@pinkbelt75
Active 7 months agoForum Replies Created
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Posts
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First of all, thanks for allowing me to come back into the fold and do this. I’d forgotten how much fun these are, and I can’t believe just how much people can express in so few words. I loved all of them in different ways.
Sandra, I found your piece thoughtful and intriguing. I love the part of writing when you revisit a character to find out a bit more about them. I used to do this often by putting them in unusual situations and then waiting for them to react and finding out why they reacted that way. Also loved the nod to Alan P’s comp. I think I read many of those stories too.
Ath, I just love your sense of humour. I always feel light-hearted after reading your stuff, and this was no exception. The matter of fact way that Brenda’s dad just shows up, being dead and all, and has a cuppa and moans about the telly. So much life in the characters in so few words.
Alex, the panic at trying to return a haunted violin was not what I expected when I set the challenge. But again, I found myself intrigued. I thought why not just burn it but then imagined the reign of hellfire that may arise. This was both imaginative and fun. I really enjoyed it.
But for me Terrie is this month’s winner. I feel like your piece played to my inner darkness. I read yours when you first posted it and felt chills. I read it again when Sandra posted and felt them again. It was dark and delicious. Slick writing and disturbing ending had me gripped.
Well done all and Thank you.
Over to you Terrie.
An Old Face
“What became of Pinkbelt?”
“Oh God, do you remember him? Lurking in the dark places projecting his murky thoughts into the world. Wasn’t he the guy who wrote grisly scenes with hudreds of f-bombs?”
“Yes, that’s the guy. I heard he got signed and the fame we to his head.”
“No, my mate said he got a few rejections and gave up.”
“Sounds about right. Happens a lot.”
“Someone said he pops in here from time to time, just to check on old acquaintances.”
“Wow, stalker.”
“No, nothing like that. Just nostalgia.”
“Do you think he’ll ever write again?”
“Dunno. Maybe. What would you do after so long away? Gotta be tough to get back into it after all this time?”
“Ask him.”
“What?”
“Ask him. He’s right there.”
“Shut up. Where?”
“Over there. Surprise, surprise. Lurking in the corner.”
“Hey, Pinkbelt.”
The dark figure in the corner stands up and walks tentatively toward two familiar faces. A viper pit writhing in his belly. He stops before them and smiles.
“So, are you back then?”
He blinks, but says nothing. Old memories flood back in. He remembers the heartwarming stories. The weird and wonderful words portrayed by strangers who became friends and smiles again.
Less than 500 words
Cheers Pinks
Okay, this is not happening but I have a question I’m not sure about: If you have submitted to an agent and they did get back and offer representation, how exactly do you let another agent know?
I’ve often wondered this. So let’s say i have one agent that has a turnaround time of two weeks and one with a turnaround of twelve weeks. How do you let them know about your offer of representation, to give them chance to read if it takes them twelve weeks to open your original email?
Magnificent. Nice to know you’re getting it right second time around. Must take the pressure off.
Well done!
Well I’ve only gone and done it haven’t I – officially submitted. Now comes the waiting, well actually I have to send another two out.
My idea is to keep six on the go and replenish after each crayoned note with the words – No Way, written in reply.
I’m genuinely amazed at the level of interest and input in the thread. Thanks guys. I was expecting a few woo hoos! And the occasional go for its. There’s some genuinely good stuff and it makes me feel:
1) Like I’m not alone
2) More prepared
3) Excited to get startedSo thanks again everybody.
My biggest fear is always the same – is it ready. Just when you think it’s good to go somebody makes a suggestion that could improve it further. I was gearing up for submission and the wonderful philippa said why did you do that, why not do this. Which has led to a slight re-write and massive improvement. But I’m definitely almost ready. Maybe.
Daeds issues with trying to regain the rights to his book after leaving his publisher was the one that’s closest to home. He said he might post an article on it on here as it has some useful advice in it.
Ooh Squidge, I’m not sure I’m brave enough for that. After hearing horror stories i’m a little gun-shy. But now i’ll have more time to research them, I know i’ll stumble upon some darlings.
Thanks to all for your comments thus far. Very helpful stuff.
Thanks Phillipa,
Ooh, I’ve also done the same faux pas but only for a competition.
I have already seen Hannah’s video. It was very good.
Seeing as you’ve snagged an agent already, If I have some questions am I ok to message you?
What am I doing? Finally getting ready to submit after a re-write and lots of editing. Like Hil I’m a couple of years in, but finally taking the plunge.
I might also use Alth’s comp to plot my next wip. It worked for this one.
