Last weekend marked the announcement of a couple of writing competitions I had entered, and despite every effort to not build up my hopes, I had duly built up my hopes of some measure of success.
The first announcement was a disappointment, as I didn't get anywhere near the longlist, and I must admit I started to feel a little disheartened by the whole venture of getting my work out there. Lots of enthusiasm on my part, but with little indication that I was anywhere near on the right lines.
And then, late in the day, an email announcing that I had been placed in the other competition. And suddenly I was back on track - my output had some merit, and the effort had been worth it.
I set out at the start of the year to get my work published, and the first real success has taken a shade over three months. Not bad going, all things considered.
It's a small step on a longer road, and by no means a massive or life-changing deal, though I am grateful to the competition organisers for picking my piece, instilling me with some confidence and offering such valuable support and feedback - I will post a link to the piece and website when the competition is publicly announced.
For now it is back to the writing with a little more self-confidence and belief. Writing is fun once again. For many years, I missed it.
The first announcement was a disappointment, as I didn't get anywhere near the longlist, and I must admit I started to feel a little disheartened by the whole venture of getting my work out there. Lots of enthusiasm on my part, but with little indication that I was anywhere near on the right lines.
And then, late in the day, an email announcing that I had been placed in the other competition. And suddenly I was back on track - my output had some merit, and the effort had been worth it.
I set out at the start of the year to get my work published, and the first real success has taken a shade over three months. Not bad going, all things considered.
It's a small step on a longer road, and by no means a massive or life-changing deal, though I am grateful to the competition organisers for picking my piece, instilling me with some confidence and offering such valuable support and feedback - I will post a link to the piece and website when the competition is publicly announced.
For now it is back to the writing with a little more self-confidence and belief. Writing is fun once again. For many years, I missed it.