Saturday 8 June 2024

Reporting in...


Sorry, I don't have anything in the way of womag news, nor any free entry competitions for you this week. 




I'm not sure if that's because I'm away (in Orkney did I mention it?) and therefore not on line much, or because not a lot is happening. Perhaps a bit of both?



We're having a great time exploring these beautiful islands, taking many photos and making an attempt at filming, editing, and uploading to Youtube.





I've written about some of our adventures on the blog on my website, and I'm making progress with the third book in my Little Mallow cosy mystery series. So far I've got about 9,000 words, which is nearly a tenth of a novel - except of course it doesn't work quite like that with first drafts!




What is everyone else up to - working hard or having fun? You're going to need a good excuse if you're not doing at least one of those!


17 comments:

Sheelagh said...

Photos are amazing Patsy, more please, it looks like a very interesting place. No wonder you are writing so much. My excuse is I'm busy with other work at mo & getting garden ready for visitors shortly. All is quiet in my writing world, I'm not hearing a lot but neither am I submitting a lot.

Sue McV said...

Great photos Patsy. It looks beautiful up there. I've got a couple of long weekends away coming up but nothing big until Italy in September. Writing news. Had an acceptance and a publication date all in one from Andrew Shaw so that was nice not having to wait ages. Had a go at the Linen Press anthology competition which I enjoyed doing but probably won't make it into the book. But you never know. Hope everyone is having fun and/or writing.

Marguerite said...

Wow! Film maker now :) The you tube video looked very atmospheric :) A tailor-made Christmas for TPF boomeranged back in 4 hours :( What can I say - obviously I'm not TPF material BUT... yet another (4th) shortlist in Writing Magazine. I must be doing something right? That got edited and turned around and sent straight out to WW. (I will not be deterred!)
I am expecting another Spooky Stories to come out your current sortie, Patsy ;)

Sharon boothroyd said...

Well done to all who have had good news and acceptances.
It seems to be slow at the moment in the womag world but maybe some fiction eds are away on holiday.
I too, have sent some stories for the Linen press anthology but I'm not expecting any yeses there.
I also had a TPF Xmas story reject - this one took around 2 days. I've subbed most of my Xmas stories now but I still have some spare.





Maisie Bishop said...

I also sent one in to Linen Press. Similarly expecting nothing!

Marguerite said...

For anyone not in the loop, just had an email from Secret Attic about a hack - hence why the website was down. All is gradually being rebuilt... open for June entries.

Sharon Boothroyd said...

Yes I've received the same email. Phew!

Fiona said...

Yes, I’m among those who had a go at Linen Press!
Love your photos Patsy - Orkney is a favourite, but my weekend has been spent ‘researching’ another location. The Venice Biennale. Had a brilliant time and hopefully might write a story set there. Brain whirring!

Elizabeth McGinty said...

Enjoying your photos Patsy, and great to hear you are making progress on your next novel.

Congratulations to everyone who has had an acceptance and good wishes to those awaiting news.

Happy writing everyone.

Anonymous said...


Ally27

Happy travels Patsy! Glad to hear that you're making progress on your third novel in the Little Mallow cosy mystery series.

Just wondering if anyone knows if Andrew Shaw is away at present, or if he is no longer acknowledging receipt of submissions. I submitted a story last week but have not received the usual email acknowledging confirmation of receipt. It's unusual to have to wait longer than a couple of days.

Anyway, happy writing everyone!

Sharon boothroyd said...

I don't know if Andrew is away or not but I know it's very quiet!
I've had 2 recent 'out of office' automatic emails from April, both giving different dates for her return.
The trouble is, when I see this, I don't know if the stories have landed in the inbox properly or not!

Marguerite said...

I had a same day turn around response email last Thursday (6th June) from Andrew. As you note, unusual not to hear quickly or within a day, anyway.I have sent umpteen where umpteen is well into double figures to April, have had the occasional 'out of office' but absolutely nothing else.

Marian said...

I've been submitting Christmas stories and am now getting back to non-seasonal writing. Other than that, it's been quiet for me and I haven't heard about anything I've submitted apart from a competition I didn't get anywhere in!

Sue McV said...

I sent one to Andrew in April. Received the acknowledgement 5 days later.

Anonymous said...


Ally27

Thank you Sue, Sharon and Marguerite - I have heard from someone who received an automated 'out of office reply' from Andrew Shaw, so it seems that he is currently away until the 17th.

@Sharon: I know what you mean. You still can't be sure that your story was properly received in the correct inbox.

@Marguerite: Congratulations on your super quick acceptance - that's fantastic news!

Marguerite said...

Oh, no, Ally27! Whoops! Need to correct that lovely thought! Not an acceptance, just the turn around for a response!;) We live in hope! ;)

Anonymous said...


Ally27

@Marguerite: Whoops, sorry, I must have been daydreaming about receiving an acceptance:) It's definitely nice to live in hope. I'm hoping that at the very least, I will get confirmation of receipt of my submission, upon Andrew's return:) Best of luck with any other submissions.