Hello, and welcome to the first update about my writing life.
I realised I did not properly introduce myself last week.
Apologies.
My name is Tracy O’Brien, and I live on the beautiful Isle of Wight with my wife and our 5 cats.
I’ve had many roles over the course of my life: chef, cook, office worker, till operator, student, volunteer, carer, wool shop owner, knitting designer, housekeeper/cook…. the list goes on. I have lived all over the UK, Germany, Luxembourg, and even for a short time in Italy.
Up until last year however, I had never considered myself a writer. Until, as I mentioned in my last update, a painting wanted to tell me a story.
Which is how this adventure began.
I am currently in the middle of 2 messy first drafts, and about halfway through my second year of studying for a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing with the Open University.
This week I have been mostly focused on writing a synopsis to go with along with a competition entry.
Why, oh why, is it harder to write a single page synopsis (about 500 words) than to write 60k words… 🤪
There is a lot of advice out there, too much, but, I can only do my best and keep my fingers and toes crossed. I have written one now, its being looked at to see how far off track I am.
I expect to make a least two more revisions before I’m happy.
Whilst watching a FB live with Dallas Woodburn, she asked what our words meant to us, why we wanted to write and share them. Don’t forget the last bit or they just sit and gather dust…
My reply was that I wanted to bring more joy, hope and love into the world with my writing.
This topic also came up in morning pages today, where I wrote:
I am an author, a writer, a keeper and sharer of tales. This is my role in this world. To spread love, laughter and all the human foibles with the world. In this way I hope that humanity can see that we are all the same at heart. We have the same hearts, dreams, wishes and needs. All. Of. Us.
May we come to know a world that accepts us for who we truly are and aspire to be.
11th March 2022
My tips of the Week
Find a community that will support you, nurture you and help you along your writing adventure. I highly recommend The London Writers Salon, I have been writing with them for almost 2 years and it has been transformational. I write everyday (almost), and have grown in confidence and curiosity. If you can afford it being a Silver Patreon gives you access to the inside community, interviews, and opportunities. If not, the Writer’s Hours will always be free - 4 times a day, chasing 8am around the globe.
Another community that is supportive is Writers HQ, they have a fun, tongue in cheek style, combined with lots of courses and support.
Also, find out what works for you when it comes to actually writing - pen and paper, word doc, apps. Whatever it is, find it and go with it. At the bottom of the page there are a few links for free trials of different software to help you write and organise your words.
This Word Count
Morning Pages
12 days out of the 14, (average 250-300 words per day)
Words Written
Guided by Angels - 500
Angels and Dragons - 700
Daisy Book - 735
Dragon Book - 0
OU Studies - 1500
Synopsis - Feels like millions….
Competitions to enter
Fabula Press short story competition, Deadline 14th April. Entry Details Here
Bristol Short Story Competition, Deadline 4th May. Entry Details Here
Until then, keep writing, and most of all keep using your voice to tell your story.
Yours in Pen and Ink,
Tracy
Or you could always support me with caffeine ☕️☕️
Is there anything you would like me to keep you updated about or any questions? I am not an expert, but may be able to guide you to the person best suited to help. Just drop me a message or leave a comment to let me know.
Links
Dallas Woodburn Coaching Program
Writers Resources*
Pro Writing Aid - 30 day free trial.
Scrapple - 30 day free trial.
Scrivener - 30 day free trial.
Grow A Sustainable Author Platform with Katie Sadler - This workshop is £75, but there is a saving of £25 if you book before 25th March.
* These are affiliate links, so I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This enables me continue my writing adventure.
I have exciting news to share: You can now read Angels and Dragons, My Writing Journey in the new Substack app for iPhone.
With the app, you’ll have a dedicated Inbox for my Substack and any others you subscribe to. New posts will never get lost in your email filters, or stuck in spam. Longer posts will never cut-off by your email app. Comments and rich media will all work seamlessly. Overall, it’s a big upgrade to the reading experience.
The Substack app is currently available for iOS. If you don’t have an Apple device, you can join the Android waitlist here.