Potpourri
Busy times, Blogreader.
While I've spent a lot of time lately working on my novel, and a lot of time fretting over what seems to be a shortage of entries to the current GBA(s)FC, I've also been living a life (of sorts).
Well, good news on all fronts. The first two entries to the contest are posted and I'm hopeful that more will show up soon. Click the graphic in the sidebar to check them out. Still plenty of time to get your own stories together, by the way.
A friend of mine joked yesterday (when no entries at all had yet come in) that he could write the word "growth" five hundred times and walk away with all of the prizes. I informed him that no entry can win more than one prize. I also informed him that he is mean.
"Maybe your topic just sucks," another friend counseled via chat. Special "thanks" go out to that friend as well.
I went to see a softball game last night, a team of Workers battling against some athletic foes in a very chilly late evening match. They did not fare well, in spite of the celebratory nature of the image at right. Something called a "slaughter rule" was enforced, and the game ended early. Perhaps they were simply happy to be able to go someplace warm, or that none of the players had sustained an injury.
Tonight was a trip with a cadre of good folks to see the incomparable Grant Lee Phillips. I have reached the conclusion that no one has more fun at a Grant Lee Phillips show than Mr. Phillips himself. His humor and obvious pleasure at playing music are incredibly infectious, and I think we came close. He's a tremendous singer and a great songwriter and if you've never heard him, there is almost certainly something in his catalog that will bring joy to your ears. Try Jubilee or Virginia Creeper or Mobilize.
*****The biggest bit of personal news is that I've made a bit of a breakthrough on my novel. A lot of pieces suddenly made sense this week, and I've got a better idea of the larger story and how things are going to connect. I've solved a lot of the problems that have kept me from being able to write much, and this weekend I plan to spend some time outlining in preparation for a serious burst of writing next week. If I can carry this story into a full draft without crushing it in my big clumsy hands, I think I'll have a pretty good book. I haven't felt like that for a while.
And I'll close by reminding you all yet again that there is still plenty of time to cobble together an entry for the GBA(s)FC. Deadline remains May 7.
13 comments:
Go novelist Maht! I have alot of work to do on my novel this weekend but I also have to work for my job...so I'm still trying to think of a good story for you. Don't stress out about submissions. It's been a full moon and everyone's lost their minds, so be grateful we're all holding off.
You'll be getting at least one more entry because I plan on submitting one. I'm about 4/5ths done with my entry, but I'm not sure when I'll be able to submit it. Hopefully soon.
Don't worry, though, you'll get more. Also, I'll make sure to mention your contest today on my site.
I'm writing one as well, but had a couple of questions/suggestions.
The last contest I entered, the host wouldn't share with me how many of people voted for me. I think that kind of feedback is INVALUaBLE for a writer. How many of your fellow writers actually gave a nod your way. I didn't want to know where I was placed, just how many had voted for me.
Also, I think fiction contests should be ALL anonymous. Just numbers and no names. In a blogging community, you may be getting picked just because you're well liked, not because you're a good writer ... and vice versa.
I will mention your contest on my site, too, Maht.
My comments and hits have been down this week--I think it might just be a busy week in blogland...
Don't fret. I've been mulling over the topic in my head... I might enter something...
Glad you had a breakthrough with your writing... Happy times..
--M
(I didn't mean that you shouldn't fret over my not having entered.. I should have started a new paragraph there... I meant to say that you shouldn't fret over the contest--or in general...)
Grant Lee Phillips has a minor role in Gilmore Girls, I really enjoy his character (town troubadour)and I think I will check him out...he's pretty good in the show!
Liz: I shall practice my serenity chants. I saw the moon. It was beautiful. Good luck on your own novel and your other projects.
Struggles: Glad to hear it's in progress. I wasn't sure if my second mean friend maybe had a point about the topic being off.
Beth: I certainly would not publish that sort of information, and would not want it published (secret ballots and all) but if you asked, I'd probably let you know the number of total votes you received for your own edification. As to anonymity: all the entries are anonymous until the voting is closed. I'm not sure how you got the idea that they aren't.
Minty: Glad you're thinking of cooking up an entry. Look forward to reading it.
SilverN: Yeah. One of the people who came with us last night was there because she'd seen him on that show. I find him more interesting than the television program, and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by his music.
I plan to enter as well. My muse seems to be out of town for the last 3 days though.
BD
You know that team that you went to see thrashed at Softball, well I think I could join them. I used to be the extra person that nobody really wanted on their team but they had to make up the numbers and I had this amazing ability to hit the ball straight to first base EVERY TIME. Cool hey?
I'm glad your novel is working itself out, that's so cool. I'm sure your hands will do wonders.
And lastly, I'm about to send you my entry.
Oh, that's very cool, Maht. I thought you used blog names with the stories. I love that you don't.
Thanks for answering/explaining. Much appreciated.
Great news on your novel :-) I'm sure you'll have entries flooding in at the end....everyone procrastenates!
Maht, I am not a wrtiter but I have to tell you how much I admire you supporting and developing platforms for other writers to display their work. I also love your blog's state of the art, very up to date technological features.
BD: Muses love travel, and the weather is so nice lately. I'm sure you'll find inspiration soon.
Ver: I'll check and see if they're looking for more teammates. So long as you are willing to fly to America each Wednesday, I'm sure it'll be fine.
Beth: In thinking more about your questions, I think I'd actually rather not tell an author how many votes they received. This is only because I do not actually tally this figure. I do hash marks based on the number of points the vote was worth instead. Once the contest concludes, I could give you that figure, if you like (the total point value of votes received) but to give you the number of votes would require me to go through all of the votes all over again, and I'd rather not have to do that. Hope this makes sense.
Liz: Indeed, we are already up to eleven!
Ces: You are sweet. You already know that I am a fan of your artwork, and you saying such nice things is very touching. Thanks.
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