Wednesday 27 July 2016

Man Booker time again

It's Man Booker longlist time again, and it looks like a good one.

I was a little uninspired by last year's list, but this year I already had some of the books on my TBR list, so I spent time today adding a couple more.

I hadn't realised it was being announced today until one of my friends on Facebook - the owner of Salt - shared the news that another of his authors had been included, Wyl Menmuir for his book The Many. I wrote about Salt's story in 2012 when Alison Moore made it to the shortlist. You can read my post here - it's an inspiring story in itself.

I love the Man Booker Prize, because I'll be winning it when I'm 56 (it's been a long standing conviction since I was 17, I might have mentioned it once or twice).

Every year, when the prize rolls around, it makes me super focused on my writing. I've been a bit aimless (again... *sigh*) since I finished my WIP at the end of last month, so today I started re-reading a novel I've been submitting to agents, and decided to refresh it. None of the agents have been interested, so it's probably a good time to have another go at it. Beta readers have given it thumbs up, so it might be just a case of jiggling with it and trying again.

It can't hurt, right?

At the moment, I have chopped up/taped back together scenes strewn all over my floor, and I'm fending Artoo off with my foot. So, it's probably time to get back to work.

What have you been up to?
What gets you motivated to write? Do you even need motivating as much as I do?



27 comments:

  1. Don't let Artoo mess it up now!
    I really need motivating...

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    1. Luckily, he backed off :-) Hope you find your motivation soon!

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  2. I just need time. Although I am writing some tonight!

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    1. Hope the writing went well. Time can be a huge problem, although sometimes my 'I'll just sit quietly while I have a cup of tea' turns into a mammoth Netflix session.

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  3. I've been feeling kind of aimless with my writing this summer. I am working on stories though, so that's something. :)

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    1. Short stories are a great way to dip in and out - another collection, I hope?

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  4. Hi Annalisa - it's great you feel motivated by the list for the Man Booker prize - you'll have to tell us which books took your fancy?! I'm going to pop over and see Salt ...

    Writing with a clean slate around me - must get on! Cheers Hilary

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    1. I'll probably mention it again when the shortlist is announced :-)

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  5. Yesterday, I replenished my stationary to motivate me to get going on my novel edits. It's working - I dreamed about one of my characters last night and got up early to write it down :) So pleased you are feeling motivated too. Wishing you all the best.

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    1. Yes, stationery always helps me too - the first blank page, new pens, Post-Its, highlighters... Good luck with your novel!

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  6. like to read, but so lazy
    New post : VISIT http://www.melodyjacob.com/

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  7. keep your eye on the prize. I've got a hodgepodge collection coming out - poetry, flash, and three new chapters as followups to my books. That got me thinking about new material. We shall see if I follow through. Proud of you - keep writing

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    1. Sounds like you've got a lot of ideas - definitely follow through! :-)

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  8. I need motivation in constant, small doses.
    I'm with you on the pieces of draft all over the place.
    Best wishes!!!

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    1. Motivation boosters, Tyrean? Like small pieces of chocolate, evenly spaced? :-)

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  9. Aimless. That describes me quite well during the summer.

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    1. I've been particularly so this weekend. It's what happens when all the kids are around, isn't it?

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  10. I hope to win an award one day. I used to have a goal of reading all Pulitzer Prize winning books, but that was back in college. I read many, but after college wasn't keeping up with them.

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    1. That's a great goal. Perhaps you can start up again!

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  11. It would be so cool if you won that prize! I have faith in you! And yes, definitely take another look at your book; it obviously means something to you, so I think it'll be worth it.
    Unfortunately, I haven't been motivated to write this summer; I think it's partly due to the fact that this is the first time in a long time where I didn't have to teach or work on my dissertation. It's been nice to have free time instead of being so busy that I can't even watch an entire 30-minute sitcom.

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    1. You work so hard, you deserve a nice rest. I think I'm a long way from writing a book that's worth the prize, but I'll keep trying :-)

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  12. It is certainly an award worthy of seeking. I look forward to your announcement when you win.

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  13. I'm usually pretty motivated, until I'm not. Then I spend the day in front of the TV. UGH. I feel so ashamed those days, but totally relaxed. :)

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    1. It's strange how the TV can make time speed up, isn't it? :-) A day in front of the TV is like an hour of vacuuming!

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  14. I'd like to vote for you to win. Can I do that? I should be able to. Hold on, let me play my overlord of the universe card. Wait, that's the hubby. Hm.

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