Friday 22 May 2009

The week that was

What a week! So many of my writer friends scored successes, including the publication of new texts (shout out to Nik Perring), the high ranking of existing books in Amazon league tables (shout out to Tania Hershman and Vanessa Gebbie) and first place in the WOW (Women on Writing) Awards which went to Gay Degani for her great flash, Beyond the Curve. Congratulations to all. Each of these writers takes his/her craft seriously, devotes time to getting better and to getting noticed by the publishing world (a notoriously hard feat for new and emerging writers), so be inspired by their example, as I am. Oh and buy a book from Salt Publishing - you can't go wrong with their list. I've just ordered Some New Ambush by Carys Davies. Support the independent publishers, because they support us.

In my own small way I made a leap this week. Nothing as amazing as the successes above, but I wrote a piece of original fiction, my first in a couple of months. It's a tiny piece, just 200 words, and it's a long way away from my comfort zone, but I'm pleased with it and with myself for achieving it. It came to me while I was driving to my mother's, and I had to keep repeating it in my head until I was able to grab pen and paper and get it down. It's called Hoochy Coochy Man and the Wagon of Rhymes. Even the title is unlike me. I take this as a good sign, a fresh green shoot after a hard frost.

8 comments:

Vanessa Gebbie said...

Hi Sarah

Congrats on thawing that frost. I love the title... lets hope there are many more pieces rising to the surface.

Thanks for the mention! And for buying from Salt. And what a choice. carys davies book is an extraordinary collection. And thats not just me (as you would expect me to say that anyway, in support of Salt!)

Some New Ambush has been shortlisted for The Calvino prize, the Welsh Book of the year, and the recent Rhys Davies award. (Apols if I have those titles wrong, or if it is longlist instead of shortlist...I am typing this without the facts)

The Welsh Book of the Year was definitely a shortlist. Which is an amazing achievement. Arguably,one of the toughest awards about. Difficult lot, us Welsh!

Sarah Hilary said...

Good to know I picked a winner, V, in every sense of the word. I'm really looking forward to reading Carys' book.

Tania Hershman said...

Fabulous title, I love it, almost stands alone. Congrats on breaking that barrier, I understand, I really do! And thanks for giving us Salties a shout - Carys' collection is absolutely stunning, I can echo Vanessa. Hearing her and Vanessa read their stories at last year's Frank O'Connor festival was a wonderful experience.

Sarah Hilary said...

Thanks, Tania, it's good to know you empathise, and that the collection is so good. I can't wait to start reading it.

Gay Degani said...

Hey, you! Hoochy-coochie is a gorgeous piece of writing. I hope it finds an elegant home.

Sarah Hilary said...

Thanks, Gay! I'm always nervous about trying a new style of writing (much as I strive towards achieving this) so it's good to know you felt so positively about this piece.

Nik Perring said...

Thanks Sarah and congrats to the others - and to you; thrilled to hear you'er back in the saddle!

Nik

Sarah Hilary said...

Thanks, Nik.