Tuesday 13 October 2009

WHAT NOT TO EXPECT FROM A PUBLISHER

As a hilarious antidote to the info in my previous post (below) about what to expect from a publisher, do read this piece in the New Yorker. Actually, if this did happen, you should be rather grateful. This is attention of the highest order. (Thanks to various twitterers who tweeted it.)


Then, do come back here this evening for details of a chocolate + Halloween themed creative writing competition, on this blog only: a chance for you to hone your chosen writing voice / genre in a piece of flash fiction, with TEN prizes generously donated by Hotel Chocolat. Yes, Hotel Chocolat. Thank you, lovely chocolately people.

16 comments:

Catherine Hughes said...

Ohhh, oooooooooooooooh!

Is it sad that I find the challenge of writing a piece of flash fiction - and people READING it!! - more exciting than the possibility of winning chocolate?

What do we do? When do we start?? Seeing as I write in two (sub?) genres, - I write both science fiction and fantasy - can I enter twice?? (Tongue is firmly in cheek, here!)

This evening? What time? Am schedule-clearing as I type....!!

Nicola Morgan said...

Yes, Catherine, that is sad, though commendable. I think I'll say anyone can enter up to two pieces.

I think it will be about 8pm but I can't remember what time I set.

Catherine Hughes said...

I should confess that, had Pizza Hut or Dominos vouchers been the prixe, I might have had my eye more firmly on it!

Two pieces. Ohh, ohh. Need to start engaging that imagination of mine, then so that it's ready.

Looks like I will be completing a chapter today - yeeeeehaw!

(Don't worry, I haven't suddenly lost the plot, I just have a very, very good feeling about today.)

Pen said...

Oh, my! That article was totally insane. Loved it. Thanks for sharing.

Nicola Morgan said...

Catherine, you'll be getting me into trouble with the kind people at Hotel Chocolat! It's the most fabulous quality stuff, with innovative flavours, and you don't appreciate it! Gah! Writers must love chocolate - it's a rule. Maybe it's where you're going wrong?

Catherine Hughes said...

Could be, could be! Heaven knows, I am going wrong somewhere because I am not published and we all know that I have a right to be!!

OK, I shall attempt to convert. it's not that I don't like chocolate, just that I prefer pizza. In fact, however, I do have a box of luxury truffles I was planning to give to someone else... I shall try - forthwith!

Unknown said...

oooOOOoooOOOoooOOOooo... chocolate FOR writing! Egggggcellent! :D

Go away google said...

Chocolate? But is this one of those compos where you have to be unpublished to enter? (Mind you, I'm one of those people who is legitimately confused as to whether or not they are a 'published author'.)

Mame said...

That article was hilarious!

Sally Zigmond said...

I just loved that article. Thanks, Nicola, for linking.

And I'm so excited about 8pm tonight that I'm already feeling the beginnings of a virtual chocolate rush.

Nicola Morgan said...

Anna - oh no, anyone can enter. This is all about writing quality not pedigree, honestly!

Sally - just for you, I've changed the time till 6pm. And this competition is right up your street. A chance to flex your literary skills and with ten prizes I can afford to spread the bounty across genres too.

Amanda - calm down! This is serious. It's about the writing, remember...

Juliet Boyd said...

Ten prizes! That could make for pretty good odds.

Two hours, eight minutes and counting.

Anonymous said...

Poor Jason!

Sally Zigmond said...

I've just been browsing the Hotel Chocolat website and find they've just opened a store in my old stamping ground, Harrogate. Not only that, but it's about 50 yards from where I may be launching my novel.

That gives me an idea...Morgan, you're a genius.

Tangledally said...

Brilliant article!

I absolutely ADORE Hotel Chocolat - especially their amazing chocolate slabs.

JaneF said...

Turns out it's not as hard as I thought it would be to become a follower. Religious movements could learn a lot from this blog. (I think it was the little chocolate skulls that swung it for me.)