It's Wednesday. 'Writing Wednesday'. I'm having a pretty good week so far.
This weeks question would probably have had a different answer 12 months ago. But here we go. This week's 'Writing Wednesday' is blogging or writing, which do I prefer.
My true answer to this weeks question is they are both very different. I get something very different from both 'experiences'. I have come to really like blogging. Much more so over the last 12 months. At first I found blogging a little awkward. I wasn't sure what to do. I had really found 'my voice'. But as I have gotten into it more I have really come to enjoy it. Dare I say love it. I also like the sense of community you can find through blogging (like joining 20 Something Blogger). I think I also like blogging because in college I always fancied going into journalism. One of the best two weeks of my life was getting the opportunity to spend two weeks with the lovely people at the Manchester Evening News.
When writing my stories, however, I love thinking of a story and characters and bringing it all to life on the paper/screen in front of me. Unfortunately my 'writing' has taken a bit of back burner of late. With working (and blogging), I've not really been able to invest my free time in my stories.
I definitely prefer blogging at the moment though.
Happy Wednesday!
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Monday, 14 March 2011
X-Factor Tour Pics :)
Yesterday I spent a lovly afternoon with my mum at the M.E.N Arena in Manchester, watching the X-Factor tour. Here are some of my pics :)
Friday, 11 March 2011
Top 5: Things I find attractive in a man
Every Friday is 'Top 5' Friday. So here are five things I find attractive in a man. Anyone who was knows me well will not be surprised by this list.
No 5.) Older Men
So all my friends know that I find guys so much more attractive if they are older me. (Not too old though :) it's not like I find guys on there death bed attractive ha ha.) Some women do prefer guys younger than them. I have never been one of those people. Guys my own age and younger are so much more annoying. It's like they haven't grown up yet.
No 4.) Sensitivity
I don't think being too sensitive is a turn on either. But a guy who has a heart and can be a real shoulder to lean on when you need/want it.
No 3.) A Job!
Okay so I know the job market is bad at the moment. There is nothing attractive about a guy who is jobless. This is a must. It puts a strain on a relationship when only one of you is in employment. Trust me.
No 2.) Confidence
There is nothing less attractive than a man who is not comfortable in his own skin. I'm talking about people are over confident 'cos that is not attractive at all. There is difference. But if a guy is happy in his own skin, then he's going to be more confident.(The same really applies to women as well.)
No 1.) A sense of humour
This is an absolute must. I'm prone to doing some rather daft things in my time. Anyone who knows me well knows that in a week I will have done any number of 'silly' things. But anyone who can make me laugh (or find the funny in me) is a huge turn on.
Hope everyone is having a good Friday. What do you find attractive in the oposite sex?
No 5.) Older Men
So all my friends know that I find guys so much more attractive if they are older me. (Not too old though :) it's not like I find guys on there death bed attractive ha ha.) Some women do prefer guys younger than them. I have never been one of those people. Guys my own age and younger are so much more annoying. It's like they haven't grown up yet.
No 4.) Sensitivity
I don't think being too sensitive is a turn on either. But a guy who has a heart and can be a real shoulder to lean on when you need/want it.
No 3.) A Job!
Okay so I know the job market is bad at the moment. There is nothing attractive about a guy who is jobless. This is a must. It puts a strain on a relationship when only one of you is in employment. Trust me.
No 2.) Confidence
There is nothing less attractive than a man who is not comfortable in his own skin. I'm talking about people are over confident 'cos that is not attractive at all. There is difference. But if a guy is happy in his own skin, then he's going to be more confident.(The same really applies to women as well.)
No 1.) A sense of humour
This is an absolute must. I'm prone to doing some rather daft things in my time. Anyone who knows me well knows that in a week I will have done any number of 'silly' things. But anyone who can make me laugh (or find the funny in me) is a huge turn on.
Hope everyone is having a good Friday. What do you find attractive in the oposite sex?
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
What is the hardest thing you have wrote?
Every Wednesday is 'Writing Wednesday'. This week's blog post, just like its title, was one of the hardest blog post's I've wrote. It's personal. I almost chickened out on writing it. So much so that I have shown this to one person before posting it. As I've mentioned in the last few weeks. Writing is personal. Sometimes it can help you. Sometimes it might help someone else.
So here we go.
Over the years I have got upset over killing off characters I have cared a lot about. You grow attached to these 'people' you have have created. But that was nothing compared to the story I wrote a few years ago. A story I wrote to get me through the worse time of my life. If it wasn't for an amazing support system and writing I'm can safely say I wouldn't be here today. As a way to cope with the crazy and nightmarish time, I was advised by a psychologist at the time to write it out. Express my feelings. Getting it out be it in spoken words or the power of the written word. Because writing has always been my passion. It was so therapeutic. Only one person has ever read it. I have never read it since I wrote it. And have no plans on doing so. Its the only story I've wrote that is not crumpled at the corners. Its also the story I am most proud of. Knowing I was able to get through it has made me a better person but it has also made me a better writer.
Anyone who has ever had to get through a bad situation be it a bad break-up, death whatever it is, write it out. Get your feelings out. If there is nobody for you to talk to write it.
So here we go.
Over the years I have got upset over killing off characters I have cared a lot about. You grow attached to these 'people' you have have created. But that was nothing compared to the story I wrote a few years ago. A story I wrote to get me through the worse time of my life. If it wasn't for an amazing support system and writing I'm can safely say I wouldn't be here today. As a way to cope with the crazy and nightmarish time, I was advised by a psychologist at the time to write it out. Express my feelings. Getting it out be it in spoken words or the power of the written word. Because writing has always been my passion. It was so therapeutic. Only one person has ever read it. I have never read it since I wrote it. And have no plans on doing so. Its the only story I've wrote that is not crumpled at the corners. Its also the story I am most proud of. Knowing I was able to get through it has made me a better person but it has also made me a better writer.
Anyone who has ever had to get through a bad situation be it a bad break-up, death whatever it is, write it out. Get your feelings out. If there is nobody for you to talk to write it.
Friday, 4 March 2011
Top 5: Oscar Winning Movies (not all Best Picture winners)
So last Sunday was Oscar Sunday. So here are five of my faveroute films. Some won for the film itself and some for the level of acting.
No 5.) The Blind Side
No 4.) Million Dollar Baby
No 3.) Jerry Maguire
No 2.) A Beautiful Mind
No 1.) Titanic
There is a wide range of films on this list. Each one I love for different reasons.
Hope your all having a happy Friday. What are some of your faveroute films that have won an Oscar.
No 5.) The Blind Side
No 4.) Million Dollar Baby
No 3.) Jerry Maguire
No 2.) A Beautiful Mind
No 1.) Titanic
There is a wide range of films on this list. Each one I love for different reasons.
Hope your all having a happy Friday. What are some of your faveroute films that have won an Oscar.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
When did you know you loved writing?
Every Wednesday here on my blog is Writing Wednesday. Over the years my family and friends have asked me questions about my writing. Every Wednesday I answer one of these questions.
So. When did I first realise that I loved writing? That is a hard question. Mainly because I'm not too sure. Looking back at old Primary school work (that mum and dad still have in the garage) I can see early on I was interested in the art of storytelling. As a child I could play for hours alone and make up stories with my dolls and teddy's. As I got older and it was no longer 'cool' to play with these toys I was introduced to writing. It was here I found my love of writing and the written word. This love is present now (if not more so). I would say my art of writing though definitely became something I needed to do after the age of 15. And not something I had to do because I needed to do it. It was something I wanted to do. And still love doing now.
Writing was my first true love. It has been loyal (if not always present). It has been an outlet for me when I have needed to get things off my chest. It has never strayed or disappointed me.
So when did you know you know you loved writing and the art of storytelling? Is it something you've always loved or is it something that came to you later, as you got older?
So. When did I first realise that I loved writing? That is a hard question. Mainly because I'm not too sure. Looking back at old Primary school work (that mum and dad still have in the garage) I can see early on I was interested in the art of storytelling. As a child I could play for hours alone and make up stories with my dolls and teddy's. As I got older and it was no longer 'cool' to play with these toys I was introduced to writing. It was here I found my love of writing and the written word. This love is present now (if not more so). I would say my art of writing though definitely became something I needed to do after the age of 15. And not something I had to do because I needed to do it. It was something I wanted to do. And still love doing now.
Writing was my first true love. It has been loyal (if not always present). It has been an outlet for me when I have needed to get things off my chest. It has never strayed or disappointed me.
So when did you know you know you loved writing and the art of storytelling? Is it something you've always loved or is it something that came to you later, as you got older?
Friday, 25 February 2011
Top 5: Books By 5 Family/Friends
When I came up with the idea for this Fridays blog post a week and a half ago I had a feeling there was going to be a wide range of different books. I'm glad to see my friends and family did not disappoint. Some of these books may be unheard of to you. Some of you may have the same favourite book as one of my family/friends.
So where to start.
No 5.) Under the Dome – Stephen King
“My favourite book is the fairly recent " Under the Dome " by Stephen King. Gripping from the first page ~ a classic " I'll read just one more chapter " book.
Taking 25 yrs to create, at 870+ pages, this is King's best epic novel.
It explores many modern topics, including ~ ecological, political & fascism.
King's use of characters leaves you feeling their experiences first hand.”
Recommended by Steve Billington
No 4.) A Thousand Splendid Suns – Khaled Hosseini
“Absolutely love it. It is by no means a happy book but I really enjoyed it. If that makes sense! About a girls life growing up in Afghanistan, marriage etc. It is the only book that I can think of that ever brought a tear to my eye. The complex relationships especially between the female characters is brought out so well and you really do empathise and sincerely care about what happens to the characters. Highly recommend it.”
Recommended by Jen Bland
No 3.) Past Reason Hated – Peter Robinson
“Its all about Caroline Haryley but everything people know and think she is but she's not. She is found brutally murdered lying on the couch and its down to CI Alan Banks to search for the truth and there is more secrets in her life which keeps you waiting to find out if his has found out the end to all the secrecy and who would of killed her.”
Recommended by Kelly Glennon
No 2.) Eat Pray Love – Elizabeth Gilbert
“It normally takes me a while to read a book but this was an exception. In under a week I read this book. What I liked about this book was the way she described things in such detail it was easy to visualise in your mind. What I found interesting was the different religions and way people live that described in the book.”
Recommended by Christine Miller (mum)
No 1.) Great Expectations – Charles Dickens
“Deciding which is my favourite book is rather difficult, but if I had to decide which one, it would probably be 'Great Expectations' by the one and only Charles Dickens.
I like the novel for its ambitious elements, as Philip Pirrip or 'Pip' terminates his apprenticeship as a blacksmith in order to be a 'Gentleman' in the high society of London.
Dickens allows us to speculate the rise and fall of a protagonist in his pursuit of love, wealth, power and freedom to escape from his poor background, only to return to his normal way of living at the end of the novel. The way that the novel has a complex plot highlights how great this book is; that weaves together various interconnected stories with each character having a pivotal role in Pip's life; young and old.
I love how ambiguous the conclusion of the story is when Pip meets Estella at Satis House; does he remain to be an honest friend of Estella? or does finally win her heart and marry her?
But most interestingly enough, the novel is a social critique of High Society of London, exposing the devious elements of greed, power and the feeling of superiority.
Dickens suggested that a person cannot escape from his/ her past or from themselves, which is the lesson that Pip learns at the end of the story. The author also exposes the common belief that a gentleman can be made by money alone, however poor and unprivileged characters like Joe Gargery and Magwitch appear to have moral qualities and appear to be more moral than the characters who are privileged and well educated, showing a high level of irony.
I strongly recommend anyone to read this book - 'Great romance, great thrills, great suspense, great adventure... Great Expectations!!”
This book was recommended by Mark Miller (my youngest brother).
I'd love to hear what some of your favourite books are and if you have read any on this list. I hope everyone is having a good Friday so far and hope everyone has a good weekend.
(Photo Credit: fotosearch.com)
So where to start.
No 5.) Under the Dome – Stephen King
“My favourite book is the fairly recent " Under the Dome " by Stephen King. Gripping from the first page ~ a classic " I'll read just one more chapter " book.
Taking 25 yrs to create, at 870+ pages, this is King's best epic novel.
It explores many modern topics, including ~ ecological, political & fascism.
King's use of characters leaves you feeling their experiences first hand.”
Recommended by Steve Billington
No 4.) A Thousand Splendid Suns – Khaled Hosseini
“Absolutely love it. It is by no means a happy book but I really enjoyed it. If that makes sense! About a girls life growing up in Afghanistan, marriage etc. It is the only book that I can think of that ever brought a tear to my eye. The complex relationships especially between the female characters is brought out so well and you really do empathise and sincerely care about what happens to the characters. Highly recommend it.”
Recommended by Jen Bland
No 3.) Past Reason Hated – Peter Robinson
“Its all about Caroline Haryley but everything people know and think she is but she's not. She is found brutally murdered lying on the couch and its down to CI Alan Banks to search for the truth and there is more secrets in her life which keeps you waiting to find out if his has found out the end to all the secrecy and who would of killed her.”
Recommended by Kelly Glennon
No 2.) Eat Pray Love – Elizabeth Gilbert
“It normally takes me a while to read a book but this was an exception. In under a week I read this book. What I liked about this book was the way she described things in such detail it was easy to visualise in your mind. What I found interesting was the different religions and way people live that described in the book.”
Recommended by Christine Miller (mum)
No 1.) Great Expectations – Charles Dickens
“Deciding which is my favourite book is rather difficult, but if I had to decide which one, it would probably be 'Great Expectations' by the one and only Charles Dickens.
I like the novel for its ambitious elements, as Philip Pirrip or 'Pip' terminates his apprenticeship as a blacksmith in order to be a 'Gentleman' in the high society of London.
Dickens allows us to speculate the rise and fall of a protagonist in his pursuit of love, wealth, power and freedom to escape from his poor background, only to return to his normal way of living at the end of the novel. The way that the novel has a complex plot highlights how great this book is; that weaves together various interconnected stories with each character having a pivotal role in Pip's life; young and old.
I love how ambiguous the conclusion of the story is when Pip meets Estella at Satis House; does he remain to be an honest friend of Estella? or does finally win her heart and marry her?
But most interestingly enough, the novel is a social critique of High Society of London, exposing the devious elements of greed, power and the feeling of superiority.
Dickens suggested that a person cannot escape from his/ her past or from themselves, which is the lesson that Pip learns at the end of the story. The author also exposes the common belief that a gentleman can be made by money alone, however poor and unprivileged characters like Joe Gargery and Magwitch appear to have moral qualities and appear to be more moral than the characters who are privileged and well educated, showing a high level of irony.
I strongly recommend anyone to read this book - 'Great romance, great thrills, great suspense, great adventure... Great Expectations!!”
This book was recommended by Mark Miller (my youngest brother).
I'd love to hear what some of your favourite books are and if you have read any on this list. I hope everyone is having a good Friday so far and hope everyone has a good weekend.
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