Just lying down now

Yes, well, I know it has been a couple of weeks since I wrote. But since then I've been writing module booklets for students, gathering a Semester's worth of photocopies and generally working my tush off. Added to which I've been training for a 10K run for Cancer Research. Did this today and am absolutely knackered.

But, have I been writing? Yes, actually I have. I started the new Novel in a Month course and although I'm now 2 days behind schedule, I am writing the damned novel and it is going sort of OK.

Students aren't doing too badly either. Some are way over the word count, some are a bit under and one or two are struggling, but they are all writing, and that is the point after all. Their biggest problem, it seems, is letting go of preconceived ideas of where their plot should be going. I keep telling them to let the characters lead the plot, but they will insist on wresting it away and forcing it. I've had to heed my own advice this week. Justin - my heroine's casual boyfriend, has just travelled nearly 400 miles to visit her - NOT so casual it seems, AND then he asked her to move in with him. This wasn't something I'd planned, he was always supposed to be peripheral to the plot and now he just marches in wily nilly without so much as a by your leave. (Please imagine me with outraged expression, hands on hips, right now). BUT, and this is important, it has raised all sorts of interesting scenario's and piqued my interest - How will my heroine get out of this and keep him away from this other life she has? I have no idea, I'm letting them sort it out for themselves. God, I love this job sometimes!

So back to Solent (officially the worst university in the country - we can only go up, I feel) tomorrow and introducing the students to Screenwriting and Horror Writing. I'm looking forward to it. We'll have some fun.

No word from two agents I sent chapters to yet - sigh...