photos – Page 42 – Antony Simpson – Author, Blogger, Nurse & Witch.

My Writing Process for The Good Teen

By AntonyCreativityNo Comments

The Good Teen Plot Line

I recently self-published The Good Teen, a modern-day telling of The Good Samaritan parable, with a hint of magic. I want to tell you a bit about my writing process for this short story.

The idea came from my childhood. Being brought up as a Christian we were told the The Good Samaritan parable. It’s a story that has stayed with me and one that I wanted to retell with my own twist. So I wrote/drew out the plot on flipchart (Left: My flipchart for The Good Teen, click on image for full size).

I like to develop my ideas, plots, sub-plots, settings, characters, pacing and description on flipchart as it’s faster than typing and allows me more creative freedom. The creative freedom to draw pictures, arrows and anything else I want to.

I originally decided to publish The Good Teen as a christmas story for my readers. Hoping to start an annual tradition. But then I saw a call for submission on the BBC Writers Room website for the BBC Radio4 Opening Lines programme and decided to write, edit and submit The Good Teen.

I had already written a To Do List for The Good Teen (below) and changed the timescales to meet the submission deadline.

The Good Teen To Do List

The editing process, as always, was maddening. I had to cut to the word count limit, which meant some scenes were either cut, not written or combined.

Unfortunately, The Good Teen was not long listed by the BBC. So I decided to self-publish it online. You can download The Good Teen on it’s page. It’s a free download, with a Twitter Tweet or Facebook Like in exchange for the download link.

Write soon,

Antony

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Sunday 8 June 2014

Mid-Wales Part 2: Aberdovey Beach & King Arthur’s Labyrinth

By AntonyAdventures, Friends & Family, Gay, Happiness & Joy, ShoppingNo Comments

While Simon and I were away (see Mid-Wales, Part 1: The Lovely Penrhos Cottage), on the Saturday morning the sun shone gloriously and the temperature was set to soar. So we went to Aberdovey Beach for the day. It felt like being abroad. The sand was golden and reflected the sun. The sea was calm with the faint scent of salt in the air. The smell of coconut sun lotion drifted by from the people that had come to the beach to make the most of the weather. I imagine that this is what heaven is like. Here are some photos (click on any image for full size photo):

Aberdovey Beach: Felt like being abroad.	Aberdovey Beach 2.
Aberdovey Beach: Sailing boats and glorious sandy beaches. It got busier as the day went on.	People watching.

Simon and I spent the time people watching and sitting in a small gardens with coffee. We walked along the sea front and I had an ice cream. I think I spent too long in the sun, as my arms were a lobster red colour by the end of the day. More photos:

The compass of the circled bench seating area.	Walk along the sea front.
Ice cream: Just want I needed.	Lobster Red: Think I spent a bit too much time in the sun?

On the way back to the Cottage (see Mid-Wales, Part 1: The Lovely Penrhos Cottage) Simon and I had seen King Arthur’s Labyrinth on Google Maps, so decided to check it out. It turned out that King Arthur’s Labyrinth was a children’s attraction. But on the site was a collection of artists workshops in little huts. In a gorgeous little candle shop, I bought the most fabulous gay mirror:

My Fabulous Gay Mirror.

Our whole time in Wales was brilliant. Throughout the trip we ate out often. We drove home through Betws-y-Coed and Conway. On the way to Wales we had bought lotto tickets. While at the cottage Simon and I had talked about what we’d do if we won. Simon had said: “I’d be happy with just £50.” and guess what? We actually won £46 which was a pleasant ending to our awesome trip.

Write soon,

Antony

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Thursday 22 May 2014

Mid-Wales, Part 1: The Lovely Penrhos Cottage

By AntonyAdventures, Friends & Family, Happiness & Joy, NatureNo Comments

Penrhos Cottage near Corris Adam and Andy's cottage

Penrhos Cottage Sign

Simon and I spent the weekend at Penrhos Cottage. This homely cottage, set in the beautiful Welsh Valley of Corris was the perfect escape from busy life. We dubbed Penrhos ‘The Lovely Cottage.’ Here are some photos (click any photo for full size image):

Simon popping his head out of The Lovely Cottage	Cosy & Homely.
The fireplace – we didn’t use it, as it was such good weather.	Practical Kitchen.
Bathroom 1	Bathroom 2. A shower big enough for two.
My bedroom.	Simon’s Bedroom.

It was wonderfully peaceful, especially with the whooshing from the stream set in the centre of the valley. The view was great:

The View 1.

The View 2.

We met the chickens, roosters and pigs that were in the field in front of the cottage:

The Chickens & Rooster.

The pigs.

The Lovely Penrhos Cottage is the the perfect place to holiday; whether you’re looking for quietness or activity. For those looking for quietness and contemplation you can chill out in the cottage or take long walks in picturesque countryside. If you’re looking for activity there’s plenty of tourist attractions just a short drive away. The cottage features include Wifi, a fully functioning kitchen and a washing machine. Children and dogs are welcome.

It struck me that Penrhos Cottage would make a superb cottage for writers taking a writing holiday. Simon and I left The Lovely Cottage feeling rested, relaxed and recharged.

In Mid-Wales, Part 2 I’ll tell you about Aberdovey Beach, King Arthur’s Labyrinth and my fabulous gay mirror.

Blog soon,

Antony

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Tuesday 20 May 2014

McBusted Live: Fantastic Music, Great Set and Tons of Fun

By AntonyGigs & Shows, Happiness & JoyNo Comments

Steve & Myself.

At the weekend Steve and I went to see McBusted at the MEN arena in Manchester. McBusted’s target audience are teenage girls, young women and gay men. We saw loads of teenage girls and a number of young women who had dragged their boyfriends along (bless them). But the audience lacked many gay men, probably because it was Eurovision final night.

McBusted came on stage to teenage girls screaming like banshees. The music was fantastic with McBusted playing a setlist that was an equal mix of McFly and Busted tracks. The set included a Back to the Future style car and a descending UFO. Throughout the show there was a kaleidoscope of colour from lights, screens and illuminated guitars.

McBusted delivered beyond expectations. They gave an energetic performance, had a brilliant stage presence, fluid movements, voices that were spot on and engaged the audience well. Overall the audience seemed to have tons of fun as McBusted played all of fans favourite tracks. Personally enjoyed Shine A Light, which one of my all time favourite songs.

I know from McFly’s 10th Anniversary Concert Live DVD that they are in their element and at their best when performing live. McBusted was no different. If you love any of their music then go see them live. I promise that you wont be disappointed.

Here are some photos, click on any of photo for full size:

An explosion of smoke.	The ‘Back to the Future’ style car.
The stage, complete with stage-walk around the OMFG mega fans.	The set. Bright lights in all colours.
The set. Bright lights in all colours.	UFO in the centre of the audience.
McBusted performed on the UFO, once it had been lowered into place.	McBusted attempt at Human Pyramid on the stage-walk as well, very impressive.
The giant audience balls, let loose into the audience.	Cannons shot paper and streamers out at the audience.
McBusted performing one of their last songs.	McBusted completed their final song, before each of them jumping into a hole set into the stage.