Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com I came across the concept of manifestation relatively recently. My ignorance might have something to do with the fact that as a medical practitioner I value empirical evidence over blind faith. My friends are aware of my scepticism when it comes to anything remotely woo and tend to exclude me…… Continue reading How I manifested a book deal (or did I?)
Tag: Writing Community
Guest interview on thriving in the ‘liminal space’ between submission and publication
Screenshot of my guest interview at http://www.karenhollands.com.au There are many blog series which feature published authors and how they managed to scale the publishing heights, but few focus on writers in the midst of the struggle. Many of us fear being labelled failures or no-talent wannabes if we open up about rejections, and we suffer…… Continue reading Guest interview on thriving in the ‘liminal space’ between submission and publication
What if you never get that book published?
Photo by Felipe Cespedes on Pexels.com When Kate Mildenhall asked Tony Birch what he’d change about the publishing industry on the always fabulous First Time Podcast recently, he responded with the wish that publishers would take more chances on debut writers, making the observation that it can be soul-destroying to write a novel that never…… Continue reading What if you never get that book published?
How to write through rejection and silence
Bouddi National Park A good friend and glorious writer admitted this week to being ‘at sea’ with her writing. Traditionally published with no shortage of accolades or experience, she is currently pitching her new novel—her baby—to agents and publishers. And so far she’s had to deal with several rejections and worse: silence. In an attempt…… Continue reading How to write through rejection and silence
What makes a writing competition worth the entry fee?
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com Writing competitions can provide wonderful opportunities for emerging writers. The prospect of raising your head above the sea of other unpublished writers with a prestigious win or shortlisting, and perhaps attracting the attention of an agent or publisher, is irresistible. Or the lure of a cash windfall. Some offer publication…… Continue reading What makes a writing competition worth the entry fee?
Eight things I wish I’d known when I started writing
Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com I’ve been playing at being a writer for nine years now, almost a decade. It came as something of a shock when I calculated the time since I first put fingers to keyboard, because I often feel like a beginner. To be fair, the first four years were a…… Continue reading Eight things I wish I’d known when I started writing
How to build an author platform (and still find time to write that book)
Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com A writer I follow on Twitter recently tweeted about a rejection she received from a literary agent. Apparently the agent loved her story but didn’t feel she had enough of a platform to take her on as a client. While there are authors who wow agents and publishers with…… Continue reading How to build an author platform (and still find time to write that book)
Self-confidence is a decision
Photo by Jeffrey Czum on Pexels.co When you set your sights on traditional publication, at every stage of the process your success relies on convincing others of your worth: agents, publishers, reviewers, readers. You are constantly seeking external validation. And most of the time, when hundreds apply for every opportunity, that validation is not forthcoming.…… Continue reading Self-confidence is a decision
Should you use American English for submissions to US agents and publishers?
Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels. Over the years, I’ve submitted many short stories to international literary journals. Most of the work I’ve had published overseas, though, has been in the UK and Ireland. As I contemplate approaching overseas agents for representation of my psychological suspense novel, I’ve been wondering about expectations for manuscripts submitted…… Continue reading Should you use American English for submissions to US agents and publishers?
The importance of kindness in the #WritingCommunity
Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com In the last few months, we’ve all been affected by the global pandemic. Not one of us has escaped. Some have lost jobs or loved ones, some have faced the stress of exposure to the virus at work, and others are dealing with disrupted routines and the nightmare juggle…… Continue reading The importance of kindness in the #WritingCommunity
Lisa Kenway 