I thought it might be a good time to take stock of where I am in my wee life when it comes to all things word-like.

I found out today that I was not on the long list for the Undiscovered Voices 2014 run by SCBWI (Society of Childrens Book Writers & Illustrators). A sad day for some but for me, it was slightly joyous as I still don’t think my completed MS is up to the standard I would like it to be. I can breathe a sigh of relief and consider changes to my next draft knowing that I now have time. Time I knew was running out of but I still wanted to give it a shot.

I wish all the long list writers great success in their literary adventures going forward. Every great book deserves to be published.

There are two ways (I’m going to use doors) that I can look at this result:

Through door No 1 –  I can get all maudlin and annoyed with myself. I can think my work is unworthy and less face it, rubbish as I didn’t make it. I can eat copious amounts of chocolate to get me through the anxiety of what my next move needs to be. Being glum will be my new favourite temperament and I will start to trip over my petted lip every time I try to begin a new story/poem/dream.

OR

I can go for door No 2 and complete the ten things that I need to do now – get myself back on track and embrace my life as a writer through fresh eyes!

No 1 – Re-name my MS as DRAFT ONE…..and so it begins.

No 2 – EDIT, EDIT and EDIT some more.

No 3 – Character, plot and structure – all well-behaved SCBWI’ers do this!

No 4 – Breathe

No 5 – Research further competitons/events out there that my new MS could be submitted to.

No 6 – Change all my bio’s to remove reference to UV comp – no point in being reminded of it every day.

No 7 – Relax

No 8 – Turn radio/phone/twitter off – no distractions for this new MS please.

No 9 – Create a new mantra – I CAN DO THIS YOU BIG DAFTIE or something that motivates you to write.

No 10 – Believe in yourself, the ideas/voices are in YOUR head and no-one else’s. Pick yourself up and start writing.

 

I am going to add a number 11 just for me – have a cuppa and a biscuit.

Good luck and keep writing!

2 Comments

  1. Author

    Thank you David! I have a love/hate relationship with chocolate as I never know when enough is enough (some call it greed but I think that’s a bit strong :-)) which is why I placed that particular comment in door 1.

    Lindt though, now Lindt chocolate is for definitely for celebrating with!

    Help – I think I need a step 12!

  2. Well I’m disgusted. Not with the competition, in their case they just lack good taste, no my disgust is reserved for YOU. Through door 1 we saw you take to copious amounts of chocolate to fend off disappointment and anxiety. Why then through Door 2 did we not see you take copious amounts of chocolate in celebration of the work to come? Are you really only a friend to chocolate in your darkest hours? Beware, chocolate will remember this slight !
    I’m sure there will be other competitions suitable for the book when you can submit it without pressure. Very best of luck.
    xxx Huge Hugs xxx

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