Plot point solved

[atropos_lee]

The real breakthrough was recognising the problem in the first point - for

Comments

[nicnac]

Yay and Aha! One of the tutors on the Arvon course recommended Scrivener. How intuitive it is? Massive faff to learn or pretty easy to pick up? One of the writing group plaintively asked for help understanding it the other day, so it kinda put me off.

[nicnac]

I give a massive thumbs up to scrivener - it's almost indestructible (saves automatically as you work, creates a back up everytime you close a project.) and the 30 day free trial comes with an interactive tutorial and a manual, and I recommend doing the tutorial, which was actually a live project that you create and edit as you go along.

But, to be honest, it's pretty intuitive and seems to adapts to individual working styles. I haven't had to

The only issue I have is that it can sometimes be a bit slow on my underpowered netbook -

But after only a month I can't imagine writing any other way!

How was Arvon? Sooooo jealous - I could really do with a writing retreat now that the nights are so dark and cold!
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[nicnac]

Arvon was as fab as last time, although I kinda went on the wrong course because it was about starting to write fiction and I'm doing non-fic - whoops! The techniques and workshop stuff was transferable, though, showing not telling, pace, dialogue, beginnings, character devt, sense of place etc.

Great tutors and a really good group, we've stayed in touch and are thinking of hiring our own place next year for a retreat. I'm also thinking of doing a tutored Arvon retreat if the bank balance can afford it, more writing time and more 1 on 1 time but no workshops.

Have you taken a look at Ty Newydd? They have a writers' cottage at very reasonable prices for the winter months.

I didn't know Scrivener has a trial period, I will definitely check that out - didn't want to buy it and end up with yet another piece of software I don't use.

[atropos_lee]

Come to think of it - i've got a writer's cottage, I'm so spoiled!

(I just fancied a week writing with central heating!)

[leenah]

oh, i'm so pleased by the office intern story - everyone needs such a story in their lives. it's good for the soul.

yay for plot-repairing devices!

[glasswren]

I can't decide whether the intern story is terrible or funny...

And congrats on the breakthrough!

[atropos_lee]

Well - he was offered a permanent job 48 hours later, so whatever he did in the hours he has no recollection of, he did it to/with the right person...