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Ode to Critique Partners Everywhere

Where would any of us be without our C.P. Feel free to share this blog entry with your treasured writing partner(s).

Press PLAY and use Jennz sing-along lyrics (below)

When I am down and, my m.s. so dreary;
When troubles come and my plot burdened be;
Then, I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and crit a while with me.

You raise me up, to make me edit adverbs;
You raise me up, to watch my POV;
And I am strong, when reading criticism;
You raise me up…to more than I can be.

There is no life – no life without my writing;
Each restless word, a part of me you see;
But when you crit, I’m no longer filled with wonder,
You set me straight and help me to be me.

You raise me up, so I can edit freely;
You raise me up, to conflict being key;
And I am strong, when I now face rejections;
You raise me up…to more than I can be.
You raise me up…you’re one hell of a C.P.

Writing is not child’s play – but take a look at this 7 years old in action.

With respect and thanks to the original owners – Lyrics by Brendan Graham Music by Rolf Lovland

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Wine Flu Update


Blogger note: I cannot take the credit for this sensational piece of writing, but I so wanted to share it, so I thought this was as good a place as any.

I went to a dinner party last night, where I and other guests enjoyed a sip or two of excellent beverage. I awoke this morning not feeling well, with what could be described as flu-like symptoms; headache, nausea, chills, sore eyes etc.
From the results of some initial testing, I have unfortunately tested positive for what experts are now calling Wine Flu. This debilitating condition is very serious and it appears this is not an isolated case.

Reports are flooding in from all around the neighbourhood of others diagnosed with Wine Flu.

To anyone that starts to exhibit the aforementioned tell-tale signs, experts are recommending a cup of tea and a bit of a lie down.

However, should your condition worsen, you should immediately hire a DVD and take some Nurofen [Nurofen seems to be the only drug available that has been proven to help combat this unusual type of flu]. Others are reporting a McDonald’s Happy Meal can also help in some cases.

Wine Flu does not need to be life threatening, and if treated early can be eradicated within a 24-48 hour period… If not, then further application of the original liquid in similar quantities to the original dose has been shown to do the trick.
Good luck.

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Book covers and Aussie colours

Okay – I’ve blogged about Bronwyn Parry’s As Darkness Falls before. I love so much about this novel. I especially love the cover. There is nothing better than what I call the colours of Australia. Forget green and gold. Australia to me is sunburnt orange and blue. When I travelled around Australia at 24 years of age (yikes, that’s 24 years ago as well) – just me and my girlfriend in a big old F100 and tent – it is these colours of Australia that I remember the most. Magical mornings camped on bright orange/red earth under the crisp blue sky of a desert dawn and awe-inspiring sunsets, like a dusky blue blanket covered in glowing embers of orange, pink and red.

Now what does any of this have to do with Bronwyn Parry’s book?

Well…As Darkness Falls is releasing in the UK and the Brits have changed the cover. When I heard (even before I looked at the cover) I thought – damn, I hope it doesn’t change too much.

Well it has……..and it’s great. Very different – they’ve really hooked onto the thriller aspect of the story. It is quite mesmerising and definitley grabs your attention. I’ve only seen it on the web (of course) but I think it will be a real attention grabber on the shelevs. Take a look for yourself on http://bronwynparry.com/blog/

This has been a bit of an eye-opener for ‘lil old unpubbed me with big dreams. I mean, I know you’re not supposed to get attached to your titles (as publishers are bound to change them) but I didn’t stop to think the book might undergo a transformation with a new cover and new tag line. I think this might have horrified me once (I can be soooooo precious). Now it’s sort of exciting. To think, your novel could have a whole new look and readership. I, of course, can only even dream of having a book published at this stage (let alone an o/s release). But it adds yet another exciting dimension to this business we are in.

PS I thought I’d add a pic form my travels to show the colours, but after blowing the dust off the album cover, I saw the colour from the photos had faded terribly. Luckily for me my memory hasn’t (not yet anyway LOL)