It is almost a year since I read the announcement of The Richell Prize, on Hannah Richell’s beautiful blog. Almost a year since I wondered if I could stretch the one thousand word beginning of a story into one full chapter, let alone the three required. I had never written much more than a couple of thousand words of fiction before. I had no idea how long a chapter should even be!
In 10 weeks I had my three chapters, and She Sells Sunshine was off and running, and submitted for the prize. It was, of course, pure fantasy to believe that I had any chance of winning. Those chapters still need loads of work, but what I thank the founders of the Richell Prize for is that of opening the floodgates, the gift of self belief, and then the bigger gift, the 46,000 words/11 chapters that have grown from the initial offering.
I write slowly. Sometimes it’s only the two hours a week on Wednesdays when Lady is in daycare and Boodi’s respite carer is here, but some weeks when my mum is staying, I get to spend a whole day at the library, writing and plotting. I could do better, I love my story. It’s been a long road and this first draft is still only half done, and when that is finished, the real work begins! A plodding road, but I have never lost my way, never gotten stuck in the mud. From a distance I sometimes think that my writing isn’t good enough (when I’m reading some amazing book), but each time that I return to it, I know that it has good, strong, beautiful bones. I know that it is worthy of the work in a way that means it doesn’t even matter if it is ever published, because this work is my therapy and my way forward and through the world.
My cousin last week asked me if I was submitting for the Richell again this year. I hadn’t even thought of it since the announcements of the winners last year. Though I could do extensive (rather feverish) work on those three chapters in the next 3 weeks and include a much better synopsis and upcoming chapters summary, the truth is that I would rather spend the time hammering out the rest of my first draft, so I can turn back again to the beginning and commence the craft that makes the words sing into people’s hearts.
Are you submitting for the Richell this year?
Linking up with Jess for #IBOT
Tagged: She Sells Sunshine, The Richell Prize, Writing
Bravo lady! What an achievement. You’re on your way! What a great deadline to work towards to actually get what you may not have made the time for done. Keep up the momentum xx
Thanks Vicki :) It was such a great deadline to get me started, and once started there has been no looking back! Xx
Well done on prioritising your writing. I should do this but find work or family takes up any spare time to write. I have to be intentional about it to make it work I think.
I usually only get that 2 hours per week in which to write (actually I could and need to write after the kids are in bed but I feel too tired as my 1 year old still keeps me up half the night every night). Things step up when I hopefully start uni!
I believe in you. You are going to get there. Keep going. You are amazing. x
I think it’s going to take a while Deb. But thank you, it means a lot x
Congrats on follow your dream and sticking with the commitment. Good luck
I haven’t had anywhere near enough time for writing the last few weeks unfortunately. I’ve got some redrafting I’m desperate to do. And then I think I might be almost ready to start pitching. That’s a little scary.
You go lady! Keep plugging away. I’ve been writing a book for some time now in…in my head…might be time to finally put it down on paper I think!
You’re killing it Dani. Persistence is the key, hare and the tortoise – an all that. You’ll get there because you are committed to it. I’m reading Tim Winton at the moment and his prose are like one long piece of poetry to me – and I look at my writing and cringe, it’s hard not to compare yourself. I think you’re on the right path – finish it, then polish it. Go you!
I am in awe of people who have the tenacity, perseverance and wherewithal to write, write, write. Writing is in my bones, but I think my fear gets so much in the way, so I love to hear and gain inspiration from people who overcome those gnawing gnashers of doubt to produce amazing writing. It spurs me on to never give up hope. I look forward to reading the story one day. xx
That is impressive! I have had so many starts but never really gone on. I blame lack of time and a crazy schedule but I guess in all honesty, I should be able to make time. Whether on the train, in the evenings or on weekends, I really should do it. Hope to read your book one day!