I don't like eyes which do peculiar things.
She dropped her eyes. I have a vision of her taking her eyes out of their sockets and dropping them. Why not write; She looked down.
His eyes darted. Where did they dart to/
She fixed her eyes on him. Did he appreciate her fixing her eyes on him. With what did she fix them?
His eyes stabbed her. Weird eyes, did he sharpen them?
Also, I'm not keen on body parts which do peculiar things.
Saturday, 4 April 2015
Friday, 3 April 2015
Cottage Garden, Lilies.
After the rain stopped while I got on with 'writerly' matters, I worked in the garden. I tidied the back yard and the greenhouse and planted some scarlet lilies in a tall terracotta pot. The lilies will be 18 inches high and look beautiful at the back of the border beneath my sitting room window. I'm also looking forward to the stargazer (pink lilies), which I potted up earlier in the year, flowering. Pots of perennials are useful. They fill gaps year after year and need little more than an annual feed.
Thursday, 2 April 2015
Writing,Cinderella, Garden Centre, Grandchildren Peach and Nectarine Trees etc.
I was shattered on Tuesday and even more shattered by yesterday evening. I devoted four hours to 'writerly' matters and went out at 11 a.m. I bought tickets for Cinderella for next Tuesday when I and three granddaughters will see it. The tickets bought, I went to the Garden Centre where I bought, 2nd early seed potatoes, red geraniums for the window boxes and red lily bulbs. They will be 2ft high and look good at the back of the border beneath my sitting room window. I also b...ought golden rod that will make a splash of colour next to the Michaelmas daisies in the autumn.
The pot in which I had planted a bay tree broke so I chose a heavy clay pot that I hope the wind won't blow over and planted the bay tree in it. What else? Oh yes, some succulents two green ones and a dark red one which are now on the kitchen window sill. I like the rosettes the leaves form. After unch out I went to the library to collect books I had reserved.
My daughter had an early appointment in London this morning, so I stayed at her house for the night. I gave the children their dinner, heard my 5 year-old granddaughter's reading, put her to bed and read a story about Aladdin, a princess, a genie, a villain and a baby camel to her. Then I played draughts with my 10 year old grandson until it was time for him to go to bed. Afterward, while waiting for the 13 year-old to go to bed I got on with some more 'writerly' matters. When he went to bed I read for a while before going to sleep.
This morning was busy after we all had porridge for breakfast and the children went to school. I worked on writing projects, then sorted out my mini peach and nectarine trees. Last year there was loads of fruit on them but it dropped off before it ripened. I've re-potted them in John Innes No 3 and pollinated them with a paintbrush. The pink flowers are so promising and pretty that, fingers crossed I will enjoy the fruit this year. Any advice about their nurture would be welcome.
Made a vegetable curry for lunch and then read until I returned to the laptop.
Hopefully the weather will be good for two days and I'll be able to do much more in the garden - but I must remember to wrap up all the Easter eggs.
My daughter had an early appointment in London this morning, so I stayed at her house for the night. I gave the children their dinner, heard my 5 year-old granddaughter's reading, put her to bed and read a story about Aladdin, a princess, a genie, a villain and a baby camel to her. Then I played draughts with my 10 year old grandson until it was time for him to go to bed. Afterward, while waiting for the 13 year-old to go to bed I got on with some more 'writerly' matters. When he went to bed I read for a while before going to sleep.
This morning was busy after we all had porridge for breakfast and the children went to school. I worked on writing projects, then sorted out my mini peach and nectarine trees. Last year there was loads of fruit on them but it dropped off before it ripened. I've re-potted them in John Innes No 3 and pollinated them with a paintbrush. The pink flowers are so promising and pretty that, fingers crossed I will enjoy the fruit this year. Any advice about their nurture would be welcome.
Made a vegetable curry for lunch and then read until I returned to the laptop.
Hopefully the weather will be good for two days and I'll be able to do much more in the garden - but I must remember to wrap up all the Easter eggs.
Tuesday, 31 March 2015
Visit Rosemary Morris
Some years ago, I thought I would never have a novel published. Today, I googled: Rosemary Morris at MuseItUp Publishing, and am impressed by my publisher's display of my mini author biography and details of my novels, etc. With pride I invite my followers to visit me.
Monday, 30 March 2015
Things To Do in My Shorthand Notepad
At last I have worked my way through many notes in my shorthand notepad. I visited some online sites which were interesting and others that had no significance for me. I transferred e-mail addresses into my on line address book and contacted people about 'writerly' matters.
Some things were fun. For example I googled and listened to the 7th Hussars Regimental Tunes. Canter, The Cambells are Coming, Quick Bannocks o’ Barley Meal, Slow The Garb of Old Gaul, which I decided I preferred hearing them played on the bagpipes.
I also added lots of books to my To Be Read List.
Some things were fun. For example I googled and listened to the 7th Hussars Regimental Tunes. Canter, The Cambells are Coming, Quick Bannocks o’ Barley Meal, Slow The Garb of Old Gaul, which I decided I preferred hearing them played on the bagpipes.
I also added lots of books to my To Be Read List.
Shorthand Note Pad Crammed With Notes on Things To Do.
At long last I have finished going through my shorthand notepad which was crammed with things to do. I had made a note of the
Sunday, 29 March 2015
5* Review of False Pretences
Roland,
hero of False Pretences, a traditional Regency romance, makes a low bow in
appreciation of Great Historical’s review. He is delighted because the reviewer
thinks he will linger in the reader’s memory.
Amazon
Review. 5.0 out of 5 stars. A sweet and
suspenseful Regency Romance. Kindle edition.
“Rosemary
Morris has penned a delightful romantic story about a young woman named
Annabelle in search of her family. Raised in a boarding school, with no contact
with any family, and in the charge of a guardian she has never met, she runs
away only to find herself in danger. Roland, a handsome man of means, saves her
from imminent danger. He takes her under his wing and together they unravel a
web of lies until the shocking truth of Annabelle's past life is revealed.
Rosemary Morris writes with ease and readability. Her characters are well rounded, evolving as the plot unfurls. This novel has a bit of everything - an endearing romance, a hint of mystery, dastardly villains, plenty of suspense, and a memorable hero and heroine who will stay with you long after you finish reading. The ending is intense as all the secrets are revealed, leading to a highly satisfying conclusion. A lovely sweet romance worthy of all age groups!”
Rosemary Morris writes with ease and readability. Her characters are well rounded, evolving as the plot unfurls. This novel has a bit of everything - an endearing romance, a hint of mystery, dastardly villains, plenty of suspense, and a memorable hero and heroine who will stay with you long after you finish reading. The ending is intense as all the secrets are revealed, leading to a highly satisfying conclusion. A lovely sweet romance worthy of all age groups!”
Saturday, 28 March 2015
False Pretences - A Traditional Regency Romance - Back Cover
False Pretences
By Rosemary Morris
Traditional Regency Romance
Five-year-old
Annabelle arrived at boarding school fluent in French and English. Separated
from her nurse, a dismal shadow blights Annabelle’s life because she does not
know who her parents are.
Although
high-spirited, Annabelle is financially dependent on her unknown guardian. She
refuses to marry a French baron more than twice her age.
Her life
in danger, Annabelle is saved by a gentleman, who says he will help her to
discover her identity. Yet, from then on nothing is as it seems, and she is
forced to run away for the second time to protect her rescuer.
Even more
determined to discover her parents’ identity, in spite of many false pretences,
Annabelle must learn who to trust. Her attempts to unravel the mystery of her
birth, lead to further danger, despair, unbearable heartache and even more
false pretences until the only person who has ever wanted to cherish her,
reveals the startling truth, and all’s well that ends well.
False Pretences - A Tradtional Regency Romance. Back Cover.
False Pretences
By Rosemary Morris
Traditional Regency Romance
Five-year-old
Annabelle arrived at boarding school fluent in French and English. Separated
from her nurse, a dismal shadow blights Annabelle’s life because she does not
know who her parents are.
Although
high-spirited, Annabelle is financially dependent on her unknown guardian. She
refuses to marry a French baron more than twice her age.
Her life
in danger, Annabelle is saved by a gentleman, who says he will help her to
discover her identity. Yet, from then on nothing is as it seems, and she is
forced to run away for the second time to protect her rescuer.
Even more
determined to discover her parents’ identity, in spite of many false pretences,
Annabelle must learn who to trust. Her attempts to unravel the mystery of her
birth, lead to further danger, despair, unbearable heartache and even more
false pretences until the only person who has ever wanted to cherish her,
reveals the startling truth, and all’s well that ends well.
False Pretences - back cover.
False Pretences
By Rosemary Morris
Traditional Regency Romance
Five-year-old
Annabelle arrived at boarding school fluent in French and English. Separated
from her nurse, a dismal shadow blights Annabelle’s life because she does not
know who her parents are.
Although
high-spirited, Annabelle is financially dependent on her unknown guardian. She
refuses to marry a French baron more than twice her age.
Her life
in danger, Annabelle is saved by a gentleman, who says he will help her to
discover her identity. Yet, from then on nothing is as it seems, and she is
forced to run away for the second time to protect her rescuer.
Even more
determined to discover her parents’ identity, in spite of many false pretences,
Annabelle must learn who to trust. Her attempts to unravel the mystery of her
birth, lead to further danger, despair, unbearable heartache and even more
false pretences until the only person who has ever wanted to cherish her,
reveals the startling truth, and all’s well that ends well.
Friday, 27 March 2015
Revision and adverbs.
Amongst other things, I revised the final chapter of my mediaeval novel set in Edward II's reign. I am now asking myself whether 'He laughed drunkenly,' or 'His drunken laughter rang out,' reads best. I chose the latter because I prefer to get rid of adverbs.
Thursday, 26 March 2015
Planning My New Novel, Tuesday's Child
The heroine of my new traditional Regency romance, Tuesday's Child, will be a character from Monday's Child. She is Lady Harriet, a widow, and mother of a young son. Lady Harriet is not beautiful but she is full of grace, both inner and outer.
After reading a chapter in a non-fiction book, I know where the novel will begin.
So, I have answered the question who about the heroine and two questions when and where. I know have to answer the questions what and how. In other words, what happens in the first chapter and how does it happen.
I am now looking forward to meeting the hero.
After reading a chapter in a non-fiction book, I know where the novel will begin.
So, I have answered the question who about the heroine and two questions when and where. I know have to answer the questions what and how. In other words, what happens in the first chapter and how does it happen.
I am now looking forward to meeting the hero.
Wednesday, 25 March 2015
Novelist's Shorthand Notepad
I am applying all the notes crammed into a shorthand notepad. Websites to visit, on line groups to consider joining, titles of books I want to read, web.sites with interesting information, blogs I want to follow, notes for research, e-mail addresses, etc. etc.
Last time I did this I decided to do this once a week but while writing Monday's Child I allowed the list of things to do to increase.
I've joined some new groups and am looking forward to participating in them.
Last time I did this I decided to do this once a week but while writing Monday's Child I allowed the list of things to do to increase.
I've joined some new groups and am looking forward to participating in them.
Tuesday, 24 March 2015
Writing A New Novel
At the moment, I am revising my mediaeval novel set in the reign of Edward II of England. I have entered the first 5,000 words in two competitions and am keeping my fingers crossed. To be long listed would be an achievement.
It seems strange not to get up in the morning and work on my new novel, which will be Tuesday's Child a follow on novel from my Traditional Regency Romances, Sunday's Child and Monday's Child. However, I have a lot of 'writerly' matters to deal with so I have set myself a deadline to write about 'Tuesday's Child' aka Harriet who 'is full of grace'. In the meantime, I shall be thinking about her a lot.
It seems strange not to get up in the morning and work on my new novel, which will be Tuesday's Child a follow on novel from my Traditional Regency Romances, Sunday's Child and Monday's Child. However, I have a lot of 'writerly' matters to deal with so I have set myself a deadline to write about 'Tuesday's Child' aka Harriet who 'is full of grace'. In the meantime, I shall be thinking about her a lot.
Monday, 23 March 2015
Puncture on the way to Lunch
Yesterday, my daughter and three grandchildren and I left in good time to lunch at Sakoni's vegetarian Indian restaurant in Harrow. We looked forward to the Gujerati style food or pizza or lasagne. Halfway there a tyre punctured. There's nothing like waiting for three-quarters of an hour for the AA mechanic to arrive while listening to a hungry five-year old grumbling.
Sunday, 22 March 2015
Eating Out
Much better yesterday and today. I took two of my grandchildren to the pizza hut yesterday while their lucky mum shivered at a football stadium, while her son number two participated in a special event. She was pleased to go home and leave him with his coach and his team while they watched a football match, and then returned to collect him.
Today, the five of us are making up for Mother's Day on which I was to ill to go out to lunch. We are going to Sakonis our favourite Indian, Vegetarian restaurant in Harrow.
Yummy, yummy for the tummy but I shall eat sparingly.
Today, the five of us are making up for Mother's Day on which I was to ill to go out to lunch. We are going to Sakonis our favourite Indian, Vegetarian restaurant in Harrow.
Yummy, yummy for the tummy but I shall eat sparingly.
Saturday, 21 March 2015
Workshop, Ill Health and Competitions
Eight days since I became ill. After five days on antibiotics I'm recovering.
On Monday evening, as I did not have a contagious infection, I managed to fulfil my commitment to conduct a workshop at the writing group I am a member of. The topic was How To Be Your Own Copy and Line Editor Before Submitting Fiction. Although I was so ill, the workshop was very well received. Afterwards, I was very pleased to drive home safely and delighted to sink into my comfortable bed.
During the rest of the week I slept, read and watched television a lot, but I did manage to edit and submit the synopsis and the opening pages of my novel to two prestigious competitions. My main fear is that the judges will prefer literary novels or novels based on the lives of known historical figures. However, with regard to the latter, I prefer fictional characters, although real-life ones feature in my novels.
I am looking forward to comments on the submission from one of the competitions. I also look forward to sending more entries. To use a cliché 'nothing venture, nothing gain'.
On Monday evening, as I did not have a contagious infection, I managed to fulfil my commitment to conduct a workshop at the writing group I am a member of. The topic was How To Be Your Own Copy and Line Editor Before Submitting Fiction. Although I was so ill, the workshop was very well received. Afterwards, I was very pleased to drive home safely and delighted to sink into my comfortable bed.
During the rest of the week I slept, read and watched television a lot, but I did manage to edit and submit the synopsis and the opening pages of my novel to two prestigious competitions. My main fear is that the judges will prefer literary novels or novels based on the lives of known historical figures. However, with regard to the latter, I prefer fictional characters, although real-life ones feature in my novels.
I am looking forward to comments on the submission from one of the competitions. I also look forward to sending more entries. To use a cliché 'nothing venture, nothing gain'.
Wednesday, 18 March 2015
Unwell.
On Friday I felt very unwell. I became worse during the weekend, which ruined our plans for Mother's Day, and on Monday dragged myself to the urgent clinic at my doctor's surgery. I have an internal infection, the details of which I won't bore you with, and am taking antibiotics. For two days I've done next to nothing, other than sleep, watch some television and read. I am a little better today am looking forward to again being 100%,
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