Category: Uncategorized

First, let’s recap: this month, I’ve received one nonfic acceptance, two fiction rejections, and competed in the London Final for the Rose of Tralee. And I want to talk about discovering my nonfiction voice after nearly ten years of trying. I’ve done it. Maybe. I’ve used my memory to enhance, rather than overwhelm, my writing.…

What it’s about: Mental illness, introspection, finding joy in tragedy Why did I read it: I like to read poetry collections in between heavier books, and really, really needed to read this one. I need to tell you about Debra. A few months ago, I wrote a bitter note in the margin of my planner:…

I (finally) want to announce some little successes. I’ve tried not to be too negative here, but obviously when discussing rejection there’s always that underlying sense of despair, and in a way writing about it has certainly helped me cope with the gnawing urge to give up. So when success bursts through the door, unannounced,…

What’s it about: Ancient Irish law, customs and culture Why did I read it: Research for Terminal Lucidity‘s second storyline. Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona dhaoibh! (Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you all!) There’s a lot of discourse about why we still celebrate this holiday—see here for more qualified people’s opinions—and I’ve always had qualms with…

A broody 17-year-old coping with heartbreak through poetry, 2013 Happy International Women’s Day! Today, I want to tell you about becoming a Writer. I believe we are all writers just like we are all readers. Letters, emails, text messages, posters; these are written things. But a Writer is, to anyone who believes in segmentation of…

It might not be deadly, but the silent rejection is a particularly frustrating beast to battle. This past week, while facing intense burnout in the lead-up to an event I was running in London, I decided to look through my live submissions. Consider it an exercise in self-flagellation, a skill I could put on my…

It’s a glass of strong tea with a slice of lemon—more sweet than bitter, easy to drink, but always bites you at the end. I’m not talking about what’s in my mug; I’m talking about the shortlist. Today, I received what I thought was a rejection from a prestigious writing retreat. This is, much like…

Some wise words near the NYPL (August 2013) It was inevitable; my first literary agent submission of 2024 was rejected. I’m going to use this post to outline the current status of my novel submission process, and use future posts to explore its different aspects in greater detail. Short-form text is a terrible medium for…

Washington Square Park, August 2018 There are submissions you set your heart on. There are submissions you forget about. There are submission results that just hit at the wrong time. Fortunately, this rejection was none of those. This was a general submission to The Washington Square Review, and funnily enough, not my first rejection from…

Beckenham rail station, August 2020 I’m nothing if not a planner. Whether you consider it intense productivity or compensation for daydreaming too much, it’s an integral part of who I am. I love filling up my calendar with events, meet-ups, maps and word goals; it gives the aesthetic of a full life, and often manifests…