For my sins, I’m actually a lawyer. Enough about that.
This blog is partly about a somewhat crazy journey towards becoming a writer. The reason why I say it’s a “somewhat crazy journey”, is because I actually used to have great job. Then I did a crazy, crazy thing, especially considering we’re in a recession, and I packed it all in. How many times can I use the word crazy in one paragraph?
Due to my husband’s career and us having been like ‘ships passing in the night’ for the last three years, we decided that a change in lifestyle was long over due. So we re-located to the countryside and I’m incredibly fortunate, as this has given me the opportunity to take a six-month sabbatical in order to focus on writing.
In an ideal, quite possibly non-sensical world, I would love to be a professional writer. I’ve always had a massively overactive imagination as well as an unhealthy obsession with stationary (probably shouldn’t admit to that) and documenting things; being a writer would literally be my dream job. I realise that this is a slightly unrealistic dream, but I just have to try!
One of my projects is a novel loosely based on my 87 year old Gran and the beautiful but tragic story of what happened to her during World War II. Surprisingly, I have discovered that those who have had the most awful of things happen to them, are actually the most stable and grounded of us all. My Gran is inspirational. But unfortunately, she is getting on a bit, so I need to get my skates on if I want to tell her tale. Here is a fab old photo of her whilst on a special holiday – she’s always had great style.
I also have a few other potential bits and bobs up my sleeve; I’m writing a young adult novel, which I’m very excited about, although I won’t give too much away about it. I also want to document a sailing escapade which I’m hoping to fulfil with my dear old Dad, and recently, I entered a short screenplay into a competition… and…it WON.
So that’s about it; I will be blogging about my progress, setbacks and hurdles and I hope you enjoy reading about by journey! Please do pass on your comments and any guidance or experience you have had in trying to fulfil a crazy ambition, even if it’s as unrealistic as mine.
P.S The other part of my blog is about a tedious, but rewarding reading challenge. I also review other books outside of this challenge from time to time.
P.P.S The header picture on my blog is actually an old photo of my wonderful late Grandfather. He was a classy gent.
You don’t sound at all mindless. Taking on the Bible as a single book sounds daunting. It is actually a collection of books in cover. Maybe you could approach it from that angle.
Thanks for your comment. I think that what I mean by mindless is I’ll try to keep my blogs light hearted and not be too deep or analytical, this may well be difficult for some such as the Handmaid’s Tale. For the Bible I might cheat and read the Children’s Bible as that will have pictures. In any event, I went to a clergy daughter’s school (same school as the Bronte sisters if you are interested) and so I went to Church at least twice a week. I have therefore probably listened to most of the Bible…perhaps I’ll just look at the pictures in the Children’s Bible! If only they did a Children’s version of War and Peace!
Hi stumbled upon your blog and love your passion for reading and writing. I just started a blog of my own and can’t wait to hear more of your thoughts on these great books. You’ve got quite a road ahead of you, but I’m more than positive it’s worthwhile!
Many thanks for your comment – reading is going quite slow at the moment coz of the busy day job – hoping to get my skates on whilst on holiday in a few weeks time though. A
enjoyed this…
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hey! I just nominated you for the you are my sunshine award! Here’s a link to my post and the rules etc: http://bookbimbo.wordpress.com/2012/03/31/you-are-my-sunshine-award/
Wow thanks so much – this is the first award I’ve been nominated for. Means a lot. Amanda
You’re doing something I have always wanted to do.
P.S. And that is a beautiful picture of your grandmother. Was it Coco Chanel who said “Fashion is fleeting, but style is forever?” or something like that.
~ From another lawyer who wishes she was a professional writer (but has loans to pay off and a family to feed)
Thanks loads for your comment. I’m so lucky that I can try and concentrate on writing for six months. Unfortunately after that, it will be back to the law machine for me.
Hi! I think your blog is beautiful, so I’ve nominated it for an award of the same name!
http://wantoncreation.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/you-beauty-the-beautiful-blogger-award/
Wow thanks loads, that’s really kind of you. Love your blog too so you truly deserve the award as well
Hi, I’ve nominated you for the Reader Appreciation Award!
http://wantoncreation.wordpress.com/2012/06/02/the-reader-appreciation-award-an-almighty-thank-you/
Wow! Thanks for the unexpected Reader Appreciation award. A very nice start to the week.
I too am working on WWII memoirs. I’ve tried different approaches, and I am currently adapting my mom’s memoirs to a screenplay. She is also in late eighties and is reluctant about discussing the war. Her experiences as a teenager were far removed from mine. I wish you well on your writing and kudos for pursuing your dream of unplugging from the world and writing!
Blue Skies,
CricketMuse
Thanks loads for your comment – i’ve put my Gran’s tale on hold for the moment. I’ve got about 5 hours of recordings from speaking with her about it all though. Good luck with your memoirs too.
Hey there, I think your blog is pretty cool. I nominated you for the Booker Award.
If you care to participate, here is the post: http://literarytiger.wordpress.com/2012/07/05/the-booker-award/ 
Thanks so much – really nice of you
Well done for getting it your self – really deserved.
I’ve tagged yooouuu
http://wantoncreation.wordpress.com/2012/08/03/blog-tag/
Best of luck with your writing
Enjoyed this section. I will be following you and the interesting things you have to say. Keep up the light hearted work.
Nick (a stay at home dad who is enjoying the ride)
Many thanks Nick, I’m glad you like. I see you’ve found my other blog Mummy Mystified which I’ve just stated – quite a different subject area lol.
Hi Amanda! I just wanted to return your lovely note and answer that — yes, I do love Debussey. Chopin has my heart, but Debussey isn’t far behind. I have a big book of composers I intend to read through one of these days. My plan was to read the (twelve or so page biography) on each, one at a time, and get to know the suggested musical compositions as I go. It might be a 2014 project.
And I’m definitely going to finish Harry Potter! I’m taking it slow so I can experience having to wait for the next installment, like the first readers of the series did.
Anyway, it’s really great to meet you. Thanks for touching base. I’m super jeaous you went to the Brontes’ school!! That’s so interesting!! I live very near my favorite author (Margaret Mitchell) so I have a bit of the same sense that I’m living in history.
Your story about your grandmother sounds great — love the snapshot! Very best wishes on that.