Monday, March 02, 2009

Books, Mslexia and Westport

Since my last post I've been keeping very busy. My most recent book splurge arrived a whole two weeks earlier than Amazon's delivery estimate - perhaps these dates are just plucked from the air? But I couldn't complain as I am now the proud owner of the following books:

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Browne & King (which I'm reading and making notes on at the moment, so far it's excellent);

Write Right! by Jan Venolia; and

The Elements of Style by Strunk & White.

I also subscribed to Mslexia magazine which I received last week - and I already can't believe that I survived without it. It is chock full of tips, interviews, case studies and competitions to help even the most budding of writers out of her shell. The Mslexia diary is packed with even more goodies. I am officially a Mslexia evangelist!

The Ours and I took a break from work to celebrate our nine year anniversary. Thursday we had lunch at Chapter One and then watched Slumdog Millionaire, and on Friday we travelled to Westport in Co. Mayo to spend the weekend in a lovely hotel and spa. The weather may have been too changeable to get much sightseeing done but the soft rain made the outdoor heated rockpool even more enjoyable. It was a fantastic weekend.

18 comments:

Pat Posner said...

Isn't it great when books arrive earlier than expected!

Your anniversary celebrations sound lovely.

Angie said...

I have two of those books and love them, but now I'll have to look into the third (Venolia). I saw another recommendation for Mslexia, but sadly, it appears they don't ship over here.

Congratulations on nine years! That's fantastic and it sounds like you had a good celebration. Husband and I watched Slumdog Millionaire this weekend as well and loved it!

I was going to tell you there's an award for you over at mine, but looks like you already discovered it. :)

Lane Mathias said...

What a lovely weekend.

I love Myslexia. Glad you've discovered it - and the fabby diary:-)

HelenMWalters said...

Happy reading. I've got the Self-Editing one and it's great.

Jenny Beattie said...

I've just put the self editing one into my basket for the next order I do.

I've been thinking I should order Mslexia to go to my parents' house to be sent onto me here... I think you've just tipped me over the edge.

Your weekend, despite rain, sounds wonderful. Congratulations on your anniversary.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your anniversary. Sounds like you had a lovely time.

Yvonne said...

Pat, I was like a kid at xmas.

Angie, I'll let you know how Write Right! goes. Thanks again for the award!

Lane, it's so helpful.

Helen, I'm finding it very useful so far.

JJ, that's a great idea as they are published every three months, and your parents could send it with your teabags!

M&T, cheers.

Anonymous said...

Congrats on the anniversary! I also got Amazon US books two weeks early. That's so strange!

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

Happy (belated) anniversary. It sounds like you both had a wonderful time.

Those books sound good.

Amanda said...

I've never subscribed to Myslexia perhaps I should!

Your celebrations sound lovely!

Yvonne said...

Beth, it really does seem random.

Debs, I'll review it once I've finished the books I think.

Amanda, I really recommend it, it's given me a real writing boost!

Karen said...

Sounds like you had a lovely time, and those books sound good too :o} Surely I don't need any more 'how to' books. Or do I ... ?

laurie said...

three cheers for strunk and white!

Angie said...

Just wanted to drop in, say hi, and see how you're doing. I was also wondering if you've found a good editorial consultancy. (I'm debating whether I should go that route when I finish as well.)
Hope you are well and still writing!
xx

Fionnuala said...

I love Myslexia and I loved Slumdog! Glad you had a lovley anniversary. Its my silver this year, which apparently means I'm old but I was only four when I got married? Fx

Ariel said...

Happy anniversary! When oh when can we hope to see this baby in print? I take it it won't be on my next Irish trip, which is in June... Next year maybe?

Fionnuala said...

Me loves Myslexia too! Fx

James said...

Hi..!!
Very Nice..
Its really lovely:)