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:

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!

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?
That is busy! You remind me why I’m ever so happy my college days are behind me. Sigh.
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It is! It took a couple of weeks to wind down and relax properly again after a busy semester, but now I’m ready for Christmas 😀
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I’m catching up on blogs too…just realised how awful I’ve been at keeping up with everything, considering you wrote this mid-December and I’m only reading it now 🙂
Hope you’ve had a lovely, relaxing break!
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It’s a hectic time of year for sure 🙂 I was sick the day after Christmas for a few days, but I still had a good break and I’m looking forward to getting back to normality 😀 Hope you had a good break too!
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I have a limit for editing too, Louise, but i only know i’ve reached it when i start nodding off. Sometimes it takes an hour, sometimes two. On that lack of description part, i read once you could write about the place and the magic in that place, just descriptions, scenery and how the magic works – no characters or plot – and then whenever you need to add a background, go back to that description. It sounded logical to me, but my story, though fantasy, is set in the real world.
On nanowrimo, i didn’t sign for it, but i should’ve had. I had 53k+ at the end of november on my new wip. Maybe next year i’ll join in.
Happy new year!
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Thanks Jina, I’ll have to try writing just description and see how I get on 🙂 I’ll see what comments I get on my assignments from my tutors too, as I tried to describe my world but I’m not sure if I captured it well enough.
53k+ is impressive, well done 😀 Sounds like you could definitely win if you join in next year.
Happy New Year!
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This past week wasn’t a good one for me stress-wise. By the end of it, I had also hit my head.
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That’s awful, I always find the start of the new year hectic too, because of catching up after the holidays.
I hope your head is doing okay 🙂
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Wow! Congrats on all your progress. Sorry you hit your head though. College was so much fun! Have a great rest of your week 🙂
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Thanks Erika, it’s been a crazy few months, and December was a nice chance to relax 🙂
Enjoy your week too 🙂
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