A 100-day challenge sounds both fun and torturous (ok, 'torturous' is a bit of an exaggeration. 'Difficult' is better-suited perhaps). I would love to do something like that - maybe I should? - but I am worried about work getting in the way and me being frustrated about failing. It is good to hear that for you lots of things counted towards the challenge.
Funnily enough, I have started looking into literary prizes. Yet, imposter syndrome shouting, I do not think I am ready. Unlike you - now I understand that you have done writing jobs in the past - I am a complete novice. I have no place researching and / or sending stuff to literary prizes. Do you have any advice when approaching a first literary prize, e.g. when to do it, how to choose the right one, etc?
Other than that, I am in awe of your notebook stack! It is fantastic.. I am not quite there yet but working my way up to it. Love this post!
Thanks @Siya :) It’s honestly easier than it sounds. I aim to write a minimum of two sides each day, which often results in more. I find this is manageable amount (10-15 mins) so it doesn’t feel like a punishment! Start small and build a writing streak is my advice. Get used to writing when the setting isn’t perfect and you’ll train yourself to write anywhere ... anytime.
Also, great news that you’ve started to look into prizes. Have you checked out the Arts Council’s new writing prize listings? There is also a great list regularly published in Mslexia magazine but nothing that you wouldn’t be able to research yourself.
Ah thank you, I’m a sucker for a notepad or 20 😉
Good luck with your submissions.
Have you read Writing Down The Bones by Natalie Goldberg? It really initiated and spurred me on in my daily writing journey.
Well, that was a fun read! Imposters unite! :-)
Absolutely! So much to fight against -- power to us!
Brilliant stuff! I’m in that club too!
If we’re honest, we all are, aren’t we? Be nice to taste the other side now and then :)
Hi Nat,
A 100-day challenge sounds both fun and torturous (ok, 'torturous' is a bit of an exaggeration. 'Difficult' is better-suited perhaps). I would love to do something like that - maybe I should? - but I am worried about work getting in the way and me being frustrated about failing. It is good to hear that for you lots of things counted towards the challenge.
Funnily enough, I have started looking into literary prizes. Yet, imposter syndrome shouting, I do not think I am ready. Unlike you - now I understand that you have done writing jobs in the past - I am a complete novice. I have no place researching and / or sending stuff to literary prizes. Do you have any advice when approaching a first literary prize, e.g. when to do it, how to choose the right one, etc?
Other than that, I am in awe of your notebook stack! It is fantastic.. I am not quite there yet but working my way up to it. Love this post!
Thanks @Siya :) It’s honestly easier than it sounds. I aim to write a minimum of two sides each day, which often results in more. I find this is manageable amount (10-15 mins) so it doesn’t feel like a punishment! Start small and build a writing streak is my advice. Get used to writing when the setting isn’t perfect and you’ll train yourself to write anywhere ... anytime.
Also, great news that you’ve started to look into prizes. Have you checked out the Arts Council’s new writing prize listings? There is also a great list regularly published in Mslexia magazine but nothing that you wouldn’t be able to research yourself.
Ah thank you, I’m a sucker for a notepad or 20 😉
Good luck with your submissions.
Have you read Writing Down The Bones by Natalie Goldberg? It really initiated and spurred me on in my daily writing journey.