my adult Creative Writing Course next week, searched for suitable venues for summer camps, and responded to queries and bookings. In fact I had a MUCH more productive day than I normally would.
Every time I felt myself tense up and begin to panic, I viusalised relaxing my full weight on a windsurfing sail, and speeding along. It worked!

Letting Go.

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 07:44:00 +0000

The art of Letting Go is something I attempt to do daily - and mostly fail, but sure I'm still in my thirties (just). I was windsurfing at the weekend with my husband, who is super duper. I'm not quite so super but I do enjoy windsurfing, now and again. It was windy and wavy, and I clung onto the boom (which encircles the sail) with a vice like grip. Now this isn't how one is supposed to windsurf. NO, one is supposed to relax, smile, let one's body weight rest fully in the harness - ropes hanging in a loop from the boom - and sail into the sunset.
Not me. Panting and heaving, I wobbled across the bay and arrived to Oisín, who was patiently waiting on the other side. Trying to be positive, I said: 'Didn't I do really well?'
Now, Oisín's parents are Dutch and he didn't inherit the Irish gene of lying to be polite so he answered:
"You're sailing with the breaks on, making it much more difficult and tiring for yourself. You've got to LET GO."
I slumped on the board in a heap. "But if I let go, I won't be in control anymore and I don't know what will happen - it's scary." I then got stuck in rocks and seaweed (my absolute nightmare) and cried like a six year old.
It dawned on me during this miserable episode that my windsurfing is an exact reflection of my life - I continually have the breaks on and I am SICK of it.
So this week, once again, I am focusing on LETTING GO of work, writing, relationships and mostly outcomes (a handy tool to help me is 'The Language of Letting Go' by Melodie Beatie).
Please wish me luck - and good luck to anyone else who is trying to do the same.

Mistakes

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:06:00 +0000

I find it difficult when I make huge, heartbreaking mistakes. I have sent off manuscripts to agents and publishers, with chapters in the wrong order and have written entire sections of novels through the eyes of the wrong character. When I've finally realised what I've done, I've raged at God for not 'telling' me how to do it right first time around.

Yesterday, however, I had an insight into why life might be arranged this way.

I teach eight-year-old boys who LOVE mad, crazy characters and adventure stories. I have tried to tell them that mad stories and characters only work if you mix in a good dollop of normality, but they don't want to listen to that! So, recently, I gave them free reign to create whatever characters they wanted. One created a MAD baby who lived in a dog kennel, another a CRAZY dwarf, and the other a MENTAL person who couldn't speak. These characters were members of a family in a T.V series and we spent the following classes, writing dialogue and situations for them. Before long the boys became bored. "This doesn't make any sense," one of them said. "My character isn't working," another said.
"Try re-writing them," I suggested. They did. The MAD baby was killed off and replaced with an eccentric scientist and the MENTAL person grew a MoHawk, was nine foot two and, other than being frightened of banannas, was perfectly normal. This time around, the stories and dialogue flowed easily.
Yesterday I gave the same class a story to write using as many adverbs as they possibly could. At the end of the exercise I asked them how it went. To my surprise one of the boys commented, "the hardest part was trying not to make it TOO crazy," He then read out his best story yet.

After his mistakes, the lesson was learnt.

Living in the Now.

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:05:00 +0000

I have a bit of a problem - I keep wanting to jump ahead in time to someplace else, where I'll be doing something else and will know something that I don't know now. This causes me to never relax in the now; to forget things, to have a busy head, and to miss out on the beauty and opportunities of today.
To live in the now, has become my daily goal, and it's one worth pursuing. When I am right here, right now, I am perfectly happy, no matter how many problems are circling. I usually have a full stomach, as I'm lucky to have enough food to eat, and I breathe easily, because I am healthy. For all my striving towards mega publishing deals, fabulous holidays and anything else that might take my fancy (oh yeah, a groovy hairstyle) in fact all I really need is peace.
And, today, right now, mercifully I have it.
I hope you do too.

Self Belief.

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:05:00 +0000

Nothing is more important in writing than Self Belief. I have found this out to my cost. When I first began showing my work to friends and family, I hung on their every word and changed my writing accordingly. Of course, I ended up with a mish mash of everyone else's ideas and could barely remember my own.
Unfortunately - in relation to this topic - I have been a slow learner.
I did the same thing with my second book, and when it came to my third it was no longer friends and family making suggestions but agents. Now, you HAVE to listen to agents , don't you? Not necessarily.
Agents are thinking of selling. Some of their advice is invaluable and I have learnt a lot from them, but I have also changed books on the advice of agents, and have regretted it. I don't blame the agent - it is my responsibility to take charge of my books and protect them - but I do wonder how long it takes to be confident enough to remain true to ourselves and our writing. I met a writer yesterday, who, by his own description, is a retired and balding teacher, and he told me that he will no longer change his writing for anyone. I thought to myself, that's a bit extreme, after all we can ALL miss things and make improvements, but upon reflection he may have a good point - Agatha Christie refused to change one sylable of her work for publishers as did, I believe, Samuel Beckett. Not such bad company to keep, n'est pas?

Yesterday the opening chapters of a novel (which were 'not working' according to a friend, and were 'too sad to sell' according to an agent) were rated the third highest opening chapters on the Youwriteon site in the UK. This means that this month, these chapters will receive a professional critique by an editor in a publishing house. It will be interesting to see what he/she says, and will I be strong enough to remain true to my story? I think, at last, I will. Watch this space.....

White Bread and Pasta.

noreply@blogger.com (Megan Wynne) — Fri, 29 May 2009 07:18:00 +0000

This topic has nothing to do with writing, but it is on mind, or more specifically, my stomach. I have developed a belly, similar to Samantha's pouch in the latter half of the Sex and the City movie. Why, might you ask? White bread and pasta.
I used to think it ridiculous when women, on diets, gave up bread and pasta. I thought it was unhealthy and they would end up snatching a bar of chocolate to make up for it. Well, over the last few weeks I have gorged myself on white bread (homemade by moi) and yummy white pasta - I'd given both up for nearly eight months (for medical reasons) - and for the first time in my life had a near-to-flat stomach.
But two months ago my medical problems were solved and I reverted to my old white bread and pasta eating ways, and my little pouch is back, just in time for bikini season. This is not good news, but I shall not give up bread and pasta altogether. Oh no, I shall revert to wholegrain pasta (it's got extra bite anyway) and whole grain spellt bread. Neither bloat me, and they do not convert into sugar the moment they enter the digestive system.
So, to those women (and men) who give up white bread and pasta, I now understand you, but don't give up ALL bread and pasta. How can you live?