Today was my first day back to work after over two weeks with the worst cold ever. The cold cycled through nose, head, throat and chest, over and over again, ending with a bout of bronchitis that even now leaves me breathless (not in the good way). So, for the last two weeks I’ve done little other than sleep and avoid the glares of friends, family and strangers on the street, who were all hoping not to catch the plague.
Today left me exhausted. But, one of the things that helped me power through is that I’m still riding a high from last weekend’s Surrey International Writers’ Conference. I went sick, but I went and I couldn’t be happier. I met amazing people, took in amazing seminars (between coughing fits and naps) and pitched my novel Riveted three times. I don’t want to jinx my chances, but I had a request (or three) for chapters and I am now waiting (impatiently) to see how the agents like my writing. Wish me luck.
Writing Exercise:
Songs tell a story. The story is written by the author, but the meaning is delivered by the singer. The singer has the ability to change a song dramatically depending on the emotion they bring to the performance. Songs present a similar exciting opportunity to authors. Singers can give the words emotion, and writers can give the words a history. Listen to your favourite song, then read the lyrics. Ask yourself where the song came from. Don’t research. Pretend your character wrote the lyrics then tell the story behind them. Are the words ironic? Are they heartfelt? Are they driven by a passionate life experience, or the canny mind of a professional songwriter looking to make a buck. Spend twenty minutes telling yourself the story behind your favourite song. Happy writing.
