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Word herding

Sharing what I learn on the path to becoming a writer

Category: Novel writing

Caledonia Novel Award 2022 longlist

A little bit of writing news to share with you on a grey Monday – my book, Fundamental Things, made the longlist of the Caledonia Novel Award 2022. I’ve been sitting on the news for some time as the longlist was announced in early December, but the competition was being judged anonymously so I was… Read More Caledonia Novel Award 2022 longlist

January 31, 2022 Anne8 Comments

6 things I’ve learned about finishing a novel

Just over a year ago, I competed my first book. Then I sent it to a couple of experienced beta readers, and revised it. Sent it to some more, revised it… you get the picture. It’s currently out on submission, and I will someday do a ‘6 things’ post on the whole, complicated agent querying… Read More 6 things I’ve learned about finishing a novel

January 30, 2022January 30, 2022 Anne10 Comments

Novel competitions for 2022

[UPDATED 24/5/22] High time for a fresh round-up, I feel. Here are the novel competitions currently open for entries, with a wide variety of prizes and judges. They range from established awards like the Bridport Prize to newcomer the Cheshire Novel Prize (which ambitiously promises feedback on every single entry!). Entering competitions like this can… Read More Novel competitions for 2022

January 19, 2022June 20, 2022 AnneLeave a comment

Getting unstuck with NaNoWriMo

Hello fellow writers, I hope you’re all writing away mad, as we say in Cork. I, on the other hand, am mad that I’m not writing away, having hit something of a wall with my current WIP (book 2). It was going great guns. I recently completed an excellent Curtis Brown Creative three-month novel course… Read More Getting unstuck with NaNoWriMo

October 26, 2021October 26, 2021 AnneLeave a comment

Arts Council Agility Award

Hello fellow scribblers. I hope some writing is happening for you, now that there is a slow return to normality and routine. I’ve been quiet because I’ve been busy. I have been working on a new book, outlining and planning and generally being far more ordered than usual. It’s a challenge, but I’m determined to… Read More Arts Council Agility Award

June 12, 2021June 12, 2021 Anne11 Comments

Words to Shape My Name author Q&A

Full disclosure, I’m not impartial in the case of this particular interview. It’s not an exaggeration to say that guest author Laura McKenna is the reason I’m writing today. Back in 2014, I spotted a sign on the noticeboard of the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork. It was for a six-week writing class, using the… Read More Words to Shape My Name author Q&A

February 1, 2021March 28, 2021 Anne3 Comments

Novel competitions 2021

[UPDATED 2/9/21] I’ve reached the point where I’m researching agents and trying to find a good match for my recently completed book. For some writers, the way to an agent, and indeed a publishing deal, is by winning or placing in a novel competition. So for my latest round-up, here are some UK and Ireland… Read More Novel competitions 2021

January 15, 2021September 2, 2021 AnneLeave a comment

Book report: Irish Novel Fair runner-up!

‘How’s the book coming along?’ is a question that writers are asked over and over and over. The answer generally goes along the lines of, “I’m a teeny bit stuck/We’ve decided to consciously uncouple/I hate it more than fascism/Oh look, a pigeon! Sorry, must dash…” Today, I can happily report the book is going well… Read More Book report: Irish Novel Fair runner-up!

December 18, 2020December 19, 2020 Anne2 Comments

Book report: reading, writing and research

I’m at the very final stages of my WIP now – this draft, anyway. The troublesome character has been ironed out a bit more (still not completely there, she’s such a pain) and the MS has had a rigorous read through with various sections moved around. Now I’m back on the laptop, taking in all… Read More Book report: reading, writing and research

October 11, 2020 Anne3 Comments

Book report: here we go again

I’ve had stellar feedback from my two first readers. Really, they’ve been so meticulous and wise, and I’m very fortunate to have had their input. They’ve picked up on everything that didn’t hang together and pointed out all the areas I rushed through and glossed over hoping no one would notice, and now it’s time… Read More Book report: here we go again

September 15, 2020 Anne1 Comment

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  • Short story competitions June-December 2022
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  • Fiction at the Friary Cork writers showcase
  • Flash fiction competitions 2022
  • Caledonia Novel Award 2022 longlist
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