From January to August this year I made 22 submissions. In September (by the time I have finished two more which are nearly ready to go) I will have made 11 submissions.
Whether it’s because of recovery from Long Covid, a recovery from self-doubt or because I read The Power of Positive Thinking, I don’t know. But it’s been a productive month.
So far I have had news of one short-listing and three acceptances, so it’s working out OK. It will be two or three weeks before I get much news, as editors normally wait until the end of the submission period before making their decisions. I know that the percentage of acceptances may be a little down, as I’m now submitting to new journals, or ones where I’ve been unsuccessful before, but it’s looking good.
Of course, a lot of things had to fall into place for this to happen, and it may not happen again for a few months. One was that I had to be producing. Two is that I had to have a month with plenty of potential. According to my list, it will December before I get such a month again, so I will have to spend the next couple of months building up a body of work. I’m hoping to avoid a situation like I had this month where I open up work that is “ready” to go and find that it hasn’t been completed. I think I mentioned that in an earlier post. My apologies for repeating myself.
So, to recap. I have just spent most of a post waffling on about writing again, which is often quite dull. On the other hand, my life is dull and this blog represents my life, so you knew what to expect when you started reading.
However, I have also provided and example of how positive thinking made a big difference to my productivity. This is a lesson that can be applied to any area of life. You may even apply it to doing something useful or profitable. Both these aspects of positive thinking have escaped me but, looking on the bright side, writing keeps me happy and out of Julia’s way (the recipe for a long and happy marriage).
I now feel less dull and more like a public benefactor. See – I said it made me feel happy.
Julia picked the last of the tomatoes today. They have been small but very tasty.
Expect another post later. I am feeling full of words.
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Nice tomatoes.
Thank you. Julia does most of the tomato growing these days. It’s my favourite part of the year, with just a trace of sadness that summer is over.
Those tomatoes are beauties. And I will echo Jodie: Yay, you!
Thank you Laurie. When we move we are going to concentrate on salad growing. Healthy, money-saving and good gentle exercise.
You have fully mastered the art of making the mundane interesting.
Thank you. I think . . . 🙂
Your life is anything but dull, Simon!
Positive thinking certainly helps with getting through life. Can’t hurt to enjoy the time on Earth as best one can! Some of Life’s amusement park rides are a bit unsettling, but overall, look for the good.
The book was a timely reminder about looking at things with the right perspective. Approaching retirement, I find I have so many plans and ambitions . . . 🙂
” On the other hand, my life is dull and this blog represents my life, so you knew what to expect when you started reading.” So funny.
” Whether it’s because of recovery from Long Covid, a recovery from self-doubt or because I read The Power of Positive Thinking . . .” The writing muse is just like the motivation muse. It’s a huge mix of unrelated factors. Enjoy it while it’s here and try to figure out how to nurture it. xo
Yay YOU!
I’m going to write as much as I can and take it as it comes. last time I started to examine it too much I ran dry.