Yesterday, as I sat in the lounge with Grumps - I probably looked grumpier than he did - I wondered if I was just kidding myself that I could ever write a decent book. Bored with feeling sorry for myself and my stomach ache - a bug I managed to pick up from somewhere - I checked my emails and was thrilled to find one from The Harry Bowling Prize people. They told me that although, Broken Faces, hadn't made the longlist as it '... didn't have an obvious urban setting', they were intending giving '...it a special commendation on our website'.
Having read and re-read this fabulous piece of news I did a *happy dance* and decided that maybe I did have it in me to write a book that others might want to read. I've received lots of wonderful comments on Facebook, Twitter and also personal emails congratulating me, and these are much appreciated. I love writing and can't imagine ever stopping, but it is such a relief to receive a confidence boost like this one.
Needless to say, I'm looking much chirpier today. He isn't, but that's his natural expression so he can't help it. I'm sure he's feeling jolly on the inside!
Have a great weekend.
37 comments:
Congrats on getting a commendation!
I cannot imagine how it feels submitting writing in the big wide world of publishing.
carol
Many congrats!
I think we all have spells when we believe we can't write anything worth reading. We certainly all need a confidence boost now and again. I'm sure Grumps was thrilled for you and extremely proud. :)
That's fabulous news! Congratulations.
Oh how fabulous! I read that you write stories set during the world wars and as those type of stories are my favourite I can't wait to read yours.
Woohoo! That's great, Debs. Way to go. Grumps is chirpy for you, too. On the inside. ;o)
Great news, Debs
Be sure to mention it upfront in subs to agents!
xxPat
Congrats again, Debs. That's a lovely endorsement/confidence booster for your writing!
Whoa! Congrats Debs and of course you can write..... laugh! xx
Fantastic result Debs! Well done.
It's so nice when one is feeling discouraged to get just such a boost to the self-confidence. This is the universe telling you not to give up! You have a talent to share so keep at it!
Congrats Debs!
I can so understand how you felt. I've been there too. I think most writers go through it.
But you are born to write, else you wouldn't love it so much!
Dizzy C - nerve-wracking, lol.
Shirley - thanks, I'm glad I'm not the only one.
Nell - thank you.
Cassam - thank you.byes, this book is based during the Great War and Ive also written one based in WW2.
B e - thanks, I think he is.
Pat - I'll remember to do so, thanks.x
Liane - it certainly was.
Pauline - aww thanks.
Jenny - thanks so much.
Karen- thank you. I hope you're right.
Kaye - I suppose a lack of confidence happens to most of us.x
Wonderful - huge congrats Debs!
Janice xx
Ooh, very well done!
Margaret P
(hope I can post this comment - sometimes my computer won't let me! It has a mind of its own!)
Janice -thanks very much.x
Galant - thank you.
Congratulations!
Huge congrats!!!!
lx
Whoop whoop, Debs! :) Massive massive congrats!
Cait - thank you.
Liz - thanks so much. x
Talli - thanks for the cheers!
Now I've stopped laughing at Grumps - CONGRATULATIONS! News like that is just what we need to give us the confidence to keep writing. I'm certain you're not far off being published now :o)
Totally over the moon for you...not surprised at all...but totally over the moon for you!
Congrats
C x
Karen - he's a grumpy looking devil.
Thanks, I hope you're right! x
Carol - thank you so much. x
I was so delighted when I saw that news on FB, Debs! That's a great recommendation and definitely encouragement to start submitting the book to agents or publishers. All the best with it.
What fabulous news! Sometimes it feels like beating our heads against the wall, and then poof! Like a magic wand comes encouragement, a lift, just the spark we need to persevere. May 2012 be YOUR YEAR!!
rosemary - thank you so much. x
anna - Many thanks. May it be your year too!
Don't fully understand your publishing process, but was "Broken Faces" the wartime novel you just completed recently? What little I understand about publishing there are certain genres that are popular by times. Too bad your novel didn't fit their current search. Even better though that they recognized the good qualities in your writing. Just like mourning, after a suitable time in the depths you feel better about get up and on with it! That philosophy does not, of course, apply to Grumps!
Wow! And look at all these comments! I'll add my huge congrats here. It's a good reminder that you never know, and as they say, you can't win if you don't play (something I forget too often, especially with these dreaded competitions). I'm thrilled for you!
faye - thanks. Yes, this is the book based during the Great War.
The reason Broken Faces couldn't be included in the longlist was because it didn't have an 'obvious urban setting' and entries for this comp are expected to have one. So it's very kind of them to give the book a special commendation and I was delighted.
sue - thanks so much!
Debs that's great news it really is and I hope it will continue to give you the lift you need. I think all of us writers experience huge times of self doubt. We need others to help us climb out of them. xx
Flowerpots - we certainly do.x
I've said this on FB, but many congratulations - very well deserved!
It's going to happen, Debs. Never give up - you're so close now. Cx
phillipa - thank you very much :0)
Chris - thank you, I hope you're right. x
Very well done. Terrific news, Debs.
It's normal to have doubts. But of course you can write - your blog posts are always terrific and I have no doubt your books are just as fabulous.
XX
Suzanne - thank you so much x
Congratulations Debs :-) I think that as writers, we all need a confidence boost from time-to-time... to feel compelled to write and yet full of fear as to whether it's actually anything anyone else would want to read... You certainly deserve it! Wishing you a wonderful 2012 x
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