But your resident (and slightly lardy) aspiring author is restless. Susanna’s blog is full of lovely writers who are busy making their dreams come true and I’m suddenly impatient - itching - to be one of them. During the winter, I was introspective, contemplative. Now I want to fling open the windows and get OUT THERE!! I don’t want to be the ‘aspiring’ one forever … So, I’ve been busy. Really busy. I’ve entered the Bath Novel award. Because … why not? I have a nearly polished manuscript I’m really proud of. Of course, the chance of making the long list, let alone the shortlist, is pretty small, but you’ve got to be in it to win it, right? It could be me. I’ve submitted my partial to a couple more agents. One (DHH Literary Agency) has invited unrepresented writers to pitch in person. DHH represents my friends Amanda and Claire who are fulsome in their praise so I’d love to have the opportunity. You have to apply in advance and the deadline is looming so, all you fellow aspiring writers, submit, submit, submit …! I’ve nearly finished my edits. The last third of my book has been completely rejigged and rewritten and - I hope - the narrative arc is now much smoother. I‘m really pleased with it. Pretty soon I’ll send it to the RNA New Writer’s Scheme for a critique and, not long afterwards, I hope to send it to the six agents who have requested the full. I really hope they remember me! Finally, I’ve started Book 2. Details to follow but, if I say ‘laundry’, some of you might guess the route I’ve taken …. And, on that note, I will wish you all a very happy and bountiful spring and I look forward to catching up at the end of April. Thank you again to Susanna for the opportunity of a regular slot on her lovely blog xx |
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Or, as someone once said to me when I was in the querying trenches and drowning in rejections: "The only difference between a published author and an unpublished one is that the published one didn't stop trying."
You've taken some important steps forward on your journey this month, Kirsten. Celebrate those and keep the faith.
As for the agents who requested the manuscript previously, remind them at they did...in an ever so polite and tactful way!
I'm sure you're not "lardy" and your cats aren't either. To me, they appear "cuddly." Also cat envy here! xx