This morning, Writing WA announced the names of the 20 people awarded places in their Emerging Writers program. My name isn’t on the list. Much as I hoped it would be, I’m okay that it isn’t.
Not being picked for the program will not change my goal of seeking publication for the book I’m writing. In some ways, it makes it easier because I can work at my own pace, which might even be faster than the stated program goal of August 2025. Of course, I am a bit disappointed because the free guidance and mentoring of someone who has been where I want to go would have been invaluable. But, as I said in a recent blog post, I believe in myself as a writer and the story I am developing, and I will continue to aim for completion and publication.
We weren’t given a reason why we weren’t selected. Perhaps my goals weren’t clear enough. Perhaps my work wasn’t as compelling as others. Perhaps too many of us were working on the same genre. Perhaps there were just twenty other stories that the selectors felt needed to be read more urgently than mine. Whatever the reason, I will keep working. As a sage friend advised: This is the way of writing. He proudly announces any rejections, despite the negative connotations of that word, because it means you threw your hat in the ring and had a go.
To the people who were chosen, congratulations. I’m delighted for you. I’m sure the Emerging Writers program will be wonderful and greatly beneficial. I hope all your stories get finished and find their way to interested publishers. Hopefully, my book will join yours on shelves in shops, even though I will take a different path to get it there. Here’s to all of us writers who are seeking the same thing – for people to be able to read our words.
This is the way[1].
[1] Borrowed from Jon Favreau/Disney’s The Mandalorian.
A Glorious Mess 