Strange Notations From a Laborious Life

 Some months ago I mentioned in my blog that I had entered the ABC Grandstand short story writing competition. I didn’t hear anything about results and as they were supposed to be announced by the end of July, I assumed my story had been adjudged as less than perfect and swept aside and shredded. How wrong I was!

 I was informed in mid-August that my story had been short listed but hadn’t won but would be included in the ABC Grandstand anthology at the end of the year. Of course they reminded me that no monetary prize is awarded nor is my story paid for. That is no worry to me. I am happy to keep my amateur status intact for the time being. I am chuffed to be able to see my name in print!

 My story was forwarded on to a professional editor at Harper Collins publishing who proceeded to slash and burn my precious work and leave a fair swathe of it down on the cutting room floor!

 It’s really of no consequence. The gist of the story is still there and perhaps it is even an improvement but it is certainly an eye-opener. I have to review the changes and add some comments so the process is only half complete and I’m sure I could insist on changes being made. But I am an easy soul to get along with most of the the time and I am happy with the results so far.

 It is another lesson in life. We all have to take criticism and adjustment in the things we do and the lives we lead and sometimes we have to admit that other people know better than us and through their efforts and constructive criticism our own endeavours are improved. But it does take a bit of getting use to. Your self-esteem does get battered. And I did question my own ability when I realised my first three paragraphs were getting the chop! But that is the way the business works.

 I am not sure if I have the ability to be any more than a novice who writes a blog for fun in his spare time. I am not sure I have the inclination  to be a professional writer nor am I sure I have the intelligence and wherewithal to write fresh and entertaining pieces every time I sit at a keyboard. I have a long way to go but I will keep trying.

 And if you have a few spare dollars and are looking towards buying a present for someone at the end of the year, why not have a look at the ABC Grandstand anthology? I know an impressive new literary talent who just happens to have an article published within it’s pages. You might enjoy his work.

 Have a nice day.