Today's two writing sessions focussed on the finer points of our manuscripts.
Each of us had a one-hour "one-on-one" session with the lovely Marele Day, discussing the good points of our manuscripts, and the areas where we could improve. Yes, we all have "homework" to do, and we'll re-present this (about 10 pages) to our colleagues on Friday. I have to differentiate one of my main characters from another by language, mannerisms etc, so I'm writing these changes on paper (!) to see what works the best.
Our group critique formed the second session, which each of us commenting on each others' work (always scary), and again, so excellent points were raised. It's amazing how you can look at/read out loud/rewrite something and still not see the bleeding obvious, like "...when did he get off the train...?" (about three edits ago...)
And I managed to fit in a couple of short walks: early morning to Cliff View lookout, then along Falls Road (etc) to Echo Point (not a soul there except me) and past an amazing monument to the men and convicts who built the Great Western Highway. This afternoon, Tamara and I walked over to the Katoomba Cascades and around Reids Plateau. I finally saw the "Orphan Rock." I can't believe I said, "Which one is it?" [it's the one standing out on its own, dopey (see photo)].
Bird count: a bit low today, scrubwrens, crimson rosellas, sulphur-crested cockatoos, currawongs, and a host of glorious tweets that I naturally couldn't see for the foliage. But I was laughed at by the Katoomba Falls Kiosk kookaburras (again)!
But the really important news: Katoomba DOES have a Willie Wagtail - seen over by the Katoomba Falls Kiosk (which is currently not open but up for lease).
The next two days will be non-stop writing, then another "show and..." on Friday.
