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Writers' Bloc - Creative Writing Off Topic Thread

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Comments

  • #852
    Dave!
    Closed Accounts Posts: 27,857 ✭✭✭✭Dave!


    So I've written and revised a couple more poems now and am quite happy with them – probably even more so than I am with the ones I've been submitting to journals to date! And even better is that I've managed to break out of the rigid rhyme and meters that I've been using. I've tried some free verse stuff before, but have never been happy with it. I wouldn't even normally read free verse. But these last couple I really like (for the moment)!

    Might increase my chances of getting published – structured poetry is sooo not sexy these days :D


  • #853
    Das Kitty
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 17,231 Mod ✭✭✭✭Das Kitty


    So this is going on:

    http://www.museodelapalabra.com/en/short-tales-contest/4-edition/participation-form

    You can enter up to two stories of 100 words or fewer. It's an enormous prize of 20,000 dollars, with a 2,000 runner up prize. I'm going to enter a couple anyway, but in preparation I'm going to try to write as many as possible and pick the two strongest.

    If you can write in Hebrew or Arabic, I would imagine your chances at a runner-up prize are greatly increased!

    Here are last year's winners.

    http://www.museodelapalabra.com/en/short-tales-contest/3-edition/item/626-jury-s-final-decision-flash-fiction-competition-museum-of-words


  • #854
    Perla Calm Puppeteer
    Posts: 0 CMod ✭✭✭✭ Perla Calm Puppeteer


    "The eye" is my favourite one there
    That's some story


  • #855
    Das Kitty
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 17,231 Mod ✭✭✭✭Das Kitty


    I'm trying to get something together for this:

    http://www.writing.ie/writing-comps/2014-over-the-edge-new-writer-of-the-year-competition/

    I had something in particular in mind, but when I sat down and wrote it, it turned out to be twice as long as the competition allows. I sat down last night and started fixing up something else. LORD.

    There really aren't enough hours in a day.


  • #856
    GalwayGuy2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,269 ✭✭✭GalwayGuy2


    I'm trying to get something together for this:

    http://www.writing.ie/writing-comps/...r-competition/

    I had something in particular in mind, but when I sat down and wrote it, it turned out to be twice as long as the competition allows. I sat down last night and started fixing up something else. LORD.

    There really aren't enough hours in a day.

    Nice competition. Any requirements for the story?


  • #857
    Das Kitty
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 17,231 Mod ✭✭✭✭Das Kitty


    GalwayGuy2 wrote: »
    Nice competition. Any requirements for the story?

    Just what it says on the tin.


  • #858
    Al Monds
    Registered Users Posts: 28 ✭Al Monds


    I sometimes have difficulty getting back to writing,
    I could never claim it was writer's bloc - it was really laziness.

    Other times when I get going I can't stop.
    So much so even the hoover gathers dust.

    I like the William Trevor quote.
    All my writing is pointless which probably explains why I can't write short stories.
    Probably explains why I can't read short stories because I never get the point.

    But I might reconsider in the light of the Trevor quote.

    Thanks for that.


  • #859
    GalwayGuy2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,269 ✭✭✭GalwayGuy2


    Have a designated writing spot at a designated time and stick to it. That works for some, but not for others.

    Personally, I space my writing out throughout the day, and listen to music beforehand. I have a folder with my 'OST' (:P) and that seems to put my mind into storywritng mode. Although, it takes a bit of effort to go counter to the atmosphere of the song.

    Anyway, the Wire has some fine writing in it. It really paints a picture of Baltimore, the dialogue is great and the characterization is brilliant. The pacing is off though. Well, not 'off', but I'm not a fan of the slow pacing.

    I mention it because I'm trying to learn writing skills from every single piece of 'art'/ entertainment. :P


  • #860
    Duckee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78 ✭✭Duckee


    GalwayGuy2,

    Cool. What's on your pre-writing playlist?

    Also, if you space your writing throughout the day, do you stick to a time limit too? or just write down the page until stuck and then return to it later?

    I loved the Wire but it definitely falls into the category of 'worth being patient for'. I felt the same way about Breaking Bad. The first few episodes were a bit meh but sticking with it was ssooooooo worthwhile.


  • #861
    GalwayGuy2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,269 ✭✭✭GalwayGuy2


    Make your own:) Listen to radio on spotify, or the galway bay online, and jot down any song that makes you think of a scene. Eg: Goodbye Moon in Kill Bill makes me think of a) A strong female character, B) A scene with a very grey colour scheme, or C) A slow rhythm.

    I deliberately don't keep a time count. I space it out during the day and I find I don't get stuck or bored as quick. I end up with 1, 000 words ish each day. Might not be a load, but definitely more than usual.

    Oh, also, change your page color to yellow :) It's softer on the eyes.


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  • #862
    Agent Weebley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 450 ✭✭Agent Weebley


    GalwayGuy2 wrote: »
    Make your own:) Listen to radio on spotify, or the galway bay online, and jot down any song that makes you think of a scene. Eg: Goodbye Moon in Kill Bill makes me think of a) A strong female character, B) A scene with a very grey colour scheme, or C) A slow rhythm.

    I deliberately don't keep a time count. I space it out during the day and I find I don't get stuck or bored as quick. I end up with 1, 000 words ish each day. Might not be a load, but definitely more than usual.

    Oh, also, change your page color to yellow :) It's softer on the eyes.

    I may listen to a song multiple times for days before I use it. A song backfired on me last week, causing me to be unable to write.

    Oh, and that tune . . good, but a little asphyxiating.


  • #863
    Duckee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78 ✭✭Duckee


    GalwayGuy2 wrote: »
    Make your own:) Listen to radio on spotify, or the galway bay online, and jot down any song that makes you think of a scene. Eg: Goodbye Moon in Kill Bill makes me think of a) A strong female character, B) A scene with a very grey colour scheme, or C) A slow rhythm.

    I deliberately don't keep a time count. I space it out during the day and I find I don't get stuck or bored as quick. I end up with 1, 000 words ish each day. Might not be a load, but definitely more than usual.

    Oh, also, change your page color to yellow :) It's softer on the eyes.

    Lol. I was thinking more along the lines of the theme from Rocky as a motivational tool. :pac: (I have an image of a group of writers running up and down steps and bench-pressing underwood typewriters)

    Your way (i.e. mood setting music) makes much more sense.

    I reckon a 1000 words a day is pretty good. Usually if I can end up with one decent sentence after a writing session I'm laughing.


  • #864
    Das Kitty
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 17,231 Mod ✭✭✭✭Das Kitty


    I use one of the focus playlists on spotify as musical wallpaper when I'm writing. It works well. :)


  • #865
    WomanSkirtFan8
    Registered Users Posts: 768 ✭✭✭WomanSkirtFan8


    bluewolf wrote: »
    I am not sure but I think it ended with "what could possibly go wrong" :pac:

    I think that's what's called "tempting fate."


  • #866
    Dave!
    Closed Accounts Posts: 27,857 ✭✭✭✭Dave!


    Damn, rejected for Wordlegs' last issue. Was a bit of a long shot!

    Anyways—today I'm gonna send in some of my new stuff to a few places. I reckon I'll have a better chance with this stuff.


  • #867
    Das Kitty
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 17,231 Mod ✭✭✭✭Das Kitty


    Dave! wrote: »
    Damn, rejected for Wordlegs' last issue. Was a bit of a long shot!

    Anyways—today I'm gonna send in some of my new stuff to a few places. I reckon I'll have a better chance with this stuff.

    I haven't heard from wordlegs yet. Eep.

    I've got stuff to send at the moment too. 3 things in the space of a week. I think I can!


  • #868
    Duckee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78 ✭✭Duckee


    Das Kitty wrote: »
    I haven't heard from wordlegs yet. Eep.

    I've got stuff to send at the moment too. 3 things in the space of a week. I think I can!

    You can do it!! :)


  • #869
    writer_lady170
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,604 ✭✭✭writer_lady170


    Das Kitty wrote: »
    I haven't heard from wordlegs yet. Eep.

    I've got stuff to send at the moment too. 3 things in the space of a week. I think I can!

    best of luck!:)

    Hope to get back into writing myself, still writing the blog but real life has gotten in the way of writing the book. But I'm a third of the way there, it hasn't killed me yet!


  • #870
    Duckee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 78 ✭✭Duckee


    Finished my short story for the Sean O Faolain competition. Just needs to be proofed and formatted and I'll be sending it off tonight. :D

    **excited**


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  • #871
    Das Kitty
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 17,231 Mod ✭✭✭✭Das Kitty


    Woop!

    Accepted for wordlegs!


  • #872
    writer_lady170
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,604 ✭✭✭writer_lady170


    Das Kitty wrote: »
    Woop!

    Accepted for wordlegs!

    yay! :D well done


  • #873
    echo beach
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,252 ✭✭✭echo beach


    Das Kitty wrote: »
    Woop!

    Accepted for wordlegs!

    Congratulations. When will we be able to read your successful submission?


  • #874
    Das Kitty
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 17,231 Mod ✭✭✭✭Das Kitty


    I'm not sure, but I'll let you know.


  • #875
    Al Monds
    Registered Users Posts: 28 ✭Al Monds


    Congrats - jealous.


  • #876
    Brian Lighthouse
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 514 ✭✭✭Brian Lighthouse


    Das Kitty wrote: »
    I'm not sure, but I'll let you know.

    Please do.


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  • #877
    Das Kitty
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 17,231 Mod ✭✭✭✭Das Kitty


    I signed up for a class last night. 5 person group with a tutor and 4 pages a week to be submitted. welp. Novel, I will finish you.

    The Sean O'Faoláin story competition is closing tomorrow if anyone has anything lying about to send in:

    http://www.munsterlit.ie/SOF%20Page.html


  • #878
    Insect Overlord
    Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 30,912 Mod ✭✭✭✭Insect Overlord


    That kind of pressure to produce something every week is exactly what I need!

    There's a poet in Limerick, Ed O'Dwyer, who just published his first book. He was asked at a reading last week how he got interested in writing poetry. A big part of it was the feeling that he needed to have something new nearly every week for the weekly White House poetry readings.

    My own approach was always to wait for inspiration to strike, but there's a lot to be said for experimenting with different forms, doing writing exercises and setting minimum targets per week/fortnight/month.


  • #879
    Das Kitty
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 17,231 Mod ✭✭✭✭Das Kitty


    An File wrote: »
    That kind of pressure to produce something every week is exactly what I need!

    There's a poet in Limerick, Ed O'Dwyer, who just published his first book. He was asked at a reading last week how he got interested in writing poetry. A big part of it was the feeling that he needed to have something new nearly every week for the weekly White House poetry readings.

    My own approach was always to wait for inspiration to strike, but there's a lot to be said for experimenting with different forms, doing writing exercises and setting minimum targets per week/fortnight/month.

    I agree that having targets and doing workshops is a good thing. Ideas beget ideas. I've found having a target (journal and competition deadlines) very helpful. Having to sit down and produce sounds painful, but in my experience it's the opposite. You're giving yourself leave to take the time to sit and write.


  • #880
    Insect Overlord
    Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 30,912 Mod ✭✭✭✭Insect Overlord


    In other news, tomorrow is kind of a big occasion for me. I'm one of two poets who will be reading in the last of the Mid Summer Lunch Time Poetry sessions @ The Hunt Museum in Limerick.

    The full list of poets is as follows: John Liddy and Brian Blaney (Slattery); Michael Reeves and Patricia Ann Moore; Tim Cunningham and Richard Halperin; Bridget Wallace and Tommy Collins.

    Most of the other poets have been writing, publishing and reading for years, so it's a little bit daunting to be amongst such respected company! I've never read more than two poems at a time before and tomorrow I'll be reading for twenty-odd minutes. It's exciting and scary and all kinds of other things.


  • #881
    Dave!
    Closed Accounts Posts: 27,857 ✭✭✭✭Dave!


    That's awesome, congrats, you'll be great!


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  • #882
    Das Kitty
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 17,231 Mod ✭✭✭✭Das Kitty


    That's brilliant!


  • #883
    Agent Weebley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 450 ✭✭Agent Weebley


    I'm sure you'll be great!

    If I can offer a suggestion: make sure you have a glass of water nearby. I have a buddy that does a lot of training courses, and speaking for 6-8 hours is tiring. You don't want to get dry mouth. 20 min shouldn't be too bad, though. Take a sip during the clapping, even if you don't need one.


  • #884
    writer_lady170
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,604 ✭✭✭writer_lady170


    that's awesome!:D congrats


  • #885
    Insect Overlord
    Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 30,912 Mod ✭✭✭✭Insect Overlord


    Thank ye! :) I'm just about to grab a bottle of water and head in now.


  • #886
    Rubecula
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,551 ✭✭✭Rubecula


    Great stuff An File, ever thought of reading some of your poetry in the International Eistedfodd in Llangollen (Wales) ?

    Sadly you have missed this year and the National Eistedfodd is only for Welsh poets I think. BUT next year and it is only a short trip across the water. Great craic there too.


  • #887
    Insect Overlord
    Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 30,912 Mod ✭✭✭✭Insect Overlord


    Rubecula wrote: »
    Great stuff An File, ever thought of reading some of your poetry in the International Eistedfodd in Llangollen (Wales) ?

    Sadly you have missed this year and the National Eistedfodd is only for Welsh poets I think. BUT next year and it is only a short trip across the water. Great craic there too.

    Now that I've survived today and I know I can do it, I'll definitely be looking for more opportunities to show off! :D I'll have a look into that for next year. Haven't been in Wales since I was 14 or 15 so it would be lovely to go back as an adult. :)


  • #888
    Rubecula
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,551 ✭✭✭Rubecula


    It is a very scenic country away from the cities. I am very lucky to live in a fabulous place. And only 90 mins from Dublin on the fast ferry.


  • #889
    Agent Weebley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 450 ✭✭Agent Weebley


    Rubecula wrote: »
    It is a very scenic country away from the cities. I am very lucky to live in a fabulous place. And only 90 mins from Dublin on the fast ferry.

    How much, boyo?


  • #890
    Rubecula
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,551 ✭✭✭Rubecula


    Agent Weebley wrote: »
    How much, boyo?

    About £20 on foot. Just now about 60 with a car (Varies on season)


  • #891
    Agent Weebley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 450 ✭✭Agent Weebley


    Rubecula wrote: »
    About £20 on foot. Just now about 60 with a car (Varies on season)

    Thanks! Thats a pretty good price. Right after I posted that message, I thought: I have become"Captain Obvious," so I looked it up and presume The Johnathon Livingston Swift is the fairy to fly on ... Thanks for the pricing - I never got that far into the site. It did say it was almost 2 hours to get to Dublin, though. Is that because it's downhill on the way back?

    I'll be in Dublin for a week Aug 21-28, and would love to see liverpule and the Mersey from the top of Helsby Hill in Frodsham again. My Uncle Fergus and family lived on a street at the foot of that hill.

    Omg. I could go to Leah's yard in Sheffield! Hey Rubecula, wanna go on a road trip? I'll call the sheffield council to get access into it and try to buy it for a quid. It was my grandfather's place, you know.

    And how far away is Portmerion? And there's a burial mound near you, isn't there?

    Doh! Did it again. Sorry.

    Be seeing you.


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  • #892
    Rubecula
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,551 ✭✭✭Rubecula


    Agent Weebley wrote: »
    Thanks! Thats a pretty good price. Right after I posted that message, I thought: I have become"Captain Obvious," so I looked it up and presume The Johnathon Livingston Swift is the fairy to fly on ... Thanks for the pricing - I never got that far into the site. It did say it was almost 2 hours to get to Dublin, though. Is that because it's downhill on the way back?

    I'll be in Dublin for a week Aug 21-28, and would love to see liverpule and the Mersey from the top of Helsby Hill in Frodsham again. My Uncle Fergus and family lived on a street at the foot of that hill.

    Omg. I could go to Leah's yard in Sheffield! Hey Rubecula, wanna go on a road trip? I'll call the sheffield council to get access into it and try to buy it for a quid. It was my grandfather's place, you know.

    And how far away is Portmerion? And there's a burial mound near you, isn't there?

    Doh! Did it again. Sorry.

    Be seeing you.

    Just booked my trip to Ireland for next week :)

    Had to book a train over there though, as I can not drive very far just yet as I am still recovering really. BUT Limerick here I come LOL

    Not too sure on distance from Holyhead to Portmeirion to be honest I think it is about 90 mins drive or there abouts. BUT I may be wrong as it is a place I have never been to myself.

    Burial mounds? Unsure of that but there are a lot of standing stones and the odd dolmen dotted about. (This was the Druid HQ back in the day you see. In fact they still parade about once or twice a year in skimpy dresses or whatever they call them. Men and women dress the same I believe)

    Not been to Liverpool (my home town) for a couple of years, I know it is only just over an hour on the expressway, but the drive is too much just now. Hope you get to Helsby Hall though. Nice place. If I can help in any way please ask. I may not know the answer but I can try. :)


  • #893
    Agent Weebley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 450 ✭✭Agent Weebley


    Rubecula wrote: »
    Just booked my trip to Ireland for next week :) Had to book a train over there though, as I can not drive very far just yet as I am still recovering really. BUT Limerick here I come LOL Not too sure on distance from Holyhead to Portmeirion to be honest I think it is about 90 mins drive or there abouts. BUT I may be wrong as it is a place I have never been to myself. Burial mounds? Unsure of that but there are a lot of standing stones and the odd dolmen dotted about. (This was the Druid HQ back in the day you see. In fact they still parade about once or twice a year in skimpy dresses or whatever they call them. Men and women dress the same I believe) Not been to Liverpool (my home town) for a couple of years, I know it is only just over an hour on the expressway, but the drive is too much just now. Hope you get to Helsby Hall though. Nice place. If I can help in any way please ask. I may not know the answer but I can try. :)

    Druids? Skimpy dresses? Men and women dress the same? Sweet!

    The Mound I'm thinking of visiting is Bryn Celli Ddu.

    I often think about how well you've recovered in the past year, but I guess sitting in a bumpy car is still too soon. I hope you enjoy your trip to Limerick. There's a Dundrum close by there . . .

    Steve wrote a limerick for his wife, Jo-anns eulogy. Wanna hear it? OK. I inserted a bit of the back story as well:

    When I decided to write a poem, my sister laughed and said I would probably be better off writing a limerick, so here it is:

    I once met a girl from Vancouver
    Who’s love I wanted to Hoover
    She made me shake
    Not unlike a Mandrake
    She made me into a Mover

    That reminds me. I have to finish off my little note to hcass about her "wellies and hammock" story.

    I used my powers of persuasion to get Steve to book that flight to Dublin without nary a thought, other than for the trip to ostensibly be for visiting the Shamrokon Sci-fi convention. But for me, it's a recon trip. I hope to meet up with amanfromMars, whom I've never met in person, as well as meet all the movers and shakers in Clones. And also someone from Boards, who shall be, unfortunately . . . nameless.

    Steve still hasn't rented a car. I want him to rent an Aston Martin Rapide, but he's a bit cheap - he's thinking of an Audi A4 at a 10th of the price. He also needs to rent a reum. What? A reum! Maybe I'll get Steve to rent a reum in Dublin . . . the Dundrum area, near the Stillorgan Industrial Triangle.

    Ah, Ireland. It'll be good for him. Steve hasn't been there since 1969 (just before the troubles). . . 'Ards . . . The Mountains Of Mourne . . . Newcastle . . . Dundrum . . . and he has to go to Tara.


  • #894
    Rubecula
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,551 ✭✭✭Rubecula


    Bryn Celli Ddu is in the south east corner of the island about 15 mins drive from Holyhead Port :)


  • #895
    Das Kitty
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 17,231 Mod ✭✭✭✭Das Kitty


    wordlegs 19 is live.

    :D

    Here's mine: http://wordlegs.com/magazine/viewitem.php?id=359


  • #896
    echo beach
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,252 ✭✭✭echo beach


    Congratulations. A lovely piece. Simple but perfect.


  • #897
    Agent Weebley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 450 ✭✭Agent Weebley


    Hi Das Kitty,

    A very good story indeed! The way Jimmy objectifies Ali and dreams up a potential relationship in his head is classic - it makes me cringe just thinking about it.

    I hope you win!


  • #898
    Ficheall
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,034 ✭✭✭Ficheall


    Das Kitty wrote: »
    Here's mine: http://wordlegs.com/magazine/viewitem.php?id=359
    I couldn't help thinking of this while reading of your man in After Hours' plight...


  • #899
    pickarooney
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,489 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    Das Kitty wrote: »
    wordlegs 19 is live.

    :D

    Here's mine: http://wordlegs.com/magazine/viewitem.php?id=359

    That is well good.


  • #900
    GalwayGuy2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,269 ✭✭✭GalwayGuy2


    I liked your story :)

    It was kind of like something I would write. Except, you know, actually good.


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  • #901
    Agent Weebley
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 450 ✭✭Agent Weebley


    GalwayGuy2 wrote: »
    I liked your story :)

    It was kind of like something I would write. Except, you know, actually good.

    Hi GalwayGuy2,

    Although self deprecation always tickles my funny bone, I still can't get your vampire story out of my head. It was brilliant . . . and humourous to boot!

    Your stuff is getting battier all the time! Keep it up . . .


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