Where has the time gone? I started this blog two months ago about 6 weeks ago I saw the link for the publishing contest I want to submit my novel to. Now I realise that the deadline is only 8 weeks away and I haven’t even finished first draft yet let alone started editing. Panic attack time! Deep breathing time, someone pass a paper bag please.
Now I am faced with decisions. I am stood at a crossroads struggling to turn the map the right way round. Of course I want to get stuck in and still try to meet the deadline. But I admit it I am scared. Scared if I push it and rush to finish it I will lose the flow that has been steadily building. Do I set myself a deadline to finish the first draft? How long will editing take? How many drafts will editing take?
All these questions are whirling round my head. Infact I am feeling quite dizzy now and that is not a good place to be when I intended to get some writing done tonight?
So my question to all you authors and writers out there….help any and all advise would be really appreciated. I shall now go submerge myself in the bath in an attempt to clear my head get into my comfy clothes and attack the keyboard in the hope that the muse gives me the answer and the inspiration.
Jun 02, 2012 @ 21:02:23
HI Paula, My advice would be to polish up the first three chapters or fifty pages, which is what agents generally ask for. Submit those, and then work like crazy on the rest of it. If the judges or agents like what they read, they will ask for more, and then you will be further along toward your goal. Good luck!
Jun 02, 2012 @ 21:27:35
sadly the criteria for this one is it has to be then finished completed manuscript that is submitted so i guess it is just a case oof get stuck in and fingers crossed
Jun 02, 2012 @ 21:43:23
Oh, I see. Well, it is an incentive to burn the midnight oil. Just remember that there are many contests and opportunities. Look at them as a motivation, and a way to get a serious critique of your manuscript–that is always helpful on the road to publication.
Jun 02, 2012 @ 22:17:23
Push on… but you can only do what you can do.
Jun 03, 2012 @ 06:50:12
You will surely find a way through it. Good luck
Jun 03, 2012 @ 17:17:06
I say go for it honey, and good luck!!!!!
Xx