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Post by Donna on Mar 31, 2005 20:05:51 GMT
Hi again Sarah, Donna here. Just wanted to ask - what are you working on at present. I loved It Had to be you buy the way - great book. I gave it to my sister who dosn't read much and she loved it as well.
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Post by claire on Mar 31, 2005 20:07:59 GMT
Dylan can't wait to go to the next class at school. Here the childeren don't learn to read and write until they are in group 3 or I think it used to be called 2nd class. he has so many stories in his head he wants to learn to write so he can write themall down. I now get him to draw pictures of hie stories so he can tell me them that way.
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Post by SarahW on Mar 31, 2005 20:09:03 GMT
Hi Claire, I'd love to know another language - I have a little French but that's all. Good for you. And I'm so glad you like the site - sorry, meant to say that earlier. The children's pages are fun to write and I must put on more for parents - recommended reads etc. What other writer's sites do you like? Sarah
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Post by SarahW on Mar 31, 2005 20:11:29 GMT
Hi Donna, Thanks for joining us. I'm working on a book with the provisional title 'Let's Dance' about 3 girls who meet at dance class. I'm really enjoying writing it. I'm about 80,000 words in at the moment - of the first draft. I'm always working on something - I love writing, it's in my blood at this stage. Even on holidays I sneak off to write - sad really! And I'm so glad your sister liked It Had To Be You. Thanks for telling me! Sarah
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Post by charlie on Mar 31, 2005 20:12:05 GMT
James is in reception but is one of the oldest thats how I think he is learning well just having him at home that extra year made a difference even though I moaned at times
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Post by claire on Mar 31, 2005 20:12:29 GMT
It can be confusing with two lanuages. somtimes I really have to think before I write things, and I'm always looking at things saying 'this doesn't look right'. i did french at school and was always mixing it with irish. I can't remember a word of either language, not enough room in me head.
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Post by SarahW on Mar 31, 2005 20:13:51 GMT
Hi Claire, Looks like you might have a little writer on your hands there.
I'm afraid I must go now. But it's been lovely talking to you all.
Oonagh, you have a good night. Charlie, Donna, Molly - thank you all so much for posting questions and joining us.
All the best, Sarah
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Post by claire on Mar 31, 2005 20:17:38 GMT
Hey Charlie, in Holland kids start school the day they turn 4 which means that kids start school the whole year through. Some will take two years to complete the first two years, in Ireland called junior infants, and other kids will take three years to do so. Children are not pushed beyond their limits. They only move on when ready.
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Post by charlie on Mar 31, 2005 20:18:05 GMT
Thank you so much Sarah I keep popping in on you site too
Bye 4 now Charlie.x
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Post by claire on Mar 31, 2005 20:21:03 GMT
Sarah thanks for a great night, the time just flew, I really enjoyed it. It was wonderful to see so many other people here. We now have more that 100 members ;D ;D
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Post by charlie on Mar 31, 2005 20:21:40 GMT
I think that is a better idea as you can see the different levels in the children in reception but whatever level they are at they all move to year 1 in september not fair really do you think?
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Post by claire on Mar 31, 2005 20:28:09 GMT
I find it a good system. Some kids are quicker than others and they learn to help each other.
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Post by Joan on Mar 31, 2005 20:29:50 GMT
Hi Sarah, Joan here. Sorry I didn't make the chat earlier - go th time wrong - typical! Just had 2 quesitons really - 1/ have any of your books been made into tv or films? 2/ how many of your books are availalbe in the uk? Thanks, Joan O'Driscoll
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kate
Junior Member
Posts: 21
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Post by kate on Mar 31, 2005 20:31:38 GMT
Hello Sarah. Missed you! Drat. Wanted just to say I realy like you books. My favourite is Always the bridesmaid but I also liked Something to Talk about. I'll be buying your new one deffo. when's it out in ireland? From Kate D.
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Post by claire on Mar 31, 2005 20:34:15 GMT
Well Charlie I'm leaving it at that, falling asleep here. It was a great chat night, better than the book club last week, eh? take care all, and sweet dreams
Claire
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Post by charlie on Mar 31, 2005 20:41:15 GMT
Goodnite Claire enjoyed myself speak soon Charlie.x
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Post by Mary H on Mar 31, 2005 20:44:48 GMT
Hi Sarah and Catherine Not sure if this is going to get through - I've not done live chat before - but I like the idea of a chatroom because sometimes an idea or a question occurs to me and by the time I get to talk to someone else in the fiction writing business - I've forgotten what I wanted to say. I've just finished a book so at the moment I'm noticing all the blunders and mistakes I've made and wondering if I'll ever get them all sorted before the publication date. I'm interested in hearing any good editing and redrafting tips. Again - thanks for giving this opportunity to chat. Mary
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Post by Mary on Apr 1, 2005 8:17:19 GMT
Hi Sarah, thanks a million for your brilliant answers! You were certainly a busy bee last night...no fear of you twiddling your thumbs. Little Amy sounds like a right hoot! Funny how toddlers seem to sense when Mammy needs them to go to bed early!
thanks again, Mary.
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Post by lisa on Apr 1, 2005 9:18:44 GMT
Hiya girls, Sarah WELL DONE Missus!!! I just had a good read over last nights chat and it seemed to go down really well! You answered all the questions for everyone brilliantly and STILL mangaged to have an awl chat aswell. Sorry I couldnt make it myself, i just give up trying to do things in the evenings now that are computer orientated. Its really becomong a pain in the rear end to tell you the truth. I have my sister today checking out a laptop for me as she works in Dell. Its not even the bloody computer thats the problem though as I have one already taking up space in the bottom of Kai's wardrobe! Its getting the internet that seems to be the problem in my apartment block. Both Cablelink and Eircom's trucks and vans have been outside our building for nearly 2 weeks now, dont ask me what the hell their actually doing though cos any time I come in or out their either sitting in their vans drinking tea or standing looking into a massive hole waiting for something or someone to jump out at them I reckon!! Anyway, enough about that, Sarah I love the cover etc of "Take A Chance" as Ive already said to you. Have you a definite date yet for release? Sarah, when you think of a theme for a new book, do you have to still sit down and 'invent' characters or would you have ones that you didnt necessarily use before in other books? Did you do any type of writing course yourself or just read books? When did you 'realise' you could write and people loved your writing?? Thanks a million and sorry again I missed last night. Absolutly raging. Later girls, Lisa xxx
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Post by SarahW on Apr 1, 2005 10:20:43 GMT
Hi Everyone, Thanks again to those who tuned in last night. And also to those who posted questions. I'm afraid I have a tight deadline for some publicity articles I have to write or It Had to Be You, so can't answer more questions right now - but I will answer the rest of the questions either this evening or over the weekend, I promise. Bye for now, Sarah 'It Had to Be You', published 15th April in paperback www.sarahwebb.info
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Post by Mary on Apr 1, 2005 14:05:29 GMT
hi Mary, is this your first book? How exciting? I've done an editing and proofreading course and the only secret really is to work off hard copy and go through it line by line, keeping spelling, punctuation etc. in mind. Check to make sure all commas, inverted commas, full stops etc. are in place (in the right place!) After that I guess you need to check it again for consistency with certain styles etc. Ensure your timeline is good - that you don't jump from April back to Feb or something like that.
Read it out loud is another very good tip, but my main thing is that the errors are alot more visible on hard copy as opposed to reading from a screen.
Hope this helps, Mary.
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Post by Oonagh on Apr 1, 2005 18:43:51 GMT
Hi Girls, had a great night last night. strange men though! no dirt really to tell. yeah sarah you mentioned the bad mother's hand book.it is funny enough different to what I usually raed but I think I need a change any how.Im after getting really bad fo rreading just so much essays and study and I never get achance at home or dundalk always out and about.Not a bad thing I suppose.I did raed Tina Reilly's book.When I intially read the back I was thinking I dont know will i like it(I know dont judge a book by its cover) I have to admit I loved it.She hasa unique way of taking about illnesses and dead in her books. I loved flipside about the twenties girl having cancer and Something borrowed about the adoption. talk to ya later.
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Post by SarahW on Apr 3, 2005 9:41:14 GMT
Hi Sarah, Joan here. Sorry I didn't make the chat earlier - go th time wrong - typical! Just had 2 quesitons really - 1/ have any of your books been made into tv or films? 2/ how many of your books are availalbe in the uk? Thanks, Joan O'Driscoll
Hi Joan, Thanks for your questions. 1/ Always the Bridesmaid has been optioned by an American media company - so we'll have to wait and see - that means they have bought the 'option' to make it 2/ And all my books are available in the UK - but Take a Chance won't come out over there until next April in paperback. It's coming out in August in Ireland in tradepaperback - the larger format. Best, Sarah
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Post by SarahW on Apr 3, 2005 9:43:30 GMT
Hello Sarah. Missed you! Drat. Wanted just to say I realy like you books. My favourite is Always the bridesmaid but I also liked Something to Talk about. I'll be buying your new one deffo. when's it out in ireland? From Kate D.
Hi Kate, Thanks for your kind words about my books. The new one in paperback is It Had to Be You which is officially out on 15th April, although it has been spotted in Tesco already. And the next trade paperback is out in August - it's called Take a Chance and is about 3 sisters who run an Abba tribute band. Best, Sarah
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Post by SarahW on Apr 3, 2005 9:59:17 GMT
Hi Sarah and Catherine
Not sure if this is going to get through - I've not done live chat before - but I like the idea of a chatroom because sometimes an idea or a question occurs to me and by the time I get to talk to someone else in the fiction writing business - I've forgotten what I wanted to say.
I've just finished a book so at the moment I'm noticing all the blunders and mistakes I've made and wondering if I'll ever get them all sorted before the publication date. I'm interested in hearing any good editing and redrafting tips.
Again - thanks for giving this opportunity to chat. Mary
Hi Mary,
Editing and rewriting - that's a tough one. I'm never 100% happy with a book, even after it's published. For me, this is all part of growing as a writer, and learning more and more about the craft and my own abilities as I go along. The day I am happy with a book is the day I stop trying - striving to be a better writer. So I hope that day never comes!
But saying that, I do try to make my manuscripts as good as I possibly can before sending it off to my editor. She's excellent and spots a lot of things that should be changed/altered. I take almost all of her advice as she's a professional and I trust her. And she has an excellent eye when it comes to characters in particular.
Then once she sends me back her notes I rewrite my manuscript again and again, until I'm happy to let it go back for another read by my editor and (hopefully) copyediting.
Mary, is time a problem for you? Are you working to a tight deadline? There will always be small things that you wished you had changed - but if there are big things and you are worried about them - is your editor the type of editor you can ring and talk over these issues with? Do you have a close friend who can read your manuscript and give advice?
As for tips - I always print out my manuscript as I find it easier to edit hard copy than on screen. I read the dialogue out loud to make sure it is authentic. I study my characters' motivation and make sure it is consistent throughout the book, and I take out any unnecessary words, sentences or paragraphs. I make my text as tight and sharp as I possibly can and when in doubt, I leave it out! Hope this helps, Mary!
Best,
Sarah
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Post by SarahW on Apr 3, 2005 10:11:19 GMT
Anyway, enough about that, Sarah I love the cover etc of "Take A Chance" as Ive already said to you. Have you a definite date yet for release?
Sarah, when you think of a theme for a new book, do you have to still sit down and 'invent' characters or would you have ones that you didnt necessarily use before in other books?
Did you do any type of writing course yourself or just read books?
When did you 'realise' you could write and people loved your writing??
Hi Lisa, Thanks for your post. Sorry you couldn't join us, but maybe you'll have a computer sorted out at home soon - which would make life much easier all right! Although you'd be completely unstoppable then!
Take A Chance is out in August - I don't have a date yet but early August I'm sure. I'll check and let you know.
Characters - let me see. Usually I'll have a setting/theme/idea for a book first - like an Abba band or dancing for example - the next book - 'Let's Dance' is about dancers. Then I'd think around this theme and come up with characters. I like to know a lot about them before I start the book - what they look like, what they are like, education, family, friends, how they talk, any habits/addictions - all kinds of things. Once I have a clear idea of my main characters in my head I start writing. Sometimes the characters change and evolve as I write the book - sometimes they are very different people by the time I get to the last chapter, sometimes not. I adore creating characters and love starting a new book for this reason.
No, I've never done a writing course. I did study English in college but we didn't do any creative writing. I've always written stories and poems but it wasn't until I had my son, Sam, that I decided I had nothing to lose and I sent some chapters to Poolbeg of an adult novel, which became my first book, Three Times a Lady.
Lisa, this may sound strange but even now, after 5 books I still don't think I've anywhere near reached my potential as a writer. I'm still learning every day! And every day is a new challenge. I'm very lucky - my books have sold well both here, in the UK and in the US - but I never take that for granted. I get loads of emails from readers all over the world saying how much they like my books which is lovely - so I must be doing something right.
Lisa, best of luck with your own writing. Keep at it!
Sarah
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Post by SarahW on Apr 3, 2005 10:17:31 GMT
Hi Everyone, I do hope I've answered all your questions. If I've left anyone out - sorry - do post again. And thank you for your most interesting questions and posts. To all those of you out there writing - remember - 'he who possesses the best bum glue wins'! And for everyone else - keep reading! All the best, Sarah TEXTSarah www.sarahwebb.infoIt Had to Be You - published April 2005 A tale of love, revenge, passion and politics.
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Post by Una on Jun 14, 2005 18:22:13 GMT
Sarah, I'm trying to write my first book. I was wondering if you could recommend any good books for me. Also, I liked your writing coach section on your website. Will you be adding to it? Thanks, Una
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Post by SarahW on Jun 16, 2005 14:43:52 GMT
Hi Una, Thanks for your questions. The Writing Coach section will be added to in August. I'm currently writing some pieces up for the website and I'll update it soon. Glad it was useful. Books for Writers On Writing by Stephen is very good - I'd recommend it. Write Away by Elizabeth George is also good. Julia Cameron - The Right to Write is useful also. And The Elements of Style is very useful on the mechanics of writing. If I think of any more I'll let you know. But everything you read is useful - it's all relevant - as long as it's well written it will teach you something. As Stephen King says - 'you can't be a writer without being a reader.' Good luck with the writing! Best, Sarah www.sarahwebb.info
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sarawebb2
Junior Member
At seven, I smitten, gave love to words written!
Posts: 22
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Post by sarawebb2 on Jul 13, 2005 20:30:03 GMT
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