Alas. "Friday Fricassee" no longer comes up when I type the letter "f" in my title box on Fridays. Instead, I get the entire list of F2S's. What was I thinking?
It's worth it, though. Interesting, isn't it, the varied responses and reactions to two measly sentences?
I threw mine into the mix, too. (Heh.) And the feedback is extremely useful! No, I haven't left comments. I struggled with this decision yesterday -- I wanted to wade through and leave feedback (of course I read them all as they came in). But you know, I can only allow myself so much time on this blog. And next week is going to be heavy duty blog time for me. So, I had to excuse myself. With regrets.
I think I just wrote y'all a form rejection. *grin*
At any rate, I find that I'm craving an entire day to JUST WRITE. Do you ever feel that way? (As if I don't know what the answer to that question is.) I have my dedicated writing time every day, and I'm plugging along, but... Well. A full day with nobody else around and lots of yummy food nearby to nourish me when I'm languishing sounds perfect. Don't you think?
Maybe it's this glorious October weather. And maybe, too, it's that I've got some real energy behind my story right now. I kinda know where I'm going. (I say "kinda" because I'm an organic writer, and I never truly KNOW know, if you know what I mean.) I hate stopping when my writing time is up.
Hate it!
So what does your weekend look like?
Oh, and if you entered your first two sentences -- was it a good experience for you? If you all found it useful, I'll do it again some time.
Monday's the big day -- are you ready?? I love these Secret Agent contests. Post your last-minute questions here, and I'll check periodically over the weekend. Remember that the submission window is only 24 hours long, so you'll want to make sure you've got everything in order before Monday morning rolls around.
Or Monday afternoon, if you're just outside London.
(I love my British readers. I do. I could wax poetic about England until you all begged me to stop. And, you know, if you're a Brit, I really want to know why you're drawn to this decidedly non-British blog. Not that I strive to be non-British. Actually, most of the DVDs that Mr. Authoress and I choose to spend our time watching are either British [old Brit-coms] or feature British actors. I mean, I know what pickle is. I know how to make cucumber sandwiches the right way. I buy P.G. Tips. I can name the wives of Henry VIII in order. I got up at 5:30 in the morning to watch the wedding of Prince Charles to Lady Diana. Really, I'll shut up now.)
Virtual hugs to all of you, and may your muses go into overdrive this weekend!
I'm still trying to comment on everything. Half way through.
ReplyDeleteI was pleasantly surprised by the reaction to the opening of my new work. I've never written in first person before, but it felt right. And not a single reader so far hasn't liked it.
As to my other submission, there have been mixed comments. I think I can see how to make the first sentence stronger, and hookier. I have stuff happen on the first page, but it wouldn't hurt to show a hint of it right off the bat.
Looking forward to the SA contest next week. I'm poised on the starting line, just waiting for the signal. :-)
Hello, Authoress, I agree to write for a whole day without any interruptions is pure bliss. I never want to do anything else. Pity we can’t do it every day. I don’t want to play in my garden anymore or watch TV, or even visit anyone. I just want to sit here and write. Heheh.
ReplyDeleteI loved the ‘First two Sentences.’ Yes, it was a great experience for me. But I’m very sad because I can’t enter the First page Secret Agent contest because I write Children’s chapter books. Boo hoo. It’s not fair. Stomp … Stomp. That was my foot. Will there ever be any contests for Children’s Chapter Books? Please say yes. Please … please.
I will go write now. Oh, I’m from sunny Australia, but I was born in England.
Hugs.
Authoress, once again you have outdone yourself. First, the SA contest, then this great first 2 lines contest, then you top it all off with an echo of my heart's fondest wish -- a whole day to write!
ReplyDeleteWell, maybe hope does spring eternal after all!
:)
And, for all that you do, virtual hugs right back at ya.
*hugs* to you, too! This was a great experience!
ReplyDeleteI thank all those who commented on my sentences and gave me their honest opinions. I have already reworked not only the first two sentences of my novel, but the entire first section.
I am currently working on polishing up my final draft and posting it all on an invitation-only blog so that it feels done. Finally. And I can move on to bigger and better works!
So . . . I'll try and write all day today, but with my two-year-old running around, I doubt it will happen.
I am right next to Mary at that starting line . . .
Thank you so much Authoress. I love how this shines a microscope on things. I had some gut level feelings about my opening lines that I hadn't really operationalized, and now I see what I want to make different. These are so helpful. A HUGE THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK!! I've critted a bunch and will be finishing more soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm just critting this time (just over halfway through,) but I'm finding it very informative on what works as an opening line, and what doesn't. Needless to say I shall be revising some of my stories accordingly. Thanks for putting these together Authoress!
ReplyDeleteAh, a whole day to do nothing but write, pure bliss, pure happiness, pure...fantasy. Oh, well maybe someday.
I loved the first two sentence contest. It was by far the hardest one so far but also the one I learned the most from.
ReplyDeleteI have had two experiences where I was able to write for TWO whole days--on writer's retreats on the coast of Northern California. Two of the best "vacations" I have ever been on. I dream about doing it again and probably should before my bank, the goverment, or Satan himself gobbles my savings account.
I really enjoyed this, and am still trying to comment on every single one. I had a day without internet access so that screwed me up.
ReplyDeleteYou didn't mention which one was yours? Is it a secret?
My nephew passed away from brain cancer on Thursday, so this weekend is up in the air.
I want to write, but don't know if I will find the time. I have 2 writing jobs that help pay the bills and although it can be fun.. it's not like working on my WIP.
I also have 2 jobs that require me to spend a lot of time on the computer, and I am taking a writing class.
Thank you so much for taking the time on this blog. I feel it must take writing time away. I appreciate your hard work.
Authoress, this foray into your velvet-lined dungeon was the most difficult yet. Who knew the first two lines could be so important? I'm convinced they are, though, after this. And -- darn you! -- now I'm obsessed with mine. You're an evil, evil woman. (You've also got me longing for Britcom. Where did I put those episodes of Fawlty Towers?)
ReplyDeleteAh, a whole day to do nothing but write. What a pleasant dream! Now if I can just find someone to off Mr. Disorderly....
Thank you for having this two sentence critique. It made me realize I do need to tighten my first line. I'm going to enter your SA. It'll be a long shot for me, but I might as well try since the novel is finally complete.
ReplyDeleteThis was my first time submitting something (or critiquing) here, and it was a good experience for me. I appreciate people's comments on my work, and seeing everyone's first two sentences helped me (begin to) form a sense of what works and what doesn't in those first couple of lines.
ReplyDeletePlus, the small submissions made critiquing feel like a reasonably-sized task.
In short, yes, the first sentences contest was awesome! :) I learned a lot, as I always do from this blog.
ReplyDeleteAs for why non-US'ians are drawn to this blog (and not just from England! *waves to Trish* Whee, another one from Australia!), I should think the comments here would make that obvious :o)
At the most fundamental level, writing is writing is writing, and what you provide here is a learning opportunity unparalleled in terms of both feedback received, and the chance to give feedback, which often teaches just as much if not more than receiving it yourself.
Thank you :)
Argh! The comment by '*' above is from me :)
ReplyDeleteLOL I was wondering about that, Inkblot! Or shall I say... "*" ?
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you. This blog has blossomed into more than I'd dreamed. All due to the amazing people who showed up here.
The weekend is over! Aaaaaah!
ReplyDelete*sighs*
I did nothing (except music vids O:)), but it was very relaxing.
I'm actually going to spend what is left of the weekend editing shorts ;) and need to get back to writing my new novel tomorrow. A week off to recharge after finishing TIH really, REALLY helped my brain and now I'm itching to torment characters some more. ;)
Hope everyone has/had a good weekend! (I'm predictably late as usual.)
~Merc, off to now read the comments here
P.S. I Loved the F2S! I got a lot of great feedback, and know how I want to tweak my opening now. ;) (Good thing, since I literally just started it before the contest and that's, well, all I have so far. ;))
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ReplyDeleteArgh! The comment by '*' above is from me :(
ReplyDeleteAwww, I thought it was from everyone :(
My, aren't we funny today. *pokes tongue out at Wulfie*
ReplyDelete