Tag Archives: Dickens

Persistence Pays Off

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If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.

Marcus Tullius Cicero

I found that quote yesterday when replying to a comment, so if you saw it then, I apologise for the repetition. I was actually looking for another quote, but I thought that one would do just as well. It is also good enough to bear repetition.

Robin, Arnot Hill Park

For some reason my thoughts of writing always centre round this time of year. I am sitting in a book-lined room, with busts of historical figures on my shelves. It is pleasantly warm, bees are buzzing the lavender, the scent of lilacs drifts in through the open glass doors and I smile as I put my fountain pen down and look at another finished manuscript.

Reality is always a little different. I have no glass doors, my writing room is lined with chaos and the scent of toast fills the air.  I have two small busts on my shelves – Cromwell and Dickens. I chose Cromwell because I like Cromwell and I chose Dickens on account of the quality of his beard. I have tried to enthuse myself to read Dickens again but I’m failing.

Tulip

On the other hand, re-writing Wilkins Micawber as an amateur detective has a certain attraction. Pea souper fogs, opium dens and mysterious, gaunt, black-clad figures do all the work for you. All you need is talent and time . . .

Meanwhile, back at the poetry, which requires little time and, let’s be honest. only a smattering of talent, I have had some more acceptances. last week I had three accepted by one editor – a haibun, a tank and a haiku. They have never accepted a haiku off me before. Then this week I have had a haiku accepted by a magazine which has been resisting me for some years. They used to accept things, then the new editor stopped. Now, with a new editorial team, they have accepted one again. It just goes to show the power of hard work and persistence. I haven’t really improved as a poet, but I am getting more published, so it has to be the work rate and the persistence, though I suppose there are talented poets out there who would take issue with me about my approach.

Feeder with Greenfinch

 

 

 

 

 

1st January 2021

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So, how do you start the first blog post of the New Year? I thought I’d try an irritating speech habit and a few surplus capitals.

I’ve noticed on quiz programmes that many people, when asked to say a few words about themselves, seem to be starting with the word “So…”. It’s taken the place of “Well…’ and, my personal favourite “Er…”.

At least “Er…” is an understandable reaction. The other two are just irritating. And, to be honest, as you should be expecting to be asked about yourself, you should be ready. Keen-eyed readers will have noticed “To be honest”, which I admit is an irritating habit of mine. I’ve tried to stamp it out, but so far I haven’t managed to eradicate it. Maybe 2021 is the year I will sucvceed.

As for the Unnecessary Capitalisation, this is likely to get worse as I am going to read more Dickens this year and I suspect that my prose will become more Victorian. I have read very little Dickens and have decided to address this lack. I’m also going to re-read Evelyn Waugh, as I’ve mot read any for 15 or 20 years and I feel that my supplies of waspishness need refilling.

I am currently thinking of how to arrange my writing in 2021, and what I’m going to do on the blog. The first thing I’m going to do is wish everyone a Happy New Year, because I’m feeling cheerful. The second thing I’m going to do is panic as it’s 11.55 and I need to get a photo and some tags loaded.

See you tomorrow!