KazG

Thanks Lorraine. To some extent you’re reading my mind! I’ve changed the opening, she’s on a three day pass, we’re down to one policeman, added sensory bits, edited, edited. Your comments are very helpful. I think I might just put it on my website.

I believe Hemingway also gave that tip about stopping in the middle of a scene, Raine, so you’re in good company there.

Though as it happens I am at this moment taking a break (all right, procrastinating) from struggling to get back into the middle of a scene…

Good idea, Mad.
Umm. One I heard that I think made sense in terms of the editing process was ‘Write the first draft for yourself, edit for your readers.’

Also, Find the theme of your story. Themes tie characters, plots and subplots together.

Also (Although I am rubbish at doing this), when finishing for the day, stop in the middle of a scene,…[Read more]

This is brilliant, John. So much the opposite of where I expected it to go at the opening! I love her poise with the police – it adds such an element of shiver-factor.

I agree with others that a light dusting of other sensory details would help make the thing more potent, but I like the easy, matter of fact voice so don’t lose that.

One thing…[Read more]

THis is great Squidge, love the immediate dive into her PoV, her frustrations and doubts. My only two thoughts are …
– some of the descriptive paragraph (Tilda gritted her teeth…) might be worth trimming. It’s a chunk of … background I guess, that perhaps needs only a hint here, with more details as you go on?
– and, I think someone else…[Read more]

Thanks, Gipps – and you should see my scrap bag! I’m sure there’s at least another quilt in there trying to get out, plus a couple of sets of squares that I need to do something with…

Next quilting project is one for my son – I’m aiming to get it done by the time he goes to uni. Which gives me a year…eeek!!

Daeds, as many of us are still finding their way around the Den, is it worth re-posting this? And, perhaps, giving a longer deadline? It’s a fantastic concept.

Thanks for kicking this off, Daeds. The theme couldn’t be more appropriate.

Congratulations Janette! What wonderful validation. Your ability to infuse deep emotion in such a short piece is impressive. 🙂

Never understood the filtering aspect of making friends, Jules, so thanks for that. The friends function never seemed to make any difference on the Cloud (that I could detect) but making friends here over recent weeks has felt more about reunion hugs and so-happy-and-relieved-to-see-you-again. 🙂