What recognized qualifications do I need to become a published writer?

I read this post from Jack Eason with great interest. I agree. Reading, writing dedication and enthusiasm is needed in abundance. Also life experience, observational skills and a tendency to be curious helps! It is such hard work and not for the faint-hearted. The reward is the joy of knowing we have created and that is worth more than the meagre royalties!

Jack Eason's avatarHave We Had Help?

Millais_Boyhood_of_Raleigh

This is a long post aimed at all current writers and those waiting in the wings, so please bear with me.

***

A couple of days ago while perusing the latest posts on Facebook, I came across one that my friend and fellow writer, Stuart Aken, had found on a question and answer site called Quora (Google it if you want to find it’s location). Along with a couple of others in the game, Stuart and I added our comments to a query put forth by someone, on the subject of which qualifications were needed to be able to become a writer and to break into the publishing world – Click here to read it.

Together with Stuart’s initial comment on Quora, the ones John Yeoman, Karen Wolfe Whitchurch and myself added on Facebook, hopefully helped to back up Stuart’s views, and to quash the ridiculous notion once and…

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The Day The Moon Began To Disappear – Speculative Fiction – March Edition

I love this from my friend Ritu. #speculativefiction #mustread #writingprompt

Sharing Options from WordPress.com to Facebook Are Changing

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Sharing Options from WordPress.com to Facebook Are Changing

teardrops

Beautiful poetry from The Lonely Author Blog. #recommended

thelonelyauthorblog's avatarThe Lonely Author

teardrops

her words are teardrops
preserved in my eyes
like liquid diamonds
of inspiration
cascading in my heart
seeping bone deep

should you find any beauty
in the verses I spill
it is her reflection
always swimming
in the poetry I weep

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Links I’ve Enjoyed This Week – 03/03/19

via The Secret Library site a huge bunch of bookish links. Bookworm enjoy!

Links I’ve Enjoyed This Week – 03/03/19

The Night-Time Routine That Actually Improved My Sleep

I’ve had terrible problems with insomnia most of my adult life until I discovered tai chi. I sleep pretty well now. But I know how horrendous it can be and how sleep deprivation often goes hand in hand with anxiety problems. So glad you found a routine that works for you Jenny. A great share 🙂

Jenny in Neverland's avatarJenny in Neverland

I’ve never been one for “routines”. Morning, night, work, whatever. Despite being an incredibly organised person, I always just tend to do things the quickest and most productive way. I’ve probably watched hundreds of night-time routines on YouTube and can help but think, “what… EVERY night?” I just couldn’t fathom someone doing the same things, in the same order, every single night and finding any joy in that. I just wanna get my make up off and get into bed, pronto.

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Colleen’s 2019 Weekly #Tanka Tuesday #Poetry Challenge No. 125#SynonymsOnly

poetry-badge-blue-2

Who better to write about than my lovely dad, Ronald?

He has always been my inspiration. I doubt I would ever have become a writer if it hadn’t been for him. Both of my parents  are much loved and have had an extraordinary life  with many stories to tell. My dad is quite the raconteur! He has been fortunate to have travelled to, and lived in, many exotic countries in his life: Hong Kong, Singapore,  Malaysia (where he met my mum,) Africa, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, British Virgin Islands, Fiji, Anguilla, Abu Dhabi… etc.

 

So this is for my dad, who isn’t Russian but learnt Russian as a young man. I find it quite extraordinary that he still remembers how to speak and sing in Russian after all these years.  Like his grandfather, who lived a long life (and walked miles when he was ninety,) he has a zest for life which I admire enormously. And the ladies seem to love dad – apparently he received many birthday wishes from the female golfers in his club! Which mum took very good-naturedly… He is so like his grandfather, (who he loved.)

Apparently his grandfather was also a big hit with the ladies too!

Dad,

Is great,

From his birth,

One of a kind,

He likes a challenge,

A dapper gentleman,

Whose impeccable taste shines,

I’d describe him to impress you,

Just like his grandfather before him,

He dazzles all those he meets with his charm.

 

From the beginning

He was so adventurous,

Now ninety he sings,

Russian songs to our waitress,

For the record – he’s handsome!

 

 

I hope you enjoyed my tanka and etheree. Do join in with Colleen’s poetry challenge.

Here is the link:

https://colleenchesebro.com/2019/02/26/colleens-2019-weekly-tanka-tuesday-poetry-challenge-no-xx-synonymsonly/

And in case you’d like to see how to write an Etheree:

https://colleenchesebro.com/how-to-write-an-etheree-poem/

 

To see my latest review pop over to Beaton’s blog: https://becomingthemuse.net/2019/02/26/of-the-curse-of-time-book-review/

Featured Image -- 42809

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Social Media Links

Authors Website: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com
Collaborative Blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
#ABRSC: Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

 

Of The Curse Of Time Book Review

Thank you so much to Beaton for reviewing The Curse of Time. Thrilled to say it looks as if he really enjoyed it. Pop over to Goodreads too to see his 5 star review there too. Very happy author moment.:)

Beaton's avatarBecoming The Muse

Book Review

Bloodstone Book 1 Curse of Time M.J. Mallon

The Curse Of Time Book One – Bloodstone

The Curse Of Time is the first book in the Bloodstone series by M.J. Mallon.

The Curse Of Time is a YA fantasy set in Cambridge, UK.

One of the inspirations for this book is the Corpus Christi Chronopage clock in Kings Parade, Cambridge. The rather unsettling sculptural clock has no hands or numerals but shows time through blue Led lights

THE CHRONOPHAGE IN CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE
Courtesy John C Taylor

Stalking the top of the clock is the Chronophage beast, a metal sculpture resembling a grasshopper that moves its mouth as if eating time and blinking occasionally; reminding us of the inevitability of time and the irregularity of life…….

Corpus Christi Chronopage
Corpus –Courtesy John C Taylor

I havent seen this clock nor been anywhere near Cambridge but reading the book ignited an interest as the grasshopper makes an appearance in this magical read by M.J. lending…

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Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore – Author Update #Reviews – M.J. Mallon, Sue Vincent and Stuart France, Bette A. Stevens and Charles E. Yallowitz.

Thank you so much to Sally for sharing these wonderful reviews including my latest review.