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Welcome

I started this blog in 2013 to share my reflections on reading, writing and psychology, along with my journey to become a published novelist.​  I soon graduated to about twenty book reviews a month and a weekly 99-word story. Ten years later, I've transferred my writing / publication updates to my new website but will continue here with occasional reviews and flash fiction pieces, and maybe the odd personal post.

ANNE GOODWIN'S WRITING NEWS

Every word counts #roughwriters #blogtour

12/2/2018

29 Comments

 
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A couple of months ago I was privileged to attend a meeting of a local writing group in their “invited author” slot. As well as speaking about my own writing and journey to publication, I was asked to set a writing exercise. Given that I’d inadvertently begun both my published novels with a character descending a staircase, it wasn’t difficult to find my prompt, to which the writers responded admirably. But, as a practitioner of the 99-word story, I thought I could give them a little more by modelling writing less.

Okay, strictly speaking not writing less, but learning to edit and relish the cuts, so that every word counts. I can’t claim to have this entirely sussed (and I don’t have the time to submit my blog posts to such rigorous pruning), but I do know that I now get as much, or perhaps more, satisfaction from seeing my word count decrease as from seeing it climb and, when reading others’ fiction, I often trim surplus words in my head. My devotion to economical writing stems partly from working with an editor in the publication of two novels and partly from the weekly discipline of the 99-word story.

I was already writing flash fiction when Norah Colvin introduced me to Charli Mills’ Carrot Ranch. But, since in my head flash fiction could run to 1000 words, I was sceptical about telling a story in less than a tenth of that number. I sensed a similar scepticism among the members of the writing group when I mentioned the 99-word story. Yet a single example was enough to convince them it could be done!

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The story I shared featured a staircase (of course), although it was written in response to the prompt of school. This wasn’t entirely original, being based on a scene in my (at that time unpublished) debut novel Sugar and Snails.
 
Twin stone staircases led to a wooden door, the numbers 1873 embossed above, grand as the entrance to a castle.  At school I’d learn to read, and never have to go without a story. I’d mount those steps like a fairytale princess, entering one day by the left side, the next the right. 

I didn't realise the letters above the stairs spelt BOYS on one side and GIRLS on the other.  That my mother would laugh, plead, then slap me on the legs and hoist me up like a sack of coal when I raced towards the wrong one.
 
There’s no doubt that reducing this scene to 99 words helped pave the way for my publisher’s edits. However, I think the 99-word model (at least how I use it) is a little too tight for a novel where the reader needs a little space to breathe. Indeed, the published version contains an extra two sentences between the paragraphs above. But that’s not an argument against pruning. Unlike plants or hair, when you’ve chopped too many words from a piece of writing you can always put some back.


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Almost every week for the past four years (?), Charli Mills has produced an online compilation of 99-word stories inspired by the previous week’s theme. Now she’s gone a step further: assisted by editor Sarah Brentyn, she has taken some of her first-year favourites, along with some longer stories and essays, and made them into a book. I’m proud to be part of it and of the worldwide blog tour that will hopefully bring it to more readers’ attention. It’s available now in print and e-book versions: via book baby;  Amazon Digital; Amazon print.

The latest flash fiction challenge presents me with a dilemma: I’m asked to write a 99-word story about fireweed. Now, I’ve read about fireweed, but imagined something different to the
rosebay willowherb depicted here. So, once again, I’ve learnt about how English mutates across continents. Should I write about that? Let’s see:

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New boy

After lunch, I followed the other kids to the wasteground behind the … parking lot (not car park). I could still taste the new words I’d learnt at the table – eggplant; zucchini; rutabaga – as I loaded my arms with logs. My classmates smirked as they glanced my way, but I imagined Mum (Mom) reminding me I wouldn’t be new for ever.
“So what’s this?” said Miss Mills.
“Firewood. Like you asked for.”
She smiled as she stuck a bunch of rosebay willow herb in a jar. “I asked for fireweed. But don’t worry, you’ll learn English soon.”

Thanks for reading. I'd love to know what you think. If you've enjoyed this post, you might like to sign up via the sidebar for regular email updates and/or my quarterly Newsletter.
29 Comments
Norah Colvin link
13/2/2018 10:40:52 am

Anne, I really enjoyed this post, reading about your guest author and writing task experience. I'm so pleased you used the staircase example and to know that the writers learned much from the experience. Thank you for the mention. We hadn't long met when I introduced you to Charli, but I'd read enough stories of yours by then to be hooked on your writing. I always enjoy it and am honoured to have writing included in this anthology alongside yours.
I love what you've done with this response to fireweed, showing how we take an approximate meaning for something similar that we don't quite understand. The accents wouldn't have helped the differentiation either. It gave me a smile. Of course the Americans think they invented English. If only that Mr Webster hadn't decided he knew better than the traditional English. :)

Reply
Annecdotist
13/2/2018 11:48:59 am

Thanks Norah. I was happy to follow your lead over to the Ranch – even if I did think the whole notion of a 99-word story was a bit mad! And now we are in an anthology together – so lovely to sit on a bookshelf amongst friends.
It was a real honour to go to the writing group. They were so enthusiastic – and I sold a few books.
Given Americans outnumber us substantially, I suppose it’s their English now, although Indian English must be catching up. I wondered if you might call fire weed rosebay willow herb in Australia too?

Reply
Norah Colvin link
7/3/2018 05:29:17 am

What a lovely collection of comments you've had on this post, Anne. I'm just writing mine now and looking back to see what others had done with theirs, to see if mine is going to be okay. I'm not aware of fire weed or rosebay willow herb so I Googled it. I couldn't find much for Australia. It seems to be a European plant.
I hope your book sales are continuing in a steady stream.

Annecdotist
8/3/2018 09:17:37 am

Yes, I am very pleased with the comments this post has generated – far more than I usually get!
I’m looking forward to your post for the anthology blog tour. You could easily rehash your piece on building community that’s in the book. I’m glad to say I received my copy this week so looking forward to perusing the various contributions.

Charli Mills
14/2/2018 04:12:13 pm

Anne, I'm so glad you followed Norah's prompting to the prompts and 99 words. I've found the 99-word constraint useful for getting at the heart of scenes in my WIPs, but as you point out it is tight and novels flow differently. I've read many manuscripts and want to tell the writers to go practice flash fiction and then revise! I hope to achieve a passion for revision one day. I feel I might be near, but it's a painful arrival. What a great lesson you gave at your presentation. Thank you for taking us to your place on the tour!

Reply
Annecdotist
15/2/2018 10:20:47 am

I’m very glad I did too, Charli. You’ve built a vibrant community right from the start.
Thanks also for plugging this post – it seems to have brought me a few new visitors!

Reply
Charli Mills
15/2/2018 02:58:05 pm

Good! I tell other writes if they want to stay on top of what is publishing in literary fiction they can read a book a week or they can follow your weekly reviews. Thank you, but I believe the community if full of vibrant people! I'll stay that was my vision, but it takes others to be a party of it and you've been a big and consistent part.

Annecdotist
15/2/2018 03:39:45 pm

Always happy to lead readers astray with my reviews!
Of course, leaders need followers but it’s your example and determination that’s got us writing / riding together.

Jules link
14/2/2018 04:33:37 pm

Anne,

I haven't been at the Ranch quite as long. I wasn't much into editing, since I am primarily a poet. But with the limit of 99 words I do have fun going back when I am a few words over count to eliminate the pests that aren't needed ;)

Continued success in your writing! Cheers, Jules

Reply
Annecdotist
15/2/2018 10:27:41 am

Glad you’re managing to eliminate your pests, Jules! I wonder however about poets not editing? Is that because you play around with the words in your head so much before committing them to screen or paper? I tend to do that with parts of my 99-word stories but usually find I want to change something.

Reply
Sue Spitulnik
14/2/2018 05:28:41 pm

Anne, It was nice to get to know you better. I identify with your flash as an American living in the UK in the '70's. I learned they spoke English, and I spoke American. The slang, the pronunciation, the accent, all were different and sometimes embarrassing for me when I didn't know the meaning of a word. It still makes for good conversation when someone new finds out I lived there. I thoroughly enjoy writing with all of you. I am learning so much. Thank you. May I borrow the quote, "First we were strangers, then we wrote together" to share with my veteran's writing group?

Reply
Annecdotist
15/2/2018 10:37:40 am

Thanks for coming over, Sue. Yes, those linguistic differences can be painful. My most embarrassing one came when I had a short story edited for an American ezine. I was a bit disgruntled that they wanted to Americanise the spelling, but accepted that was for consistency of house style. But I wondered what was going on when they changed the term “glory hole” which I used to denote a cupboard under the stairs. When I queried this the (male) editors explained it has a lewd meaning in American. I’ve never forgotten that!
It’s a lovely line, isn’t it "First we were strangers, then we wrote together" but I can’t claim credit for it the worst end of video all belong to Charli. I imagine she’d be delighted you want to use it (with credit).

Reply
Charli Mills
15/2/2018 03:02:47 pm

Ha! Had Harry Potter been billed as the boy who lived in the glory hole, American parents would have lost their minds over it! And your book would have attracted a different crowd.

Annecdotist
15/2/2018 03:41:00 pm

Maybe he was initially and she was forced to change it!

Charli Mills
15/2/2018 03:01:31 pm

Susan, that line is from the book dedication I write for Vol. 1 and you can credit me, the book or Carrot Ranch and use it, knowing you are a part of its meaning, too!

Reply
Colleen link
14/2/2018 08:26:13 pm

What a splendid article, Anne. I'm new to the flash fiction challenge but I'm hooked. It's a pleasure to meet you. <3

Reply
Annecdotist
15/2/2018 10:38:41 am

Thanks, Colleen, it’s a wonderful addiction!

Reply
floatinggold link
15/2/2018 01:58:43 am

A post from the Carrot Ranch led me here. I was as skeptical about the 99 words flash as you first were. And then I got to like it, and enjoy participating. Your "fireweed" story made me smile. And the 99 cut scene from your book is just perfect.

Reply
Annecdotist
15/2/2018 10:42:49 am

Thanks for reading and glad you liked both 99-word stories. And nice to meet another sceptic. While Norah plunged right in, I sat on the side for a couple of weeks, shivering, but I’m glad I not only tested the water but learnt to glide through it.

Reply
Lisa L. link
15/2/2018 03:33:10 am

I'm a much newer addition to the Ranch, but I love it. The flash challenges never cease to amaze me. Just when I think I've got it honed to perfection, I find things to change and clip and the result is always better. Still much to learn, but I love how the flash limitations help me focus on finding those essential words.
Great post!

Reply
Annecdotist
15/2/2018 10:46:20 am

Thanks, Lisa, Charli has built a great community at the Ranch where we can flex our writing muscles in whatever way we choose. Glad you’re enjoying those small edits – it’s a great skill to develop.

Reply
susan scott link
15/2/2018 07:13:33 pm

How fabulous to receive your own copy in the post Norah! I look forward to reading the post in full and the comments in greater detail - in a rush today, yesterday and tomorrow. Many congratulations to all for being published!

Reply
Annecdotist
16/2/2018 05:18:46 pm

Thanks, Susan.

Reply
Sherri Matthews link
16/2/2018 04:43:53 pm

Hello Anne, it's been way too long since we chatted. I'm only just returning to blogging, albeit sporadically. So glad to connect at the Ranch and keep in the loop there and attempt to get a blog out here and there. I really enjoyed your post. I feel just the same way about 99 word flash helping me with my memoir. The pruning process has made a huge difference as I work on my rewrites and edits. The same story in fewer words was a revelation to me when I first starting 'flashing' at the Ranch. Loved your flash too. I forget what's American and what's English, having lived in America so long. I didn't know what the English fireweed was until I read your post! I remember the funny look I got when I lived there and called a zucchini a courgette. Or when I asked for single cream and got a look as if I had three heads. Took me a while with that one to figure out it's called half and half. Ahh...great memories and great to read you again Anne!

Reply
Annecdotist
16/2/2018 05:18:07 pm

Lovely to be in touch again, Sherri, and it seems we’ve found similar benefits from practising the 99-word story. I look forward to reading about your process later on the tour!

That’s the downside of being bilingual – even if it’s only different versions of English – not knowing which language a word belongs to.

Reply
Sherri Matthews link
22/2/2018 10:23:37 am

Thank you Anne, I look forward to keeping in touch. Ha, yes, too true! And I never thought of myself as bilingual (always in awe of anyone who is), but since you put it that way...! Reminds me of how disappointed I was that my ex didn't teach our children Spanish. He was raised by his grandmother who refused to speak anything other than Spanish, so he understood it, but replied in English (American English, naturally). Eldest son took years of Spanish in school and has visited many times, and knows it reasonably well, but imagine if he and his siblings could have been truly bilingual? What a gift!

Annecdotist
22/2/2018 05:54:40 pm

Yes, such a pity for your children, especially as your son was interested in Spanish. A friend who lives in Spain always talked to her children in English (their father is Spanish) and they are both bilingual, although stronger in Spanish, although they’d quickly catch up if they were to live over here. Such an advantage.

Sarah Brentyn link
14/4/2018 08:29:42 pm

Anne. What a fabulous stop on the RW World Tour. :) I have always loved your flash and was thrilled you agreed to write an expanded story (it’s beautifully written). Sorry to arrive so late to the party but I’m here now and so glad about that. Hope all is well with you!

Reply
Annecdotist
15/4/2018 04:52:05 pm

Thanks so much, Sarah, and lovely to welcome you here again. You’ve done a marvellous job editing the anthology. I’m off now to check what you’re up to alongside composing fabulous flash.

Reply

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