Some You Win, Some You Lose

The venue’s booked for the launch of my writing group’s latest collection/open mic/reading night (if you’re in the area and fancy coming down drop me a line and I’ll let you have the details – the venue’s not the biggest so space will be limited), so that’s good.

But the children’s writing group I was planning to do at a library next year aint happening. Something to do with not wanting me to charge people for coming to a series of writing workshops run by an author and workshop leader – with a book of their work being produced at the end. And that’s disappointing, mostly because it’s nothing to do with the library itself or its staff (who’ve been terrifically supportive of these initiatives over the past few years). Decisions like these always come from above. I’m sure they have their reasons.

The other shame of it is there’s been a big push over these past few years of trying to get readers and writers together.

Oh well, there’s still the town’s four yearly festival next year. I’m sure they’ll get back to me soon. I have been waiting since this time last year. Should I hold my breath?

***

And on top of that I’ve had to withdraw a story from a place I really like because, you know, nearly four months of waiting’s just too much.

And I’m feeling like withdrawing a few others as well. Waiting months and months for a decision’s fine (though not ideal) if that’s what it says in the guidelines, but waiting months for responses to emails you’re invited to send to see if your story’s with them is pretty frustrating.

Chocolate = BAD

Had the first migraine in months on Monday, and my head’s still not quite as clear as I’d like it to be so writing, and blogging, has been limited.

At least I know the cause. I had a pint of ale on Sunday (trying something different and all that). Chocolate malt is used in making said ale, I discovered yesterday. I shall stick to what I know is safe in future. Bah.

Spreading the Word

Rosy Barnes has tagged me with this rather useful little meme. Basically it’s this: you get tagged by someone who’s mentioned, on their blog, three to five books they think should be given more attention. Then you post something on your blog, mentioning these, along with three to five of your own.

Rosy’s are:

Wisdom of Whores by Elisabeth Pisani
Prince Rupert’s Teardrop. Lisa Glass
Borderliners by Peter Hoeg

and mine are:

Love that Dog, by Sharon Creech
Willful Creatures, by Aimee Bender
Taking Comfort, by Roger Morris
Something Beginning With, by Sarah Salway

I’m not going to tag anyone specifically because I’d like as many people to do it as possible. It’s a terrific idea. So, come on people – SPREAD THE WORD!

Correction

I was not (despite what I posted the other day to the contrary) tagged by Aliya (re: vices), but by her blog sharing buddy (and thoroughly good bloke) Neil. Apologies, I got it wrong (see, it has happened – told you it was only a matter of time!). Link here.

So, yes. Apologies. But now we know where we’re up to. And they do share a blog, and I don’t always read as carefully as I should, so I can be forgiven.