Peter Kuhfeld, again.

When I was doing my writing course, we were often asked to do execises in using words effectively. Be concise and precise. Show - don't tell! This example had to be under 300 words, be an argument; and be written in dialogue only. I called it......

The Apple Tree.

Mrs Pennington has an apple tree growing close to her neighbour’s fence. One day she spots him picking the apples from the overhanging branches …

“Mr. Robb, what are you doing?” she said, approaching the fence at surprising speed for her age. Mr. Robb placed another choice apple in his basket and looked up.
“’Allo, Mrs. P.”
“What are you doing, picking my apples?”
“I’m not. These are my apples.”
“How can they possibly be yours? This is my tree and it very clearly stands in my garden.”
“Ah – but this bit of tree is in my garden. It over’angs, see?”
“What possible difference does that make?”
“It makes all the difference. It makes ‘em my apples.”
“That’s ridiculous!”
“That’s the law.” Mr. Robb plucked another apple and placed it in his basket. “See, the law says that this ‘ere tree might well be in your garden but if it comes over my side, then legally like, whatever over’angs this fence, is mine.”
“Give them to me this instant!”
“No.”
“I insist!
“You can insist all you like, my dear.”
“How dare you!” Mrs. Pennington turned pink with anger.
“How dare I what?”
“How dare you speak to me in those terms! I am not your ‘dear’ – and those are my apples!”
“No, these are my apples. In fact, even the branches are mine. I could saw ‘em off if was so inclined.”
“You wouldn’t dare!”
“I certainly would! But that’d be a terrible waste of good apples!”
“I shall call the police.”
“Go on then. They’re probably partial to a nice Cox’s!”

End

My Book

Having started this Blog about the trials and hardships of writing, I am going to continue - but continue in a more positive and optimistic vein!

My book!

I started my little novel way back in the mid eighties and filled several A4 notebooks in no time at all. This was before I had a computer. I still think writing freehand gives energy and inspiration to writing that doesn't seem to flow as well on a keyboard.

Anyway. The next few years were taken up with other concerns - not least my Mags' health. It wasn't until we had got onto an even keel with what was happening to us that I felt happy about picking up my book again. Then it flowed. I finished it, typed it out, revised it again and again - and my interest waned again. I am hopeless at doing anything with the finished product. Love creating - but useless at being commercial.

I sent the MS to America - to a lovely, professional and inspiring lady, Shellie Hurrle, http://www.flairforwords.com or email shelliehurrle@comcast.net who proof read and made invaluable suggestions. She loved the book and made me want to do something with it. Lots of complimentary comments followed from conventional book publishing editors but unless your name is known, there's almost no chance of getting published. Shellie said, at one time, to try eBook publishing. I did - and found this relatively new concept almost as hard to infiltrate. However, I found one company willing to read what I had and they decided to put it on their site! Cut a long story short. That's where it is now! http://www.dpdotcom.com
It's called 'The Players' and I am very proud of it! Not only that, it can be ordered as a printed paperback (thanks to the modern technology of 'print on demand'. Yes, I've ordered 3 copies for myself too!
Maybe that's as far as my book goes? It might be spotted by an editor one day. And it might not. But I have finished an 80,000 word book - and you know what? That's very satisfying!

Writing!

Just loved this cartoon! It was cut out of a paper when I started writing seriously for the ....nth time! Do writers almost enjoy the pains and frustrations of their chosen trade or hobby? What a business it is. The creative bit is so stimulating and exciting - the rest is a hard slog!

So............Well, here we go. This is like the artist's nightmare of a pure white canvas - or the writers pristine blank page! Where do I start? This little painting is as good a place to kick off as any. It's by a wonderful modern impressionist I discovered quite by accident during a web browsing session - Peter Kuhfeld. No doubt a few more examples will crop up later on. Right now, the sun has gone down and the tall elms in the field outside are glowing greenish gold against an inky blue sky. Time to sit back, feet up...and plan what goes on here next..............