Came back from Christmas shopping earlier (thought I'd better make a start) to find a letter from Best magazine, accepting a short story I submitted ages ago.Bloomin' marvellous! They'd changed the title, so it took me a while to suss out which story it was, but when I did I was extra glad as it's a humorous one that I didn't think stood much of a chance. I rather hope they haven't changed it too much.
Anyway, it will appear on the 17th February if you happen to be slinking past a newsagent's. Not that I expect you to write it in your diaries or anything...
On the downside, I've been told by an expert that I have a tendency to 'meander' in my novel's early chapters. I think I need to start applying the principles of short story writing there, because I don't meander when I'm writing a short story. There's no time. Every word has to move the thing forward. I KNOW this, but with 80,000 words or so at my disposal I seem to fall into the trap of digressing like Ronnie Corbett (that dates me) and it's got to stop. I rather like the word 'meander' though - it sounds quite gentle. I'm sure it's a polite word for 'ramble' but sounds much nicer - as does perambulate.
I think I'm digressing again. Time for a nice cup of tea.
27 comments:
Hey, congrats! What a fab year you've had :-)
Great news, congratulations.
The 12-year-old loves best so I try to buy it every week (it's a lot more child friendly than some of the teenage magazines on the market) - I'll look out for your story.
'Meander' sounds very peaceful. Don't rivers meander?
I fear I have the same problem. 80K is just so long.
Congrats on your sale. Brill news to end to the year:-)
Yee-hah!
Great stuff, Karen. I think the principle of applying short story techniques/values to novels can be carried too far but, in moderation, it's a good discipline. Let's hope 2009 brings as much success in that arena as 2008 has in the short story one.
Happy Christmas!
Woo hoo. Congratulations. Will you remind us nearer the time, too? Please?
That's wonderful! Congratulations! What a boost!
Well done on the sale!
The good thing about being told you 'meander' is that now you can deal with it (if you agree). Better than meandering through all 80,000 words!
Hearty congrats! What a nice Christmas present. You're an inspiration to us all.
Be careful not to prune out the good bits in your novel: sometimes meandering leads to moments of inspiration and innovation. And, remember, not all experts agree.
Congratulations. Mum says it's a pity that she lives in France otherwise she would have bought it. English mags cost an arm and a leg over here. I love the term 'meander'. Agree that it's much better than ramble, which is what I do all the time - that and digress. In fact I'd better go because I feel a ramble and a digress coming on.......
WOW, Karen what a great end to 2008CONGRATULATIONS xx
Congratulations, what a great Crimbo prezzie!
As for 'meandering' - I was once advised to shorten my sentences to avoid the rambling feeling. So maybe you don't need to 'lose' words to tighten things?
Yey!
Congrats Karen,a nice end to the year for you!
Merry Christmas and a great 2009! x
excellent! we should all write to "best" and tell them how much we loved the story in the february issue and we'd like to see more by that writer.
Wow, what smashing news to come home to - well done! Can't wait to read it.
Meander is a nice word - so much better than rambling. Rambling is something to be performed in wellies and with a pointy stick. Meandering, on the other hand, sounds like chiffon...
Congratulations, what a wonderful way to end a successful year for you. I shall definately look out for your story.
I'm off to have a little meander now.
Well done on the story. Good news for Christmas eh?!
As for the feedback - all good stuff to keep yo focused and drive you forward.
Cheers!
Congratulations, Karen. I may have to put feb the whenever in my diary, otherwise I'll... I'll...
Oh, dear, brain's giving up already.
Karen, you are on a roll! Huge congrats!
"She's simply the BEST, better than all the rest..."
Well done you, Ms Clarkey the Comedy and Blog Writer she's on a roll :-) Tommox
Congratulations - what a wonderful christmas surprise for you!
Congratulations on your story success, Karen. A nice note for you to end the year on!
Congratulations!!! I shall look out for that one
Wow, congrats! You are a published writer x times over - well done you. Hope you and yours have a fab xmas. You should break out some bubbles. Fx
Christmas Frenzy has kicked in good and proper - me 'ead's throbbing and there's no time to comment on all your comments.
Thanks for them all though, it's so nice being able to share stuff like this on the Blog. I shall also be bearing in mind the useful advice regarding my 'meandering' too, so thanks for that :o))
dude!! most well done... :)))
and a Happy Christmas right back to you!
Great news!
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