Reaching for the Moon

Diary of a Viva Ninja: Day 26

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Giving it your best shot… 

And so, one week to go. A rather sobering thought, but I’m trying to not let it paralyze me with fear! The best thing I did today was to go for a wee stroll along the canal in the lovely autumnal sun. It is critical in this last week not to overtax oneself. Review notes and so forth, but rest and pleasant distraction is just as important.

This morning I finished editing a novel I’ve been working on for the last four months after I received a positive reply from a publisher. It has been good to work on something creative amidst all this intense preparations (and teaching). Writing reminds me of who I am, and why I am doing this. I have been sustained by my dreams, and engaging with one’s craft on a daily basis has got to be one of the best ways to prepare anyway – it stops the whole thing becoming abstract. Furthermore, this current novel, like The Knowing – A Fantasy; and Black Box, the science fiction one I ‘knocked out’ in 4 months last year after winning a national SF novel competition (Literature Work’s One Giant Write), means I’ve had 3 serious opportunities to explore my Goldendark ethical aesthetics.  Weighing in at 135000; 82000 and 93000 respectively, they collectively total 320,000 words. Three novels (plus a 20,000 word Critical Commentary; collection of poetry; anthology of folk tales; plus several articles, conference papers and commissions) is not bad going for 4 years’ work. I have used the opportunity to really step up as a writer. As my supervisor commented, I’ve put 200% into this. I’ve done this first and foremost to develop as a writer. I’ve wanted to push myself, try new forms, and really raise my game. I’ve not held back. There have been many byproducts and benefits along the way, but let’s hope my efforts pay off next week. I’ve given it everything I have – and in this life that is the best we can do.

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