Shooting Stars and Chasing Rainbows
It has been a very exciting week here at the wee writing bureau. I finished my first draft of a short story from my Project Copper series. Having found it challenging a couple of weeks ago (when I lost my plot) it feels really good to have it completed. This particular piece has been a steep learning curve but it has also reignited my love of writing.
The next step is now to get feedback which is not comfortable at all yet. I have had to actively shut down the little voice of doubt in my mind which comes from a fear of failure and not being ‘good’ enough. I am very lucky to be part of an amazing group of women at the moment who are my cheerleaders in this and who are helping me to really step out of my comfort zone and embrace my dream. Although I have friends and family who would read my work and give me their thoughts I made the decision to go to a professional editor and get a manuscript assessment. For me this is the best option because it will help me to know what I need to work on in the future too and I see it as an investment in myself. I also know that I might well (for that read certainly will) find the feedback hard to take at first. I know, I know! I have given feedback on many things as a teacher but as a leader I know that feedback on something that really matters to somebody has to be honest, intended to support and above all carefully delivered in the best way for the person receiving it. If you listen to or read about how really successful authors describe their relationship with their editors it is about trust and a shared vision. How does one even begin with this?
There are so many fabulous editors out there and I started by working out what I wanted from this relationship. It came down to two main criteria: a special interest in paranormal, gothic and/or uncanny fiction as well as a being a writer themselves. On the wee writing bureau Instagram page I follow a number of writers and editors so I started my search there. I found Samantha of Serpent and Sword Author Services and was delighted to learn that not only is she a writer but she also lives locally to me. I really like the content she shares on her page and how much she loves her job so I reached out and asked if she had space to work with me on this. The process from there was quite simple and after signing my contract I sent off my manuscript to my editor. MY manuscript to MY editor! That was a real pinch me moment. There is the first of my rainbows for the week.
I know that coming into the festive period I will get busy and there will be times when I just don’t have time to write but I also know how easy it is to lose the habit (as I sit here with my treadmill starting reproachfully at me). I work well with a specific goal or deadline and so I will be entering a couple of writing competitions at the start of the new year. Working towards the entry requirements for those will give me structure too. I am especially excited by the Oxford Flash Fiction competition as I have a few sparks of inspiration and it is so much fun to do! These are rainbows I am excited to chase.
For the first time in 20 years I am beginning to be able to imagine a life outside of teaching. I am realising that even though I love my job there are other things I could do that would bring me the same satisfaction. I absolutely want to pursue my own writing but alongside it I would love to support other writers. Perhaps as a teacher, a mentor or a developmental editor I could use the skills I have learned and combine it in a new way with my love of stories. Maybe that is what I am meant to do next. After I hit send on my email to Samantha I went out for a walk. It is really cold and clear here so there is a good chance of seeing the aurora borealis over the Ochils. The moon was very bright and as I stopped to take in the view I saw a shooting star. It is the first one I have seen since I was about 9 years old and of course I made a little wish. When all is said and done we need a little more magic right now.
I started this blog as a way to record my journey for myself but also to get comfortable with sharing my words without needing feedback or validation from others. Just a few weeks in I am finding that I enjoy the process and I look forward to sitting down to write this way. I hope you are enjoying reading it.
