Rejection Letters

I have a feeling that the more manuscripts I send out the more rejection letters I will receive. When I see that SSAE sitting in the mailbox, I pick it up with a sense of dread, knowing too well what is inside. I sit on a weathered bench seat under the tree near the mailbox, open the envelope and see the words of 'unfortunately....' But in some strange, dark and disturbing way the rejections give me at least some contact with publishers. One day I have a feeling that I will get a happy letter. It's just a matter of when. Tootle pip!

Pleasant Surprises

I was so delighted yesterday to find out I had won a copy of Peter Carnavas' latest picture book, "The Great Expedition". I have recently come to love Peter's books. Each one is a gem.
Some weeks before that I won a copy of Catriona Hoy's "George and Ghost". I was excited then too. Both books were ones that I really wanted so the opportunity to enter a competition to win them was great fun.
On Mother's Day I entered another competition and won two picture books, My Mum’s the Best and also I Love My Mummy! through Kids Book Review. I felt pretty pleased with myself I must say. I'm looking forward to reading my new books. As a writer, it's a pleasure to read and also a learning experience.

What I'm writing

Good morning. On this freezing day I have been very happy working on my laptop by the heater. Of course the cats try to race inside in this weather.
I decided to ditch a story that I recently wrote. After looking at assessor comments and reflecting on it, I went cold on it. That's okay. It's an interesting process.
I sent off a story to a kids' magazine yesterday. It's fun to write something on a specific topic requested by the magazine that I wouldn't have thought of. It's amazing what can be created. 
I am also researching information for a US publisher who accepts "faction". I will check out some of their published works to get an idea of their style, then I'll set to work and create a story that might fit their program.
Happy writing.