Welcome to this month’s newsletter!
I’ve been busy with many writing projects…
Short stories
Working on a long form story
Reading Challenge
You can find out more below!
Updates from the laptop of Jacqui
Today’s newsletter contains and will contain in future editions:
Reading Challenge Update
Your Monthly Recommendation
Spotlight - For the Creators
In Other News…
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Feature Story
Reading Challenge Update
#3 in my quest to read all Booker Prize winning books in 2026.
I saw the film version of this book a long time ago but hadn’t read it until now. I really appreciated Thomas Kenneally’s ability to detail the main characters’ lives and his level of research is exceptional. He tells this story with grim determination and eschews hiding any of the horrific details and what I particularly appreciated was the mirror he shines on the lives of two men, similar in build and background but completely at odds in terms of the choices they make. One tapped into the basest of instincts while the other reminds us of the dignity of the human race. Not a book I ‘enjoyed’ per se, but one I would consider essential reading.
The Review
YOUR MONTHLY RECOMMENDATION
MARTY SUPREME starring Timothée Chalmet, directed by Josh Safdie
Wow! I had certainly heard the buzz around this film but still wasn’t sure what to expect. I was not disappointed.
Timothée Chalamet plays Marty Mauser, the titular character and a person who has focused all his ambition on becoming a world champion ping pong player. What is unusual about the film is how much of a unlikeable character Marty is which makes the fact the film is so engaging even more incredible.
FILMS STARRING TIMOTHEE CHALAMET
A Complete Unknown
Dune 1 & 2
Wonka
Call Me By Your Name
Beautiful Boy
Ladybird
Spotlighting
FOR THE CREATORS AMONG US
Unfortunately…
I’ve come to dread the inbox. If there’s a response from a competition I’ve entered or a short story I’ve submitted or a book proposal I’ve offered and there’s a response from the publisher, I’ll open it and scan immediately for the word ‘unfortunately…’ More often than not, it’s there!
So what can a writer (or creative) do when rejection is part of the submitting process?
I’ve tried various strategies over the years, some more successful than others.
Despair - not so helpful.
Quitting writing - again not so helpful, or sustainable.
Expecting rejection - somewhat helpful - always a chance I’ll be ‘disappointed’ and get an acceptance instead.
Realistic - much more helpful but the rejections still sting.
Actually, the rejections always sting especially when I pour so much love and care into each of my stories. However, I’ve found a new strategy this year which I thought I’d share with you.
The 100 rejections strategy
This strategy is a form of reverse psychology. The idea is that I’m sending so much out in order to achieve this crazy goal that somewhere, something might land. The good thing about this idea is that it’s crazy enough to work. If I’m aiming for 100 rejections, this means I need to send out a minimum of 100 submissions which means I’m writing and I’m submitting which means I’m trying.
What have I learned so far?
When my first 4 rejections for 2026 came in, instead of the inevitable woe is me, I can’t write, why am I doing this anyway mantra, I tucked the rejections into a sticky note on my desktop (after all I have to keep track of how many rejections I get so I can reach my target number), and immediately submitted five more stories. ‘I need to get 100 rejections so I’d better get submitting’ went my brain.
I’m excited now. Excited to keep writing, keep submitting and keep getting rejected.
What do you think? Would you try this?
A Final Note
IN OTHER NEWS
I’m holding in some exciting news. I’m not allowed to share it as yet but hopefully, next time I’ll be able to share something quite special :-)
“You can make anything by writing.” – C.S. Lewis
Until next time,