Blogging in the Wind

I've been in a bit of a funk lately.  It feels like nothing is moving forward but rather life is stagnating. No-one can afford to do much, business is quiet. I write and write but feel like I'm not getting very far. It's become abundantly clear to me that I'm not cut out to be a stay at home mum.  It feels like something has to give but I'm not sure what. 

I met an acquaintance on the train this morning. A completely random meeting, I'm not usually on that train and missed the one before by a nano-second so it feels like fate. I don't know her fabulously well, although we've been more than nodding neighbours for around three years.  Our conversation covered a lot of ground over the twenty minute journey and she helped me to realise how blessed I am. I thought I'd write it down for my own reference so I can refer back in my darker days.

Here we go:

I have my own business. It allows me to spend a tiny bit of time with the children in the morning and more importantly leave early so I'm home in time for bed/book routine.  Work has been quiet lately but I enjoy my job, I always have and know how lucky I am to be one of the few people who can truly claim that,

I work near a park where I go running during my lunch hour three times a week. London Zoo is on my route so I see Giraffes and Camels a couple of times a week. Also Herons, Ducks and Canada Geese. The gardens are beautiful and today they were rehearsing a musical for the summer open air theatre programme and strains of Chorus floated through the air. The park is full of happy tourists, students, families and lovers. It's a privilege to spend time there.

I have two beautiful children and a fantastic husband. He's not much domestically but is my tower, my strength, my better half. I would be lost without him and I am a better person with him.

I started writing last September. Since then I have been long listed for two writing competitions, received six publisher rejections for my children's story and am about 43k words through my first adult novel.  Being a writer might be a pipe dream, but at least I'm working to make it happen.

The nice thing about Blogging is it's a bit like therapy. You get to talk, follow your own stream of consciousness and articulate things that are going on in your head.

I've got to sign off now. I should be focusing on my business and trying to drum up some new clients. It might be a bit late for a New Year's resolution but my New Week resolution is to be positive, grateful and try harder.

Wishing you all a good week.

Building your Profile as a Credible Author

We were talking in class the other day about how one goes about building a profile within the publishing industry. There are so many aspiring writers out there it might not be enough just to write a great story. J K Rowling was famously rejected by twelve publishing houses before finally getting the greenlight.

New Authors can fall at the first hurdle with their CV and Cover Letter. It's all very well having a strong synopsis and compelling offer, the problem is who are we to be offering our manuscripts to agents? What credentials do we have to that give us the right to intrude on these busy professionals?

Entering competitions and submitting contributions to receptive press are a good starting point. Google 'story or poetry competition' and hundreds of results will be returned. They usually require a small entry fee, often which goes towards a charitable cause or sustaining a small independent publisher. Competitions can be local or global. Some carry more stature than others.

Pick ones that feel right for you. Submit your work and most importantly keep the faith. Rejection is all part of the process and as my husband always says, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

If you really need somewhere to start check out this competition which has been put together to raise awareness for palliative care charity Dying Matters. Closing date is 31st March 2012.

Good Luck!