I have a plot
An idea in my head
It rolls around like liquid gold
And then stops dead, like lead.
I wait for the catalyst
That will transform base thought into gold prose
It comes in the form of
The rain, your smile, my dreams, a wild rose.
I have a plot, a faint idea of what I want to write and it rolls around my head like liquid gold out of the melting pot. I just get to the point where it starts to make sense and its stops. It is as dead as lead. The thoughts are gone, the ideas won’t settle. I have to wait for a catalyst, some spark that will ignite the reasoning pathways through my brain. It comes in the form of many things; the streaming grey rain, your smile caught as the sun bathes the room, my dreams that swirl like ink in water and the wild rose as it trails the fence.
RP
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All other products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Fringe
Fringe*I'm always waiting in the wings,
for things
I'm out on a ledge
Near the periphery
On the boundary
At the edge
The fringe.
* I like this photo. It conjures up the Northern Lights and grass at night and emerald fire.
RP
Copyright © 2008 THE GREEN ORCHARD Ltd. All rights reserved.
All other products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
First Draft
’When you have finished writing your story, it is not the end, it is just the beginning - it is your fist draft’.
So runs this amalgam of words from various authorities on writing that used to strike terror into my heart. I mean, I’ve just finished it, the words are sacrosanct, I like it how it is!
I realise now, it was immaturity on my part. I see that revision enhances a work, rather than just ‘changing my words’. I know I’ve matured a little (that’s matured as in matured in writing terms from a two year old to a two and a half year old, rather than like an old cheese). I do review my work and review is no longer a word of terror for me. However, I still keep my ‘first drafts’ - as is, untouched, clean. They're like a security blanket or loved toy, kept out of sight in a bedroom - it’s good to know they're there.
(I even reviewed this before I published it!)
RP
Copyright © 2008 THE GREEN ORCHARD Ltd. All rights reserved.
All other products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
So runs this amalgam of words from various authorities on writing that used to strike terror into my heart. I mean, I’ve just finished it, the words are sacrosanct, I like it how it is!
I realise now, it was immaturity on my part. I see that revision enhances a work, rather than just ‘changing my words’. I know I’ve matured a little (that’s matured as in matured in writing terms from a two year old to a two and a half year old, rather than like an old cheese). I do review my work and review is no longer a word of terror for me. However, I still keep my ‘first drafts’ - as is, untouched, clean. They're like a security blanket or loved toy, kept out of sight in a bedroom - it’s good to know they're there.
(I even reviewed this before I published it!)
RP
Copyright © 2008 THE GREEN ORCHARD Ltd. All rights reserved.
All other products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Pawnography
I sold my Wii console the other day for some cash (impoverished writer an' all that). I never really used it that much, I just never had the time and my plans and emotions changed.
The initial concept of 3D interaction in space sounds good on paper but waving your arms about in front of the telly all feels a little unnecessary. It just isn't the done thing. - it isn't cricket! There are only two ways I consider 'motion' acceptable; playing a guitar a la Guitar Hero and wielding a lightsabre in the noble quest of right in a living room far, far away. Both are catered for by the Wii so I'm in no way saying the Wii has got it wrong. There is no denying the vast hype and consequent uptake by mass swathes of the populous, opening up gaming to , well everyone is what the industry wanted. However, I cannot help thinking that something has been lost. There is a vast choice out there and it is growing every day but most of it is sub-standard, trying to cash in on the success. No matter what people say, 'eye candy' is important - 'I' can't argue with Hi-Def and I'm sure a Hi-Def Wii will push it nearer to the holy grail of games consoles.
As I entered the game swap shop it all felt a little seedy, almost as though I should be wearing a long mac and hiding my identity, I didn't know why but then it struck me. This is the new pawnbroker. All it needed was three digital balls above its doorway. We deal in old technologies and more so as we head into an uncertain future.
I will use the experience in my writing, setting it in a distant future on the planet 'Blurg' so my dalliance with the Wii can be put to further use and I do feel a little sad at its passing into the pawn system. Ah well, at least I can eat now.
RP
Copyright © 2008 THE GREEN ORCHARD Ltd. All rights reserved.
All other products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
The initial concept of 3D interaction in space sounds good on paper but waving your arms about in front of the telly all feels a little unnecessary. It just isn't the done thing. - it isn't cricket! There are only two ways I consider 'motion' acceptable; playing a guitar a la Guitar Hero and wielding a lightsabre in the noble quest of right in a living room far, far away. Both are catered for by the Wii so I'm in no way saying the Wii has got it wrong. There is no denying the vast hype and consequent uptake by mass swathes of the populous, opening up gaming to , well everyone is what the industry wanted. However, I cannot help thinking that something has been lost. There is a vast choice out there and it is growing every day but most of it is sub-standard, trying to cash in on the success. No matter what people say, 'eye candy' is important - 'I' can't argue with Hi-Def and I'm sure a Hi-Def Wii will push it nearer to the holy grail of games consoles.
As I entered the game swap shop it all felt a little seedy, almost as though I should be wearing a long mac and hiding my identity, I didn't know why but then it struck me. This is the new pawnbroker. All it needed was three digital balls above its doorway. We deal in old technologies and more so as we head into an uncertain future.
I will use the experience in my writing, setting it in a distant future on the planet 'Blurg' so my dalliance with the Wii can be put to further use and I do feel a little sad at its passing into the pawn system. Ah well, at least I can eat now.
RP
Copyright © 2008 THE GREEN ORCHARD Ltd. All rights reserved.
All other products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
A Missed Opportunity
People have been to festivals like 'V' and 'The Green Man Festival' recently and there is still a host of others and it got me thinking about Glastonbury; how can I get the £50 together for advance tickets in October? Have my photo's been selected for the Glastonbury photo comp? Are the cows safely back in their fields yet? and then it hit me, a missed opportunity! I wish I'd used the following tagline in my blog about Glastonbury
'The road to Glastonbury is paved with mud intentions'
RP
Copyright © 2008 THE GREEN ORCHARD Ltd. All rights reserved.
All other products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
'The road to Glastonbury is paved with mud intentions'RP
Copyright © 2008 THE GREEN ORCHARD Ltd. All rights reserved.
All other products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
The Fireplace and The Car
I walk over to the fireplace that has warmed the hands of inhabitants down the ages. Staffordshire pottery dogs stand attentively at either end of the dark mahogany mantle shelf, their orange and gold markings complimenting the lazy flames, that reach up like arms seeking solace from the soot-blackened grate. The clock in the centre passes time as I move to warm my hands.
The warm breath of Michael met the cold interior of the car that had stood outside all night in sub-zero temperatures and clashed, forming steam like an over-boiling kettle. He slammed the door shut as he sat in position. The key slid and clicked into the ignition and he turned it confidently. The engine repeatedly barked like a demented dog that had been left out in a field but did not run. His eyebrows raised slightly and he tried again and was met with the same response. He took his foot off the accelerator pedal and tried again. This time the dog barked, then coughed a couple of times and finally sprang into life. Michael smiled and pressed his right foot on the accelerator pedal a couple of times now, revving the engine. The mild frost that had formed on the carburetor of the flat four engine melted away as it started to warm.
---
The warm breath of Michael met the cold interior of the car that had stood outside all night in sub-zero temperatures and clashed, forming steam like an over-boiling kettle. He slammed the door shut as he sat in position. The key slid and clicked into the ignition and he turned it confidently. The engine repeatedly barked like a demented dog that had been left out in a field but did not run. His eyebrows raised slightly and he tried again and was met with the same response. He took his foot off the accelerator pedal and tried again. This time the dog barked, then coughed a couple of times and finally sprang into life. Michael smiled and pressed his right foot on the accelerator pedal a couple of times now, revving the engine. The mild frost that had formed on the carburetor of the flat four engine melted away as it started to warm.
---
-- A couple of my warm up pieces --
RP
Copyright © 2008 THE GREEN ORCHARD Ltd. All rights reserved.
All other products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
RP
Copyright © 2008 THE GREEN ORCHARD Ltd. All rights reserved.
All other products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
The Ragged Flag
'I'm rallying under the ragged flag. At the moment there's just me, oh and it's starting to rain. All I need is a spot of good weather and a bit of a breeze.'
I've recently been reading that to become a successful writer you need percyverance, perciveerance, pereseeveerence, perseverance. Oh yes and you need to be able to spell.
Well I got caught in a downpour this afternoon but used the opportunity to write a short piece, inspired by the rain. It's not a novel but it may come in useful in the future - perseverance. If Percy can do it, so can I!
RP
Copyright © 2008 THE GREEN ORCHARD Ltd. All rights reserved.
All other products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
I've recently been reading that to become a successful writer you need percyverance, perciveerance, pereseeveerence, perseverance. Oh yes and you need to be able to spell.
Well I got caught in a downpour this afternoon but used the opportunity to write a short piece, inspired by the rain. It's not a novel but it may come in useful in the future - perseverance. If Percy can do it, so can I!
RP
Copyright © 2008 THE GREEN ORCHARD Ltd. All rights reserved.
All other products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Writer's Blo(ck)g
With Glastonbury fading into the countryside of memories, I turn my focus upon writing. I did say this blog would be about writing so it starts here...
I have been writing under the table as it were (not actually 'under' the table you understand, just a figure of speech) throughout this blog but I have recently started in earnest (dear old Earnest, I haven't seen him in such a long time...). I enroled in The Writer's Bureau on their Comprehensive Writing Course and it's very good. It's helping me start out on a professional footing - I'll let you know when I'm famous.
So, what do you do once Glastonbury has finished for the year? Well
RP
Copyright © 2008 THE GREEN ORCHARD Ltd. All rights reserved.
All other products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
I have been writing under the table as it were (not actually 'under' the table you understand, just a figure of speech) throughout this blog but I have recently started in earnest (dear old Earnest, I haven't seen him in such a long time...). I enroled in The Writer's Bureau on their Comprehensive Writing Course and it's very good. It's helping me start out on a professional footing - I'll let you know when I'm famous.
So, what do you do once Glastonbury has finished for the year? Well
- I need to be well read so I've been reading - I finished Clive Cussler's Treasure which I really enjoyed and I've started Alastair Reynolds' Chasm City - an amazing book
- I went to the pictures to see The Dark Night - mind-blowing performance by Heath Ledger RIP
- and I've watched Paprika - Satshi Kon, Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier (itv's adaptation, script by Arthur Hopcraft), Appleseed OVA - Masamune Shirow and i'm nearing the end of Ghost In The Shell Stand Alone Complex 2nd Gig - who indeed are the 'Indivdual Eleven'?
- Harold had really put his foot in it this time. And it had come over the side of his size 8 brogue, soaked up his sock and wicked further on, up his leg, leaving a ring!
RP
Copyright © 2008 THE GREEN ORCHARD Ltd. All rights reserved.
All other products or brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
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