Hi ,

After wrapping myself in cotton wool after my last novel pitch (Sheffield Novel Slam), I decided to concentrate on writing more short stories for a while and putting the novel on the back burner.

Take the pressure off, I thought. Just have a bit of fun with your writing.

Currently, I'm writing a new short story, rewriting another and I've just started a screenplay too.

So, what did I do today? I signed up to pitch my novel to an agent at a workshop in February. Help me!

It's not that my last pitch went badly, far from it, I actually did really well. I got through to the final and had the chance to read my first chapter to the judges and the audience. That's when things took a turn and I felt like the judges ripped me to shreds in front of the audience. Luckily, I recorded the feedback, and it really wasn't that bad, but that's how it felt.

It took me a while to get my confidence back, and maybe it's not fully there yet, but I'm doing it again, regardless. One day I'll get it right, right?

So, I will keep you updated as to how it goes and in the meantime, my next short story, "Mother's Pride" will be available to read soon on my website.

Have a glorious end of your week!

H. J. x