Helena Halme Author

Nordic Fiction with a hint of Noir and Romance

  • Books
  • Blog
  • Join My Launch Crew
  • New Novel Sneak Peek
  • Contact me
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Google+

Submission fatigue?

July 19, 2009 by Helena Halme 4 Comments

The latest copy of Mslexia has been sitting on my bedside table, untouched, for over two weeks now. This is the magazine every woman writer should learn by heart a few days after it drops on her doormat, as it has everything you ever need to know about writing and getting published.

For my defence, I’ve been slightly preoccupied by daughter’s jaw operation. Even so, there were many times both in hospital and since when I could have been reading it. Instead, I opted for Grazia, Vogue or some other equally picture laden publication.

Today I got round to Mslexia at last. And there they were again: the pages and pages of competition ‘opportunities’.

As an unpublished writer I should – I know I should – take part in every competition possible. Along with writing the latest tale about spies and intrigue in Helsinki, I should be compiling a veritable portfolio of short stories, to be dusted off and pulled out for submission to this or that competition.

This afternoon I got as far as circling the ones in Mslexia that sounded my sort of thing and promised myself I would sit down and write the first few sentences of new story this evening. Or at least in the course of next week.

But.

I have yet to hear back from a few agents on my manuscript, The Red King of Helsinki. Though there’s nothing I can do (apart from writing), it’s taking all of my energy just to wait.

In the past I’ve sent out a few stories, even my first completed manuscript, Pappa’s Girl, to competitions, but suddenly I have no enthusiasm left for them. Perhaps I’m having submission fatigue.

Does such a thing even exist?

You may also like:

Default ThumbnailTo MA or not to MA? Advice for New Writers Part 4: How to Increase the Speed of Writing How to Attend Indie Author Fringe Default ThumbnailMy Nordic Adventure: Part Three – the rest of it (almost)

Comments

  1. oneof365 says

    July 20, 2009 at 10:04 am

    I totally hear you! I get a copy of The Writer's Handbook every single year and every single year it grows dust! I promise myself that I'll enter something. ANYTHING this time. But I NEVER do. It's like I'm a deer in headlights. What's with us? We can bloody write but we can't fill out an application, lick a postage stamp and go to the post office? I don't know what our problem is—but I'm with you—-we have to sort it out and fill out and entry. I better hear back from you that you did this young lady! 😉 X –oneof365

    Reply
  2. Helena Halme says

    July 20, 2009 at 11:56 am

    Likewise. LOL xx

    Reply
  3. Cheryl says

    July 20, 2009 at 5:57 pm

    I can imagine, if you've entered competitions before and you're currently waiting to hear about a manuscript, it's a vulnerable time. I say channel your energy into something more creative and self nurturing. The competitions can wait.

    Reply
  4. Helena Halme says

    July 21, 2009 at 3:22 pm

    Cheryl, I'm trying to develop a thick skin. xx

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Free Story for my Readers Group only!

Read an Exclusive First Chapter

NEW

Find out more

new

View Book

Alliance of Independent Authors /

Free Exclusive Bonus Chapter

looking for the self publishing coach?

Follow me on Instagram

What a lovely surprise! THE ISLAND AFFAIR is #no1 What a lovely surprise! THE ISLAND AFFAIR is #no1 on Amazon! 
The novel, first book in the Love on the Island series is now free to download from your favorite store. 😉📚🚢💰
Lovely #mothersday lunch @humblegrape ❤️ Lovely #mothersday lunch @humblegrape ❤️
Throwback to 16 years ago. How time flies! 😲 Throwback to 16 years ago. How time flies! 😲
And then there were six! I can hardly believe it m And then there were six! I can hardly believe it myself that the Love on the Island series is now complete. Well, for now anyway - I’ve learned never to say never.
📚🧡
Last time I ended a series (The Nordic Heart), I went back and wrote another book because I had so many requests from readers to carry on. 
✍🏻☺️
I have to say, I’m already missing Alicia and her island friends (and enemies😆). Perhaps I will revisit them all next year, who knows… 
🥰🚢
Load More Follow on Instagram

Follow Me On Facebook

Facebook Pagelike Widget
Alliance of Independent Authors /

writing and publishing tips

Read Exclusive First Chapter

free exclusive bonus chapters

Copyright © 2023 · Author Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in