Writing Blog

20230615 Explaining Me

June 15, 2023, 1:00pm

Wow, it's been a while since I last did this, and I promised myself I would be a bit more consistent with this blog.

But, the thing is, I'm writing a YA novel and an adult novel (the rest of my WiPs have been shelved for the time being) and that is taking up the all of my time when I can actually use the laptop, and I'm not applying for jobs, for rentals or for whatever else I need to do as a homeless person. Thank goodness for the public library system and their public access wifi!

In addition, I've been doing the 40 word challenge ("Invalid Item" ) and have been doing some stuff for the fantasy group on WdC I've joined.

Now, a quick thing - I won't explain why I don't do self-publishing, as it seems that part of my writing journey is at complete odds with every other person wanting to be published on WdC, and as the only one, I can see myself being hounded off if I express my thoughts.

However, I will explain why I don't do contests.

Now, I see a value in a contest - hey, I run one ("Horror Writing Contest" )! But, for me, the competition aspect of writing comes when I submit and try to get published, I don't need to add another layer of stress to that. I will not pay money for publication, or to enter contests, in the real world, and here at WdC, the idea of a contest makes it judgmental on a level I am not comfortable with.

Now, I know, some say that contests are a great way to practise your writing and develop skills. And I agree. However, in my case, I disagree. Feedback is how I learn, not competing beyond that which writing in the real world demands.

I have been writing for a long time, I have a huge list of traditional publications, competitions are not my thing. Activities, sure; running one, fine.

I would like to finish by putting something here that I put as a response to Creeper Of The Realm 's newsletter 'Noticing Newbies':

To be honest, I only joined WdC for reviews and feedback.

I stay because it's something to do, and is the only social media I am involved with. I get some feedback, though I often feel my writing does not fit in here. I also feel my writing journey is not one that most here tend to agree with.

Still, at the moment I am in "paying it forward" mode, so if I can help other writers with, well, anything, then it's fine.

And I think that explains me as well as anything.