Wordsmiths of Melton

Novel writing, sports editing

We are down to the final third of the year. Time really does fly by. It has been an interesting year thus far. Highs and lows, weeks of no writing or reading for pleasure, and plenty of time writing the day away. Things are looking really good at the moment and these final four months of 2017 have a massive potential to shape my writing journey.

 

There is a real sense of excitement right now. I am making really solid progress on my YA novel. I have made a promise to complete the first draft of my novel by the end of the year. I am on track to doing this. Life is only getting busier but I need to get the words on the page.

 

The Footy Almanac is heating up with the finals kicking off this weekend. It has been a bloody good season of writing so far. The finals will only draw out the best of the writers and myself.

 

I have just notched up three years as writing group facilitator at the Wordsmiths of Melton. It has been a very satisfying time thus far with writers getting published, winning awards and competitions. We have all set ourselves challenges and I can’t wait to see the amazing rewards of our hard work at the end of the year.

 

I have just finished reading Demet Divaroren‘s first novel Living on Hope Street. It is a ripper; it packs one hell of a punch. I have always admired her work and I am so happy for her. Congraulations Demet!

 

Time for me to get back to my novel. By the end of the year, I will have the first draft done. It feels like a big moment; and it will be. But I have to focus on the writing and the story for now.

 

Keep writing and creating,

Matthew.

April Happenings

April is here already. The year is flying by. Time to write is becoming harder to find. But I still make time here and there. Between work, writing, planning for travel and moving house, life has been hectic to say the least. However, I am staying on top of things and keeping sane however I can.

I am busy editing at The Footy Almanac. I have been involved with the Almanac for a few years, so to now be an editor for them feels great. I am currently working on a piece for the site about my footy journey and I look forward to you reading it.

I am really enjoying my time at the Wordsmiths of Melton. The writers are continuing to put some cracking pieces together. More publications will be on the way for them, I am sure of it.

I have also been looking for a new house for the past month and a half. Today, I got the keys today and the moving process will begin tomorrow. Change is always nice and I feel that it will refresh my creative energy.

In other news, I am heading to Japan in two weeks. I can’t wait to recharge the batteries and find inspiration. I hope to get some solid writing in as I always do when I travel.

This has been a busy time but it will be worth it. The holiday is much needed and will ensure I can deliver strongly for the rest of 2017.

Melton Short Story Awards 2016

On Friday night, the Melton Short Story Awards presentation took place. It was a delightful evening. I gave my speech as the judge of the teen short story section and presented the awards. It was great to see the talented teenagers who had written the finalist pieces. It was also uplifting to see their smiles as they collected their prizes.

In the adult section, three of my writing students from the Wordsmiths of Melton had made the finals. And it went amazingly! The three women took out the trifecta! The top 3 was dominated by the Wordsmiths of Melton. Their hard work, determination and belief got them over the line and they deserved their places. And I was chuffed. I still am.

The fact that all of the group was there, bar one member, made it all the more special. Our claps and cheers erupted throughout the room. There may have been a fist pump or two by me. Our celebrations afterwards were well deserved. It was a truly incredible night. I won’t be forgetting it anytime soon.