May 2012
1 post
8 tags
A Romantic At The End Of The Universe
There’s a time limit on this universe, before it’s all blown away in one big puff.
We had the chance to leave, to make a mark on a new land, a new time, and a new space. We stood at the end.
Some time ago we decided to stay, you and I.
There was no guarantee the jump would place us together, and neither of us knew if we could live in a world where the other would not be...
February 2012
1 post
5 tags
January 2012
1 post
7 tags
Missing Scenes
A list of scenes which I omitted while writing the first draft. They’re in no order. I hope it makes the whole things seem appealing though (imagine what I actually put in!).
1• A conversation on willows
2• The King’s speech (page 98)
3• The Bus
4• The Scottish Port
5• Descriptions from dragon feeders
6• More radio news
7• Visiting the orphanage
8• Something about the...
November 2011
1 post
8 tags
How To Win #NaNoWriMo 2011 (Or 5 Ways To Take...
My NaNoWriMo currently stands at 13,155 words, we’re on the 4th day (and I’ve had 3 days of writing). I feel pretty good about it, I’ve not hit a block yet, I’ve not decided that what I’ve written so far is a sloshing fuck-bucket of nonsense, hey I’ve even got time to squeeze a blog post in, I am taking it all in my stride.
Here’s how:
(One quick...
October 2011
2 posts
12 tags
Brevity is a Virtue
“Patience is a Virtue” “Pardon?” “She’s a Virtue, as well as policeman - woman even.” “You mean she’s your sister?” “Yes” said Brevity. “How long has Prose been in there?” she asked the Landlord. “A long time, I mean, I am not exact-“
Brevity thumped the door thunderously “HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN...
14 tags
5 Places I Would Like To Write My NaNoWriMo From...
Everyone talks about their writing space when it comes up to NaNoWriMo time, Whether it is social (turning the phone off, promising nice things to the due-to-be-ignored, etc) or physical space (“I arrange the entire room into a pentagram of writing books, with me at the middle - if I leave, I die” etc).
But what about actual spaces? Here’s my Top 5 Place I Would like to Write My...
September 2011
4 posts
13 tags
Cheese
“We’ve got your results back” said the good doctor.
“Yes?” said Prose, unsure what he had actually been tested for.
“It’s good news and bad news.” The doctor attempting another pause for effect.
Prose looked at the doctor blankly. The doctor sighed, finding he couldn’t even produce the least bit of anxiety from the young man in front of...
7 tags
Notes On: C A CONRAD "The Book of Frank"
Poetry has to grab me these days. I have to instantly interested, a turn of phrase is all that’s needed to draw me in, but once done I can settle with it. I need a hook is all I’m saying.
The Book of Frank’s particular hook was the inclusion of the line:
“Where’s my son’s CUNT?!”
On the first page. Thus hooked I purchased and ploughed on.
A camp tales...
7 tags
Notes On: Magnus Mills "The Scheme for Full...
Mills always manages to make the structure of his world contract around his characters in an impressive way. His characters, often impotent to take control in the squeezing world, tend to play Watson, ask the sensible questions and allowing the thick tightening band of the rubber noose squeeze on the oesophagus.
At the point when the character should expire – at the centre of the gyre, the final...
10 tags
I Done Read.
I’ve recently spent the week in Berlin, mostly by myself. I had intended to meet a few people out there - but being the exciting people they are they had to be whisked away to work in Dusseldorf of all places. Bloody set designers.
This aside, I have had a chance to do some reading. I like reading - I spent 3 years doing little but at university, yet most of the time I find myself having to...
June 2011
1 post
14 tags
5 Things To Do With a First Draft Manuscript of...
1. Hang it round your neck as a handy alternative to an albatross.
2. Kill things with it. Depending on the thickness of the MS you can use it to kill things. Beetles, cockroaches spiders - if you’ve got a particular thick murder mystery which refuses to take off you could always actually kill someone with it. Going to prison helps book sales, look at Jeffery Archer.
3. Carry it...
May 2011
1 post
5 tags
Royal Blowjobs & Other Things Happen
I’m still editing the novel. It does still happen from time to time. I manage to sit down with Scrivener to beat out a few kinks.
But there are other things too.
For example there is a review of a concept album about Receiving a blow-job from Kate Middleton (or something like that anyway) on counterfeitculture.co.uk - personally I think it is the best yet.
I’ve also added a little...
April 2011
1 post
8 tags
Mind Modelling The Novel: Modular & Hierarchical...
I’ve been using scrivener to edit my Novel for a week or so now (or maybe it has been longer). It has proved itself useful because it presents a simple and easily understood system for understanding the structure of your novel.
First it offers you the ability to take the 200+ pages of brain-gush and chop and slice it into something approaching “scenes”. Film is one of the most...
March 2011
3 posts
6 tags
Amputation/Disection Of A Novel (With Scrivener)
So I took the novel out last night and flicked through a few pages, found all the breaks I’d pencilled in and broken the novel up into these pieces in Scrivener.
The main selling point of scrivener for me as far as I can tell is the introduction of a file system not unlike the one used on computers. It is interesting that is is the most comfortable form of organization to me now - file and...
4 tags
Finished First Paper & Ink Reading-Edit
I’ve just finished my first read-through-and-scribble-on of last year’s #NaNoWriMo novel. I was excited.
I’ve cleaned it up a bit, chopped huge pointless chucks out. I’ve added bevelled edges and embroided a little.
I realised that yes, I had built this book upside down, the foundations sat on the top, ugly, heavy, and badly supported from below.
I realised I lacked...
6 tags
4 Things I Have Learnt About Editing
4 Things I Have Learnt About Editing 1. I was smarter when I was writing. When I edit I seem to always be scolding myself for foolish ideas that I threw on to the page at the time. Often i cross these out, smugly, because I know better than That idiot who wrote this shit, right? Wrong. Apparently the “pantser” who wrote this magnificent garbage is actually quite good at setting up punchlines...
February 2011
1 post
8 tags
6 Ways To Not Finish Your Novel
6. Be A Slave To Your Muse Did you just squeeze out a novel of appropriate size and length, get it bound and now - as it sits there in front of you in all it’s brick-like glory - Like a brick - A paper-weight - A weight of paper - do you find yourself unable to stop thinking of new ideas? Excellent! Now you’re ready to be gripped by the fear that if you don’t start putting your new ideas...
January 2011
2 posts
8 tags
What I Want To Achieve With This Novel: Setting...
1. I want a tight, simple story. A single fable-like thread running through the manuscript. To this end I will safely amputate all lumpy, lost and limp limbs of narrative which might be dragged their tentacles. 2. I want a believable fully formed world-concept. Currently the MS feels like the world is just a painted back-drop to a kids school play. The taboos and concepts which impact on the...
7 tags
Paralysed From The Wrist Down / A Christmas Carol
So, I finished a first draft. I gave #nanowrimo a go and managed to place a story on to paper of a required length to be considered a “novel”. That bit was pretty sweet. On Christmas eve I dashed around all morning looking for a place which might ring bind such nonsense, sadly, for all my intensely local attempts I didn’t manage to find anywhere likely. In the first hour of the...
December 2010
1 post
Anonymous asked: No updates lately? Are you all blogged out? When can we read your novel?
Hugs,
GQ
Hugs,
GQ
November 2010
3 posts
3 tags
Against Expectations: Rogue Character Actions In...
This may be a common occurrence to other #NaNoWriMo participants - especially those who have taken part in previous years - but I have rarely experienced my characters doing unexpected things. Usually I know what is going to happen, or at least, what I think should happen.
Not in this case!
3 Unexpected Occurrences:
My Hero is a liar. I had no idea. He lies to everyone he meets and seems intent...
One For The WageSlaves: A Short Story Of Timmus...
404 Error: File not found
Read the screen burning away at the softly bleeding retinas of Timmus, The Mighty Accounts Manager of HubrisSoft - a reputation management company based in deepest darkest somewhere or other.
He, amongst his other mighty account manager brethren Timmus in their open plan office there was a seething silence. Nothing had been said for hours. This was not unusual, and most...
6 tags
A #NaNoWriMo Playlist
I am sure there are a few of these out there, and as I considered it a massive procrastination I refrained.
But at this point, with 28,353 word so far and 21647 to go, I am feeling quite confident and I think I can manage a little procrastination.
So here are the three (yes, only three) artists I am listening to while writing:
1. Mount Kimbie
Apparently this is a form of dub-step. I always...
October 2010
62 posts
5 tags
Gmail Haiku
fat stroppy fingers find sexy new keyboard shortcuts; don’t want the bastards
Did everyone know a little fiction is good for you? Take this before bed: http://cjeggett.co.uk/little-fictions (warm-up for #nanowrimo)
Afternoon #nanowrimo -ers; are you writing about something supernatural? Ghosts? Monsters? The Undead? Let me know, I want to list you!
So, I’ve got round to install some games from the indie bundle. Dipped my toe in Gish, now; Darwinia!
#ff @ciceroscobie @kellymulder @TigerlilyLace @katheastman @SubtleInFiction @lisaansell @lorriehearts @MsMaryViola @FictionWitch @Syrina
Does anyone else find the phrase “Cast-iron Bastard” strangely funny?
RT @mrchrisaddison: 25% cut in number of sides squares have. ‘New Squares’ phased in by 2014. #sr10
Dear… My Birthday http://bit.ly/bZtX8A full collection here: http://bit.ly/asVZNE
Today, as it is my birthday, I reserve to be a whiny bitch about “getting old” and to be olympically grumpy ALL DAY.
RT @sarahditum: Keep telling myself the spending review can’t REALLY be the end of post war democratic consensus. Otherwise I might have …
RT @dirtywhitecandy: Looking for a #NaNoWriMo buddy? Add your name here: http://t.co/mR0XlkB
Also Tomorrow is my birthday. Tomorrow I will be closer to death than I have ever been. #FACT
Today is the oldest I have ever been.
Anonymous asked: Why wont it stop bleeding?
RT @MiM_b: doesn’t it suck when people’s hold things against your family for centuries, and then make you pay? #nanowrimo
FACT: You can’t spell Pacifist without FIST.
RT @IgnitionUK: @monstroso I am good at inflating things, (balloons/mattresses) and a girl I know can put her fist in her mouth. Togethe …
I worry that, in my chubbier moments, I look like Frank Sobotka from #thewire
Spanking out mini-dialogues. Partly this is for the script I’ve been asked to write. Partly I’m practising for #nanowrimo …
1 tag
How I am Preparing for #NaNoWriMo
How I am Preparing for #NaNoWriMo
1. One line a day for every day of writing. A reasonably popular tweet by myself here put it like this: http://twitter.com/CjEggett/status/26452036043
@dirtywhitecandy Good #NaNoWriMo tip: Plan ahead with one line for each day. 30 lines today is a giant ladder in November!less than a minute ago C J Eggett
All these lines aren’t the same kind of...
RT @unfortunatalie: Someone has scrawled “ennui” on the back of the train seat in front of me, in pencil.
Anonymous asked: Why are you quoting me in your posts? Don't you know how powerful I think I am?
Hugs,
GQ
PS You misspelt my name
Hugs,
GQ
PS You misspelt my name
Dear Everyone in #litchat (#boxchat?) - you have made “The Box” sad: http://www.gcgideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/box.jpg
Doing some more #nanowrimo ground-work. Complete lack of names so far. Where do you pull “real” names from?
4 tags
Imagine If There Were No Street Lights
2. Street lights are an abomination. Imagine if there were no street lights
1. I can…
2. Wouldn't the streets feel better walking though, wouldn't town and cities feel like the real spaces they are - rather than everything painted in a florescence.
1. Don't you think there might be problems with this?
2. I don't see how. I think people would be happier if the was light in the way we expect - I think lights during the evening always make me feel odd - off - it is not something natural.
1. I think you're getting confused here. You're saying people feel crazy because, deep down, they can't handle light when it is supposed to be dark?
2. Yeah -
1. -Well don't you think more nasty things would happen to people at night, in the dark, than they might in lit areas?
2. I think that is quite unfair. Roads wouldn't be completely pitch black - some people's houses would be lit-up a little.
1. There would be a glow...
2. And on a clear night people would be able to navigate by moon-light.
1. I really think that there are more stabbing and muggings in dark places than in well lit places
2. I just don't think this is true - I think you only think that because you've been told to be scared of the dark.
1. - Wait - you think that it is unnatural to have lit streets because it is unnatural - and it is also unnatural to be scared of the dark.
2. I think it is unnatural for the modern man to be scared of the dark. Your eyes adjust. If everyone's eyes adjusted we wouldn't need street-lights
1. So people should be encouraged to just learn how to see in the dark?
2. Yeah.
1. What about cars?
2. What do you mean?
1. What about when you're driving your car back form work at night, and you don't have a lights and you really can't see that far in front of you.
2. Well, firstly my car would cost less when replacing bulbs.
1. I think it would cost more in the long run – you know, after you’ve run a few people down, knocked a few kerbs…
2. Okay, so maybe cars keep their lights –
1. So now we have a situation where cars have lights and no one else does. So what about a mugger who hangs out on a junction waiting for victims to get dazzled by some headlights -
2. Maybe everyone should be trained in kung-fu…
1. Except the muggers?
2. Yeah.
1. When do you teach them?
2. At school, obviously.
1. How do you know which ones are going to be muggers when they grow up?
2. Do you mean you could never tell?
1. Could you?!
2. Of course!
1. Like who?
2. Do you remember Geoffrey Quintice?
1. No.
2. Well, he was one of those kids who always used to throw stuff and nick stuff and generally be a pain to teachers.
1. Riigght?
2. Well, I knew that he was always going to turn to a life of crime.
1. Quintice was the one who stole your pencil-case in art and wrapped it in clay wasn't he?
2. I really don't feel this is relevant.
1. No, he was wasn't he? Do you remember the noise that the explosion mad in the kiln? That really went bang.
2. I do not think this affects my assertions however. I knew from that age he would always turn to a life of crime. A low and behold last month he got banned from driving.
1. Seriously?
2. Yeah he was going waaaay too fast-
1. - no I mean, seriously, that's what you call a life of crime?
2. I bet he has parking tickets too.
1. I think we ought to speed up if we want to catch this thing.
2. Yeah, okay.
*slight jog*
Not sure if I have mentioned my other photo project, but here is one of my favourites: http://myhighmeadows.co.uk/post/1275612258