Whinging, whining and Moaning

The article that I was working on that had me in such a flap before Christmas was rejected for ‘reading like a PR piece.’ I was instantly pissed off and upset, but being on my Skyros course I decided that I didn’t much care (I did) and my novel was more important, (it is, however…)

… I also care enormously about the articles I’m trying to write for the not for profits that have asked for my help. It’s all words, choosing them, making them work for you, shaping them, conveying something. I want to get it right.

Huh, but I’m some writer if I can’t get them published, eh?

Then I had all the stuff about the novel: wrong POV, started in the wrong place, etc. First reaction: a bit upset; second reaction: yup, I knew that bit, didn’t know that one, suspected that crit, etc, etc.

I get back from Skyros and think again about the article: Oh bollocks, yes, she’s right (the editor that rejected it) it does sound rather self congratulatory and I start to think about rewriting it with the further advice she’s sent. (I realise how lucky I am to get an editor to do this and say if it reads right they’ll still publish it.)

In the taxi coming back from the airport Daughter said, ‘You say you had a good time on Skyros? And yet, this writing teacher told you to start again? How can that be a result?’ (She said ‘this writing teacher’ in a rather disparaging manner for an 11 year old – I was a bit scared.)

It feels a bit like batter, batter, batter … it’s all wrong; I’m doing everything wrong. I so hate doing things wrong. I'm a giver upper of things because I don't like doing things wrong.

Because of these criticisms and my practise, practise, practice over the last year, my writing has improved a bit, I think. And I’m still determined, but doing it alone is so slow – I want to get there quicker.

I know that I could spend the years writing and slowly getting better, but I want it NOW. I really I think I need something else: more feedback. I’m not hinting here for anyone to volunteer, I guess I’m thinking of some kind of online course. God, I do hope Husband doesn’t read this: after Skyros, I think he’d go apoplectic (Husband, if you are reading this apoplectic means, calmly, generously and in your usual laid back style.)