Notebook Project and University Updates: I submitted my assignments!

This post was supposed to go out last Sunday, but I took an extra week off after I submitted my university assignments. After rushing towards deadlines for so long I felt drained. On the last day before submission I spilled a whole cup of tea in my office, dropped my phone twice (that’ll teach me for procrastinating!) and banged my head. They’re finally done though 😀

The 2000 word writing manifesto, kind of like a motivational speech, made me realise a couple of things. I can only edit for about two hours productively before I need a break, and I hate word limits. My first draft was 14000 words long! I cut it down, with two words to spare, and I’m happy with the result, but it wasn’t easy. I included a mini script, list, sketches and photography:

 

For the second assignment, a 4000 word creative piece, I tried to perfect chapter one of Dragonspire. I’d submitted an excerpt to my workshop group earlier in the course, which highlighted my lack of description (It’s set in a medieval fantasy kingdom, which I didn’t make clear at all!), but although I’m really pleased with it I still think it needs work!

There’s no telling what my tutors will think. We were told to be as creative as we liked with the manifesto, and I definitely did that. All I can do now is wait for the results, but I’m not too worried. I enjoyed writing these assignments, and the feedback I get will be invaluable.

As for my Nanowrimo Notebook Project, and my plan to fill a notebook in November? I was right to choose a small, A6 notebook. I fell short by 13 pages, but I did end up with a lot of scenes from different stories, and I loved having a notebook to scribble in so much that I’m going to keep one ongoing, writing a page a day of story ideas, scenes, and sketches.

I was going to write a short story for a previous Sunday Scribbles Prompt, symbol, but I’ve spent most of my time catching up on blogs, relaxing, and watching TV, Gotham, so here’s a line from Dragonspire I shared a couple of weeks ago on Twitter instead:

‘That mark is a symbol of trust. Today you betrayed everything it stands for. You have to leave.’

Speaking of TV, I’m having an issue. I’ll love a series, then something will ruin it, like taunting me with a romantic pairing only to ruin it with a dumb subplot. (Looking at you, Gotham!) I’m looking forward to The Flash/Arrow/Supergirl crossover though. A Barry and Oliver body swap sounds epic, and it should be more fun than last years!

I’m on break from university now until next year. Full time students submitted assignments on the 19th of November and moved straight onto the next module. It sounds intense, and I’m grateful I’m doing the course part time. I’ll have chance to enjoy Christmas, play games, catch up on reading, and practice what I’ve learned, probably with fanfiction!

I might post a short story next week based on one of December’s prompts (Order, Symbol, Mirage, Heart, or Awe), or commentary on the DC crossover when I get round to watching it, but officially? I’m on Christmas break until the 6th of January.

I’ll be reading blogs, and I’ll also be on Twitter hosting Sunday Scribbles over the holidays if you want to stop by and say hi! Enjoy the festive season, and I’ll see you again in the New Year!

I’ll leave you with a picture of the sun streaming through the clouds over the sea 🙂

Thanks for reading!

If you did Nanowrimo, how did it go? Any good TV recommendations? (Anything but horror, because I’m a bit of a wimp!) Are you ready for the holidays?