by Maggie Fogarty | Sep 20, 2015 | Uncategorized |
Blink and it’s gone. ‘Just like that’ as the late Tommy Cooper used to say.
This summer has passed in a blur – more mixed weather than last year and even more visitors to Cornwall.
The county has also become one big film set and surprise, surprise – another catch phrase – that’s the subject of a magazine feature I’ve just written. Make no bones about it, there’s a real buzz about the place which looks set to continue into the autumn and beyond.
Meantime, the book collaboration with another writer continues apace. We’re working on the main characters at the moment, fleshing them out and giving them their own distinctive voices. It’s a fascinating process and we’re both enjoying bringing the characters to life. The next stage will be the detailed plotting, with various twists and turns. Eek.
It’s also been a busy time in the run up to my new University lecturing role, working alongside the next generation of magazine journalists and editors. Looking forward to starting next week on an exciting new feature writing module.
Now over to Bonnie, the very Cornish cockapoo, for her latest take on things…
‘Hi ya folks,
Well at last it’s happened. Me and Tui – the gorgeous Havanese I’ve had my eye on – have just had our first play date.
I say ‘first’ because I hope it will be the start of many.
What a blast. Tui turned up with his very own red and white neck tie which matched mine to perfection. Lovely jubbly.
We had a great run around the garden and then went indoors for chicken snacks bought by Tui. (Well maybe it was his rent Russell who paid but who cares?).
Then we had races up and down the stairs to work off the calories. There was the odd play fight to keep things interesting – I won most of them of course but let Tui win from time to time just to be a nice gal.
Anyway, that important first date has made me realise that Tui is the one for me. So roll on the next date and by then I’ll have a new hair cut – my rents have started to call me ‘Hairy Mary’ again.
Hey ho, life is good. Woof and out...’
by Maggie Fogarty | Aug 30, 2015 | Uncategorized |
Two weeks ago we held a summer garden party for a group of our neighbours.
We did the same thing a couple of years ago, just after we moved into our house, and it was such a success that it just had to be repeated.
We held our breath and the sun came out right on cue. It was also a chance for some of our newer neighbours to get to know each other and for everyone else to have a good old catch up.
Of course, Bonnie the very Cornish cockapoo, was in her element and loved all the extra attention – and the odd mini sausage snacks.
Then this weekend we had the re-scheduled Marazion Carnival, cancelled at the end of July due to heavy rain. This time the rain stayed away and coiniciding with a Bank Holiday break, the atmosphere was amazing. So too was the live music which appealed to all ages.
It got me thinking about the importance of community get togethers and the feel good factor they create. After our garden party, every one agreed that we need to socialise more often.
Will we do it? Somehow I think so.
Regular blog readers will already know that I’ve started a book collaboration, (a crime novel), with another writer. We’ve now got to the point – after ‘loosely’ writing around the key characters and settings – where we need to do some serious plotting. We set out out without a map and now we’re after the book equivalant of a Sat Nav.
So we are making notes on the backgrounds of our main characters, their psychology and motivations for what they do. We’re also constructing a detailed plot with various twists and turns.
It might sound a bit mechanical but it is essential before we start the big write up in the New Year.
We have also identified a book agent who we’ll approach once we are happy with the first two chapters. We’re planning on the traditional publishing route for this one and meantime, I’m also nearing the completion of the second in the ‘Dilemma Novella’ series – the follow up to ‘Dear Mr DJ.’ Phew.
There could be some exciting news on the work front as well but I’ll save that for the next blog. Now over to Bonnie for her latest thoughts…
‘Hi ya folks,
Been loving all the people and pooch meetings over the past few weeks.
My first garden party was a blast and as for the local Carnival – well let’s just say it was ace. Loads of mutts out and about and the smell of grilled meat in the air. Doggy heaven.
I even bagged myself a new red spotty neck tie which I’ll wear for my play date with Tui, the handsome Havanese.
Ah Tui. He gets more gorgeous every time I clap eyes on him and – ah hem – we can’t keep our paws off each other.
Anyway, my rents have been talking about me and Tui having some play time in our garden. I can’t wait and I’m sure he’ll love the swanky neck wear – suits me don’t you think?
Woof and out….’
by Maggie Fogarty | Aug 14, 2015 | Uncategorized |
It’s a sure fire thing – if you want to boost tourism, get yourself on the television drama location map.
It’s our fourth summer living in Cornwall (the third in west Cornwall) and the place is busier than ever.
Yes, the so-called ‘Poldark Effect’ is certainly making its mark if the crowds of visitors are anything to go by.
Already we’ve met several families who’ve told us that they usually only go as far as Newquay but have been tempted further down west by the glorous scenery show cased on the ‘Poldark’ series.
Of course I’m assuming they mean the incredible landscape rather than actor Aidan Turner’s torso….or maybe a bit of both?
Shame though that this summer hasn’t lived up to last year. The weather down here has been mixed – one day basking in glorious sunshine and the next teeming with rain. We’re having a garden party on Sunday so fingers crossed that the weather will be kind. So far it’s looking good.
If you’ve read my previous blog, you’ll know that I’ve started a book collaboration with another fiction writer, each of us taking on different characters. We’re now up to Chapter 7 and it’s going brilliantly. All I can say is that my co-writer certainly has a vivid imagination for crime (should I be worried?) and it’s intriguing how our very different writing styles fit together.
I think we’re on to something special and it’s an exciting process.
Now over to Bonnie, our the very Cornish cockapoo, for her latest news…
‘Hi folks,
There are two things that I’m obsessed with at the moment.
One is my stash of non raw-hide chews made with chicken, peanut and sweet potato. My rent Paul says they smell a bit like a ‘Thai meal’ – whatever that is. To me they just smell and taste delicious and I think I’m addicted.
Then there is the gorgeous Tui, the black Havanese who I’ve been meeting on my walks.
Every time I clap eyes on him, my heart races and I’ve even been dreaming about running through the fields with him. Wind in our hair, the smell of rabbits in the air…well you get the picture.
Yes, Tui is the boy for me and my first big doggy crush. Anyway, here’s a picture of him and little ol’ me and don’t we make a lovely couple. All together now…’aah’.
Woof and out….’
by Maggie Fogarty | Jul 30, 2015 | Uncategorized |
The other day I got an unexpected but lovely email.
It was from a former student who I met a few years ago, when I was an occasional ‘Visiting Editor’ to Staffordshire University’s BA and MA degree journalism courses.
The message was to say thanks for some ‘inspirational’, (her word ), advice I gave at the time. It was along the lines of trying to build up her own specialist subject early on – something she could develop and go on to acquire some great contacts in her chosen field. She took that on board and it has worked well for her.
A kind gesture and it made my day – especially because I’m planning to do more work with undergraduate and post graduate journalism students.
It also got me thinking about how important it is to say ‘thank-you’ to people who have helped you along the way or have made an effort to do something nice, however small.
Too often we forget to pass on thanks, even if it is just for a card sent or for useful advice given.
There is a saying that you should always remember those people who helped you along the way. The ones who don’t just come out of the woodwork after you’ve reach your goals.
So here is a big thank you to all my supportive personal community who have been there with advice, assistance and encouragement. Trust me, it is appreciated.
Recently I’ve started an exciting collaboration with another talented and award winning fiction writer. His style differs from mine but somehow our writing works well together and we’re both enjoying the process.
We’re working on alternate chapters and it is a fast paced crime thriller. We don’t know how it will end – the story is unfolding as we write it – but we are off to a cracking start and aim to get a first rate literary agent on board. So watch this space for updates.
Now over to Bonnie, the very Cornish cockapoo, for her latest take on life….
‘Hi ya folks,
I’ve been on guarding duty this week.
On the look-out for those cheeky field rabbits who keep getting into my garden.
I mean this is MY territory and they are invading MY space.
When I catch sight of one I let out a loud ‘woof’ or two, (well perhaps more like three or four), and they scoot off.
Trouble is the rents don’t seem too pleased and keep dragging me in from my guarding post on the balcony.
Come on, I’m only doing my pack duty – it’s what we mutts are born to do.
When I’m banished from the balcony, I head down to the hallway and take up my new post by the front door.
Intruders beware. You can’t fight nature. (See piccy below).
Come to think of it I haven’t clapped eyes on my new beau, the gorgeous Havanese called Tui, for a few days.
Perhaps he’s off on holidays with his folks.
Everyone seems to be on holiday right now, with my own home town full of visitors chomping on ice-creams and pasties.
Still, more admiring comments and pats for me from complete strangers.
I’m liking all the extra attention but hopefully I’ll bump into the lovely Tui soon. I think this gal’s in lurve….
Woof and out.’
by Maggie Fogarty | Jul 17, 2015 | Uncategorized |
As a documentary producer I’m well used to film shoots but drama productions are something else. More people, more equipment, more everything.
Recently I joined the set of a Rosamunde Pilcher drama, being filmed in various locations around our home town, Marazion. Bonnie, the very Cornish cockapoo, tagged along and enjoyed all the attention of the film crew.
Anyone would think she was the star rather than the glamorous actress, Rebecca Immanuel.
This time, I was wearing my feature writer hat rather than TV producer role, but it was good to be an observer and interviewer rather than sorting out the crew. It was fascinating to stand back and enjoy the filming process, rather than worrying about camera angles and lighting.
A huge amount of work and dedication goes into film making, with so much potential for things going wrong. Everything from unpredictable weather problems, members of the public pulling stunts in the background, (why do some people feel they have to muck about when they see a TV camera?), and vehicles getting stuck.
Still, it kept the crowds entertained and on this occasion everyone was well behaved.
Then on the following day, more TV scenes were being shot on Folly Field overlooking Mounts Bay. This time it was for a BBC drama and the field was transformed into an impressive looking sporting track.
In fact the whole of Cornwall seems to be buzzing with film crews at the moment, with Poldark’s Aidan Turner spotted – fully clothed this time – being filmed just along the coast for an Agatha Christie drama.
Meantime, Bonnie dog has been preparing for her close up….in more ways than one
‘Hiya folks,
Well didn’t I just enjoy my time milling with the film crew lot? All the attention, the pampering and compliments.
By that I mean for little ‘ol me and not the actress they were filming.
No mark my words, this gal stole the show. In fact I think I made such a splash and I might even get my own walk on part one day – you never know.
My experience has certainly given me the acting bug. Surely there’s a role for a natural like me? Watch this space….
Now for a little confession. I think I’ve fallen just a little bit in love with someone I’ve met on one of my walkies. He’s a handsome brute called Tui and from what I understand he’s a Havanese.
Well I must say he’s a looker. Dark, handsome and exactly my type.
Walkies have become even more exciting as there is always a chance that I’ll bump into the lovely Tui. I think he feels the same about me too, so you might say he’s my new boyfriend.
Next time we’re out I’ll try to get one of the rents to take a piccy.
Never mind this Aidan Turner bloke the humans are going on about.
Tui beats him paws down on looks.
Woof and out…’
