@katemachon
Active 1 day, 14 hours ago-
Kate posted a new activity comment 7 years ago
Well done Phillipa. Good policy to just dive in and I’m sure you’re right that the plot will get clearer. I write in the same foggy way, heading into the mist with just the odd tree top showing through. I’m about to hit mid point on my current WIP and really don’t know what happens next, so I understand that terror. Just don’t let yourself think…[Read more]
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Kate posted a new activity comment 7 years ago
I’m not sure liking yourself should be a mistake. ๐ ๐ ๐
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Kate posted a new activity comment 7 years ago
Definitely clunky, and the front page timeline doesn’t have the same feel. I received a notification that someone had written something on my timeline, but can I figure out where that timeline is!
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Kate posted a new activity comment 7 years, 1 month ago
Dirty clothes are great. People will stop visiting or inviting you around because you smell so bad, which means there will be no distraction from writing. You can always wear a gas mask if your own smell becomes too much for you! Leave that laundry and housework alone. ๐
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Kate replied to the topic Short Story Publication/Competition in the forum Podium 7 years, 1 month ago
๐ I think we’re all fairly cracked already, Philippa, to keep doing this writing thing to ourselves!
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Kate replied to the topic Short Story Publication/Competition in the forum Podium 7 years, 1 month ago
A great reminder that if you keep on battering your head against that wall, sometimes it cracks! Congratulations Philippa. I’ll go and enjoy the read.
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Kate posted an update 7 years, 1 month ago
Have recently come across this lovely website run by one of our more low key Denizens. If you like a good pun, and feel like a giggle/groan, it’s well worth a visit. https://www.dearcranley.co.uk/
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Kate replied to the topic Monthly comp: Feb 2019 in the forum Monthly Competition 7 years, 1 month ago
SECRETS
It was closing time at the library. The best time of day as far as Charlie was concerned. At last he could spend some time alone with the books, wiping covers and aligning spines, handling the stories that could transport him to a different world. It was just a pity he had to share them with other peopleโs sticky fingers.Not that the r…[Read more]
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Kate replied to the topic Monthly comp: Feb 2019 in the forum Monthly Competition 7 years, 2 months ago
Ha, lovely closing lines, Libby.
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Kate replied to the topic Short Story Publication/Competition in the forum Podium 7 years, 2 months ago
Fab Elle. These are great.
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Kate replied to the topic New first chapter in the forum Critiques 7 years, 2 months ago
Thanks, Sandra.
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Kate replied to the topic New first chapter in the forum Critiques 7 years, 2 months ago
That would be a nice touch, Sandra. Heโs 18 and itโs his pride and joy.
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Kate replied to the topic New first chapter in the forum Critiques 7 years, 2 months ago
I do that too, Sandra.
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Kate posted a new activity comment 7 years, 2 months ago
Thanks Sandra, thatโs really interesting. Latin root strikes me as the language when someoneโs trying too hard, and it has the opposite effect.
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Oh that’s interesting, Sandra. I went to Andrew’s ‘Crafting Your Prose’ masterclass yesterday, and that was one of the topics we covered.
I can thoroughly recommend: https://www.wordsaway.info
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Kate replied to the topic New first chapter in the forum Critiques 7 years, 2 months ago
Thanks Sandra. The โmateโ was an attempt to show gender. Always tricky in first person. Iโve never been on a motorbike so your observations are most useful, as are your suggested tweaks. Much appreciated.
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Kate replied to the topic New first chapter in the forum Critiques 7 years, 2 months ago
Thanks Bella. I’m relieved it works for you and thanks for all the tweaks. Definitely should be ‘they would come for me.’ Great catch.
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Kate started the topic New first chapter in the forum Critiques 7 years, 2 months ago
I’ve rewritten the first chapter of my WIP so many time I feel completely blind to it. Have I created a hook or is it just plain confusing?
Would appreciate any thoughts. It is young adult genre, so you’ll need to pretend you’re sixteen! I’m intending to apply to Write Mentor with it, so any nit picking also appreciated.
Were they watching me…[Read more]
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Kate replied to the topic Opening of new WIP- 1289 words in the forum Critiques 7 years, 2 months ago
Some lovely, quality writing, Bella.
I do agree with the others that I didn’t need quite so much information about the Bert back story. That did slow it down.
I liked this bit. ‘The conversation could go either way. She held her breath’ It really had me thinking uh-oh, what is this mother going to be like? Is she mentally unstable and going to…[Read more]
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Kate replied to the topic Writers & Artists short story comp in the forum Podium 7 years, 2 months ago
Wonderful news. Congratulations. And very interesting about the previous rejections. Subjective, as you say.
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Thanks Kate! What is it about second halves, eh? I think maybe I’m still not clear yet about what core elements a second half needs to have (other than a climax), whereas I feel I quite naturally understand first halves now. Hum.