"Got a changing room?"
"Sorry we're just a charity shop, we have to take the premises we're given and this is a small one," I said looking at the white tee shirt pulled across a tight and muscular chest. I couldn't work out if he was tanned or had mediterranean blood. He had that Italian look about him.
"You don't mind if I change behind this rail do you?"
"Not at all," I said squeezing behind the counter. Maybe I should have told him about the strategically placed mirror. Charity meant nothing to shoplifters.
He slipped off his trainers revealing snowy white sports socks, no holes. My heart raced as he pulled his belt tighter to realise the pin and then loosen it. I remembered an old television advertisement were an attractive boy stripped off in a laundrette. My mouth went dry as he dropped his jeans and stepped out of them. Strong athletic thighs and tight white boxers didn't leave much to the imagination.
He shook the jeans and then slid them on. A nice fit. He obviously thought so too. I licked my lips slightly as he unzipped his pants and let the drop around his ankles. My hand strayed to my hair. I thought I'd lost that nervous mannerism decades ago. I twisted a strand around my finger, my hair wasn't long enough to do it any more with the perm.
Finally he folded the jeans over his arm and came to the counter.
"How much?"
What a smile! I wondered how old he was twenty, twenty two. Definitely younger than my grandson.
"£4.50."
Little goose bumps danced up my arms watching him push his hand into his tight denim pocket.
"Put the change in the charity box," he said handing me a fiver, "no need for a bag. Lets try and save the planet."
And then he flashed that smile again and left with the tinkling of the shop bell.
"He was a good looking boy," Dora said.
"Really, I didn't notice," I replied.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Keeping track of those submissions
In the past I've always used a spreadsheet to track my submissions but since the demise of my laptop I haven't kept the proper records.
Today I found a useful site called: https://duotrope.com/ which I thought I would give a try.
Duotrope is an award-winning free resource for writers of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction that offers a fully searchable database of over 4,175 active publishers, statistics on publishers’ response times, acceptance-rejection ratios, etc. Plus, it gives you the ability to create organized lists of all your submission-ready material, track your submissions, and continue writing and submitting accordingly.
According to Duotrope’s site, the process goes something like this:
When you have written and edited your work of fiction, you enter the details of that piece (length, genre, subject, etc.) in the Search form on their main page.
Then you check the list of search results to find markets that might be a good fit for the story. Not all the markets in the search results will be. So that you don’t have to comb through too many markets, they recommend that you finetune your search to match what you are looking for.
You still need to do your research and visit the websites of the publications that interest you to get a better feel for them. Closely follow the submissions requirements and procedures of the publication(s) where you choose to send your piece.
Lastly enter the submission through their Report Submission and track it through the Submissions Tracker.
When you have received a response, update your submission through the Submissions Tracker.
If it wasn’t an acceptance, repeat steps 1-5. If it was, GREAT! After an appropriate amount of time has passed, you may want to look for reprint markets for the piece.
I've also sign up for a weekly Duotrope newsletter for the genre that interests me which will hopefully announce newly opened and closed submission periods, contests, newly launched or newly finished publications.
And, it's free, although if you find the tool useful it's a good idea to donate something to the running.
Today I found a useful site called: https://duotrope.com/ which I thought I would give a try.
Duotrope is an award-winning free resource for writers of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction that offers a fully searchable database of over 4,175 active publishers, statistics on publishers’ response times, acceptance-rejection ratios, etc. Plus, it gives you the ability to create organized lists of all your submission-ready material, track your submissions, and continue writing and submitting accordingly.
According to Duotrope’s site, the process goes something like this:
When you have written and edited your work of fiction, you enter the details of that piece (length, genre, subject, etc.) in the Search form on their main page.
Then you check the list of search results to find markets that might be a good fit for the story. Not all the markets in the search results will be. So that you don’t have to comb through too many markets, they recommend that you finetune your search to match what you are looking for.
You still need to do your research and visit the websites of the publications that interest you to get a better feel for them. Closely follow the submissions requirements and procedures of the publication(s) where you choose to send your piece.
Lastly enter the submission through their Report Submission and track it through the Submissions Tracker.
When you have received a response, update your submission through the Submissions Tracker.
If it wasn’t an acceptance, repeat steps 1-5. If it was, GREAT! After an appropriate amount of time has passed, you may want to look for reprint markets for the piece.
I've also sign up for a weekly Duotrope newsletter for the genre that interests me which will hopefully announce newly opened and closed submission periods, contests, newly launched or newly finished publications.
And, it's free, although if you find the tool useful it's a good idea to donate something to the running.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Trying to protect ourselves from rejection
It's my 13th Wedding Anniversary today. My husband did his annual 9:13pm Asda card run last night and I was awoken to a beautiful bunch of flowers. He took our daughter to school - lie in on a week day - and then made loads of appointments to see prospect clients next week.
That may not sound like much but it was the best present I could wish for. I know that for someone with a shy disposition it is a mountain of an achievement picking up that phone. I'm hoping it's because he's going to the gym which is something he's loves which in turn has improved his confidence and self esteem. It's strange how someone else can have more faith in you than you do yourself.
We both tend to feel nervous arranging these meetings. I suppose it's because neither of us have a sales background and it is another example of being outside your comfort zone. Also, when a job or your livelihood is on the line the pressure adds up.
It always surprises me how many writers are reluctant to send off their work to competitions, publishers or agents. It's a confidence issue. My view as always been that in the grand scheme of things as disappointing and sometimes devastating the rejection is at least it's not a phone call or interview rejection.
I was pleased to be booked by Portsmouth City Council to run a writers course for the 60+ in October. I know some would find that nerve racking but I love running workshops.
And then I realised that perhaps for me a rejection through the post isn't the end of the world but for someone else criticising their writing hurts them to the core. It illustrates my point that different individuals get nervous at different challenges. But if you can you should 'feel the fear and do it anyway.'
That may not sound like much but it was the best present I could wish for. I know that for someone with a shy disposition it is a mountain of an achievement picking up that phone. I'm hoping it's because he's going to the gym which is something he's loves which in turn has improved his confidence and self esteem. It's strange how someone else can have more faith in you than you do yourself.
We both tend to feel nervous arranging these meetings. I suppose it's because neither of us have a sales background and it is another example of being outside your comfort zone. Also, when a job or your livelihood is on the line the pressure adds up.
It always surprises me how many writers are reluctant to send off their work to competitions, publishers or agents. It's a confidence issue. My view as always been that in the grand scheme of things as disappointing and sometimes devastating the rejection is at least it's not a phone call or interview rejection.
I was pleased to be booked by Portsmouth City Council to run a writers course for the 60+ in October. I know some would find that nerve racking but I love running workshops.
And then I realised that perhaps for me a rejection through the post isn't the end of the world but for someone else criticising their writing hurts them to the core. It illustrates my point that different individuals get nervous at different challenges. But if you can you should 'feel the fear and do it anyway.'
Monday, July 9, 2012
Red Pens and New Competitions
A very productive morning with the Red Pen Posse, a sub group of The Writers @ Lovedean. It's great to get some general advice and feedback at a writers group. But most writers know how expensive good editing is. So The Red Pens make copies of their work put them in a pile on the table and then we mark every mistake we can find. It doesn't sound exciting sitting in silence for a couple of hours but it's a really valuable experience. Unfortunately one of our best editors puts flash fiction into the pile so I always feel she is getting a raw deal.
We talked briefly about writing competitions. I must admit I try to find the ones that are free to enter but every so often I take a punt. Entrance fees can add up. But I have worked out that I have spent £28 on competitions over the last twenty six months. I don't regret it really. Strangely enough it is usually competitions that I'm not confident about winning. Rather a treat for myself when I have done a piece of writing which I had to research or was particularly challenging like the Weald Down Historical fiction. It was the first time I'd written in that genre and I'd done a lot of research. I like doing the charity ones to like Fantastic Books. I was proud of my effort. But it is true that the money has to come from somewhere and it is hard to justify a hobby, even a hobby were you dream of making it big.
I went out for a power walk with the dog this morning and I can honestly say that it didn't improve my mood one bit. It was good to be around people in the library but I've felt pretty rotten all day.
I stuffed some envelopes for the business and changed the mistakes I made on my stories this afternoon while the man came round to not fix our boiler again. Am I the only person in the world who hates having to stay in for a workman or a delivery and then can't relax when they are in the house?
I didn't manage to cut grass, finish the ironing or write anything new. It didn't make me feel rested not doing those things, just more guilty really.
A new opportunity as come to my attention:
'Call for Halloween 2012 Anthology Submissions
This year, we’re e-publishing a Halloween Anthology of Horror.
We’re looking for around twenty full, original and previously unpublished stories of terror, each around 4000 words in length.
If you think your story has what it takes, submit it to us at submissions@crookedcatpublishing.com with the words, HALLOWEEN ANTHOLOGY, in the subject line. Stories should be generally suitable for a broad adult audience. Scary, but not too graphic.
Author and Publisher royalties will go completely to charity and, if accepted, your story will be published, as a part of the Anthology, across Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the iTunes BookStore from October 2012.
We can only accept submissions up until midnight PST on Tuesday 31st July 2012. All authors will be contacted throughout August and September.
Good luck,
The Crooked Cat'
We talked briefly about writing competitions. I must admit I try to find the ones that are free to enter but every so often I take a punt. Entrance fees can add up. But I have worked out that I have spent £28 on competitions over the last twenty six months. I don't regret it really. Strangely enough it is usually competitions that I'm not confident about winning. Rather a treat for myself when I have done a piece of writing which I had to research or was particularly challenging like the Weald Down Historical fiction. It was the first time I'd written in that genre and I'd done a lot of research. I like doing the charity ones to like Fantastic Books. I was proud of my effort. But it is true that the money has to come from somewhere and it is hard to justify a hobby, even a hobby were you dream of making it big.
I went out for a power walk with the dog this morning and I can honestly say that it didn't improve my mood one bit. It was good to be around people in the library but I've felt pretty rotten all day.
I stuffed some envelopes for the business and changed the mistakes I made on my stories this afternoon while the man came round to not fix our boiler again. Am I the only person in the world who hates having to stay in for a workman or a delivery and then can't relax when they are in the house?
I didn't manage to cut grass, finish the ironing or write anything new. It didn't make me feel rested not doing those things, just more guilty really.
A new opportunity as come to my attention:
'Call for Halloween 2012 Anthology Submissions
This year, we’re e-publishing a Halloween Anthology of Horror.
We’re looking for around twenty full, original and previously unpublished stories of terror, each around 4000 words in length.
If you think your story has what it takes, submit it to us at submissions@crookedcatpublishing.com with the words, HALLOWEEN ANTHOLOGY, in the subject line. Stories should be generally suitable for a broad adult audience. Scary, but not too graphic.
Author and Publisher royalties will go completely to charity and, if accepted, your story will be published, as a part of the Anthology, across Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the iTunes BookStore from October 2012.
We can only accept submissions up until midnight PST on Tuesday 31st July 2012. All authors will be contacted throughout August and September.
Good luck,
The Crooked Cat'
Sunday, July 8, 2012
The Dark Spectre
No one is happy all of the time, but some people feel as if they can never find happiness.
Some people feel as if their entire life is devoted to nothing but pain and hurt and loneliness. Every day is a struggle, and every breath a fight for survival. These people have a deep understanding of the word depression.
But you can't give in to it. You're got to smile and carry on.
Or can you?
I wonder if there is any truth to the idea that getting out of your comfort zone is good for you? I'm always pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and to be honest, it's getting exhausting. I remember during my cognitive behaviour therapy days that if I wasn't in a state of high anxiety, I wasn't doing my homework right. Perhaps it's just the weather affecting my mood, the stress of the business, financial worries but it's been a hard week.
I done the exercise thing, set myself goals and made myself achieve them, played with the kids and the dog, but I can feel the shadow is beating down on me, and I feel incredibly isolated in my marriage and in my family.
This morning I finished my first draft of a Sci Fi competition story, and I'm looking forward to tomorrows meeting of The Red Pen Posse, a sub group of The Writers @ Lovedean where we carefully read through others work before we send it out. I'm very poor at editing my own work so this club is a boon.
But the bleak spectre is close. I know someone who happily admits when she is low she takes what she calls a 'duvet day.' I'm more unforgiving. More than one doctor has warned me against seeking perfection, and I've been told to be the same good friend and partner to myself as I am to others, learn to say no. Pamper instead of chastise myself. Would it be the end of the world end if I decided to hide under a blanket just once?
The problem is my fear that if I don't manage to crawl out of bed In the morning I will never get up again.
Some people feel as if their entire life is devoted to nothing but pain and hurt and loneliness. Every day is a struggle, and every breath a fight for survival. These people have a deep understanding of the word depression.
But you can't give in to it. You're got to smile and carry on.
Or can you?
I wonder if there is any truth to the idea that getting out of your comfort zone is good for you? I'm always pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and to be honest, it's getting exhausting. I remember during my cognitive behaviour therapy days that if I wasn't in a state of high anxiety, I wasn't doing my homework right. Perhaps it's just the weather affecting my mood, the stress of the business, financial worries but it's been a hard week.
I done the exercise thing, set myself goals and made myself achieve them, played with the kids and the dog, but I can feel the shadow is beating down on me, and I feel incredibly isolated in my marriage and in my family.
This morning I finished my first draft of a Sci Fi competition story, and I'm looking forward to tomorrows meeting of The Red Pen Posse, a sub group of The Writers @ Lovedean where we carefully read through others work before we send it out. I'm very poor at editing my own work so this club is a boon.
But the bleak spectre is close. I know someone who happily admits when she is low she takes what she calls a 'duvet day.' I'm more unforgiving. More than one doctor has warned me against seeking perfection, and I've been told to be the same good friend and partner to myself as I am to others, learn to say no. Pamper instead of chastise myself. Would it be the end of the world end if I decided to hide under a blanket just once?
The problem is my fear that if I don't manage to crawl out of bed In the morning I will never get up again.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
What's next?
I need to finish my Sci Fi entry for Fantastic Books, I've the opening line and the story in my head, I just need to write it!
Also, Della Galton is judging a competition for a free to enter but cash prize writing competition.
The A.Vogel Dormeasan Short Story Competition 2012 will run from 1 April to 31 October 2012. Entries can be submitted any time during this period, but must be received no later than midday on 31 October 2012.
Four prizes will be awarded – First £500, Second £300, two third place prizes £100 each. Any entries that the judges Highly Commend will receive £50.
Competition winners will be announced in Your Healthy Living in spring 2013 and published online on www.avogel.co.uk/story and www.yourhealthyliving/.co.uk
Entry is free and open to UK residents aged over 16 only.
Individuals may submit a maximum of three stories.
Submitted entries must be entirely the work of the entrant and must never have been previously published in third party publications.
Entries should be in English, double spaced, with pages numbered, and with a minimum length of 1,500 words and maximum 3,000 words. Apart from erotica, there is no restriction on subject matter.
I love the free entry competitions there is no excuse not to have a go! (I would never mention names, but I'm sure there are members of The Writers @ Lovedean who ears are burning right now!)
Also, Della Galton is judging a competition for a free to enter but cash prize writing competition.
The A.Vogel Dormeasan Short Story Competition 2012 will run from 1 April to 31 October 2012. Entries can be submitted any time during this period, but must be received no later than midday on 31 October 2012.
Four prizes will be awarded – First £500, Second £300, two third place prizes £100 each. Any entries that the judges Highly Commend will receive £50.
Competition winners will be announced in Your Healthy Living in spring 2013 and published online on www.avogel.co.uk/story and www.yourhealthyliving/.co.uk
Entry is free and open to UK residents aged over 16 only.
Individuals may submit a maximum of three stories.
Submitted entries must be entirely the work of the entrant and must never have been previously published in third party publications.
Entries should be in English, double spaced, with pages numbered, and with a minimum length of 1,500 words and maximum 3,000 words. Apart from erotica, there is no restriction on subject matter.
I love the free entry competitions there is no excuse not to have a go! (I would never mention names, but I'm sure there are members of The Writers @ Lovedean who ears are burning right now!)
Friday, July 6, 2012
I told you so
I am working hard to understand how to use social media to its best advantage both for the business and my writing career. However, it is interesting how things like Facebook and Twitter is seen with fear or distaste by those who don't use it. There is a negative side to everything, nuts in all walks of life. But it is not the social media, it is the person using it for an unpleasant purpose, and it's not a new phenomena, remember poison pen or chain letters? Just recently, a member left the writing group but sent an unpleasant email to members before she left.
At lunch a member of my group said she was considering using Facebook, but still has reservations. Another promising writer who never sends her work out, mentioned she felt inadequate when it comes to the thought of tweeting or blogging. Who, she asked would want to read anything I want to say? I don't know, maybe the list of people eager to catch up with her for a drink.
I can't believe that a couple of years ago these same people weren't struggling to get their heads around how to email or text. How to use power point or the electronic attendance register. Before that no doubt it was the challenge of which way up to put the paper in the fax machine. If you want to learn, you jump in and have a go. But all learning needs to be done when you are ready.
Now my told you so moment...
A new publisher Grit City Publications, have on their submission guidelines: will only accept authors who provide links to their Twitter, Facebook and Google+ profiles in the body of their email enquiry. Payment and rights are negotiated, the bigger your list of social media followers the higher up the pay scale you go.
At lunch a member of my group said she was considering using Facebook, but still has reservations. Another promising writer who never sends her work out, mentioned she felt inadequate when it comes to the thought of tweeting or blogging. Who, she asked would want to read anything I want to say? I don't know, maybe the list of people eager to catch up with her for a drink.
I can't believe that a couple of years ago these same people weren't struggling to get their heads around how to email or text. How to use power point or the electronic attendance register. Before that no doubt it was the challenge of which way up to put the paper in the fax machine. If you want to learn, you jump in and have a go. But all learning needs to be done when you are ready.
Now my told you so moment...
A new publisher Grit City Publications, have on their submission guidelines: will only accept authors who provide links to their Twitter, Facebook and Google+ profiles in the body of their email enquiry. Payment and rights are negotiated, the bigger your list of social media followers the higher up the pay scale you go.
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