Friday, 29 July 2011

Sparkfest! Something a bit different


People write for many reasons and I definitely write to be read. Even though there is nothing better in life for me than those heady days when the words are appearing on the page as fast as I can type and the characters are writing their own story, I don’t think I’d be able to justify the time spent on it if I didn’t have the dream that one day somebody other than me, and my trusted critiquing readers, would be entertained by it.  I really enjoy researching, editing, re-writing even proofing but this first draft stage is my ultimate love. Put me in a café with a notepad, pen, a cappuccino and an hour and I defy you to find anybody happier with their lot than me.


That’s probably why I like blogging. I get to scribble down my thoughts in a disjointed fashion and, unlike submitting a novel for potential publication (which is nonetheless exciting in its own way), receive instant feedback. So, please excuse what my 11 year old would describe as ‘random cheesiness’ and let me thank you for reading, it makes me very happy to think somebody is interested enough to click and often, gets to the end of my ramblings.

I also enjoy reading other people’s blogs. I like the quick insight into other people’s thinking, subscribe generally to those that read a little like a monthly magazine feature. I like the wry take on life, the ones where you smile and think, ‘yep, I’ve been there,’ or ‘help! I’m still there, are they watching me?’

Blogfests are a way of finding new blogs and introducing new readers to yours and so the Sparkfest (great title!), hosted by Christine at The Writer Coaster caught my eye. I appear to have signed up. Unless something untoward happens between now and then – I should be wary of making such statements as three days off a big deadline I once returned from holiday with a fixator holding my wrist onto my arm after throwing it around the drum of a spin drier at full pelt, the night before supposedly driving home (domesticity, I find, is very overrated) I didn’t hit the deadline but I did type one handed to deliver the piece a couple of weeks late - I’ll post again between the 22 and 26 August with my answers to one or more of the questions below.

The criteria below are copied over from Christine’s blog, please click the image to go straight there. Please sign up too, keep me company J

 

As writers, we're always striving to get out a message of inspiration to others. This blogfest is a celebration for those who have done this for us. Join the Spark Blogfest, aka Sparkfest, by posting your answer to any of the three prompts above (or make one up as long as it fits the theme).

What book made you realize you were doomed to be a writer? 
What author set off that spark of inspiration for your current Work in Progress?
Or, Is there a book or author that changed your world view?


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13 comments:

  1. Rebecca Bradley29 July 2011 at 11:24

    I look forward to reading your entry :)

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  2. Christine Tyler29 July 2011 at 11:36

    Thanks for the great shout-out! I'm so excited to read what everyone has to say.

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  3. Jackie Buxton29 July 2011 at 12:19

    Thanks Rebecca, and yours!

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  4. Jackie Buxton29 July 2011 at 12:20

    It's a great idea, Christine, I think you'll get a big response. Well done to Rebecca for posting it on Twitter, that's where I first heard of it. See you next month!

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  5. Tim Greaton29 July 2011 at 16:19

    I can't say any particular writer convinced me that I had to be a writer. It was more that when I realized books had quite literally saved my life, I knew I had to return the favor. If only one soul can find shelter within the pages of my stories, then I will have fulfilled that debt. I hope I am now overpaying it. Sappy...but true :-)

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  6. Tim Greaton29 July 2011 at 16:20

    Jackie, how do I follow your blog by email? I hate when I miss it. Let me know :-)

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  7. Jackie Buxton29 July 2011 at 18:16

    Tim, I know what you mean, it wasn't one writer for me either, more circumstances which put a pen in my hand. You should sign up and write a post with your response! And no worries about sappiness, always up for a bit of sappy :) On the email front (and thank you, very chuffed you're so keen to follow), there's a 'subscribe by email' button below but if the link doesn't work, and blogger seems a bit temperamental at the moment, please DM me your email address on Facebook and I'll add you to my email list. Thanks! Jackie

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  8. Antonia29 July 2011 at 18:34

    yep -keep em coming!

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  9. Martyn Price3 August 2011 at 17:28

    I love your blogs Jackie, they have an effervescent quality that I could only hope to copy. Keep 'em coming ...

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  10. Jackie Buxton17 August 2011 at 08:11

    Thanks Antonia, my ever-loyal reader :)

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  11. Jackie Buxton17 August 2011 at 08:12

    Northern Exile, Martin, thank you, you have made my day! And by the way, I've just popped over to your blog which is great so less of the rubbishing yourself, ok??

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  12. MyTipToday22 August 2011 at 14:12

    Honestly, I cannot think of any one specific writer. I've been writing since I could hold a pen. But, it has only been in the last two years that I have actually penned a full novel; okay…I use a keyboard now. After quitting my job, what else was there to do?

    My novel is now in the hands of four publishers. Waiting patiently...not!

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  13. Jackie Buxton23 August 2011 at 10:17

    I'm sending you massive positive vibes because 1. we all know how wonderful it would be to be published and 2. the waiting game is the pits! Keep us posted. Thanks for reading and make sure you post a blog post for the Blogfest!

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