I was talking to my writing friend, Tracy, from The Literary Pig, last week and we were discussing the pros and cons of posting about your successes on your blog. I was worried because I've been going through a good patch recently (not a worry in itself of course) but it has created a problem for me.
On the one hand, I've wanted to share any good news with all the people who have supported me since I started my blog last year and prove that success can be had, but on the other hand, I realise it might be annoying to some of you, especially if you are in the middle a bad period (which I hope you're not).
My problem is that there is only so much your husband, partner, family or friends want to hear about your writing and when you're fit to burst with excitement over an acceptance, who do you turn to? Well, in my case it's you... as we are all striving for the same thing - to make a success of our writing.
Tracy was very sensible and said that as long as you also post about the disappointing times as well, nobody should begrudge you your yippee moments.
I've thought back to the posts where I've been in rejection city after several 'not suitable for this magazine' letters have dropped on the door mat or 'well worn theme' messages have popped up on an email in one day. I am also the inventor of 'The Rejection T-shirt' which I have worn many times and which some of you like to borrow from time to time. I really have worked for my good news... honest!
With that in mind, I am going to believe Tracy and tell you some more exciting news (turn away now if you don't want to read about it). My first serial for The People's Friend has at last (after a nail-biting wait) been given the go ahead. I don't want to say too much about it at this stage, only that it will be a short three part serial. I loved writing the first instalment and can't wait to get stuck into the rest.
If any of you are thinking of having a try at writing a serial, Cara Cooper has written a fantastic series of posts on how to go about it, on her blog... they certainly helped me, so thanks Cara.
Also, this week, I share magazine space with Eastender Dot Cotton as my story 'Crossing the Line' is in Woman's Weekly. It is another short twist in the tail. When I wrote it, I started from the ending and worked backwards. I shan't be doing an 'inspiration behind the story' for it as I have no idea what the inspiration was... except to get another story into that magazine!
I'd be interested to hear your views on this topic - go on, I won't be offended.
Good news stories inspire, Wendy - and you are an inspiration! Tracy is right, of course, when she advises balance when posting about the good writing times and the (ahem...) more difficult ones. But I think you already have that balance, which is why your lovely blog has such a strong following.
ReplyDeleteHuge congratulations on that PF serial. I can't wait to read it. Rx
You're very kind, Rena. Thank you.
DeleteWendy! That's great news. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I agree with Rena. Your balance is just right *smile*
xxPat
I am really looking forward to writing the next instalment, Pat.
DeleteCan you see me doing a little celebratory jig for you (actually after the jive session with Lisa yesterday, I could try some kicks...) CONGRATULATIONS on the PF serial - that is a major achievement and one to SHOUT about, Wendy. Think it deserves another round of teacakes ... clink :) PS do tell us when Part I is out!!
ReplyDeleteIt probably won't be for a long time yet, Tracy but I'll let you know when it is... oh, and I don't think we ever need much excuse for teacakes, do we!
DeleteFantastic news, Wendy! I love hearing the good and bad other writers go through. The good inspires and the bad shows us we are not alone!
ReplyDeleteYes, I totally agree, Rosemary.
DeleteVery well done indeed, Wendy, and do carry on with your good news. Long may it continue!
ReplyDeleteThanks Frances - but we all know how these things go.
DeleteReally great news, Wendy - I can't imagine anyone begrudging you your success, it's so well deserved! Look forward to reading the serial.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tracy. That is very kind of you to say.
DeleteExcellent news, Wendy. Believe me when I get some good news (note 'when' and not 'if') I'll be shouting about it too. Yes, sometimes it can seem as if everybody else is getting good news when another rejection slip turns up but hearing other writers' good news can also spur us on.
ReplyDeleteSo, once again, congratulations.
Thank you, Lindsay, and be sure to let me know when you have good news so that I can shout 'Yippee!' along with you.
DeleteHi Wendy, please keep posting about your success, because every time, it inspires me to get my hands on the keyboard - to borrow a cliche - you've got to be in it to win it. Congratulations on your serial, and thanks for the info re Cara's blog, I will go and visit and see if I can't glean some knowledge. Please do keep posting.
ReplyDeleteYes have a read of it - it's excellent.
DeleteOh no - I just posted a great long comment but it's disappeared into the ether!! In short, what it said was - congratulations on your successes! I find them motivating and inspiring and I know that, as well as obvious talent (*Wendy blushes*), a lot of HARD WORK is behind it, so good for you. I have just blogged about whether we should shout about our successes too! (spooky - we are 'in tune'!) and I agree with other comments on here, that as long as we 'balance our bragging' with moans and gripes when, inevitably, things don't go so well for us, then I don't think anyone will really mind! Part of the reason I like to tell of my successes is that I teach Creative Writing and I (sometime) write articles for Writing magazine, so I feel it helps my credibility!! Right, I shall now press 'publish' and hope this one doesn't disappear.. and if two posts from me appear, Wendy, please feel free to delete one!! Have a good weekend..!
ReplyDeleteIt's really annoying when the comment you've written disappears, isn't it. Glad you posted again, Helen, as only one of your comments has appeared. Yes it was funny how we both wrote about the ,same thing - it was because we had both had a good week. Well done on the competition win. Following on from this post, I had an acceptance from WW - as I know you did, two from FF and another from PF so I am storing this all up for leaner times as we all must.
DeleteWell done Wendy, we are here to hear the good news, and sympathise with the bad. So pleased for you. You are putting in the hard work, so don't be shy about shouting from the rooftops. That's what I'd do. Off to read your story now...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan. Hope it all goes well with the job.
DeleteWendy, that is absolutely amazing, well done you!! Writing a PF serial is such a challenge, i'd imagine - not sure i could do it. Huge congrats, i can't wait to see it in print!! xx
ReplyDeleteIt certainly was a challenge to write 6000 words as 4000 has been my longest so far. How do you write a novel, Sam? That has to be way harder!
DeleteI don't think so because a novel is more tolerant of waffle etc as it can be cut drastically on the rewrite. I think there is much more leeway for mistakes on the first draft. Whereas i'd have thought, with a serial, you have to keep your eye on the ball most of the time.
ReplyDeleteSo hats off to you!
I always want to hear about your successes, Wendy. Especially when you explain the inspiration behind the story. Congratulations on the serial.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Keith. I will add another inspiration story as soon as I have one.
DeleteWell done. I definitely think you should share your successes, specially when you can tell us about how you arrived at the piece.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you think so, Jenny.
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