I've signed up for Sally Quilford's 100k in 100days challenge and I think this has helped enormously. Not only has a lovely and supportive writing community grown from this, but I'm actually keeping up and this has boosted my confidence.
I've been working on one of my longer projects, so haven't produced as many stories as I might have during the past 15k words. But, last weekend, I joined in a challenge - set by an online writing group - to write a short story. Of course, it's nowhere near ready to be submitted to a magazine at this stage, but I'm thinking there might be something there. A few more drafts should tell me one way or another if I think it's okay to send out.
It seems I'm one for the challenges in 2012.
There hasn't been much news from anywhere, but I'm okay with that. I've kind of written off a few submissions in my head in any case. The oldest being a partial requested by a well known publisher in 2010 - after a fast track (I don't like using exclamation marks, but in this case I'm very tempted !!!!!!!) . A query last October confirmed it was still under consideration - by which I'm guessing it's not been looked at yet (they were obviously holding their breath for that one). I've also resigned myself to never hearing about a Christmas story submitted in July - I'm guessing story and subsequent query have been eaten by the scary cyber radiator.
Not that I'm whinging. I know there are an overwhelming number of writers chasing ever an shrinking number of fiction opportunites. Thousands of stories will be landing on editors' desks every week. I'm only grateful it's only two projects I haven't heard back about.
There aren't many other stories left waiting for a decision: Another July submission, a couple from October and three from December. Really need to get more stuff out there, I think.
While I might not have much writing news of my own, I'm so pleased to be able to tell you about Diane Fordham's new book, Dream Keeper: It's Time to Face Your Fears
Diane is a very talented writer - as well as being a lovely blogger and a great friend - so I'm very excited about this. Dream Keeper is a very spooky tale and worth a read. You can find out more about the book on Diane's website here.
14 comments:
You're right Suzanne, there's a time and a place for exclamation marks and sometimes they are fully warranted!!!!!!!!! Hope you hear on things soon. And well done you for the positivity and taking the challenge plunge.
Judy!
Go you! Sounds like you're on a roll right now. Hope it continues!
Frustrating when we don't here anything back, isn't it?
I admire your attitude Suzanne and am sure good things will be happening for you this year. Thanks for mentioning, Dream Keeper. I appreciate that! xx
One of my submissions took two years to hear back from. So anything possible.
I'm happy to hear you're writing.
Wishing you a better 2012!
Good for you, Suz - sounds as if you're off to a brilliant start :) Sally's challenge is a biggie isn't it!
I'm afraid I love exclamation marks and I have had to train myself not to use so many. Not that it works all the time!!! x
It sounds like 2012 will be an amazing year for you. You've started it on a really positive note and I'm sure you will rise to all the challenges. Let us know how you get on with the 100K in 100 days and best of luck.
Congratulations on doing so well on the 100k challenge! (and a few more !!!! for the long wait).
Glad to hear you're keeping good spirits, Suzanne :) Sounds like you've made some good commitments that will be motivating and enjoyable - keep it up :)
Nari X
!!!!!!!!!!!! I live by !!!!!!!!!! And in your case justified ;o) me thinks!! Keep going I *know* you'll succeed once day. Caroline x
Oh dear! I adore exclamation marks. Not in my short stories but in emails etc!! In my humble opinion think add something! :-) Congratulations Suz - you sound on such a positive roll. Fantastic. Go girl! I've ordered Dream Keeper should be here any time now. xx
Just read your comment Sue - there is a big smile on my face. Thank you so much for ordering a copy of Dream Keeper. :-)
Waiting sucks, and it's definitely good to keep busy in the meantime.
I love a good exclamation mark, but have learned to cut them down a bit as I used to put them everywhere!!!
Good luck with the 100k challenge :o)
Thanks, Judy :0)
Thank you, womagwriter :0)
Very, Patsy. Grrrr.
My pleasure, Diane.
Two years is a very long time, Carla.
Thanks, Teresa. A teacher told me (when I was at an impressionable age) that they were the literary equivalent of laughing at you own jokes. I was crushed because my creative writing was always full of them. And, secretly, I still love them. X
I will, Joanna. And thank you.
Thanks, Romy :0)
Thanks, Nari.
Hehe - thank you, Caroline. X
Thanks, Sue. And me too - they definitely add tone to emails. :0)
Thanks, Karen. And I agree - a well placed ! can make all the difference. :0)
XX
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