Updates from the laptop of Jacqui
Today’s newsletter contains and will contain in future editions:
Featured work
Recommendation
Writing updates
The Rejection Project update
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Featured work
In this month’s newsletter I’m sharing a VERY short story (all of 50 words) that was shortlisted in the Queenscliff Literary Festival’s Penned competition.
*Trigger warning; this story is about infant loss
I view the world through the camera’s rectangular eye and make adjustments that perfect the image. A halo of light appears. I turn the exposure down to reveal a tiny family with their newborn newly stilled. I step closer and reframe. The parents hold the baby tight, and I cry.
Recommendation
The Book Club podcast with Tabitha Syrett and Dominic Sandbrook
What an addictive find!
This podcast comes to you from Dominic Sandbrook (of The Rest is History) and his producer on that show, Tabby Syrett. Together these two create a dynamic that is always entertaining and always interesting.
Listen along if you like good discussion, book recommendations, behind-the-scenes stories and lively, interesting, engaged presenters.
Plus, sign up for their free newsy newsletter for a wealth of information.
Writing updates
1. Still Here literary magazine
I’m super excited to have a poem published in the next issue of Still Here magazine https://stillheremagazine.com/ coming out on 5 October.
This little poem began as a nightmare — literally — after a news item that was very disturbing. Only read if you’ve a thick skin!!
2. Pen & Possibility magazine
It’s such a privilege to have had a story accepted for this up-and-coming magazine run by passionate supporters of new and emerging writers. I’m very happy to have found a home for the ‘Gentle Fall of Purple Rain’ as it’s a story close to my heart. Keep an eye out for publication in the 1st November edition of ‘Emerging Possibilities’ magazine at - https://penandpossibility.com.au/emergingpossibilities
3. Shortlisted for the Newcastle Short Story Award
Yes!!!! This is my second year in a row being shortlisted for this wonderful prize and my story will be published in the associated anthology. You can pre-order copies here. 😀 The anthology will ship in November after the awards announcement.
4. Bar-tailed Godwit Poetry Project
Stay tuned for details on how to access our completed chain link poem…more in future issues 😃
The Rejection Project
Current update: 64 rejections, 10 acceptances.
What am I learning?
I have learnt so much about perseverance, to just keep submitting no matter what
I am starting to understand the variety of places I can submit to, as long as I’m not expecting to be paid
I keep writing and practicing and honing my craft which can only be a good thing
Bit by bit I’m getting better at managing rejections
I have a growing database of ‘near-misses’, ie. places I can send future stories
The rejections keep me humble (I hope!) and keep me working towards my goals
We turn to stories and pictures and music because they show us who and what and why we are, and what our relationship is to life and death, what is essential, and what, despite the arbitrariness of falling beams, will not burn.”
Until next time,