Paula R.C. Readman's Blog, page 91

Competitions

A few days ago, I came across a writing competition, with only a day left to enter as it counted down to its deadline. For a bit of fun as it was a drabble I thought I would enter.

After sending off the submission and paying £4, I spotted two mistakes in a 100 word story. Of course, I could have kicked myself, but hey hoo. It serves me right for rushing.

Just now, I received an email telling me unfortunately my submission didn’t make the long list, but if I would like to pay £10, I could receive a feedback on the story to help me develop it.

Err no, I think I will give that wonderful opportunity a pass, thank you.

I have no insecurities over my writing. The whole idea behind me entering the competition was to step outside my comfort zone, and try something different.

Yes, winning would have been great. Throwing another ten pounds at it wouldn’t turn the story into a winning story.

Sometimes we need to take the rough with the smooth and accept that we can’t always win. There are many reasons why our work doesn’t make the grade. I know two.

Anyway, my story will sit happily on my computer until I need something to play around for another competition in the future. Remember it’s not about the winning, but the taking part. Yes, my 100 words story cost me £4, but the idea may develop into something greater without me paying any extra.

I’m off to carry on work on my dark demon story.

Betrayal leads you down a dark path.

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Have a great writing day,

Chat again soon.

I hate beginnings

When starting a new project you have no idea where it is going, how good it’s going to turn out. Whether your idea is going to go the full length.

It is said, it’s better to get words down and have something to work with than to stare at a blank sheet.

Yesterday, I found it hard to focus. I jumped from one project to the next. I know once I’m in the flow, and know who my main character is, the ideas will start coming together and I shall be okay.

One of the problems I had yesterday was I kept worrying that I hadn’t done enough with the novella. I now feel I rush it. Have I spoiled my chances at finding a publisher for my work.

Who knows? I shall have to wait and see.

That’s the problem with writing. It is the waiting. We have to keep reminding ourselves that all publishers have more than one project on the go. They aren’t just waiting for us to get back to them.

Today, I must get my head down, and work on one project at a time. Hopefully it will all come together in the end.

Right, now to make up my mind as to which of the three, I’m going to work on first…