Tuesday 16 February 2016

Dancing on the Ceiling

I've been on the ceiling with excitement most of the weekend after finding out that my novel 'Who is Harry Dixon' shortlisted in Choc Lit Publishing's Search for a Star competition.
 
The announcement set off a flurry of social media posts on Facebook and Twitter. I was amazed at the response from both people I know and those I only know in cyber space. 

I've shortlisted before in novel competitions, but usually the sort where you send a chapter or a couple of chapters to be judged. This competition was for a complete novel and I sent the book I wrote during the Nanowrimo writing challenge in October 2014. The initial draft was editied and worried over and sent to my RNA New Writers' Scheme for critique. After that, it was revised again to take into account my reader's comments before being submitted to Choc Lit's competition. 

Thank you to my NWS reader (the scheme is anonymous). Also thanks to Kim Taylor, who inspired the story, Margaret Ruess-Newland, who read and commented on my chapters during Nano and Janice Preston, who read and gave great advice too.

I wish everyone on the shortlist well, especially my good friend Lynn Forth (also in RNA NWS). We have to wait until 14 March to find out who has won.

Lynn Forth and Morton Gray
So, I have a little longer to dance on the ceiling and enjoy the validation of the shortlisting. 

What news are you waiting for? Please comment below.