I'm currently feasting on over cooked despondency with lashings of doubt, topped with self deprecation about my writing, and looking for a glimmer of hope that perhaps I can do it and it's worth persevering.
Please could you give me feedback on the piece which I submitted to the Bath Short Story Competition (not long listed) - The Face of a Life. I've posted it on my profile.
It's the 3rd competition submission I've not even touched the selected long list.
Much appreciated.
Thanks Mark. I'm still at the early stages of writing, and looking for professional affirmation that I'm not way off track or delusional.
After many years of competition rejection, I suddenly had a short story published in a county magazine - it was a wonderful feeling knowing someone else (an editor) believed enough in my work to want to publish. I haven't had masses of success since but I can still remember how I felt at that time and that helps to spur me on.
It's all about picking yourself up and trying again. I also believe that a story that hits a note with one competition judge might fail with another. I've often been surprised at the winning entires of some competitions. I entered a horror story into one competition only to be beaten by a story that was cliched and with a theme that had been used many times before! And to add insult to injury it was a competition run by a writing magazine who always preach that you should avoid overworked themes and cliches!
Does it stop me entering competitions? Nope, I'll be back and I'll win on my terms rather than loose on somebody elses terms.
Stay true to your writing and one day it will come.
Thanks Susan... it's comforting to hear someone else is going through similar experiences. It was hard to broadcast how I'm feeling as my usual response is to put on a brave face and crumble on the inside.
Your comments will be much appreciated.