Thursday, August 21, 2008

On a roll


At the risk of sounding like a big brag-monster (nobody likes a show-off, Clarkey) I've sold another story - to Take a Break magazine this time. Must be something in the water. Or maybe it's just that I'm Knuckling Down and taking this writing lark seriously at last. P'raps I'll chuck in the towel with the novel and concentrate on the shorties. (It's the euphoria talking...it'll wear off soon.)

Doris isn't too happy, but I've assured her there's room for more than one muse...

The thing that's really helped is feedback from the Story a Fortnight group - constructive criticism really helps you see where improvements can be made, and a fresh pair of eyes picking up things you've missed makes a world of difference.

Talk about teaching your grandmother to suck eggs.* You already knew that didn't you?

*Has anyone ever tried sucking eggs? Doesn't sound like the most attractive party trick. Probably not recommended on a first date.

By the way, that's not a photo of me at the top.

25 comments:

Sherri said...

Fabulous Karen!

Anna Scott Graham said...

excellent!!! you're da bomb!!

I hope you're planning a little celebratory something... calls for a little kicking up of one's heels.

or something equally enjoyable...

Amanda said...

That's fantastic news! You are so clever! :-))

Lane Mathias said...

Fan Flipping Tastic!!

And TAB too - the hard nut to crack!

Well done you! x

Karen said...

Thanks everyone! I might crack open a bar of Fruit n' Nut tonight :o)

Honeysuckle said...

Oh, well done! I'd love to sell to TAB!

Pat Posner said...

Congratulations, Karen
That's terrific news and I bet Doris thinks so, too, really.
I so agree with your comment about feedback and constructive criticism; can't beat it.
Think I'll celebrate for you tonight: coffee liqueur with cream floating on top.

HelenMWalters said...

You're unstoppable missus!

CL Taylor said...

"By the way, that's not a photo of me at the top."

And there was me thinking you'd had a fake tan mishap! ;o)

Congratulations Karen!

Fiona Mackenzie. Writer said...

Great news - watch out TA!
Love to Doris too.

DAB said...

Clarkey, Well done.(methinks at times I'm a bit of an impostor commenting on your blog not being a Writer like, but I once scoffed six boiled eggs in one sitting (YUK!) so I kindof reckon I'm entitled to leave a comment this time:). Two short stories to be published in such a short space of time. Blinkin' hell woman it must be like winning two Olympic gold medals - Congratulations Dame Clarkey :) Tommox

Jill Steeples said...

Brilliant, Karen! Very well done!

Kerry said...

You're entitled to toot your own horn - that's wonderful!!!!!!

Jenny Beattie said...

It's fab to hear other people's successes. Brilliant - well done.

Dani said...

That's fab, congrats!

Lucy Diamond said...

Fantastic!! Hope it was one of those massive slabs of Fruit and Nut... you deserve it, mrs.
You are definitely on a roll... keep going, we want a hat-trick!

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

I hope it's a large Fruit & Nut bar because you certainly deserve it.

Well done you, brilliant news.

Tamsyn Murray said...

I've often wondered where that phrase came from. A bit like black pudding - what happened to make someone think "I wonder what that would taste like?"? Anyway, I digress.

A humongous congratulations to you - well done!!

Alis said...

Congratulations!
By the way, is sucking eggs the same as blowing them?

Yvonne said...

YAY to the two stories being sold, amazing! Congratulations Karen, hope you've got the champagne out!

Jen said...

Wow, that's so brilliant!

You are a very clever girl indeed, oh yes you are...

John said...

talk about coals to Newcastle. But I add my felicitations. BTW Fruit and Nut never hurt anyone other than those who were injured in the course of gratification.

Karen said...

Thanks for all your lovely comments folks :o) Tommo you are NOT an imposter - six boiled eggs in a row though. Yuk! Now, six fruit n' nut bars...

Marcie Steele said...

Oh congrats Karen, you are definitely on a roll. Wish I could join you but I can't sell a short story to save my life. Ah well. x

Lady Ursula Major said...

Wonderful! Congrats Karen. Another story certainly calls for a large fruit & nut. Maybe even two. Wait, is that too crazy?? Here is to more stories.