Archive for November, 2006


How to keep the writer writing

November 30th, 2006 by janet

I’ve been in a bit of a hole lately in terms of my fiction writing. I just can’t think of any ideas for stories. And I’m playing that waiting game that all writers play – I’ve sent off two fiction pieces to magazines and am waiting with my fingers and toes crossed for a reply, an acknowledgement of my hard work and abilities as a writer.

But not hearing back from the magazines is no reflection on the quality of my work. There’s no point having a sulk refusing to keep churning out stuff because “nobody buys it”.   

I just came across a great blog post from Angela Booth. It made me realise one very important thing:

I need to add to my inventory of writing, to extend my goals, and not to sit and wait for pats on the back.

So it’s fingers to the keyboard! Time to diversify, create e-books for kids that are fun and easy to read. Oh, and easy to access. Print media is not the only way to go and it’s time I experienced a bit of the future.

Oh, and another thing that this blog reminded me of – apart from practising writing – is to keep reading. When ideas are slow to come, read in the genre you write in. Get ideas that way. It’s a gem!

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Celebrate Ability

November 22nd, 2006 by janet

On Sunday December 3, I am going to the Celebrate Ability Convention in Perth at the Perth Convention Centre

This is a free day, designed to showcase adapted equipment and craft that can be used by people with disabilities to join in recreational activities. A bio-medical engineer, Darren Lomman of Dreamfit is behind some amazing inventions, such as a hand controlled motor cycle which can be ridden by a paraplegic.

The theme of the day is that people with disabilities can get out there and enjoy recreational hobbies, just like anyone else. There is always a way around things, and Darren and his team have proved that with their wonderful inventions.

I am really excited to be one of the guest speakers on the day. My message will be never to give up, no matter what, which is the consistent theme in my book, Beyond the Red Door. My book will be available on the day for buying and I will autograph copies.

The convention is open to everybody. I hope to see you there. 

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Enjoying the Glory

November 21st, 2006 by janet

On Saturday night, I did something I never thought I would – I went to a soccer match.

I was invited as a guest speaker to attend a pre-event function at the Perth Glory home game. The room was full of anticipation: the Glory hadn’t won for a while, and everyone was feeling nervous. Not knowing anything about soccer, I wasn’t sure what I would make of it, whether I’d get “the bug”.

Well, I did! What an exciting game! With only about ten seconds to spare, the Glory silenced their critics and scored the winning goal. The crowd literally roared and didn’t stop for ages. A live game really rules over watching it on the TV.

I’ll be watching the team closely in the future…might even go to another game. 

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Heading for an 8km marathon

November 12th, 2006 by janet

Time to update on my running training.

I’ve made the decision to lower my sights and aim for 5, 8 and 10 km marathons instead of the 21 km marathon. Reason? No, I’m not whimping out, I just think I should look after my ageing body a bit more. Last thing I want is double knee and hip replacements!

So the next marathon is on December 10, and is 8 kms. My training is improving out of sight. My ‘medium’ speed is now what used to be my ‘fast’ speed. I’m running 1 km efforts at a consistently fast pace, and my hill training is getting better and better. I even passed someone – a man, too – running up a hill last time!

It will be interesting to see how I go in the 8 km event, as I have no idea how to run it. I’m sure my coach will talk me through it…she can talk while she runs, whereas I just heavy breathe! 

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Another humbling experience

November 12th, 2006 by janet

I was invited to present to another of the National Young Leaders’ Day events in Perth on Friday. This time, I was speaking to year ten and eleven students from all around WA – last time, it was the year six and seven kids.

I went in wondering how I would connect with this older group, whether they would laugh at my little jokes and asides, whether they would respond to my story and find it interesting. The younger group had been so involved with my last talk and I’d had so much fun. But I thought back to my adolescence and what I was like, and I just wasn’t sure how to pitch my presentation.

But I came away feeling very humbled. In the short time I was there, this group made a huge impression on me. They were responsive, confident, thoughtful, full of fun, and incredibly appreciative. I just wish I’d been like them when I was their age. It is fantastic to see our potential community leaders in one mass.

Go for it guys!

 

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A Laugh for Writers to Share

November 12th, 2006 by janet

It’s hard being a writer, spending hours trawling for opportunities and competitions; creating new work; submitting, submitting, submitting; and then waiting, waiting, waiting.

So sit back, take the time to have a laugh. Read Shannon Caster’s article ‘You know you’re a writer if…’ in the Kids Magazine Writers website.

 

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The advantages of being a blind speaker

November 7th, 2006 by janet

There are definitely some advantages in not being able to see what is going on while you’re doing a presentation. Why? Well, read on and you’ll see.

I wrote about the Bencubbin women’s forum in my last post. What I didn’t tell you was about the unexpected drop-in during my talk. All I was aware of was some gasps, a bit of shuffling and giggles, some movement, then silence again. I found out at the end what the commotion was all about, and I’m so glad I was literally in the dark.

On the ceiling above me about two feet to my right, a large huntsman spider – about the size of the palm of my hand – had lost his grip and fallen with a thud to the floor. Luckily, my guide dog was facing in the other direction, so gave no indication of the impending danger. One lady grabbed a wine glass, approaching the spider with the intent of trapping it under the upturned glass. But it started running towards another lady, who nearly became a contortionist as she lifted her feet off the ground. The spider was halted in mid run by the descending glass, lost a leg in the process and was carted outside.

Now my biggest fear is snakes, but I think spiders come about second. So if they’d told me what was happening, I’m sure I would have screamed the house down and leapt onto a table, if I’d been able to find one!  

 

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Community in the Real Sense

November 4th, 2006 by janet

I have just come back from Bencubbin, a small country town in the wheat belt north east of Perth and about 100kms from Merredin. I had been invited up there to speak to a women’s forum. And wow what a fantastic experience this was.

I was billeted by one of the women attending the forum, on her farm just out of the town. Not only did she open her home to me, but she kindly drove the 100kms to Merredin and back to collect me from the train. The event itself was so well organised, with a committee of women preparing an amazing range of mouth-watering dishes with ease, efficiency and warmth. It was hard to stop refilling my plate during mains, so plentiful and scrumptious was the food. But I had to eventually pause so that I could do my talk.

My guide dog stared with longing at the buffet cart, and when it came to sweets, she could restrain herself no longer. She planned her attack well, pretending to guide me back to my seat after a quick trip to the oval outside for a nature stop. No, I didn’t reach my seat. Instead, I felt her rear up. Strange, I thought, what is she up to. I pulled her back just before she sank her teeth into one of the tempting desserts. It got a laugh and we certainly left an impression.

After the talk and devouring all the desserts, lots of women came up to me thanking me for my speech. I was so touched by their interest, their genuineness, and overall, their community spirit. It was the best event I’ve attended, where everyone pitched in, produced a really worthwhile event, and had a great time.

I learned of the many struggles people in the country are facing these days, and I was in awe of how strong these women were in times of trouble.

I have really taken something from them–their strength and resolve.

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