Friday 13 June 2008

Briefly

I've just now sent off my entry for the Sean O'Faolain Short Story Prize. I enjoyed writing it but I have no idea as to its chances. It's been a strange week for the writing. I've learnt things about myself I never knew and considered options which would have been anathema a month ago. I feel disorientated but not dissatisfied.

One thing I will say is that my faith in the unspoken 'pact' between writer and reader was reinforced ten-fold this week, when a fellow flasher at WriteWords pointed out to me all the many layers of meaning in a piece I wrote on Monday called Gentian Blue. It was as if she'd tapped straight into my subconcious. I think, though, there's a later stage with writing, a more mature achievement, when the author retains his/her Voice but does not intrude into the story-telling. Where, if you like, the author becomes invisible and the Narrative is All. This is a skill which Vanessa Gebbie has mastered to perfection, as her eclectic, Words from a Glass Bubble, demonstrates so admirably. I think I'm still in the foothills, which is fine, but I have a clearer view than ever of the summit and how to get there.

Otherwise it's been work work work. Ah, well. Maybe this afternoon I'll get back to the novel. I miss it. I can almost hear my heroine tapping her toe, waiting for me to return and write the next leg of her journey.

4 comments:

Vanessa Gebbie said...

Loads of good luck with the comp. Looking forward to Ireland!!

Sarah Hilary said...

Me too - it's so soon now! I'm getting excited, and a bit nervous. Of course now I see LOTS of little bits I'd prune or change in the winning flash. Typical.

Vanessa Gebbie said...

Do you have to read?

Sarah Hilary said...

Yes! Jock was quite clear on that - if I turn up, I have to read. Fair enough. It's good practice, I'm sure. But it'll be my first time. *gulp*