Wow! I can't believe Harlequin Mills and Boon are holding a writing competition only for first chapter and a synopsis! Just the chance i have been waiting for!
After reading the guidelines i am sure i can come up with a story, just fingers crossed they like mine and i win an editor for a year!
If you are interested too, the deadline is November 2 2009 go here:
http://www.iheartpresents.com/2009/07/the-harlequin-presents-writing-competition-2009-is-now-open/
Good luck and i hope you get inspired before the deadline!
Showing posts with label novel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label novel. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Editing is essential for good writing
Editing, believe it or not is fun.
It polishes our writing until it is perfect for the market we are writing, or even just perfect for you.
You can't be afraid to delete what doesn't work, what takes too long to say even if you think it is your best work. This is ego. Many writing gurus have used the phrase "murder your darlings". These are the bits you are particularly proud of. It may be hard but it is worth it in the long run.
Guaranteed these "darlings" don't fit the writing and it will save time (and pain) when you are asked or requested to delete it from an editor or publisher, or even a reader may not get it.
By doing this we grow as writers. Editing helps to polish and give us the best our readers can get.
Rob Parnell just wrote an excellent article called How Does your Writing Grow? i would recommend you read it. But pertinent for editing is the part:
It polishes our writing until it is perfect for the market we are writing, or even just perfect for you.
You can't be afraid to delete what doesn't work, what takes too long to say even if you think it is your best work. This is ego. Many writing gurus have used the phrase "murder your darlings". These are the bits you are particularly proud of. It may be hard but it is worth it in the long run.
Guaranteed these "darlings" don't fit the writing and it will save time (and pain) when you are asked or requested to delete it from an editor or publisher, or even a reader may not get it.
By doing this we grow as writers. Editing helps to polish and give us the best our readers can get.
Rob Parnell just wrote an excellent article called How Does your Writing Grow? i would recommend you read it. But pertinent for editing is the part:
You have to make writing 'work'. And if you're reworking material, don't just fix things, rethink the whole piece. Take onboard the suggestions, yes, but also be mindful of the entire package. Do the suggestions change the way the writing works? Do you have to approach the manuscript again - and make it work, again?
If so, don't be afraid to do that.
Rob Parnell
My novel is currently undergoing a re-write. I am taking on board my readers advice and the advice i have received from Rob, and where sometimes it is hard to "murder my darlings" i can see how it works to make my writing work and make it better.
Good luck!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
A Reply Letter
I received a letter from HarperCollinsPublishers this week. Based on my critique from Rob Parnell i was expecting a "thanks, but no thanks" and that is what i got.
The letter was very polite and nice:
Thank you for writing to us regarding you manuscript entitled Secrets & Lies. While an interesting idea, i am afraid that this is not suitable for our list, and we would be unable to make an offer of publication.
I am sorry to have to disappoint you, but i wish you every future success with your writing.
Thank you for offering HarperCollinsPublishers the opportunity to assess you proposal.
It took seven weeks from the date i posted my document, so very timely and i was impressed with how sincere they sound.
Better luck next time!
The letter was very polite and nice:
Thank you for writing to us regarding you manuscript entitled Secrets & Lies. While an interesting idea, i am afraid that this is not suitable for our list, and we would be unable to make an offer of publication.
I am sorry to have to disappoint you, but i wish you every future success with your writing.
Thank you for offering HarperCollinsPublishers the opportunity to assess you proposal.
It took seven weeks from the date i posted my document, so very timely and i was impressed with how sincere they sound.
Better luck next time!
Monday, January 5, 2009
In Print
I never thought i would actually get to see my novel in print, other than in my head of course. My father printed it for me when i asked him to print copies so i could circulate to friends and family for feedback. It isn't the finished product but it is thrilling to see it with my name on it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)