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Category Archives: On Getting Published
Second Novel Syndrome
I caught a lovely old clip on the internet recently of Muriel Spark talking about how she writes a novel. She tells the interviewer that she writes her name on the first page, then the title on the next, then … Continue reading
Posted in On Getting Published, On Writing
Tagged editing, getting published, re-writing, second novel, self-doubt
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Keeping it Real
I’ve had a period of rest from writing recently. My next novel is finished and while I wait to see if the powers that be consider it to have legs, I’ve been giving my writing brain a break. The best … Continue reading
Posted in General, On Getting Published
Tagged art, failure, fiction, lifestyle, literature, real life, social media, success
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Guest Blog About Never Giving Up
I’ve written a guest blog for the Writers and Artists website about why writers sometimes give up too soon in their quest for an agent. You can read it here.
Yes! I have an Agent!
Hurray! Does this mean I’m going to get published now? No, I’m afraid not. There are plenty of writers represented by very good agents who don’t make it to publication. What it does mean is that publishers may now be willing, … Continue reading
On Failure
The other day, a pretty miserable day in general as it happens, I discovered my novel hadn’t made it from the longlist to the shortlist of a well known competition. All in all, it was a ‘I’m this close to … Continue reading
Posted in On Getting Published, On Writing
Tagged competition, failure, Olympics, process, success, swimming
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Season of Hope
Right now is my absolute favourite time of the year. I love it. Whilst people around me are bemoaning the passing of summer and the return to school runs, stews and soggy weather, I’m relishing the absence of barbecues, bared flesh and … Continue reading
Top Ten Sins Committed By Literary Agents
As a writer seeking representation, I have paid much attention to agents’ advice as to how I should conduct myself. I am well aware of the heinous sins that the aspiring author must not commit. Thou shalt not, for example, submit sample … Continue reading
Posted in On Getting Published
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Writers and Artists Blog
Just posted another guest blog on this excellent website for writers. This time all about the etiquette surrounding multiple submissions. Read it here.
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How to Get a Clear Perspective on your Manuscript
I have actually lost count of how many times I’ve revised my manuscript. It makes no sense to talk in terms of numbers of drafts any more. I’ve made minor alterations and I’ve done full scale re-writes. I’ve made changes … Continue reading
Are Agents Fobbing Me Off?
When an agent gives you the old, ‘This has great potential, but I’m afraid it’s just not for me,’ routine, what do they really mean? Isn’t it just another get out clause? Isn’t it just one step up from the … Continue reading
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