August has been another slow burning month. It’s that time of year where there’s so much in the works but seeing the results are a little way off yet. Unfortunately for me, many of my projects are long term ones – books like Kindling II and Red Hands aren’t things that happen in a matter of weeks, and Writer’s Edit is an ongoing task. However, that’s not to say August was without its little wins…
My Book:
Despite last month’s setbacks, August has definitely seen Red Hands progress. I did my best to muffle all the screaming doubts I had about it, and move on (for the most part anyway). I submitted to a completely new list of publishers, Australian and international and have had some great responses so far. I’ve got a Skype date with a UK publisher coming up on Wednesday, and one of the publishers who I’d been speaking to previously came back into the picture and asked to see my latest draft.
I also branched out this time and submitted to a manuscript development prize or two. I’m not sure why I haven’t done this in the past, but my friend Ben encouraged me to put my eggs in a bunch of different baskets this time round. And he’s right – I feel much better for it.
Recently, I’ve also done a bit of soul-searching as a writer. I thought I knew what kind of writer I wanted to be, but now I’m not so sure. I’ve had a few vague ideas for books besides the one I mentioned a while back, and it’s lead me down a different path than I thought. Talk about vague right? Guess you’ll have to wait and see.
Editing Life:
As usual, this aspect of life has certainly kept me busy over the last thirty days. There’s been milestones, budding friendships and creativity – all of which I’m super grateful for…
Writer’s Edit
The biggest news on this front is that Writer’s Edit turned two. That’s right, we’ve been running this publication for two whole years now, and what a journey it’s been. We’ve gone from a one-woman Tumblr blog to a full-blown magazine with over 370 articles and over 50 contributors in 24 months. And if that doesn’t impress you, maybe the 30,000 Twitter followers will…
I had no idea when I started Writer’s Edit that it would take off in this way, and would become such a wonderful and supportive community of writers and friends.
The birthday also made me realise that I’ve been working with the incredible Kyra Bandte for nearly two years. She’s gone from writing our writing prompts to being our Deputy Editor, and frankly, one of my favourite people in the world.
Kindling II
Another result of Writer’s Edit turning two was reflecting on Kindling – our print anthology. When I started Writer’s Edit, the dream was to become a small press. I loved the online world, but nothing was going to replace the romance of print books for me. Within a year – we’d published our first book, and as our second birthday ticked over, we’re almost done with our second. That’s a pretty incredible feat, just saying.
We’re currently finalising the cover design and proofing the typeset pages of Volume II. Alissa Dinallo has worked her incredible magic again, and Kelly, Kyra, Rory and Claire have all worked tirelessly over the past few months to perfect the individual pieces and the manuscript as a whole… It’s safe to say that Kindling II is definitely set to impress the pants of its readers.
Kindling II‘s also a little heavier this year too, which makes us feel all warm and fuzzy.
What I’ve Read:
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
- Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
- Kindling Volume II by Writer’s Edit Press
- Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
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I can’t wait to see these projects come to fruition as the rest of the year pans out. I’ve got so much to look forward to, and I just have to keep reminding myself of that in times of doubt!
Until next time,
– Helen
Note: Image Credit via Kinfolk at Wandawega.