Say the word ‘August’ to anyone on the New Writers’ Scheme and you tend to get one of three reactions, for which I’ve translated into plain English.
(a) The small smile, hanging somewhere between pride and satisfaction, together with an acknowledging nod of the head.
Translation : ‘Oh yes! I’ve already sent mine off. Go Me!’
(b) The grimace and rolling of eyes.
Translation : ‘Thank God, I’m nearly there, just got to tweak and then send it.’
(c) The death look, all colour drains from face and a small eek escapes their tremulous mouth.
Translation : ‘ *#$* why did you go and bring that up? I am having murderous thoughts about you now. I’m never going to get it finished.’
If you’re reading this sitting back, smiling at the monitor, then well done, give yourself a pat on the back. Although I do fall in this category, I have to admit, mine was a rewrite of last year’s submission which I had been working on since September. After a particularly long wait and a second read, I got both reports back last month.
If you are grimacing and rolling your eyes as you read this (if eye rolling and reading are possible at the same time – how many of you just tried it?) then keep tapping away at the keyboard, the end is in sight, you’re nearly there.
Equally if you now want to punch the monitor and are cursing me for mentioning that blasted deadline whilst wondering why the hell you signed up for this in the first place, then I am sorry. However, as self-appointed cheerleader, I’m with you to the bitter sweet end. Come on, you can do it!
Ooh, that gave me a wry grin. It’s all good training for the future that awaits.
You can do it, ladies!
xx
Thanks for dropping by Juliet.
I work better to deadlines even if I do leave it to the last minute.
Sue
x
I wanted to send a really polished draft… but it’s not going to happen. I’m giving it one last read through to make sure obvious things are fixed and then I’m sending it. Chuck it all at the wall and see what sticks. !!
I got some positive feedback on it last night from my writing group. There is something raised that will need fixing, and additing issue more than anything, but I don’t have time to address it. It’s stored away for next editing session, with whatever feedback I get from the NWS.
The problem is the bloody school holidays! I only have evenings, and then they’re being taken up with other stuff too. I will get there. It’s going to be there. I should stop panicking!
But I can’t wait to post it. Huge weight will be lifted from my shoulders!
I think you have to be realistic about some things Teresa and taking that sort of pragmatic approach is good. School holidays are a killer aren’t they.
Best of luck with it.
Sue
x
Good luck all of you who are participating : ) x x
Thanks Yasmin.
:0)
Sue
x
The final push. Sometimes, it’s as difficult as giving birth.
xx
In this case the waiting comes after the push.
Sue
x
Good luck Ladies. NWS feedback is pure golddust.
Thanks Rhoda
It’s a fantastic scheme, I’d be lost without it.
Sue
x
Is it wrong to be worrying about next year’s deadline? Need to start the next so it’s ready in time!
Go girls! The NWS deadline is nature’s way of preparing you for the horrific task of hitting deadline dates that will be yours when you are snatched up by publishers. So, go, go!
Thank you for those words of encouragement and confidence, Jane. xx
All worth while when you get that report that tells you, yes you can do this