Another lovely little page 2!
Click to read full-size!
Posts
Book Bloggers' favourite books of 2016
9 years ago
Monday, 16 March 2009
My proudest uni achievement to date
It hit the news stands this morning. I love it! I had a sneak preview pdf sent to me at the weekend after OK-ing my picture... and it's even better than I imagined.
Click to read full-size!
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Second- hand rummaging
Forgive me, as I have not added to the sales of all these wonderful authors. But I must be excused for my student budget! Look at all of the goodies I found in charity shops today.... a lot of the books I've been meaning to buy, but never actually got around to it!
Lucky - Alice Sebold
Playing Away, Still Thinking of You, Husbands - Adele Parks
Playing Away, Still Thinking of You, Husbands - Adele Parks
The Self-Preservation Society - Kate Harrison
Lipstick Jungle - Candace Bushnell
You Drive Me Crazy - Carole Matthews
The Bride Stripped Bare - Anon
Happy reading!!!
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Adele Parks ‘In Conversation With…’
(The Demon)
Women’s fiction writer Adele Parks attended De Montfort University’s Cultural Exchanges week to give students an insight into the world of publishing.
Adele Parks, 40, has written eight bestselling novels, all together selling one million copies in the UK and having been translated into 15 different languages.
In conversation with DMU English lecturer Imelda Wheelehan, Adele gave a short reading of her latest novel, Tell Me Something, before sharing her own views on her writing, the term ‘chick-lit’ in general, and her experience of getting published.
Of her eighth novel, Tell Me Something, Adele explained the different direction she took in her first attempt to create a romantic heroine.
She said: “I always write about strong characters and for a change I created Elizabeth, a hopeless romantic and utter dreamer who has this belief that you can write a list about your perfect man, ticking them off as you go along.
“She had such a perfect man on paper but no idea of how to make it work. She lives in stereotypes and is so romantic that she can’t see the reality of it all.”
Asked if this new direction led onto her being classic ultimately as a ‘chick-lit’ writer, Adele explained how she felt to be put into the much debated about genre.
“At first I didn’t notice I was part of it, because I’ve always just written the books I wanted to write. I am very mixed towards the term, and I think the problem with ‘chick-lit’ is that it cuts off as many people as it includes.
“It’s great that we’ve come to an age where women get the same opportunity for book deals as men, but then after that all we see women write about is clingy, clumsy women who are forever seeking a man to feel complete in their lives.
“’Chick-lit’ is generally so nice, and a lot of it is a little bit like living in a 1950s movie where they will all get their happy endings – and I realise we only live there half of the time, not all of the time, so even though I’ve created Elizabeth my heroines don’t always get their happy ever after.”
Adele, who studied English Literature at Leicester University, also warned that the idea of a book deal is not always what it is made out to be.
She said: “You put yourself out there as a novelist, much more than I anticipated. I had no idea of the impact it would have on my private life and my family’s private life.
“But there does seem to be an idea of ‘chick-lit’ writers having these high advances for their books and leading glamorous lives. But your advance is almost buying you in, it isn’t what you continue to be paid for the whole of your contract. It’s very misleading. My advice would be to not write a book for that reason.
“I’m finding it harder to maintain a glamorous identity. I’m not naturally glamorous, I don’t wear skirts. However, people always check out my shoes because of the shoes on every cover of my book!
Asked if she would consider writing for other genres in the future, Adele said: “I would, but I would have to start over again and probably write under a pseudonym. However, my experiences have changed so much throughout the years that on comparing my first and latest novel, you would think they were by two completely different authors anyway.”
Women’s fiction writer Adele Parks attended De Montfort University’s Cultural Exchanges week to give students an insight into the world of publishing.
Adele Parks, 40, has written eight bestselling novels, all together selling one million copies in the UK and having been translated into 15 different languages.
In conversation with DMU English lecturer Imelda Wheelehan, Adele gave a short reading of her latest novel, Tell Me Something, before sharing her own views on her writing, the term ‘chick-lit’ in general, and her experience of getting published.
Of her eighth novel, Tell Me Something, Adele explained the different direction she took in her first attempt to create a romantic heroine.
She said: “I always write about strong characters and for a change I created Elizabeth, a hopeless romantic and utter dreamer who has this belief that you can write a list about your perfect man, ticking them off as you go along.
“She had such a perfect man on paper but no idea of how to make it work. She lives in stereotypes and is so romantic that she can’t see the reality of it all.”
Asked if this new direction led onto her being classic ultimately as a ‘chick-lit’ writer, Adele explained how she felt to be put into the much debated about genre.
“At first I didn’t notice I was part of it, because I’ve always just written the books I wanted to write. I am very mixed towards the term, and I think the problem with ‘chick-lit’ is that it cuts off as many people as it includes.
“It’s great that we’ve come to an age where women get the same opportunity for book deals as men, but then after that all we see women write about is clingy, clumsy women who are forever seeking a man to feel complete in their lives.
“’Chick-lit’ is generally so nice, and a lot of it is a little bit like living in a 1950s movie where they will all get their happy endings – and I realise we only live there half of the time, not all of the time, so even though I’ve created Elizabeth my heroines don’t always get their happy ever after.”
Adele, who studied English Literature at Leicester University, also warned that the idea of a book deal is not always what it is made out to be.
She said: “You put yourself out there as a novelist, much more than I anticipated. I had no idea of the impact it would have on my private life and my family’s private life.
“But there does seem to be an idea of ‘chick-lit’ writers having these high advances for their books and leading glamorous lives. But your advance is almost buying you in, it isn’t what you continue to be paid for the whole of your contract. It’s very misleading. My advice would be to not write a book for that reason.
“I’m finding it harder to maintain a glamorous identity. I’m not naturally glamorous, I don’t wear skirts. However, people always check out my shoes because of the shoes on every cover of my book!
Asked if she would consider writing for other genres in the future, Adele said: “I would, but I would have to start over again and probably write under a pseudonym. However, my experiences have changed so much throughout the years that on comparing my first and latest novel, you would think they were by two completely different authors anyway.”
Friday, 6 March 2009
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
A great opportunity
I wonder how many 1,000s of graduates will apply for this job?!
The Robert Warren Scholarship
The News of the World is delighted to announce the 2009 Robert Warren Graduate Scholarship in journalism - named in memory of one of the greatest journalists ever to grace British newspapers.
In an unparallelled 45 years with Britain's biggest Sunday newspaper, Bob, as all his friends knew him, filled a range of roles from reporter to news editor and executive editor. He passed away in early January, aged 73, and was known throughout the industry for the time and help he would give to young journalists. Prime Minister Gordon Brown described him as ''an inspiration to so many others.'' Colin Myler, editor of the News of the World, said: ''Many senior executives owe their careers to the start Bob gave them. It is absolutely fitting that our scholarship carries his name. "Journalists who pass through our training scheme should know that they are custodians of a great tradition of excellence in reporting and story-getting, and Bob helped forge that tradition for almost half a century. We will make sure each new generation respects the values that made Bob so special.''
If you’ve always wanted to train and work at the highest level of media, this is your chance. The winner of our scholarship will receive the most comprehensive training in our industry.
Graduates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
All we ask is that you have a university degree (or equivalent qualification) or be in the final year of a degree course. Of course, you must also be able to demonstrate a passion for the News of the World on all its platforms.
Our scholarship, run in conjunction with The Journalism Centre at Harlow College in Essex, lasts for two years during which our successful candidate will receive a salary. The News of the World will also pay tuition fees at Harlow College.
This is how the two years will be broken up:
September 2009 - Feb 2010
Our successful applicant will attend the 19-week postgraduate course at Harlow College’s Journalism Centre. This is an intensive, all-encompassing course providing a solid foundation on which to build and develop your journalistic talents.
During the course you’ll spend all your available free time (apart from your holiday entitlement) at the News of the World. Working in various departments, you’ll cover everything from a Premiership match to major political and showbiz stories both in print and online.
Feb 2010 - September 2011
You’ll gain experience of every relevant department in the News of the World. Apart from working on our news, features, picture and sports desks – plus Fabulous magazine and our website – you will look at the work of our circulation, marketing, production and advertising departments. You may also spend time at the News of the World’s Scottish or Irish offices.
How Do I Apply?
Applications must be typewritten and submitted by post. They must also include the following:
- A full CV
- An explanation of why the News of the World should choose you, in not more than 100 words.
- Your three favourite News of the World front pages and a 50-word comment on each.
- Details/examples of any newspaper/magazine/website work experience.
Applications should be sent to:
-
All applications must be received no later than Friday, May 8, 2009
FAQs
What sort of work experience do we expect?
While this scholarship is not aimed at people who already have a full-time job in our industry, those candidates we choose for interview MUST be able to demonstrate a history of involvement in NEWSPAPER journalism.
This is likely to be work experience with your local weekly, evening or daily newspaper - and not just contributions to websites or specialist magazines.
That said, at the News of the World we take our online edition extremely seriously, so additional experience in digital media is also welcomed.
It would also be a distinct advantage if your CV and cuttings can also show a commitment to newspaper work outside what we call your 'comfort zone' - that is, on a newspaper which is not in your home area.
Do I need to be an expert on the News of the World?
We accept that while most people read us on a Sunday, there may still be a few misguided souls who don't.
Clearly, though, if you're going to apply for a scholarship with us you'd be mad not to understand what makes us so passionate about great tabloid journalism. And, of course, if you get an interview you can expect us to be asking you about the paper.
I'm not sure I can make the application deadline. Can I have an extension?
In a word, no. Deadlines matter. Producing great journalism to tight time constraints is part of our lives - and if you're one of our next graduate trainees it will be part of yours too.
What happens after you receive the applications? Will I know what happens to mine?
Everyone, without exception, gets a reply though, clearly, that won't be until after the closing date. From the applications we receive, we will choose a number for interview. These interviews are likely to take place in June 2009 with the successful applicant notified very soon after interview.
If I'm successful, what happens then?
Between interview and the start of the Harlow course in September 2009, we expect you to engage in at least a fortnight's work experience with a mainstream UK daily or evening regional newspaper outside your comfort zone.
We hope you'll have enough acumen to arrange your own work experience.
What sort of work will I be doing at the News of the World?
Proper journalism. We certainly won't get you making the coffee or doing the photocopying. From day one, you'll be contributing to the paper, doing everything you can - with our help - to get great bylined stories in print and on our website.
You'll be working alongside some of the greatest names in tabloid journalism - people who are just as excited by our graduate scheme as you are. So far, all our previous graduate trainees have managed front-page bylines during their traineeship.
What sort of holidays do I get?
Holidays? You want holidays? Fair enough. Our graduate trainees get six weeks' paid holiday a year, September to September.
Your first break from the Harlow course will be in late October/early November 2009 when you will have a week away from college. During this week you will work on the News of the World. Your next time away from Harlow will be at Christmas 2009 when you will have a fortnight away from the course.
You'll spend one week at the News of the World and have one week's well-deserved holiday out of your six weeks' entitlement. After your final exams in February 2010 (which we naturally expect you to pass well!) you'll be working full-time on the News of the World until September 2011.
What if I have any more queries?
E-mail our deputy managing editor Paul Nicholas at -
The Robert Warren Scholarship
The News of the World is delighted to announce the 2009 Robert Warren Graduate Scholarship in journalism - named in memory of one of the greatest journalists ever to grace British newspapers.
In an unparallelled 45 years with Britain's biggest Sunday newspaper, Bob, as all his friends knew him, filled a range of roles from reporter to news editor and executive editor. He passed away in early January, aged 73, and was known throughout the industry for the time and help he would give to young journalists. Prime Minister Gordon Brown described him as ''an inspiration to so many others.'' Colin Myler, editor of the News of the World, said: ''Many senior executives owe their careers to the start Bob gave them. It is absolutely fitting that our scholarship carries his name. "Journalists who pass through our training scheme should know that they are custodians of a great tradition of excellence in reporting and story-getting, and Bob helped forge that tradition for almost half a century. We will make sure each new generation respects the values that made Bob so special.''
If you’ve always wanted to train and work at the highest level of media, this is your chance. The winner of our scholarship will receive the most comprehensive training in our industry.
Graduates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
All we ask is that you have a university degree (or equivalent qualification) or be in the final year of a degree course. Of course, you must also be able to demonstrate a passion for the News of the World on all its platforms.
Our scholarship, run in conjunction with The Journalism Centre at Harlow College in Essex, lasts for two years during which our successful candidate will receive a salary. The News of the World will also pay tuition fees at Harlow College.
This is how the two years will be broken up:
September 2009 - Feb 2010
Our successful applicant will attend the 19-week postgraduate course at Harlow College’s Journalism Centre. This is an intensive, all-encompassing course providing a solid foundation on which to build and develop your journalistic talents.
During the course you’ll spend all your available free time (apart from your holiday entitlement) at the News of the World. Working in various departments, you’ll cover everything from a Premiership match to major political and showbiz stories both in print and online.
Feb 2010 - September 2011
You’ll gain experience of every relevant department in the News of the World. Apart from working on our news, features, picture and sports desks – plus Fabulous magazine and our website – you will look at the work of our circulation, marketing, production and advertising departments. You may also spend time at the News of the World’s Scottish or Irish offices.
How Do I Apply?
Applications must be typewritten and submitted by post. They must also include the following:
- A full CV
- An explanation of why the News of the World should choose you, in not more than 100 words.
- Your three favourite News of the World front pages and a 50-word comment on each.
- Details/examples of any newspaper/magazine/website work experience.
Applications should be sent to:
-
All applications must be received no later than Friday, May 8, 2009
FAQs
What sort of work experience do we expect?
While this scholarship is not aimed at people who already have a full-time job in our industry, those candidates we choose for interview MUST be able to demonstrate a history of involvement in NEWSPAPER journalism.
This is likely to be work experience with your local weekly, evening or daily newspaper - and not just contributions to websites or specialist magazines.
That said, at the News of the World we take our online edition extremely seriously, so additional experience in digital media is also welcomed.
It would also be a distinct advantage if your CV and cuttings can also show a commitment to newspaper work outside what we call your 'comfort zone' - that is, on a newspaper which is not in your home area.
Do I need to be an expert on the News of the World?
We accept that while most people read us on a Sunday, there may still be a few misguided souls who don't.
Clearly, though, if you're going to apply for a scholarship with us you'd be mad not to understand what makes us so passionate about great tabloid journalism. And, of course, if you get an interview you can expect us to be asking you about the paper.
I'm not sure I can make the application deadline. Can I have an extension?
In a word, no. Deadlines matter. Producing great journalism to tight time constraints is part of our lives - and if you're one of our next graduate trainees it will be part of yours too.
What happens after you receive the applications? Will I know what happens to mine?
Everyone, without exception, gets a reply though, clearly, that won't be until after the closing date. From the applications we receive, we will choose a number for interview. These interviews are likely to take place in June 2009 with the successful applicant notified very soon after interview.
If I'm successful, what happens then?
Between interview and the start of the Harlow course in September 2009, we expect you to engage in at least a fortnight's work experience with a mainstream UK daily or evening regional newspaper outside your comfort zone.
We hope you'll have enough acumen to arrange your own work experience.
What sort of work will I be doing at the News of the World?
Proper journalism. We certainly won't get you making the coffee or doing the photocopying. From day one, you'll be contributing to the paper, doing everything you can - with our help - to get great bylined stories in print and on our website.
You'll be working alongside some of the greatest names in tabloid journalism - people who are just as excited by our graduate scheme as you are. So far, all our previous graduate trainees have managed front-page bylines during their traineeship.
What sort of holidays do I get?
Holidays? You want holidays? Fair enough. Our graduate trainees get six weeks' paid holiday a year, September to September.
Your first break from the Harlow course will be in late October/early November 2009 when you will have a week away from college. During this week you will work on the News of the World. Your next time away from Harlow will be at Christmas 2009 when you will have a fortnight away from the course.
You'll spend one week at the News of the World and have one week's well-deserved holiday out of your six weeks' entitlement. After your final exams in February 2010 (which we naturally expect you to pass well!) you'll be working full-time on the News of the World until September 2011.
What if I have any more queries?
E-mail our deputy managing editor Paul Nicholas at -
Coming to a Demon near you... (okay maybe not)
I stressed last year how important it was to try and build up a portfolio with enough published articles to try and impress my future employers. But last year work-experience everywhere was fully booked, and my uni newspaper was charging £30 for anyone wanting to join and write for them [sounds like a small fee but not when you're already £998 overdrawn]
But then when you get to third year and all of your friends are the feature eds/news eds/ general editor then things tend to get a bit easier. My lovely friend F, the editor of our uni newspaper The Demon was having a good rant the other day about everyone being too busy to write and submit content, cue bright idea Dans here wondering why the heck she hadn't pulled her finger out before.
F said they are always looking for content and need news stories to be 300-500 words, with features a good 1,000 with a nice pic, and a small plead from F to SUBMIT WHATEVER YOU CAN.
I've been really stressed lately and didn't have any ideas, I asked My Boyf and he said the Ed of Marie Claire magazine in the meeting he had with her at London Fashion Week (GRRR) was constantly talking about the effect that the recession was having on fashion, with designers making their clothes more user-friendly and longer-lasting.
Good idea, I thought, and tried to go on it but couldn't really find a Leicester link. And then when I was out and about in town - window shopping, of course, as it is still February - I went into Oxfam and had a sudden brainwave. Cue notepad and pen grabbed out of bag, and young unsuspecting shop volunteer being interrogated for a good few minutes about the effect the state of the economy is having on charity shop trade.
Et voila! Made the fashion pages today, yay!
Charity shops struggle in hard times
D Wright
High street retailers aren’t the only ones feeling the credit crunch as charity shops have been left with empty rails due to a fall in donations.
As cash-strapped customers choose to save money by not buying new clothes, they are continuing to wear last years’ fashions instead of bagging them up and donating them to their local charity shop.
At the same time customers are racing to charity shops to pick up the latest bargain, leaving shops struggling to find enough good-quality clothes to keep their shelves properly stocked.
A volunteer at the Oxfam shop in Leicester’s Market Street, who would like to remain anonymous, said they have been hit hard by the current economic crisis although they are advised to stay positive.
She said: “We like to think there hasn’t been much difference in the amount of donations in and goods out of the shop although it’s clear that we’ve been a lot quieter than normal lately.
“It’s just a shame. Of course Oxfam are continually doing well in raising money but the quality of donations has definitely decreased. And if you look around the shop you’ll see items that have been in here for three, four weeks that would usually have been snapped up straight away.
“People are thinking twice about both donating and buying clothes from second-hand shops and soon enough it will start to have a big effect on individual shops and sales.”
Rob McNeill, a spokesman for Oxfam, has always stressed on how much charity shops need their customers’ help. He said: “Our donations are starting to decline and demand for products is up, so we are saying to people: ‘Please, please bring your unused stuff to us.’ Even if you’re feeling broke, get rid of stuff that doesn’t fit, or you don’t like, and freeing up space in your cupboard can literally save lives.”
Oxfam’s shops made a profit of £20 million last year, although the charity now has to work harder to bring the customers in. They recently teamed up with Marks and Spencers to give out a £5 voucher to anyone donating clothes from the high-street giant, which is thought to have prompted more than 500,000 donations.
And as Faye is really struggling for content, she's just this second asked me to write 600 words on Jade Goody... yay! It's in the comments section and so can be from any angle, and include any opinion I wish to include..! The only problem is, she wants it by tomorrow morning to make this edition too!
But then when you get to third year and all of your friends are the feature eds/news eds/ general editor then things tend to get a bit easier. My lovely friend F, the editor of our uni newspaper The Demon was having a good rant the other day about everyone being too busy to write and submit content, cue bright idea Dans here wondering why the heck she hadn't pulled her finger out before.
F said they are always looking for content and need news stories to be 300-500 words, with features a good 1,000 with a nice pic, and a small plead from F to SUBMIT WHATEVER YOU CAN.
I've been really stressed lately and didn't have any ideas, I asked My Boyf and he said the Ed of Marie Claire magazine in the meeting he had with her at London Fashion Week (GRRR) was constantly talking about the effect that the recession was having on fashion, with designers making their clothes more user-friendly and longer-lasting.
Good idea, I thought, and tried to go on it but couldn't really find a Leicester link. And then when I was out and about in town - window shopping, of course, as it is still February - I went into Oxfam and had a sudden brainwave. Cue notepad and pen grabbed out of bag, and young unsuspecting shop volunteer being interrogated for a good few minutes about the effect the state of the economy is having on charity shop trade.
Et voila! Made the fashion pages today, yay!
Charity shops struggle in hard times
D Wright
High street retailers aren’t the only ones feeling the credit crunch as charity shops have been left with empty rails due to a fall in donations.
As cash-strapped customers choose to save money by not buying new clothes, they are continuing to wear last years’ fashions instead of bagging them up and donating them to their local charity shop.
At the same time customers are racing to charity shops to pick up the latest bargain, leaving shops struggling to find enough good-quality clothes to keep their shelves properly stocked.
A volunteer at the Oxfam shop in Leicester’s Market Street, who would like to remain anonymous, said they have been hit hard by the current economic crisis although they are advised to stay positive.
She said: “We like to think there hasn’t been much difference in the amount of donations in and goods out of the shop although it’s clear that we’ve been a lot quieter than normal lately.
“It’s just a shame. Of course Oxfam are continually doing well in raising money but the quality of donations has definitely decreased. And if you look around the shop you’ll see items that have been in here for three, four weeks that would usually have been snapped up straight away.
“People are thinking twice about both donating and buying clothes from second-hand shops and soon enough it will start to have a big effect on individual shops and sales.”
Rob McNeill, a spokesman for Oxfam, has always stressed on how much charity shops need their customers’ help. He said: “Our donations are starting to decline and demand for products is up, so we are saying to people: ‘Please, please bring your unused stuff to us.’ Even if you’re feeling broke, get rid of stuff that doesn’t fit, or you don’t like, and freeing up space in your cupboard can literally save lives.”
Oxfam’s shops made a profit of £20 million last year, although the charity now has to work harder to bring the customers in. They recently teamed up with Marks and Spencers to give out a £5 voucher to anyone donating clothes from the high-street giant, which is thought to have prompted more than 500,000 donations.
And as Faye is really struggling for content, she's just this second asked me to write 600 words on Jade Goody... yay! It's in the comments section and so can be from any angle, and include any opinion I wish to include..! The only problem is, she wants it by tomorrow morning to make this edition too!
Friday, 20 February 2009
Adele Parks 'In Conversation With...'
Yay yay yay yay YAY!
I love Cultural Exchanges week!!!!!
Every year at DMU we have CE week, where us lovely Humanities students have the whole week off uni (even more YAY) and get to go to lots of wonderful events (or stay in bed all week like I have done two years' previous)
And look what's happening this year!!!
Adele Parks, ‘In Conversation with…’,
Thursday 5th March,
5.00pm-6.00pm,
Clephan Building, [the most wonderful building in DMU of course]
room 3.03.
Adele Parks, one of the biggest selling women's fiction authors in the UK, discusses her work and the themes that she writes about including adultery, second marriages, mothers-in-law and staying friends with your ex. She received a nomination for Romantic Novelist of the Year Award, Best Novel (2008) for Young Wives' Tales and two of her books are currently being developed as movie scripts. She will be in conversation with Professor Imelda Whelehan (DMU).
And, even better, this EVENT IS FREE!
Ohhh I can't wait! Soo excited, I'm sure it's going to be fabulous! Imelda Whelehan is my current Literature in Film lecturer, she's fabulous too.
I'm booked my place, have my copy of Tell Me Something ready, and even better I'm going to write up the event for our uni newspaper.
Yay!
I love Cultural Exchanges week!!!!!
Every year at DMU we have CE week, where us lovely Humanities students have the whole week off uni (even more YAY) and get to go to lots of wonderful events (or stay in bed all week like I have done two years' previous)
And look what's happening this year!!!
Adele Parks, ‘In Conversation with…’,
Thursday 5th March,
5.00pm-6.00pm,
Clephan Building, [the most wonderful building in DMU of course]
room 3.03.
Adele Parks, one of the biggest selling women's fiction authors in the UK, discusses her work and the themes that she writes about including adultery, second marriages, mothers-in-law and staying friends with your ex. She received a nomination for Romantic Novelist of the Year Award, Best Novel (2008) for Young Wives' Tales and two of her books are currently being developed as movie scripts. She will be in conversation with Professor Imelda Whelehan (DMU).And, even better, this EVENT IS FREE!
Ohhh I can't wait! Soo excited, I'm sure it's going to be fabulous! Imelda Whelehan is my current Literature in Film lecturer, she's fabulous too.
I'm booked my place, have my copy of Tell Me Something ready, and even better I'm going to write up the event for our uni newspaper.
Yay!
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Friday, 13 February 2009
i'm hereee i'm hereee pick meee pick meee!!!
God, I miss Legs 11! I miss writing, I miss competitions, I miss everything and anything about writing. I still read, and I still catch up on everyone's blogs and achievements, I just never seem to have time to write.
Life's been pretty crazy, there's always drama drama, never a chance to sit still for an hour and think, right, let's get on with Legs 11! I'm sooo itching to do it, but first there's books to read, articles to write, impossible essays to complete, a publication to produce AND A DISSERTATION. Scary stuff. The scariest part of it all is that after all of <----that hard work, I have to try and find a job, which looks like the hardest part of it all. So I just wanted to apologise for being away from the writing blogosphere for so long, however I do update my personal blog very frequently over at danslily with some fun things going on, quotes of the week, the lovely yum of the week not to mention updates on my wonderful new relationship. Yep after almost a year as a happy singleton I am now dating one of my friend's brothers and he's loooovely and yum.
All is good, and graduation is just around the corner, which means that surely the Legs 11 rewrite is not that far away either?!
Life's been pretty crazy, there's always drama drama, never a chance to sit still for an hour and think, right, let's get on with Legs 11! I'm sooo itching to do it, but first there's books to read, articles to write, impossible essays to complete, a publication to produce AND A DISSERTATION. Scary stuff. The scariest part of it all is that after all of <----that hard work, I have to try and find a job, which looks like the hardest part of it all. So I just wanted to apologise for being away from the writing blogosphere for so long, however I do update my personal blog very frequently over at danslily with some fun things going on, quotes of the week, the lovely yum of the week not to mention updates on my wonderful new relationship. Yep after almost a year as a happy singleton I am now dating one of my friend's brothers and he's loooovely and yum.
All is good, and graduation is just around the corner, which means that surely the Legs 11 rewrite is not that far away either?!
Wednesday, 22 October 2008
happy times
Even with my blog being a boring, empty one as of late, I've received an award! Thank you to Lily for this lovely award that has immediately brightened up my page!
In order to accept this award I have to answer these questions with one-worded answers...
1. Where is your cell phone? Desk
2. Where is your significant other? Non-existent
3. Your hair color? Blonde
4. Your mother? Work
5. Your father? Hospital
6. Your favorite thing? Pinboard
7. Your dream last night? Unknown
8. Your dream/goal? Graduate
9. The room you're in? Dorm room
10. Your hobby? Reading
11. Your fear? Failure
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? London
13. Where were you last night? Pub
14. What you're not? Confident
15. One of your wish-list items? Boots
16. Where you grew up? Leicester
17. The last thing you did? Lunch
18. What are you wearing? Jama bottoms/ DMU hoodie
19. Your TV? No TV for me...
20. Your pets? Dog at home home.
21. Your computer? Love it
22. Your mood? Worried
23. Missing someone? Joe
24. Your car?
25. Something you're not wearing? Make-up
26. Favorite store? H&M
27. Your summer? Exhausting
28. Love someone? Yes
29. Your favorite color? Yellow
30. When is the last time you laughed? Playing pool.
31. Last time you cried? Watching Pretty in Pink.
I would like to pass this award onto Paige, KayJay and Sarah G as I love all of your blogs very much.
=)
Even with my blog being a boring, empty one as of late, I've received an award! Thank you to Lily for this lovely award that has immediately brightened up my page!
In order to accept this award I have to answer these questions with one-worded answers...
1. Where is your cell phone? Desk
2. Where is your significant other? Non-existent
3. Your hair color? Blonde
4. Your mother? Work
5. Your father? Hospital
6. Your favorite thing? Pinboard
7. Your dream last night? Unknown
8. Your dream/goal? Graduate
9. The room you're in? Dorm room
10. Your hobby? Reading
11. Your fear? Failure
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? London
13. Where were you last night? Pub
14. What you're not? Confident
15. One of your wish-list items? Boots
16. Where you grew up? Leicester
17. The last thing you did? Lunch
18. What are you wearing? Jama bottoms/ DMU hoodie
19. Your TV? No TV for me...
20. Your pets? Dog at home home.
21. Your computer? Love it
22. Your mood? Worried
23. Missing someone? Joe
24. Your car?
25. Something you're not wearing? Make-up
26. Favorite store? H&M
27. Your summer? Exhausting
28. Love someone? Yes
29. Your favorite color? Yellow
30. When is the last time you laughed? Playing pool.
31. Last time you cried? Watching Pretty in Pink.
I would like to pass this award onto Paige, KayJay and Sarah G as I love all of your blogs very much.
=)
Monday, 20 October 2008
Thursday, 2 October 2008
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
yum of
the
week
yummy yummy Danny Cipriani. Born 1987, plays rugby for Wasps and of course England. The next best thing, he's amazing on the field, clearly beautiful off the field, and not even afraid to get his kit off for the Cosmopolitan centrefold to raise awareness of cancer.
yummy yummy Danny Cipriani. Born 1987, plays rugby for Wasps and of course England. The next best thing, he's amazing on the field, clearly beautiful off the field, and not even afraid to get his kit off for the Cosmopolitan centrefold to raise awareness of cancer.
lucky lucky Kelly Brooke!
Monday, 22 September 2008
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
the [problem with the] bookshelf
i'm having a slight problem. I'm packing, getting all excited for my move-into-flat day on Saturday. The dvds I want with me are packed, the exclusive CDs are packed and the rest on iTunes........ and then there are the books.
I want to take all of my books with me. Yes, all 78 of them!!! There's just one problem - I know for certain that they will not all fit in my tiny tiny tiny tiny dorm room.
So which ones do I take? I love them all, and if I leave them behind they will surely find themselves in the trash can [the brother is moving into my room].
This made me think of something as I looked at all of my wonderful books -which is your favourite book of all time? I found mine hiding on the top of my bookshelf whilst sorting out my collection:
i'm having a slight problem. I'm packing, getting all excited for my move-into-flat day on Saturday. The dvds I want with me are packed, the exclusive CDs are packed and the rest on iTunes........ and then there are the books.
I want to take all of my books with me. Yes, all 78 of them!!! There's just one problem - I know for certain that they will not all fit in my tiny tiny tiny tiny dorm room.
So which ones do I take? I love them all, and if I leave them behind they will surely find themselves in the trash can [the brother is moving into my room].
This made me think of something as I looked at all of my wonderful books -which is your favourite book of all time? I found mine hiding on the top of my bookshelf whilst sorting out my collection:
Danielle Steel - The Ring
"In the turbulent days of Germany nin the Thirties, Kassandra von Gotthard met the man who changed her life ... Dolff Sterne.
She was the beautiful wife of a wealthy banker. He was a famous Jewish writer.
Together they shared a love that happens only once in a lifetime. But theirs was a love fated to end in tragedy.
The fateful day came when Dolff was wrenched from Kassandra's arms by Nazi soldiers - leaving her heartbroken and humiliated. And Kassandra decided that her life was no longer worth living. All that she leaves for her descendants is her memory of pain and a diamond signet ring. A ring that will carry the destiny of the von Gotthards to new lives and new loves..."
My best friend from Australia sent it to me to read about a week before we lost touch forever, so this book really means a lot to me. It made me cry absolute buckets, but it had me gripped all of the way through.
And it's definitely on the take-to-dorm pile!
Tuesday, 16 September 2008
year 3 english : studies in literature and film
Term One
William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
William Shakespeare, Hamlet
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice (1813)
Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility (1811)
Term Two
Henry James, The Turn of the Screw (1898)
Dashiell Hammett, The Maltese Falcon (1930)
Raymond Chandler The Long Goodbye (1953)
Alice Walker, The Color Purple (1983)
Toni Morrison, Beloved (1987)
Dodi Smith, The One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1956)
Films
William Shakespeares Romeo +Juliet, (Luhrmann, 1996)
Shakespeare in Love, (Madden, 1996)
Hamlet (Almereyda, 2000)
Hamlet (Olivier,1948)
Hamlet (Zeffirelli, 1990)
Hamlet (Branagh, 1996)
Miss Austen Regrets (Lovering, 2008)
Pride and Prejudice ( Leonard, 1940)
Pride and Prejudice (Wright, 2005)
Becoming Jane, (Jarrold, 2007)
Sense and Sensibility (Lee 1995)
Sense and Sensibility (Alexander, 2008)
The Innocents (Clayton, 1961)
The Maltese Falcon (Huston, 1941)
The Big Sleep (Hawks, 1946)
The Long Goodbye (Altman, 1973)
The Color Purple (Spielberg, 1985)
Beloved (Demme, 1998)
One Hundred and One Dalmatians (Disney animation,1961)
101 Dalmatians (Herek, 1996)
Going to be a good year! Although I'm so fed up with studying Hamlet for the past 4 years, and now I have to watch FOUR versions of the film! Enough to send anyone mad..
Term One
William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
William Shakespeare, Hamlet
Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice (1813)
Jane Austen, Sense and Sensibility (1811)
Term Two
Henry James, The Turn of the Screw (1898)
Dashiell Hammett, The Maltese Falcon (1930)
Raymond Chandler The Long Goodbye (1953)
Alice Walker, The Color Purple (1983)
Toni Morrison, Beloved (1987)
Dodi Smith, The One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1956)
Films
William Shakespeares Romeo +Juliet, (Luhrmann, 1996)
Shakespeare in Love, (Madden, 1996)
Hamlet (Almereyda, 2000)
Hamlet (Olivier,1948)
Hamlet (Zeffirelli, 1990)
Hamlet (Branagh, 1996)
Miss Austen Regrets (Lovering, 2008)
Pride and Prejudice ( Leonard, 1940)
Pride and Prejudice (Wright, 2005)
Becoming Jane, (Jarrold, 2007)
Sense and Sensibility (Lee 1995)
Sense and Sensibility (Alexander, 2008)
The Innocents (Clayton, 1961)
The Maltese Falcon (Huston, 1941)
The Big Sleep (Hawks, 1946)
The Long Goodbye (Altman, 1973)
The Color Purple (Spielberg, 1985)
Beloved (Demme, 1998)
One Hundred and One Dalmatians (Disney animation,1961)
101 Dalmatians (Herek, 1996)
Going to be a good year! Although I'm so fed up with studying Hamlet for the past 4 years, and now I have to watch FOUR versions of the film! Enough to send anyone mad..
Monday, 15 September 2008
gossipgossipgossip
i'm really loving The Hallam Brats, a new blog I discovered a few days ago when trawling through some random blogs. It's like our very own Gossip Girl, and has added to the many distractions keeping me away from writing!
I'm not sure whether it's fact or fiction, but either way it has me constantly checking for updates on the world of the rich kids. I love Lilly, hate Summer, can sympathise with Camps, and think Josh is a total hottie. And it's all only just started!
http://thehallambrats.blogspot.com/
i'm really loving The Hallam Brats, a new blog I discovered a few days ago when trawling through some random blogs. It's like our very own Gossip Girl, and has added to the many distractions keeping me away from writing!
I'm not sure whether it's fact or fiction, but either way it has me constantly checking for updates on the world of the rich kids. I love Lilly, hate Summer, can sympathise with Camps, and think Josh is a total hottie. And it's all only just started!
http://thehallambrats.blogspot.com/
Sunday, 14 September 2008
Saturday, 13 September 2008
work in progress
So far I've completed 539/2000 words for my entry to Company/Galaxy/LBD's short story competition. How's everyone else doing? I'm sure most have been written, edited and sent by now! I'm not leaving myself a lot of time, although I'm quite pleased with what I've written so far.
My idea's quite quirky and I do like it, although the whole short-story idea gets me so nervous! I've never written a short story, ever ever or ever. I'm hoping to get it finished and sent off by tomorrow, with only the chance of praying that it gets there on time!
How many people have entered? I don't know what's made me enter this year, I nearly wasn't going to until an idea popped into my head whilst on holiday. It gets me back into writing though, which I'm pleased about, although I'm guessing I won't have time to do much of anything after uni starts again next week.
Good luck to everyone that's entered and I hope we get more success from this fabulous magazine compared to you-know-who!
So far I've completed 539/2000 words for my entry to Company/Galaxy/LBD's short story competition. How's everyone else doing? I'm sure most have been written, edited and sent by now! I'm not leaving myself a lot of time, although I'm quite pleased with what I've written so far. My idea's quite quirky and I do like it, although the whole short-story idea gets me so nervous! I've never written a short story, ever ever or ever. I'm hoping to get it finished and sent off by tomorrow, with only the chance of praying that it gets there on time!
How many people have entered? I don't know what's made me enter this year, I nearly wasn't going to until an idea popped into my head whilst on holiday. It gets me back into writing though, which I'm pleased about, although I'm guessing I won't have time to do much of anything after uni starts again next week.
Good luck to everyone that's entered and I hope we get more success from this fabulous magazine compared to you-know-who!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
