I've reached a complicated chapter in my novel in which I need the geographical features, proposed plans and timeline to be correct. I read the relevant parts of five historical non-fiction books and made notes, but I still didn't have a clear picture in my head. So, after considerable thought, I wrote chapter headings and typed up the relevant information under each titl3. Next I made a list of things my protagonists would do, and their reactions to events as they occurred in sequence, in each chapter and finished by typing up a few quotes from historical personages.
For the last three days I've been working on Chapter Thirty-One. Thanks to my notes everything, as the saying goes, has fallen into place.
Showing posts with label 03 2013 Far Beyond Rubies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 03 2013 Far Beyond Rubies. Show all posts
Tuesday, 25 November 2014
Thursday, 7 March 2013
Book Cover for Far Beyond Rubies
My book illustrator at MuseItUppublishing has been kind enough to consult me about the book cover for my novel, Far Beyond Rubies, which will be published this month. She has sent me the mock up. As soon as I have the final version I shall insert the image.
I only have 50 pages of pre-edits left for my new novel set in the reign of Queen Anne Stuart (1701-1706) to complete, but there will be a delay because the galley of Far Beyond Rubies has arrived.
At the moment I have a head cold and would like to go back to sleep. Instead I shall bundle up after breakfast, get some fresh air and if I can concentrate work on the galley.
I only have 50 pages of pre-edits left for my new novel set in the reign of Queen Anne Stuart (1701-1706) to complete, but there will be a delay because the galley of Far Beyond Rubies has arrived.
At the moment I have a head cold and would like to go back to sleep. Instead I shall bundle up after breakfast, get some fresh air and if I can concentrate work on the galley.
Sunday, 3 March 2013
Lunch at Rani
Yesterday, I intended to post a new message but ran out of energy. The contractor came in the morning and laid some new laminate flooring over area where the hearth was. The next task is to deal with a little damp seeping through one wall and redecorating the sitting room. I've decided on three shades of cream paint. One below the dado rail, one above it and a third for the woodwork. In addition I shall make a feature of the wall where the fireplace was with wallpaper. above the dado rail.
The contractor left in time for me to clean up and dust before my guests arrive and lay the dining room table etc. We enjoyed the meal and the company.
Today I met a fellow author. We lunched at Rani, a vegetarian restuarant in Finchley (U.K.) and talked about what we are writing, editors, publishing and much more. The food was delicious. bhajias, thin sliced potatoes deep-fried in chick-pea flour batter, samosas, a curry made with paneer, (Indian curd cheese) other curries, rice and flat breads.
Now I'm making up for being lazy first thing this morning, sleeping a little later than useful, having breakfast in bed and then, before getting ready to go out, reading some of the second book, Something Dangerous, in Penny Vincenzi's wonderful trilogy, The Spoils of Time.
The contractor left in time for me to clean up and dust before my guests arrive and lay the dining room table etc. We enjoyed the meal and the company.
Today I met a fellow author. We lunched at Rani, a vegetarian restuarant in Finchley (U.K.) and talked about what we are writing, editors, publishing and much more. The food was delicious. bhajias, thin sliced potatoes deep-fried in chick-pea flour batter, samosas, a curry made with paneer, (Indian curd cheese) other curries, rice and flat breads.
Now I'm making up for being lazy first thing this morning, sleeping a little later than useful, having breakfast in bed and then, before getting ready to go out, reading some of the second book, Something Dangerous, in Penny Vincenzi's wonderful trilogy, The Spoils of Time.
Friday, 1 March 2013
Far Worse Things in Life
My writing went smoothly this morning. If all goes according to plan I shall finish the pre-edits of my new novel in 7 to 10 days. Having finished working on a long chapter, I filled in and e-mailed the a cover art form for the book cover of my novel, Far Beyond Rubies, set in the reign of Queen Anne Stuart, 1702 - 1714, which will be published next month.
The rest of the day hasn't gone well. The contractor was supposed to finish his work today. The old fireplace and hearth have been removed and the wall replastered. He now needs to make good the floor and replace part of the dado rail but he hasn't turned up today.
The sitting room is full of dust, the heavy sofas have been moved and...well I could go on and on.
To make matters worse I am having guests to lunch tomorrow.
When I realised the contractor wouldn't finish today I took the leek and potato pie out of the freezer, cooked most of the food for tomorrow. All I need to do is make gravy and an apple crumble, as well as cleaning up. Hopefully the contractor will turn up to move the furniture. If not I'll have to ask my guests to help, which will be very embarassing.
It's no good getting upset, I'll have to wait and see what can be sorted out tomorrow.
The rest of the day hasn't gone well. The contractor was supposed to finish his work today. The old fireplace and hearth have been removed and the wall replastered. He now needs to make good the floor and replace part of the dado rail but he hasn't turned up today.
The sitting room is full of dust, the heavy sofas have been moved and...well I could go on and on.
To make matters worse I am having guests to lunch tomorrow.
When I realised the contractor wouldn't finish today I took the leek and potato pie out of the freezer, cooked most of the food for tomorrow. All I need to do is make gravy and an apple crumble, as well as cleaning up. Hopefully the contractor will turn up to move the furniture. If not I'll have to ask my guests to help, which will be very embarassing.
It's no good getting upset, I'll have to wait and see what can be sorted out tomorrow.
Thursday, 28 February 2013
The Canterbury Tales
After a busy morning I stopped at a charity shop on my way to the Health Centre to swim and enjoy the jacuzzi,sauna and steam room. I bought a secondhand copy of Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, which I have been intending to re-read for a long time.
I don't have time to enjoy reading these tales for very long but I shall enjoy dipping in and out of it. So far I have read the Introduction and a little bit of the Prologue which begins:
When that April with his showres swoote (showers sweet)
The drout of March hath perced (pierced) to the roote,
And bathud (bathed) every veyne (vein) in such (licour)
Of which vertue (virtue) engendred (conceived) is the flour (flower).
I don't have time to enjoy reading these tales for very long but I shall enjoy dipping in and out of it. So far I have read the Introduction and a little bit of the Prologue which begins:
When that April with his showres swoote (showers sweet)
The drout of March hath perced (pierced) to the roote,
And bathud (bathed) every veyne (vein) in such (licour)
Of which vertue (virtue) engendred (conceived) is the flour (flower).
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
Renovation, Redecorating
I am renovating and redecorating my sitting room.
Before a combination boiler was installed there was a gas fire in the sitting room. The gas fire was removed so the fireplace and the surround serve no useful purpose and take up too much room on the wall. So I have employed someone to remove it.
At the moment, the sitting room is decorated in three shades of cream. I am now considering a different colour scheme taken from my embroidered silk cushions. The background is cream, the embroidery is in apricot, pale, pale yellow and a shade of very light sage green. I am thinking of putting wall paper where the fireplace was (there are alcoves on either side), painting the rest of the walls pale pale yellow and the woodwork white.
The colour scheme would be sunshiny on cold days, and go well with the white upholstered sofas and large chair, the laminate floor and cream venetian blinds at the window.
I considered painting the room green to match the colour in the cushions but can't imagine the result.
Decisions, decisions.
Before a combination boiler was installed there was a gas fire in the sitting room. The gas fire was removed so the fireplace and the surround serve no useful purpose and take up too much room on the wall. So I have employed someone to remove it.
At the moment, the sitting room is decorated in three shades of cream. I am now considering a different colour scheme taken from my embroidered silk cushions. The background is cream, the embroidery is in apricot, pale, pale yellow and a shade of very light sage green. I am thinking of putting wall paper where the fireplace was (there are alcoves on either side), painting the rest of the walls pale pale yellow and the woodwork white.
The colour scheme would be sunshiny on cold days, and go well with the white upholstered sofas and large chair, the laminate floor and cream venetian blinds at the window.
I considered painting the room green to match the colour in the cushions but can't imagine the result.
Decisions, decisions.
Tuesday, 26 February 2013
This Morning
Woke up at 7.a.m. Completed the pre-edits of another chapter of my new novel. I have been looking forlornly out of the window at the cold, grey day. I knew it would be freezing cold and wet but even so hoped it would not. I'm like a child at a sweetshop window staring not at goodies but at my neglected vegetable garden, some stalwart curly kale, a little New Zealand spinach, some brussel sprout tops, a few turnips, some beetroot greens and various herbs. At this rate it will be ages until I the soil's even warm enough to plant the new potatos which I'm chitting, not to mention sowing seeds.
Monday, 25 February 2013
Cooking for Guests
Rather pleased with myself today. After I finished the pre-edits for another chapter of my historical novel I cooked for guests who will be coming this week. First I made a lot of thick cheese sauce while I cooked macaroni. When the macaroni was ready I stirred cheese sauce into it and then put it in the freezer. Next I made a leek and potato pie. I divided the remaining sauce into two, stirred the leeks into one half and the potatos into the other half, then I piled them in a pastry base and covered it with pastry. Phew! Two main dishes in the freezer. Tomorrow, I shall make an apple crumble and put it in the freezer. Preparing food in advance means that I don't cook everything on the day or days and can keep up with my writing schedule.
Sunday, 24 February 2013
Pre-edits, Football and a Builder
A satisfactory morning so far. I completed the line edits for a chapter in my new novel, and also realised something seem contrived so I adjusted the plot to cure the problem. I've also checked my e-mails, including a very interesting one from an author who is a good friend.
The rest of the day will be busy. It's bitter cold but my eight-year-old grandson insists on playing in a football match. Don't children feel the cold? I'll look after his brother and sister and make lunch for them before we all go shopping with his mother, and they get their hair cut before they go back to school after half term.
I've just looked in my diary. The coming week will be very busy, people coming to lunch with me, the builder removing the old fireplace and mantlepiece in the sitting room and levelling the floor, lunch out with a good friend next weekend. Except for the noise and dust when the fireplace is removed I'm looking forward to it and determined to keep up with my self-imposed writing schedule.
The rest of the day will be busy. It's bitter cold but my eight-year-old grandson insists on playing in a football match. Don't children feel the cold? I'll look after his brother and sister and make lunch for them before we all go shopping with his mother, and they get their hair cut before they go back to school after half term.
I've just looked in my diary. The coming week will be very busy, people coming to lunch with me, the builder removing the old fireplace and mantlepiece in the sitting room and levelling the floor, lunch out with a good friend next weekend. Except for the noise and dust when the fireplace is removed I'm looking forward to it and determined to keep up with my self-imposed writing schedule.
Friday, 22 February 2013
An author's Early Morning
More often than not I am awake by 6 a.m. when I make a cup of Rooibus tea and switch on the laptop.
By six o'clock this morning, my painful back a little better in spite of the osteopath's treatment on Tuesday, I started work.
At the moment, amongst other things, I am working on pre-edits of my new novel set in the reign of Queen Anne Stuart 1702-1714. I have highlighted the words on MuseItUppublishing's pre-edit list e.g. around instead of round as in she looked around not she looked round, toward instead of towards and as.
The pre-edits tighten the novel, and while I'm going through them I'm also tweaking it. Hopefully, I can finish a chapter a day and keep up with other commitments.
I revised a chapter, had breakfast and then checked my e-mails.
It's now quarter past ten and almost time to turn off the laptop and get on with the day until 4 p.m. when I shall review a novel, critique a chapter of another novel and get on with other 'writerly' matters.
By six o'clock this morning, my painful back a little better in spite of the osteopath's treatment on Tuesday, I started work.
At the moment, amongst other things, I am working on pre-edits of my new novel set in the reign of Queen Anne Stuart 1702-1714. I have highlighted the words on MuseItUppublishing's pre-edit list e.g. around instead of round as in she looked around not she looked round, toward instead of towards and as.
The pre-edits tighten the novel, and while I'm going through them I'm also tweaking it. Hopefully, I can finish a chapter a day and keep up with other commitments.
I revised a chapter, had breakfast and then checked my e-mails.
It's now quarter past ten and almost time to turn off the laptop and get on with the day until 4 p.m. when I shall review a novel, critique a chapter of another novel and get on with other 'writerly' matters.
Thursday, 14 February 2013
Submission to Publisher
This morning I checked and double checked my submissio and ran it through the grammar and spell check on the computer and then submitted it with the hope that the publisher will ask to read the complete novel which begins:
Chapter One
Cassio Castle – South East England
1298
Alice stumbled after the sturdy squire, who guided her from her home in Lovage village to the nearby island fortress, Cassio Castle. After ascending steep stone stairs, they trod the length of a dim corridor. The squire halted. He pointed at a massive oak door which stood ajar. “In there.”
With faltering footsteps Alice stepped across the threshold of a magnificent bedchamber furnished with a huge bed, painted coffers and many other items. She gasped for she had never imagined such luxury. Until now she only knew the two rooms in the thatched cottage she and her large family shared with the livestock they hoped would survive winter’s frozen grip. Here a log fire blazed and a blend of dried lemon balm and lavender, which she was familiar with, scented the air.
Chapter One
Cassio Castle – South East England
1298
Alice stumbled after the sturdy squire, who guided her from her home in Lovage village to the nearby island fortress, Cassio Castle. After ascending steep stone stairs, they trod the length of a dim corridor. The squire halted. He pointed at a massive oak door which stood ajar. “In there.”
With faltering footsteps Alice stepped across the threshold of a magnificent bedchamber furnished with a huge bed, painted coffers and many other items. She gasped for she had never imagined such luxury. Until now she only knew the two rooms in the thatched cottage she and her large family shared with the livestock they hoped would survive winter’s frozen grip. Here a log fire blazed and a blend of dried lemon balm and lavender, which she was familiar with, scented the air.
Thursday, 7 February 2013
Growing organic food.
I am planning what to grow in my greenhouse and organic garden.
At the moment, in spite of the heavy snow earlier in the year, and the cold weather, I have curly kale, New Zealand spinach, brussel sprouts, winter cabbage, turnips and beetroot greens (which can be cooked like spinach) in the garden; and I have lambs lettuce and radishes in the greenhouse.
Every year I grow something new. Two years ago I planted an expensive disease resistant peach tree but so far it has only produced one delicious peach. This year I am going to grow a dwarf, self-fertile, nectarine that I can grow in the greenhouse and which will crop well. Talk about being optimistic!
Keen gardeners always visualise perfection but rarely achieve it, howevewr if one thing fails something else is sure to be successful. Usually I manage to grow 50 or 60% of my own fruit, herbs and vegetables. I also utilise weeds such as dandelions in various ways.
At the moment, in spite of the heavy snow earlier in the year, and the cold weather, I have curly kale, New Zealand spinach, brussel sprouts, winter cabbage, turnips and beetroot greens (which can be cooked like spinach) in the garden; and I have lambs lettuce and radishes in the greenhouse.
Every year I grow something new. Two years ago I planted an expensive disease resistant peach tree but so far it has only produced one delicious peach. This year I am going to grow a dwarf, self-fertile, nectarine that I can grow in the greenhouse and which will crop well. Talk about being optimistic!
Keen gardeners always visualise perfection but rarely achieve it, howevewr if one thing fails something else is sure to be successful. Usually I manage to grow 50 or 60% of my own fruit, herbs and vegetables. I also utilise weeds such as dandelions in various ways.
Wednesday, 6 February 2013
Finished my novel
I am patting myself on the back because, this morning, I finished tweaking my novel set in Edward IIs reign. Writing this novel has been so intense that I felt exhausted and when back to bed to have a nap.
All that is left before submitting it is applying the spell and grammar check and tweaking the synopsis and my letter of introduction to the publisher I plan to submit it to.
All that is left before submitting it is applying the spell and grammar check and tweaking the synopsis and my letter of introduction to the publisher I plan to submit it to.
Tuesday, 5 February 2013
Revision, Writing and Research
Only two more chapters of my novel set in Edward II of England's reign to tweak. Phew! This novel is - to use a cliche - a labour of love.
Writing and researching a novel without any assurance that it will be published requires enthusiasm,dedication and perserverance.
There was a time when I thought I would never be published and am delighted because MuseItUppublishing has published three of my historical novels and will publish a fourth in March. One is set in the reign of Queen Anne Stuart 1702 - 1714, and two are set in the Regency Era, and my fourth also set in Queen Anne's reign will be published in March, 2013.
Writing and researching a novel without any assurance that it will be published requires enthusiasm,dedication and perserverance.
There was a time when I thought I would never be published and am delighted because MuseItUppublishing has published three of my historical novels and will publish a fourth in March. One is set in the reign of Queen Anne Stuart 1702 - 1714, and two are set in the Regency Era, and my fourth also set in Queen Anne's reign will be published in March, 2013.
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Writing, Redecorating, GardeningStill tweaking my novel and can hardly believe it's taking so long. Oh well, when I finish I hope to have an extremely well-written manuscript.
Still tweaking my novel and can hardly believe it's taking so long. Oh well, when I finish I hope to have an extremely well-written manuscript.
Also, the re-decorating and gardening bugs are slowing me downToday, my son put two shelves by my bed. So, when I'm working in my bedroom on the laptop I will have everything within easy reach.
Next week the fireplace in the living room will be removed and the wall replastered and, when the plaster dries, repainted. I have some gorgeous silk cushions embroidered in the Chinese style and intend to choose a pale golden-yellow which matches one of the colours in them for the paint.
Also, the re-decorating and gardening bugs are slowing me downToday, my son put two shelves by my bed. So, when I'm working in my bedroom on the laptop I will have everything within easy reach.
Next week the fireplace in the living room will be removed and the wall replastered and, when the plaster dries, repainted. I have some gorgeous silk cushions embroidered in the Chinese style and intend to choose a pale golden-yellow which matches one of the colours in them for the paint.
Monday, 28 January 2013
Historical Research
I'm really glad I don't have a deadline for my novel set in Edward II's reign.
I was checking something for a friend, another historical novelist, in Burke's Peerage and Baronetage, and read the entry re:letters patent. To my dismay, I realised I had got the facts wrong in my novel.Phew! I am very glad I found out before I finish tweaking the novel and submit it.
I was checking something for a friend, another historical novelist, in Burke's Peerage and Baronetage, and read the entry re:letters patent. To my dismay, I realised I had got the facts wrong in my novel.Phew! I am very glad I found out before I finish tweaking the novel and submit it.
Saturday, 26 January 2013
Sun at Last and My Novel
It might be only temporary but at long last, here in South East England, there is a yellow orb in the sky! I'm staying at my youngest son and daughter-in-law’s house looking through the large patio windows at the large snow-covered garden at the end of which is a gate giving access to the forest.
So far I've seen a variety of birds and lots of squirrels when I glance up and out from the lap top while tweaking my novel set in the reign of Edward IInd.
So far I've seen a variety of birds and lots of squirrels when I glance up and out from the lap top while tweaking my novel set in the reign of Edward IInd.
Friday, 25 January 2013
Revision and A Change of Scene
I'm one third of the way through my novel set in Edward II's reign and looking forward to researching and writing the sequel.
Due to the snow I haven't been out and about much so I'm more than pleased with my change of scene. I'm spending tonight and tomorrow night with my youngest son and his family. His older son made me laugh, he wants to be an author when he grows up if he can make a living at it.
Due to the snow I haven't been out and about much so I'm more than pleased with my change of scene. I'm spending tonight and tomorrow night with my youngest son and his family. His older son made me laugh, he wants to be an author when he grows up if he can make a living at it.
Thursday, 24 January 2013
Cuttings Files + Cutting re:Frescos
As part of decluttering my entire house I have been going through box files in which I have been filing cuttings for yearsonly . I am only keeping ones pertinent to history. Amongst them I found one I had forgotten about medieval frescoes.
A character in my 'Edward II' novel has built a manor in the early 14th century with all the latest 'mod cons' century and decorated it. Amongst the decorations is a frescoe my imaginary character thinks even the king might envy.
In the medieval era the choice of colours were limited because only natural pigments were available. For example in the great Chamber of Longthorpe Tower three miles from Peterborough red, the same colour as nearby iron deposits predominates, in some of the best frescoes in the country.
A character in my 'Edward II' novel has built a manor in the early 14th century with all the latest 'mod cons' century and decorated it. Amongst the decorations is a frescoe my imaginary character thinks even the king might envy.
In the medieval era the choice of colours were limited because only natural pigments were available. For example in the great Chamber of Longthorpe Tower three miles from Peterborough red, the same colour as nearby iron deposits predominates, in some of the best frescoes in the country.
Wednesday, 23 January 2013
Final Check after Revising My Novel
I'm glad I decided to read through my 'Edward II' novel once more. So far I haven't found any historical inaccuracies but I have fund some misplaced commas and a few, a very few typos. I have also exchanged some weak verbs for stronger ones. Hopefully, I will definitely be able to submit it in the ver near future.
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