Saturday 10 August 2024

Back to normal

No, not me - you can't go back to somewhere you never where! The blog though is back to its regular Saturday postings and will remain so until I forget what day it is again, or something happens that I feel shouldn't wait, or there's nothing to report, or I run out of time. You now how it is...

Free entry writing competition

Thanks to Alyson for sending me the link to this short story competition. You have 2,000 words to write a historical or mythology inspired short story and win 'some great prizes' (it really is an interesting selection). 

12 comments:

ados123 said...

Aww. Love a highland coo!

Anonymous said...

Thanks, Patsy. And thank you to Alyson for the competition.
I've just caught up on recent posts. It seems to be all change in Womag world at the moment.
HB

Patsy said...

@ Alyson - me too. We've seen quite a few, but usually in places where it's not possible to get a photo.

@ HB - To me it feels like an ongoing trend. Sadly I think womag sales are down and that means publishers have to cut costs and/or find other ways to make money.

Fiona said...

Love the photo Patsy and thanks for the comp link Alyson - sounds like a good challenge. Sad to see all the changes happening in womag world, but appreciate you keeping us updated Patsy and providing a forum to share thoughts.

Marguerite said...

Thank you, Alyson and Patsy. I feel I just missed the boat being in the right place at the right time to get into the swing of writing for magazines and getting published regularly. I've been late for so many things: 50 retirement ages for teachers, 60, retirement age for women. Don't get me started! I shall keep trying though! My ALCS submissions are looking quite healthy.

Sheelagh said...

Thanks Patsy & Alyson. Like the sound of mythological fiction although I'm not sure I could do it justice. I might try though. Love the photo now that's a real beast!

Anonymous said...

This has certainly been a dispiriting week for TPF writers.

Marian said...

Thank you very much Patsy and Alyson for the competition news - I’m definitely going to have a go for the experience.

Anonymous said...

Good morning, I am contemplating (because I am not brave) self publishing a paper back of my own short stories. I am not interested in them being online. I want a physical book that people can hold and turn the pages. Has anyone already done this who could recommend a reputable kind publishing company who would hold my hand and not rip me off? Thank you. Sue 77

Sharon at A Quick Read said...

've no idea about self publishing companies, sorry. I thought Amazon did print on demand paperback publishing, but I could be wrong. I see that the Write invite project (that was run by the Secret Attic team) has suddenly gone under without warning. It's no surprise, as they have a habit of doing this. It's very disappointing for the writers who enter their competitions in good faith though.

Patsy said...

@ Fiona – A good challenge indeed.
@ Marguerite – Things will keep changing and it rarely seems to be for the better.
@ Sheelagh – I'm not sure I could either, but it might be fun to try.
@ Anonymous - The lack of communication, particularly in the run up to the new publication efforts if frustrating and disappointing. I know that's what's caused the most upset.
@ Marian - go for it!
@ Sue - yep, I've self published about 30 such books. I used Amazon and details of how I did it are on this blog (go to the right hand column and scroll down to the search box and type in appropriate keywords such as publishing or Amazon).
Publishing is a business, so don't count on any kindness unless you're paying for it. I don't mean Amazon or any other companies are deliberately unkind, just that they're working for themselves and not you.
You may wish to pay for some services (eg cover design) but I strongly suggest you DO NOT pay anyone to publish the book for you - you will almost certainly be charged much more than you'll ever get back. With Amazon (and some others) you don't pay them anything at all - they take their cut from the money they pay you.
You might like to look at the book Fronm Story Idea to Reader by me (Patsy Collins) and Rosemary J Kind, which has a lot of information you might find useful.
@ Sharon - yes Amazon do POD.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Patsy for your advice, I will read your book with Rosemary. Kind regards, Sue 77