Mad Iguana

Congrats @johnalty and @elle – that’s great news and I’ll keep fingers crossed for teh next stage – when is the short list announced?

Congratulations John and Elle.

Congrats @johnalty

Turns out I’m on the Longlist too.

I do too. I’m really annoyed with myself for not entering the last one. I had an idea and half the words down but I ran out of time…

Thanks, @JaneShuff

Congratulations @Johnalty. Lovely news!

I made the long list for the Ink Tears Short Story Competition 2018.

Nice… my kind of prompt.

Oh, wow, Philippa! What a journey! And you are still standing – and your book is going to be in the world. It’s so brilliant to read all of this – the lows and the highs. Thank you so much for posting. And a great big huge Well done! You did it!

@Philippaeast This is brilliant. I’ve only just caught up with the news. I’ve really been in a self-imposed bubble for the last 3 months.
I’ve read the last few paras of you blog, and can now understand what a strain you’ve been through. But you’ve come through it with honours. So interested to keep following your journey.
Again, congrats and…[Read more]

Thanks so much, guys. Good advice @bren on the pacing! SO important.

I’ll let you know how the next phase goes…..

Brilliant – thanks John and well done Jonathan, a tour-de-force of purple prose

I’m buzzing for you. What a ride! And thank you so much for taking the time to tell us honestly what it is actually like.

Philippa, huge congratulations. I was riding the roller coaster with you. I know it was a long journey and a heck of a ride but to read it…not sure I could do it. Maybe thirty years ago.
I agree with you, writing can be damn terrifying. I often wonder why I put myself through it.
I wish you success and look forward to seeing your book on the…[Read more]

The results are in!

Jonathan: A really clever piece of writing, wry observation. Excellent.

Libby: A pleasing little tale, well written and with a message. Good job.

Daedalus: Hugely enjoyable and accomplished description of life with a new puppy and the utter contentment that comes with its unreserved adoration. Liked it a lot.

So, eenie,…[Read more]

I look forward to reading that a Denizen wins the comp!
Sad I missed it.

@philippaeast this is brilliant. You are fab, and you deserve all this success. And like Daeds says, it is so valuable to see the non-glossy version of people’s experiences, although I know it takes bravery to tell it. There are too many stories from authors who knew someone who knew an agent and tada! they were taken on, so it is heartening to…[Read more]

I think you’re right to be absolutely honest and not gloss over the difficulties and how emotionally taxing success can be. As writers we need to hear it and be under no illusions (and I think it would be nice if readers were a bit more aware of that too – a fellow writer and illustrator tells me his daughter’s friends refuse to accept that’s what…[Read more]