Not an agent beating a path to my door. Not a publication success or even a competition prize. Come on folks, this is me we're talking about.
No. I've actually managed to complete (okay, to first draft stage) a short story that I am actually quite pleased with. And it's all because of the excellent short story course Art of The Short Story run by Tom Vowler and Zoe Lambert. It's a six week on-line course that looks in depth at the literary short story. There's a comprehensive weekly tutorial and the chance to develop a story or story throughout the six weeks where participants are encouraged to comment critically on stories posted by others on the course.
It's worth every penny. Although there's no pressure whatsoever, you are encouraged to see the project through from the first few hundred words to a completed draft. I am not a boot-camp, do-it-now-or-else person. I tend to run screaming in the other direction. But I like intelligent encouragement. (I don't mean bland praise either. That's just as bad.)
So I did it and now am happy to knuckle down and start chipping away at the snarly bits and polishing it to a shine.
But first I'm going to treat myself.
Not to this.
(Unfortunately alcohol no longer likes me and makes me feel ill.)
But to this - now my only addiction - and lots of it.
And maybe one of these (when no-one is looking).
Then it's back to work...
mm, much deserved coffee and chocs, and how wonderful to hear you sounding so positive about your writing :)
ReplyDeleteWell done, Sally. I'll take a look at the course, it looks good for me too. Go on, spoil yourself, have two chocs. Can I have the caramel one?
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! Enjoy the well deserved celebration and the tweaking and polishing.
ReplyDeleteFantastic - enjoy!! (the feeling and the treats)
ReplyDeleteWell done! What are you going to do with it when it's been polished? SOunds like it deserves a wider audience.
ReplyDeleteFantastic - will check out that course, if the result is coffee and chocs! the best of luck with the story.
ReplyDeleteOh wonderful - so gad it worked well for you Sally - Tom's just contributed a chapter to the next edition of Short Circuit - fab writer - and Zoe too. Have yet to read her collection, but her name is in lights. SO glad to hear about the story! x
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your success! It's always a relief when finally something good can be written again after a dry spell. I've experiences that myself.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I've been reading through your blog, and it's incredibly interesting and well-written.
So nice to hear you sounding pleased with your writing again.
ReplyDeleteYipee! A positive step, whatever form that may take, is always so heartening. Go on, spoil yourself... enjoy every delicious mouthful of those chocolates!
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your support and encouragement. It really helps and spurs me on to bigger and better projects! Watch this space...
ReplyDeleteI'll join you with a coffee and a choc if I may (I too no longer drink). And many congratulations. Now don't stop.
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