This fantasy novel of mine is sucking me dry. I have a completed draft and I'm rewriting. The rewrites make it better, but I have no enthusiasm for it, which is strange, as I have enthusiasm for most rewrites. So I've put it to one side for the time being and am going to work on something else.So, I thought, what? It hit me like a flash of lightning. I'm not kidding. Doesn't usually come at me like that. In fact, I don't know how and why I normally get my ideas, but I can pinpoint the exact moment this one was pushed into my head.I'm going to write a one act play for my Church. Every other year in November, we have a big Mission, when we have a visiting preacher who sometimes brings a team, sometimes comes alone. They stay for a week, and we have lots of events and activities for Church members to bring interested non Christians to. They have a good time, listen to a message from our sponsor, and then either go home unmoved or, the hierarchy hope, go home interested and asking questions that will lead them to Christ. Anyway, next one is November 2008, and today my bolt from the blue idea was for a one act play which could go with a simple meal (Ploughman's perhaps) and the sponsor message, to make an evening. The play is about a family of three (Mother, father, daughter) who encounter Jesus at six key moments of his life and death and life. Their reactions will (hopefully) reflect reactions of people today, and highlight facets of the Lord.I know that's not going to make me rich, or even sell. But it hit my brain, synopsis formed and ready, characters three -D before we start - what's a girl to do? Besides, I learned a very long time ago, when God makes obvious what he wants me to do, might as well go and do it. He's bigger than me. I'll write this, and call it part of my giving, and then come back to my more commercial projects. As it's only three actors, I shouldn't have too much trouble finding a cast for it, even amongst the mostly non Christian drama actors I know. (Most non Christians seem happy to act in religious plays, as long as they don't think anyone is trying to convert them, I find. And I never NEVER try to convert anyone. I leave that to God. Oh, I'll happily talk about my faith, share it, answer questions. But if someone's not interested, I accept that. Never do to others what you wouldn't want done to you. I was a non Christian long enough to understand that.)It may be just what I need as well, apart from doing as I am told. I am directing this play, which is quite complex. (When I wrote it, I don't think I realised how many layers there are to it. The actors bring out more each rehearsal.) Trying to direct that, AND write a complex novel might be a bit much. Onwards and upwards.

Good luck, Harrison, as you return to Kenya. Keep in touch!

So here we are, beginning of another week. I have two weeks before I go off on an Arvon course, so two weeks to do as much as I can before projects galore come bouncing at me. With my youngest son off work following an operation, and bored out of his mind, as much as I can may not be as much as I'd like.
Today, a letter to a friend, then a rewrite chapter to my fantasy novel. I haven't actually lost interest in this novel, but I have lost enthusiasm for the rewrite, not because it is a rewrite, but because the world and his wife seem to write fantasy and the chances of it getting anywhere are remote. But if I don't finish it, I will fail, so I plod on. I also have an idea for a thriller, some short stories, a pantomime and a screenplay, so I have lots to keep me going.
And then there are rehearsals tonight...
A friend goes to do his military service in the Norwegian Army as of today. Good luck, Snorre, aka Spookyfish! I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

It's a darned sight easier to write a play than to direct one! If characters are awkward, you can shoot 'em.
As a writer, you don't have to deal with egos: "I think I need to stand there" which translates to "I want to do my action on the front of the stage so the world will see me, not half way back where it suits the story better."
You don't have to deal with people who argue with your vision: "But I don't like the way this scene makes me look."
Characters don't hold up rehearsals for twenty minutes at a time, with the whole of the rest of the cast bored and angry, while the argumentative one tries to get things done their way. (Hint: it ain't gonna happen. As director, I can see the whole picture and I have a reason for wanting it done the way I say.)
If I am concentrating on one part of the story and one set of characters, the other characters sit quietly and wait for their turn. Actors begin to chat, mess about - I'm not talking children here, but adults, some in main roles, who make comments they think are witty (they're not), mess around, push and shove at each other. The words Grow Up, come to mind.
And if a character is supposed to know some information, they know it and act accordingly. I am amazed at the number of actors who don't know the full story, don't know the parts that don't involve their character (and what's more couldn't care less about them). Then they are surprised when the action calls for them to react. And that's AFTER a quick read through at the audition stage. Erm, tip: read the play, people. Make sure you know it inside out. It wil help your performance.
The one thing where characters and actors do seem to be the same is their tendency to try and blame someone else. "This scene could have been better but so and so was in the wrong place and I couldn't do my piece properly." On the night, you're going to have to. "He delivered the line wrong, so I got confused." Know your part and be in character enough that you can compensate.
Yesterday, my son (not in the play but sometimes acts) told me something. He is severely dyslexic and has a lot of trouble reading, but always knows all his lines, and all everyone else's lines as well. He told me, he struggles through the whole play, and learns it ALL off by heart. That way, no-one can phase him, he knows what to expect and can roll with it, he never misses a cue. It was a very professional attitude, and I was impressed. If only other actors were willing to put so much in. *sighs*

Overnight, one of the two actresses I had lined up for the main female role has had to pull out. Which makes life easier in that the other girl now gets the part without having to go through the motions, but leaves me one more person short.
I've got another actress, semi professional, that I can ask. This lady is a member of the rainbow, but would act every day if it came to it. She's not on email. I'll pop a note through her door and see if she is interested. Only think is, she is scatty (as she would eb first to admit) and although she always knows her lines by the dress rehearsal, it is frustrating when you say books down and she still doesn't know word one. It isn't easy to make all the less experienced put down their books when an experienced actress is getting away with it.
Our producer has friends in TWODS (Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society.) Used to be Amateur ODS but so many of them are semi professional, they dropped the A. So obviously, I would be thrilled to get them. I might just do so as well. Apparently, the hierarchy there is so competitive, you have to be with them so many years before you're even allowed to audition for a speaking role. You have to do back stage work and Front of House, and then you'll be let into the chorus, and then after that apprenticeship, you audition before the whole company and they vote on whether to let you in. Which probably keeps the dross out but must be very frustrating for those who want to act. And that might work in our favour. If you've got two more years back row of the chorus, not a single line, and we offer you a part with a few lines, you might be interested.
It will be all right. It has to be.
Meanwhile, I have to get to Eastbourne and back today, and my car is in dry dock. My daughter can get me there, but she can't wait for me as her husband has an appointment too. Youngest son WILL pick me up "if he can". What about all these favours I do for them?

It's one thing to write a play. It's quite another to direct and cast it, as I am finding out. When I wrote Ashdown Lee, I was still part of Rainbow Drama and there were forty actors all wanting parts of varying sizes. Everything was rosy. Then the old leader of the group retired, the new leader paid me a visit and told me that they would not be using my plays again (he wanted to change direction completely, apparently). I didn't mind. A new drama group had started by this time, Mark One, and they were very keen to use my work. BUT, being a new group, we are not overrun with actors. This didn't matter for the first two plays as they were small cast. For our panto, many Rainbow members joined us and all was well. We set up to do Ashdown Lee.This play needs a minimum of twenty actors, preferably more. Things started to get a little worrying when the Rainbow members all dropped out. No explanations, just they couldn't do it. They are supposed to be doing a production of their own in January (Ours is in October) and maybe they didn't feel able to do both. Most am-dram actors go from one production to another, but these are people who have been used to doing just one large production every two years. (They have not even chosen a play yet, but I'm sure they will.) Never mind, I thought. Things would be fine. There are 26,000 people in our town. The ten or so that belong to Rainbow can't be the only thespians out there.Twelve people have expressed a definite interest in being in the cast. I have spent the weekend talking to others, and have got interest from one more, with possible interest from three others. I have spoken to people in other drama groups in neighbouring towns, one wished us luck but had trouble with his own casting, one said yes but not for two weeks (after his own auditions - fair enough), and one is going to see what he can do. It's been on radio, and posters are up. I've asked the WI if they'd like parts (they have a group that does revues.) Hopefully some people will come.Yuor good vibes/prayers/thoughts would be appreciated now.

I am on a roll! Pantomime production was a great success. The audience loved it, the cast had a great time, we made a profit, what more could we ask?
And now, on top of all of that, a publishing firm have said they want to publish the script. Yaay!
Now I need tow rite three world war 2 sketches, (funny ones) a tweny minute play for schools, and then get back to that screenplay. But I feel more like doing it all this morning.

Life is hectic! We're producing the pantomime Hansel and Gretel (written by yours truly) and with one week to go, it's beginning to come together. Monday night's rehearsal was dreadful. I tell myself, it can only get better.
Then I wrote five short plays to add to the World In Need fighting poverty pack. You can read them at www.blueplanetinternet.net/WIN where they, and the whole pack is available for free download.
I'm working on Price of Firewood, a screenplay about a place similar to Darfur, and on Volunteers, a comedy stage play, and letting the trilogy ferment a little.
Plus keeping my crit rate on www.critiquecircle.com and living every day life, my daughter and mother both moving home, selling tickets and panicking because I still have so many left ....
Fingers crossed for the panto. If you pray, please do so. If you don't, please wish us the best.

Happy New Year! And may 2007 bring all of us everything we could ever hope or dream of.
I have a number of writing goals for 2007. If I set them out here, maybe I'll be shamed into achieving them.
Firstly, I have a trilogy of fantasy novels to write and complete at least the first draft of each. Shouldn't be beyond me. At just 1000 words a day, a first draft of each novel would only take three months. I have already done a first draft of the first one, so my second goal is to get that ready to think about publication.
My second goal is to complete my screenplay about war torn Africa, and to write another screenplay as part of Nano's script frenzy event in June. I'd like to get the African screenplay especially, up to speed and ready to submit.
My third goal is to get my libretto set to music. Not completely in my own hands, that one, but I will press ahead with it anyway.
My fourth goal is really the most important. I am going to actually submit work on a regular basis. Whether it be a novel, a screenplay, short story, magazine article, poem into a competition, children's story, stage play... I am very good at writing things and then putting them to one side, meaning to send them off and never getting around to it. Well, they won't post themselves. I thought I'd aim for one piece a month sent out.
Watch this space. Maybe starving writer will be well fed by the end of the year.

I have been approached to write five short plays highlighting the causes of poverty - lack of water, lack of education, conflict, lack of employment opportunities, HIV/AIDS. These will be used to show what the effect of these issues have on poverty, and how we can work to alleviate them. It's to lead up to A Day Of Poverty on June 10th.
It's a huge responsibility and one I take very seriously. First stop, prayer.

Americans spend more on cosmetics and Europeans more on ice cream than it would cost to provide schooling and sanitation to the 2 billion people who go without both.
The richest 358 people on the planet are collectively richer than half of the world's population.
4% of the wealth of the richest 225 individuals on the planet could provide elementary education, medical facilities and nutrition for the world's poor.
And yet, every day, 30,000 people die from the effects of extreme poverty. That's ten World Trade Centres EVERY DAY.
I don't find that acceptable. Do you?

You can find out more by watching this space, or by going to www.winint.org.

Merry Christmas everyone.

With a fortnight to go to the Big Day, I am a few thousand words off finishing my Nanowrimo novel, which is getting quite positive feedback over on critiquecircle. Also still looking for that composer. I've had some rather nice comments about the quality of the lyrics. Now if only one of those comments could turn into a composer...
I've still got my screenplay "The price of Firewood" to finish, and I've just been asked to write a play for Easter Saturday. Unpaid, of course, (when I get offered paid work, you will hear, without aid of a microphone, believe you me). I don't mind too much in this case. For one thing, it's part of my giving, and the Church is falling down, for another thing, it gets another work finished, and with each work I get better, and nearer to that great big breakthrough.
It has now reached the stage (no pun intended, honest!) where the am dram group puts my name on the posters because they say telling the public I wrote the play gets bums on seats. Apparently, people are saying "I saw Hilary wrote it, so I knew it would be good/my cup of tea/what I want to see" That's quite a nice compliment.

I'm looking for a composer. Anyone out there want to prove themselves on a major work? There are two versions - a libretto, completely in song, and a play with songs in.Some years ago, I wrote a libretto entitled "Foundations", which told the story of the first eleven chapters of the Book of Acts, specifically St Paul's conversion. I got a lot of good feedback from this, some of it from professional musicians and writers, but no composer. And without that, it was worthless.I thought I would ease the workload. I rewrote it as a play with songs in. That works too. But still no composer.Thing is, the part of the copyright that belongs to me has been assigned to St Richard's Church, a tiny little Church on a run down estate in South England. It's known as the little church with the big heart and it is vital to the community with its outreach. Alas, it is falling down and needs rebuilding and modest estimates put that at a cool million. When they rebuild, they are going to put a doctor's surgery in there, so the people have health facilities. There'll be health visitor facilities, places where Mums can go to learn to look after kids better (sadly, some Mums need the help), places for all the community. But we need to raise the money first.In an area where most people are on welfare, it's easy to say it's an impossible dream, but I know nothing is impossible with God. If he wants this place to be built, he will supply us with the means. And this afternoon, whilst doing my devotions, I had the strongest urge to try one more time for a composer. The feeling would not go away, so I'm trying.The composer would, of course, be entitled to keep their share of any money made by the project. But, as I say, my share belongs to St Richard's.Anybody wish to look at the work, under no obligation?

Wanted to share this with you. Go to the website for more information.

www.winint.org
WIN News - December 2006


This Month's "World In Need News"
Dear All,
Welcome to our first electronic edition of World In Need News. As the year draws to a close we wanted to briefly share with you some of the achievements that your generous donations have contributed towards, thank you. Along with these updates we also remember that at this festive season there are many who still need our prayers and support.

Malawi. Probably the poorest nation on earth and yet our leader there has been horribly attacked. Lloyd is the pioneer for over 300 churches and whilst he was away helping others, his wife was attacked. She lost most things in their home and was brutally manhandled. The gang have been caught and are before the judge.

Iraqi Kurdistan. Whilst the nation falls apart Ray is in Kurdistan helping the people there find ways of surviving. He has started a violin workshop and widows are learning to support themselves. (Note from Hilary, Ray has been there since before the first Gulf war.)

World In Need has produced a lovely informative 2007/8 calendar. Write to info@winint.org for your copy. If you can sell them in your organisation please let us know. They are ideal for those people you don't want to buy a gift for but you need to send more than a card this Christmas.
The building by a group of American 'Hard Hats' of the new WIN HQ accommodation bloc means that we can now run training courses on-site.

Afghanistan. The new team is doing well in the development of a widow's carpet training centre and day care for children. We now need people who can help sell these carpets in clubs, churches, etc. let us know if you can get involved.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

So much to do, so little time to do it in, so little chocolate in the world to sustain me!
I have to finish my fantasy novel and my screenplay, and I have a stage play needs a second draft as well. But I also want to write a romance novel. I've always wanted to write one of those. (or more) The thing that was holding me back was thinking I couldn't write a sex scene. I didn't know if I could manage that. Well, now I've done one. It wasn't a great big over the top one, it was over in a page, but it was sexy and I did it!
So now, anyone got any tips? And dos and don'ts? All information gratefully received.

I am a Nano winner! It feels really good as well. I'm happy with the book and hope that a quick edit will see it at the submittable stage, so now I have to find a sympathetic publisher/agent who is willing to look at it unsolicited.
Now, I have the first of my fantasy novels to finish, and a screenplay about Africa. But one thing Nano has taught me - I can write a lot more than I have been. So watch for a great deal more productivity from me - at least till April, when I may have to actually get a job. But even then, I'm sure I'll be able to write, as I will no longer be caring for my son.
All this, plus producing a pantomime.... No wonder I never have time for the washing up!
Btw, I would like to officially thank all those who helped me through Nano, encouraging me, bullying me, chivvying me when I had bad days. The critique circle group were fun to be with, and we've made some lasting friendships. The Brighton group were also fun, and if I wasn't so damned shy and scared, I might have gone to one or more of the meets. Kaylesleigh was a great inspiration. And all those on critique circle, not taking part in Nano but cheering from the sidelines, and my friends in the real world....
And just in case I never get the chance to say it anywhere else, I'd like to dedicate this novel to my Dad, John Large, who was my first inspiration. I miss him.
Now, back to the novel....

I'm looking for a composer. Anyone out there want to prove themselves on a major work? There are two versions - a libretto, completely in song, and a play with songs in.

Some years ago, I wrote a libretto entitled "Foundations", which told the story of the first eleven chapters of the Book of Acts, specifically St Paul's conversion. I got a lot of good feedback from this, some of it from professional musicians and writers, but no composer. And without that, it was worthless.

I thought I would ease the workload. I rewrote it as a play with songs in. That works too. But still no composer.

Thing is, the part of the copyright that belongs to me has been assigned to St Richard's Church, a tiny little Church on a run down estate in South England. It's known as the little church with the big heart and it is vital to the community with its outreach. Alas, it is falling down and needs rebuilding and modest estimates put that at a cool million. When they rebuild, they are going to put a doctor's surgery in there, so the people have health facilities. There'll be health visitor facilities, places where Mums can go to learn to look after kids better (sadly, some Mums need the help), places for all the community. But we need to raise the money first.

In an area where most people are on welfare, it's easy to say it's an impossible dream, but I know nothing is impossible with God. If he wants this place to be built, he will supply us with the means. And this afternoon, whilst doing my devotions, I had the strongest urge to try one more time for a composer. The feeling would not go away, so I'm trying.

The composer would, of course, be entitled to keep their share of any money made by the project. But, as I say, my share belongs to St Richard's.

Anybody wish to look at the work, under no obligation?

I'm looking for a composer. Anyone out there want to prove themselves on a major work? There are two versions - a libretto, completely in song, and a play with songs in.

Some years ago, I wrote a libretto entitled "Foundations", which told the story of the first eleven chapters of the Book of Acts, specifically St Paul's conversion. I got a lot of good feedback from this, some of it from professional musicians and writers, but no composer. And without that, it was worthless.

I thought I would ease the workload. I rewrote it as a play with songs in. That works too. But still no composer.

Thing is, the part of the copyright that belongs to me has been assigned to St Richard's Church, a tiny little Church on a run down estate in South England. It's known as the little church with the big heart and it is vital to the community with its outreach. Alas, it is falling down and needs rebuilding and modest estimates put that at a cool million. When they rebuild, they are going to put a doctor's surgery in there, so the people have health facilities. There'll be health visitor facilities, places where Mums can go to learn to look after kids better (sadly, some Mums need the help), places for all the community. But we need to raise the money first.

In an area where most people are on welfare, it's easy to say it's an impossible dream, but I know nothing is impossible with God. If he wants this place to be built, he will supply us with the means. And this afternoon, whilst doing my devotions, I had the strongest urge to try one more time for a composer. The feeling would not go away, so I'm trying.

The composer would, of course, be entitled to keep their share of any money made by the project. But, as I say, my share belongs to St Richard's.

Anybody wish to look at the work, under no obligation?

Would I say this weekend was productive? It depends on how you look at it. I didn't do much work to my Nano novel at all, (though that stands at 40k words so can stand a rest for two days.) However, I did write my treacle mine scene. I wasn't wonderfully happy with it, but it gives us a template with which to work.
And I am itching to get going on the screenplay again. I have so many ideas, and my research has yielded things I can incorporate. Plus, having had the break from my fantasy novel, I feel ready to tackle that again.

Yay! I passed the forty thousand word mark on my Nano novel. I think some of those words are not half bad either. There's a salvageable novel in there. PLus I have made friends and really been buoyed up by it. I would never have written so much if not for Nano.
Now I have to stop for a day, or half a day and write a scene for a panto. It involves all those people who would otherwise not have speaking parts. Doesn't have to have much to do with the plot, this being panto - what plot? - but must be funny.
We live on Ashdown Forest. Winnie the Pooh was created four miles down the road, Conan Doyle lived half a mile from my house, and oh, yes, we are famous for our treacle mine. The villain of the Panto is Fran Gipani, an Italian baker, who obviously would need the treacle from a treacle mine. She also owns a dog called Killer, who eats people.
So the outline I have is the miners at a treacle mine are asked for directions by an intrepid group of explorers looking for Pooh Bear. They hear the wolf howl (yes, there's a wolf) and the explorers think it's the Hound of the Baskervilles. The miners say, bored, no, it's the Hound of the Gipanis and we're all right because Fran Gipani needs our treacle, so the dog won't eat us. Don't know about you lot though. Cue some mayhem, panto fear, etc.
Not bad for starters.

28000 words into the novel and people are beginning to get a bit cross with me. The director wants me to write an extra scene for the pantomime and I will, but he'll have to wait a few days. (To be honest, I'm toying with a few ideas before I settle on one and write it.) He said "If we can ever get Hilary to stop nanoing about, we might get some sense out of her." Bloomin' cheek!

Better than what my Mother said though. She and I met up with my Uncle, whom I haven't seen for a while. Years, in fact. He asked what I did for a living. Before I could say anything, Mum jumped in with "Oh she doesn't do anything. She just sits at her computer all day and writes."
I smiled sweetly and said "I'm a writer." He asked what I write.
"Oh" said Mum, "she writes little plays for her Church. They perform them and raise money."
I smiled through gritted teeth. "I've had a couple of plays published in America," I told him, "and yes, I've also written some for the group attached to my Church."
"Yes," said Mum. "They'd be stumped if she got a proper job."
I drank my mineral water and wished it was gin.

Excuse me a moment.

AAAARRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I feel better now.

I am pleased with the novel though. It falls into the category of women's lit. Called Cast Offs, it tells of mentally unstable Diane, who has lost custody of her daughter Ginny. She takes Ginny and runs away to France, where she meets holiday maker Jo. Jo reminds Diane of her ex husband's new wife. When Jo starts a holiday romance, reality and fantasy start to blur and Diane decides she must save men from the home wrecking man eater that is this woman....

Ah well, back to it.

Just hit the twenty thousand mark in six days! If only I could write that much every day. I'm also pleased with the overall quality. It has its rough edges but it isn't complete rubbish. Yay for Nano!
I am looking into writing a romance. I obviously need to stick to the genre guidelines, but I want to write a story that is original as well, and a page turner. Watch this space.