Mad Iguana

I did a version of this… Rather than setting myself so many days up front, I just made a grid and marked off one square every time I wrote something. That way, there wasn’t so much pressure if I had to allow myself time off when life got busy or I needed a short break. I always wrote in the date so eventually I worked out that a break of any…[Read more]

@alanr It’s definitely v tricky to find a balance between not selling yourself enough, and being horribly ott, isn’t it? Factual seems to work best. Actually ‘tidy’ isn’t bad! Means you havent waffled on too long or included unnecessary info which can both be fatal.

Hope the 1:1s gave you some direction for what could be changed, even the…[Read more]

Thanks Lorraine,
At FOW18, I had two 1-to-1s. One was encouraging, the other quite negative. My cover letter was described as ‘tidy’, which I guess means it lacks punch. I know it was self-deprecating, because it’s just not me to boast. I can try to step it up a tad.

Go you @janeshuff! I think @skylark, and others have done the 100 day thing and found it helpful. I think I would falter at the weekends – RL being inconsiderate and getting in the way!

Skylark, I have no doubts you were splendid and inspiring, and I wish I’d been there to see you shine. Everyone who knew you there must have been bursting with vicarious pride. What a wonderful boost too, to have the chance to talk through book two with your ed – can’t wait to see where that one takes us. COngrat my lovely!

Good luck @alanr! If you want a hand with cover letters etc, then post in the Forum & I (and others) will be happy to throw some advice at you! 🙂

oops – my bad! Sorry, Mad!!

Thank you, lovely people! Are you all trying to make me cry?!
@athelstone wish you’d been there too but we’ll certainly catch up another time and you’re not half bad at the encouragement yourself
@janette I laughed about the train once I was safely home! And thank you for not setting me off from the front row!
@johnt3 same fears as me but it was…[Read more]

That you research meticulously and have a great imagination? 😄

I thought that was probably the case with the girl’s age, inevitably there are going to be things that have already been covered with an excerpt that starts some way in. Enjoyed reading it, and look forward to seeing more

Thanks Seagreen, I’m happy to hear that you’ve enjoyed the read.

Hi Squidge,

I only read the second version and I really enjoyed it and found it an engaging opening. I agreed with Philippa when the stake was revealed about what would happened if she failed, Tilda’s reaction felt weak compared to the pressure she has just been put under. Also if this is a school of sorts I would imagine she would have been…[Read more]

Big step @alanr – best of luck with the subs, keep us posted with your progress

@Squidge – I think you meant to thank @madiguana, the Admin who is custodian of the Den’s twitter channel 🙂