New writers awards

[Ginandsonicscrewdriver]

Is anyone else waiting to hear from the Scottish book trust about the new writers awards? I’m very impatient, I know it’s very unlikely to be a yes but I’m ever hopeful!

Or has anyone ever won?

I have been shortlisted once. Found out about it early December, so surely any day now (winners weren't announced until Jan then, not sure if it's still the same).

That’s brilliant! Did you keep writing?

Yes, winners announced in jan but they let everyone know, successful or not, by the end of December. It’s a long time to wait for a rejection from July!

I did keep writing, Ginandsonic - being shortlisted, not winning was a huge boost. I now have an agent, not published yet though! Good luck to you!

Amazing! That’s so cool! What genre do you write? Do you have a finished book?

I write for children. I am now re- editing my book after discussing with my agent how to do this. I hope to send it to her in the new year, but I am sure more rewrites will still be required. Then, if a publisher should want to publish it, yet more rewrites will probably be needed. You have to love the book you're writing!

What about you, Gin - what are you writing?

That sounds great, and very exciting!

I write memoir and creative non fiction. I got my rejection today - which means I can start writing for 2020’s entry 😂

Oh, sorry, Gin. So did I - and this is the year I signed with an agent, so although it's disappointing, these things are very subjective. Have you got a critique group? Mine has been fantastic in keeping me going when I have lost my way

No, I’m all on my own 😩 I need to get motivated. Even just finishing something would feel like an accomplishment!

Find a group! It's a great way of staying motivated, because then you have to finish things for the group!

Sounds like a good plan I had a look before but didn’t have much luck. New Years resolution!