So did I achieve my Write1Sub1, goal for March?
Sadly my vignette submitted earlier this year wasn't accepted and a longer short story is still waiting for a decision...
But, Yes I submitted to an on-line flash fiction competition in which I had to write a 250 word story and it was accepted Yeah!
http://creativecafeproject.co.uk/ASplashofPerception.aspx
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Caf%C3%A9Lit-Writers-Creative-Caf%C3%A9-Project/138022606266155
I'm combining this with IWSG (hosted by Alex J Cavanaugh) to say that I'm coping with my insecurities by telling myself: It will happen. It will take time.
I'm getting there one step at a time.
I've been through the whole gamut of emotions about people's reactions to my writing over the past 3 yrs and feel I have settled in a better place now. I realise how to handle it better. I did get some really nasty criticism which was very personal when I joined a forum that rated each others' writing. I decided it wasn't for me as the members seemed vindictive and hugely competitive and so I decided to try Blogging. I have had much better feedback and support, which has helped my writing mature enormously, so thank you everyone.
So how about you?
BTW Don't forget the Plotting Blogfest. Have you signed up? It's great for your P word.
I'm actually still on a blog break at the moment. I'm trying to get some non-writing things done that have been haunting me for literally years. I've filled so many rubbish bags I've been worried I'd get charged by the council LOL! Happy A-Zing.
Forums can be awful places to go, especially if they aren't maintained by good staff. :( I'm glad blogging has been a better experience for you! :D
ReplyDeleteooh, sorry you had a bad time on the online forum. That sounds grim.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it didn't destroy your writing spirit.
Criticism is useless unless it is tempered with positive and thoughtful feedback. If done correctly, it should not be about slamming and destroying another's self image, but instead helping them improve. Sorry that you went through that, but unfortunately, some people like to bring themselves up by bringing others down.
ReplyDeleteHAPPY DANCE for your successful sumbission! Well done you!!!
ReplyDeleteOh I remember joining two writerly forums a few years ago - the first one was new and when it first started people were very supportive and gave amazing critiques then as the years went on people's EGOs just got in the way so I left asap. The second one (paid for) had a forum for beginners as well as forums for published writers and the idea was that the published writers help out the ones in the beginners forums (cos we paid!!) but they never did!! LOL! So I left!
GOOD LUCK with your writerly journey - for every rejection you will have a million and more submission successes! Yay! Take care
x
Congratulations on the acceptance! See? You are getting to your goals. Unfortunately, this publishing biz demands patience and perseverance. The good news is, I believe, that we improve the more we write and read (not when we're subjected to nasty criticisms). So, cheers to your continued successes and reaching your goals!
ReplyDeleteForums vary a lot - there are some good ones so it's worth looking round for a more helpful one.
ReplyDeleteJust read your piece on Cafelit! http://cafelitcreativecafe.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/splash-of-perception.html#comment-form
Congratulations.
Bloggers are definitely more supportive - honest and yet tactful.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your acceptance - and I'm glad you found blogging :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're doing great. The blogging community is marvelously supportive. Keep writing!
ReplyDeleteAnd congrats on your flash fiction :)
Hi Madeleine .. congratulations on the acceptance of your story ..
ReplyDeleteYou will make it happen and it will happen - patience is that ever constant virtue ..
Enjoy the break - cheers Hilary
Congrats on your flash fiction. Yes, one step at a time.
ReplyDeleteHi Madeleine,
ReplyDeleteConstructive feedback, done with respect is what one would ideally appreciate. Those who get personal and vindictive have personal issues of their own they need to address.
Take full advantage of your blogging break and you will, no doubt, come back refreshed and rejuvenated.
Oh, don't give the council any ideas! :)
Have a lovely weekend, my friend in the sharing, caring blogging community.
With respect, Gary
Congrats on the one that was accepted. And you're right about the slow and steady pace. You'll get there.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your break :)
........dhole
Happy blog breaking! I think getting to a happy place with writing can take time - and developing a thick skin! It's been a learning experience for me, definitely.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your accepted submission! That must be a wonderful feeling! :D
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the flash fiction!
ReplyDeleteMy vignette was too long by half, so I'm going to try for the next issue...