The grey days are the worst. When clouds hang around, threatening and miserable. When it rains the change brings hope. Nothing stays the same. I’ve written one published novel, one for whom I’m looking for an agent or a publisher, and one work-in-progress. I’m a poet. For all my work I need inspiration, advice on drafts, and a publisher for finished work.
Blackdown wood, Warwickshire – spring growth
There are three strands to my writing life. Actual writing. Editing. Submitting. The most demoralising part is rejection. That’s because I often don’t know why. If the piece of work has been ‘critiqued’ as writers say, it’s as good as I can make, the reason for non-acceptance is often unknown. Inevitably I feel disappointed, sometimes downhearted. When I feel better, I send it out again. Sometimes a poem that has been turned down by several magazines, is accepted elsewhere. If I’m being cruel to myself, I can question if any magazine will take anything I’ve written. Ditto agent or publisher. The reality is, it’s taste and what else the magazine editor is going to include in that issue, or an agent on their list. Some poetry magazines offer readers’ feedback. Reach Poetry is one. I’m not a poet who is regularly top of the class as it were, but my work is read, and now and again, is commented upon. Even when it isn’t, I’m pleased the editor considers it good enough to sell the magazine.
Obstructing tree trunk blown down during Storm Kathleen
Editing is on the whole pleasurable because I can see the poem, the paragraph improving. What is difficult for me is assessing the relevance of the critique. I remember submitting a poem to a group of writing friends. The poem was different from my usual style. One person said – Send it out! It’s great. Another, I don’t understand a word of it. There was a discussion which didn’t clarify the options and for a while I did nothing. Then I sent it out.
Writing is the hard part. I tend to think there must be something wrong with me. Other people’s first drafts appear polished. Years ago, I read in Writing Magazines, how many writers publish a novel a year. It takes me at least a year to finish the first draft. I’ve been working on the middle part of my current novel since January and am probably 2,000 – 3,000 words in. I’m trying to describe a riot. It is not easy. Luckily, I am part of writing groups so I get advice, but ultimately I need to stay loyal to the vision I have. All my writing friends are well read and used to assessing each others work so the trick is to value their advice and encouragement, and move on as best I can. Another advantage is that I see their work grow, learn how they survive – and thrive – despite setbacks.
Spring is on the way. Two rejections in one day. One for a poetry pamphlet with general hints about those that were rejected. They were of some help, but weren’t specific. The second from an agent who gave her reasons. Reasons when the clouds clear, I can act upon in the next submission.
Welcombe Hotel, Stratford – hosted at last minute Stratford Literary Festival. Horse chestnut in springReading: All my Wild Mothers: Motherhood, Loss and An Apothecary Garden – Victoria Bennett. I attended a reading by Vic at Warwick Books. I enjoyed the reading and the book. A slow read. Some sad chapters. I appreciated most how Vic and her son, built a garden of weeds. Also how we learn to survive when we have hard, emotional knocks.
House on the A34 – Philip Hancock – dip in from time to time. Original, view of the world from (I think) a construction worker.
Poetry Unbound: 50 Poems to Open your World- Pádraig Ó Tuama
Subtrack: Wendy Pratt (paid) David Aaronovitch (free), Roselle Angwin (free), and S’s No Gloss Veneer Filter (free). All inspiring because of different perspectives from mine.
Reach Poetry – Indigo Dreams Publishing
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