I am Sarah. I am just Sarah.
I haven’t posted anything for a very long time. I’m sure most people who embark on blogs have the same trouble; I can’t write until I have something to say. I can’t post until I have some news. Until I have achieved something of note, there is no point in making a sound.
But I kind of have. I have achieved. I have had news. I have things to say!
My writing continues to ebb and flow along the path to finding representation. I made it to the long list of the Stratford-Salariya Picture Book Prize with a story so close to my heart. One day I may find myself with an agent who loves it as much I do, just as it is. But it’s one of those stories that I am not willing to change in order to fit into someone else’s idea of ‘perfect’.
I made it to the finalists’ showcase of Mindy Weiss’s Picture Book Party. That was a huge boost to my confidence, followed by a swift crushing when no one showed the slightest bit of interest in my story!
I have continued to be part of two very active critique groups. Putting my work out there to be pulled apart is nerve wracking and thrilling and grounding all at once. And it’s always a delight when critique partners come back with truly actionable advice.
Having narrowly missed out on winning a mentorship, one of my critique partners, the wonderful Clare Helen Welsh, asked the writing community of Twitter if anyone would be interested in a mentorship from her - if she were to start offering them. I leapt at the chance!
The last few months has been a whirlwind of learning and writing development. It has felt like a true partnership. I have been able ask any and all questions I had. Clare has given answers to all of them and pointed out the other questions I should be asking, of myself and the industry. She has made herself available to me, looked at my work, given it to me straight, been kind, been honest, been helpful. And I am feeling ready to take flight. Cut the apron strings and make her proud!
With the end of the mentorship in sight, I decided to test the water. I submitted a poem to a wonderful new publication for children’s poetry. Other than through the brilliant Caterpillar Magazine, access to children’s poetry has been limited. The Dirigible Balloon will, no doubt, make it easier for poetry to be read, listened to and appreciated in classrooms, households and on long boring road trips up and down the country and further afield.
I was thrilled that my poem Spicy Feet was accepted. Here it is with my reading of it.
So things have been happening. Yes, I’m still just learning. I’m just starting.
But just wait.
