I've written something, what next?

[charlietangoteakettlebarbeque]

Hello

New here, so excuse any ignorance!

I have written a short…not sure how to describe it – it’s not exactly a story, more an account of the relationship I have with my father. It’s just over 2000 words.

It’s been sitting there for months now and I don’t know what to do with it. Should I enter a competition? If so, which one? Should I try and publish it? How would I do that? It’s only a short piece of writing, would it even be considered for publishing? Is anyone even interested in reading about the relationship I have with my father?!

I don’t have a blog. Should I set one up?

Sorry for all the questions, I hope someone comes along with some advice.

TIA

[OutrageousFlavourLikeFreesias]

Your best bet is a short story competition, of which there are many. Google and Twitter are the best places to start looking (try the #amwriting hashtag on Twitter). Many have specific themes, word limits or are only open to certain types of writer (some local comps are only for local residents, for example).

Prize value for winning entries vary enormously and the bigger the prize, the more entries there will be and the higher the standard. Don't be despondent if you don't place - competition is generally fierce even when there's no prize money.

Best of luck.

[charlietangoteakettlebarbeque]

Hello Outrageous,

Thank you for replying. I also posted in Chat and had a few replies there. I decided to get my story on Wattpad. This is where I will start, and see if anyone reads / comments on it. I am still a bit unsure about competitions as I know I am not up to standard. Maybe after I have written some more. Thanks for the suggestions, I will bear them in mind for a later date. Some good suggestions, thank you

[charlietangoteakettlebarbeque]

if you are interested in reading my stuff, here it is

I found some old stuff I had saved and have popped them on there.

[TweeAintMee]

charlie - I've just read it. You write very well. And if I were you I'd keep my kidney in case my children needed it in the future. Do you know why he is in kidney failure?

PS Remember that you have succeeded where he has failed. You have thrived DESPITE him, rather than because of him.

[charlietangoteakettlebarbeque]

Twee - thank you . What lovely comments. Its good to hear someone say such positive things about something which has been difficult to deal with in RL.

And yes, my kidney is staying safely and snugly where it is thank you very much!

[TweeAintMee]

:)

[schmalex]

Charlie, you do write very well.

Have you read mslexia magazine? They currently have a women's memoir competition.

They also publish lots of short fiction and have info on competitions and other calls for submissions.

[charlietangoteakettlebarbeque]

schmalex, thank you very much.

I haven't heard of it but I will certainly be checking it out. Thank you very much for the heads up!

do either of you write?

[TweeAintMee]

Yes. But have not attempted comps or getting published. Finding it hard to fit it in around kids and Mumsnet other commitments. Fearful of ridicule!

[charlietangoteakettlebarbeque]

Twee, i was the same! Why don't you upload to wattpad? Honestly it's so liberating. You could message me the link privately? It's anonymous xx

[TweeAintMee]

Hmmm, I'll think about it. Still a work in progress and a novel. Very tempted to post a section of it. Need to edit Chapter 1 as have had great new idea for it. When I've done this I'll do as you suggest (thank you) ..but it might be a week in the working....

[charlietangoteakettlebarbeque]

From what I can gather, wattpad seems to be a great platform for testing things out. So posting a section on there might be a good idea, and give you the confidence and motivation to really get going and finish the novel. You can link it on here or send me it privately if you like

good luck

[TweeAintMee]

Thanks charlie. I'll do that. Now I must get off MN and stop frittering away the day!

[charlietangoteakettlebarbeque]

Haha

happy Saturday! I intend lying in bed until dp comes back from swimming with ds!

[schmalex]

Hi charlie
I write for children so haven't uploaded to anywhere like Wattpad as I don't think my readers would be on there. I'm published in picture books but still plugging away at a novel for older kids.

[charlietangoteakettlebarbeque]

schmalex, what age have you written for? I have a 2 year old ds. Also niece and nephews ranging from 4 to 9. Maybe you could mail me a link to your work, if you don't want to post on the thread?

I dream of writing children's books but wouldn't know where to start.

[charlietangoteakettlebarbeque]

So I'm taking a break from rewriting baba. I've done a solid hour now and I'm flying! I love it. Thank you, to both of you, for humouring me, encouraging me, and giving me the confidence and motivation to do this

[TweeAintMee]

Go Charlie - well done.

[olivespickledonions]

Charlie, I have just read Baba, love the curry scene (especially the line about there being no words in english to express your dusgust) and the part about him hoovering.
Wattpad is interesting, isn't it? A new discovery for me.

[olivespickledonions]

Disgust, even. Damn you iphone and slight hangover!

[charlietangoteakettlebarbeque]

Hi olives, thank you for reading, and commenting. I spent all of last night rewriting it and drinking red wine. I had a blast, got completely lost in it. It's really bulked out now and I'm very pleased with myself for actually sitting down and doing it. Once it's finished I'll post it on here, I'd love all your feedback. It's so useful and gives me such confidence in myself.

So thanks again

Hope the hangover doesn't last all day. My advice is hair of the dog, failing that, a fry up.

[olivespickledonions]

I've had the fry up, Charlie, and am now a large slab of chocolate away from being right as rain!

[olivespickledonions]

I've had the fry up, Charlie, and am now a large slab of chocolate away from being right as rain!

[charlietangoteakettlebarbeque]

Haha right on!

[olivespickledonions]

Ps. I am wondering about some of Baba's physical details...eg. when he is hoovering, what is he wearing? Shorts and a pair of slippers? Or maybe even a suit, to make the image more incongruous? And the curry scene...does he have a beard or a moustache for stuff to get stuck on, or is he sweating down an open-necked shirt? Just some thoughts on some little details you could weave in maybe...