Alas, April began with the news that I was unsuccessful in my submission to the DHH Literary Agency. However, this was still a significant milestone. My first rejection!
"Thank you for your submission to Pitch DHH. Unfortunately you have not been selected to attending the pitching afternoon this time. However, we will be doing more sessions throughout the year and beyond, so keep your eyes peeled!"
Also, the mere possibility of being invited to pitch was enough to give me a boost of motivation at the start of the month. I have therefore written another 4,417 words towards my third Nephos novel.
I had hoped for a five-figure word count this month but distractions included my birthday, my baby's first birthday and my final management essay - also my final essay ever and I mean it this time!
I have also been working on my Birmingham Writers' Group competition entry. The theme is Dreams and Nightmares, which is very broad but I have locked down an idea and written my 5,000-word story. I have come 1st, 2nd and acted as judge in the past three competitions, so I hope to fare well once again.
It has been a while since I wrote a short story, having been so preoccupied with my novel. It has been a lot of fun, like returning to the treadmill after slogging out a marathon.
On the reading front, my two-book rule is continuing successfully. I reviewed one self-published book, Out On The Piste, by debut author Danann Swanton. I described it as Bridget Jones for Millennials. Visit the link for my review.
I also read one traditionally-published book, The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware. It is an Agatha Christie-esque novel set on a luxurious but claustrophobic boat. I totally guessed the twist but didn't expect the revelation so early. A gripping read and more original than it sounds.
Finally, Happy American Gods Day! The adaptation of Neil Gaiman's novel has finally arrived on Amazon.
If you would like Simon to review your book then check out his Review Policy for more information. Sign up to Simon's newsletter to hear more about his reading and writing projects.
"Thank you for your submission to Pitch DHH. Unfortunately you have not been selected to attending the pitching afternoon this time. However, we will be doing more sessions throughout the year and beyond, so keep your eyes peeled!"
Also, the mere possibility of being invited to pitch was enough to give me a boost of motivation at the start of the month. I have therefore written another 4,417 words towards my third Nephos novel.
I had hoped for a five-figure word count this month but distractions included my birthday, my baby's first birthday and my final management essay - also my final essay ever and I mean it this time!
I have also been working on my Birmingham Writers' Group competition entry. The theme is Dreams and Nightmares, which is very broad but I have locked down an idea and written my 5,000-word story. I have come 1st, 2nd and acted as judge in the past three competitions, so I hope to fare well once again.
It has been a while since I wrote a short story, having been so preoccupied with my novel. It has been a lot of fun, like returning to the treadmill after slogging out a marathon.
On the reading front, my two-book rule is continuing successfully. I reviewed one self-published book, Out On The Piste, by debut author Danann Swanton. I described it as Bridget Jones for Millennials. Visit the link for my review.
I also read one traditionally-published book, The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware. It is an Agatha Christie-esque novel set on a luxurious but claustrophobic boat. I totally guessed the twist but didn't expect the revelation so early. A gripping read and more original than it sounds.
Finally, Happy American Gods Day! The adaptation of Neil Gaiman's novel has finally arrived on Amazon.
If you would like Simon to review your book then check out his Review Policy for more information. Sign up to Simon's newsletter to hear more about his reading and writing projects.