Reshuffling

Some wit at the 'Turn2Us' benefits advice organisation made a nicely dry comparison between the repeated refusals of DWP ministers and senior staff to admit their errors when cross-examined by Select Committees and the classic Morecombe and Wise sketch in which Andre Previn informs Eric he's playing 'all the wrong notes', only for Eric to reply 'I'm playing all the right notes - but in the wrong order!'

I've reluctantly had to accept that my latest Solent Welfare Rights Project novel's first draft is in similar shape - a lot of the 'right notes', but not in the right order.  As my cast contend with the April 2013 'welfare reforms', there are a number of potential storylines to pursue with them and while it would be outrageously contrived to inflict every one of the changes from that date on principal characters, there are some key themes I simply must pick up. 

But my first draft leaves me in that 'if I was wanting to get to there, I wouldn't be starting from here!' position of the proverbial traveller seeking directions in rural western Ireland.  I have a series of light-hearted scenes written up almost to the point where I was tempted to release them as an 'episode' for another serial, but fun though they are, they're set too early.  To be realistic, the entire story needs to shift at least three months forward, which means my late summer 2012 events either have to be discarded entirely (ouch! - but sometimes necessary) or re-timed, re-written and recycled to happen later in the story.  British Summer Time may prove a hindrance with the prospect of long, gardening-friendly evenings (dream on, Mrs - this is North Staffordshire!) but I will set some targets to keep myself on track and at least make sure I jot any ideas for bit-part case studies or odd scenes down when inspiration strikes.

I can also borrow examples from my own training material, since I'm paid to write small episodes of fact-based fiction as part of my job (the CAB do get the time back - though as biscuits!).

Meanwhile, the proof-reading of Limited Capability moves into its final few chapters and the deadline draws ever closer for any attempt at the short story competition for the 'Hot Air' literary festival.  More news on that, and it's mixed; new names appearing include Antony Beevor, AN Wilson and Melvyn Bragg (who I seem to recall lambasting the Bedroom Tax on The One Show a little while ago, so he's one of the good guys!), but the sponsors include The Sun. 

I had hoped that would prove to be an April Fool, but apparently not - Hot Air's Facebook page 'likes' the notorious Murdoch redtop.  Give me strength!!

I suppose it could be worse.  It could have been sponsored by the Daily Mail...