‘Writing has always been home and of late it’s felt an awkward visit with relatives than somewhere I can kick my shoes off and relax’ - such an apt image! Lovely and wholehearted to read x
Just want to be one more voice saying that the long listing means the quality is already there. The editors are like college admissions boards; they cannot admit all who are qualified, and ultimately their job is to create a class. Editors are creating a whole, and each poem/writer is a part. So once you cross the line of good enough to be included, it's as much about how your work fits with that of other writers (and past issues) as the work itself. I mean, of course push your work in ways you want it to go! Of course! But learning and understanding this about editorial processes was so helpful to me. It helped me detach from the outcomes. That long list notification is great!
If your work's being longlisted, that's hugely encouraging, Kathryn. Don't torment yourself about what's 'missing' - judges and editors all in the end have to make subjective decisions. Therefore if you're at longlist stage then your work is already skilled, crafted and eye-catching. Stick at it. It's attrition! Follow your own interests, have confidence in your own path, keep publishing, keep reading. x
Well I never thought of it as courage that made me say I wanted to change the world. Mostly I think of it as awkwardness and belligerence! 😆 But I think that's because of my teachers at school told me I was difficult when I wanted to change things. And I just got used to being the difficult one. But I still get scared sharing those opinions - I lob them out like grenades then hide behind a rock in case people shout at me. Every time I have an article published in a newspaper, I get my husband to read the comments section so I don't have to see how many people are angry at me!
Great post. If you’re being long listed I’d say that means your poetry is absolutely good enough and it just comes down to the judges personal preferences? Right place, right time. That drill that is both disheartening and yet also heartening. And I agree. NaPoWrMo does have a lovely air of playfulness to it. The poem you shared above is gorgeous x
‘Writing has always been home and of late it’s felt an awkward visit with relatives than somewhere I can kick my shoes off and relax’ - such an apt image! Lovely and wholehearted to read x
Just want to be one more voice saying that the long listing means the quality is already there. The editors are like college admissions boards; they cannot admit all who are qualified, and ultimately their job is to create a class. Editors are creating a whole, and each poem/writer is a part. So once you cross the line of good enough to be included, it's as much about how your work fits with that of other writers (and past issues) as the work itself. I mean, of course push your work in ways you want it to go! Of course! But learning and understanding this about editorial processes was so helpful to me. It helped me detach from the outcomes. That long list notification is great!
If your work's being longlisted, that's hugely encouraging, Kathryn. Don't torment yourself about what's 'missing' - judges and editors all in the end have to make subjective decisions. Therefore if you're at longlist stage then your work is already skilled, crafted and eye-catching. Stick at it. It's attrition! Follow your own interests, have confidence in your own path, keep publishing, keep reading. x
Well I never thought of it as courage that made me say I wanted to change the world. Mostly I think of it as awkwardness and belligerence! 😆 But I think that's because of my teachers at school told me I was difficult when I wanted to change things. And I just got used to being the difficult one. But I still get scared sharing those opinions - I lob them out like grenades then hide behind a rock in case people shout at me. Every time I have an article published in a newspaper, I get my husband to read the comments section so I don't have to see how many people are angry at me!
Great post. If you’re being long listed I’d say that means your poetry is absolutely good enough and it just comes down to the judges personal preferences? Right place, right time. That drill that is both disheartening and yet also heartening. And I agree. NaPoWrMo does have a lovely air of playfulness to it. The poem you shared above is gorgeous x
Thanks for the mention. I think you’re going great x
So pleased writing to good for you again and you’ve rediscovered you why.
I like all prompts, but can’t do them all in the time so I just collect them until something resonates.