Publishing news

Every year Romance Writers of Australia runs writing competitions. I’m thrilled to announce that my short story, The Bubble Specialist came equal second place in the Sweet Treats short story competition. It will be published in the RWA Sweet Treats Anthology this August.

Manuscript news

I’ve completed this round of edits on my Manuscript. I don’t have enough fingers and toes to calculate how many drafts I’ve done but I’m really happy with how the story has come together. I’ve learnt so much along the way and my next writing project will benefit greatly. It will also be written in much less time :-).

What’s next?

I’m reading my manuscript on my Kindle like a ‘reader’

Highly recommend this. If you don’t have an e-reader, print it out or change the font and PDF it. I can’t edit my story on the Kindle so it’s a pure read through. I am making notes separately on what needs fixing – continuity errors and high-level issues. Missed commas and grammar I’ll tackle later in another sweep.

It’s Beta Reader time!

I’ve had feedback on chunks of my manuscript but never all of it. It’s time to toss it out there and find out – Is it readable? Does it make you fall asleep? Laugh? Cry? Keep you up at night turning pages? What’s going right? What’s not working?

I’ve already had one generous and amazing writer read it. They loved the story (happy dance!) and have provided constructive feedback for me to work through. I’ve put the call out for a few more Beta Readers.

Pitching

Yes, still poised to pitch in less than a month. I’m the one getting side-eyes from other drivers on the road as I practice my pitch out loud.

Wish me luck!

And lastly…

While I find it scary to put myself and my writing out there, there’s a line in Shang Chi (Marvel Film) that really resonates with me: “If you aim for nothing, you hit nothing.”

I'm aiming to hit something!