Central North C2C - Mid-day meeting in Matamata - 09th July 2011

It has been a while since anyone has used this blog site! And with our recent influx of new members maybe we can resurrect some interest in blogging as a way of sharing what we are doing/learning with the group? Thanks Lyn for reminding me that we all have access to it.

The meeting this Saturday is organised! Nicki is looking forward to hosting us and taking an invigorating workshop. Don't forget to bring the 200 words that take you into the first intimate scene between your H & H (this is something to share aloud with the group) from your current wip (or any older/new work). And don't forget any other saucy ideas/inspirational props for the off the cuff writing that we will be doing.

Directions have been emailed to you.

C U all there. Gaylene.

October RWNZ Meeting

It's a long time since anything was added to the blog! We had a great meeting at Jenny Yates' in Piopio on Saturday. Jenny had arranged for Ana Namu, a specialist in psycho-drama to come and speak about using psycho-dramatic techniques as a writing tool. It was a very interesting and enlightening afternoon.

Speaking aloud to your characters and have them answer/challenge you puts a whole different perspective on characterisation. Might sound strange, actually stepping into the physical space of your characters and voicing their opinions and uncertainties but I believe it added another exciting layer to the ways we can add depth and bring our heroes and heroines out of hiding.

It was a two-hour drive to Piopio along State Highway 30 through Whakamaru and Benneydale. Lovely rural countryside. Here are a couple of links to stories I wrote about the drive for online magazine Suite101: from Rotorua to Whakamaru and from Whakamaru to Piopio.

Looking forward to catching up with everyone again in November.

Another fantastic meeting yesterday, this time at Angela's in the Waikato. I really learned a lot from Gracie's presentation about critiquing. People often ask the questions that hadn't occured to me, so there's this wonderful roundabout of gathering knowledge. Gracie talked about Holly Lisle's 'Create a Character' clinic - it looks like a worthwhile investment of $9.95.

Once I'd got through the fog, the drive from Rotorua was beautiful. Coming home is always a reflective time to think about the discussions, and where your writing might go as a result. It was great to meet Vicky and Catherine and to share time with everyone again. Sandra, I can't wait to see your art on my wall. Thanks Angela for your lovely hospitality and for giving me the opportunity to cuddle cats again! I love cats but when our last little ginger cat was run over we decided not to get another one because we live in an area where there are a lot of native birds - but I do miss having another feline around the place.
Lyn

Good weeks/bad weeks

Hi all. Didn't have such a good week last week. Developed a migraine on Tuesday and it knocked me back for the rest of the week. However this last weekend has been great. Started the first chapter (again!) and am writing scenes as they come to me and saving them for later. That was really good advice from Jenny. Now they aren't bothering me and I can concentrate on working up to them. My promise for this month was at least the first two chapters so it is looking really good for me to be able to complete. Yeah! This contracting thing is such a good idea. I seem to be in need of deadlines. lol. Well shall carry on. Best to all
Sarah (Taupo)

Hi all. Having a fabulous day today. Back to swimming 40 lengths at out AC baths. That's 1 k. Wha-hoo! Haven't managed that since Dec. last year. Have just finished my back story for my hero and have learnt many new things about him. Ended up being 7 pages worth. Working this afternoon at our store so will start on my heroine in between customers. Also managed to finish a proper GMC (that's Goal, Motivation and Conflict) for both main characters. External and internal. This makes the plotting really easy and keeps you on track. Even managed to get most of the housework done as well. Anyway just needed to let someone know how good the writing's going at present all due to our great meeting on Saturday. Thanks to all who attended for the inspiration.

Happy crafting to all.

Sarah (Taupo).

Romance Writers Meeting

Fabulous day yesterday - thanks everyone!
Lyn

GOOD TO SEE

It is good to see this site in action again.

Lyn, I love your blog, your art is amazing.

I have also achieved my goal of writing two chapters and completing my plot for current WIP. I am now making a start on the third chapter, finding the right words to tell the story (especially the emotional parts) is the part that slows me down the most.

Angela