In the last few weeks I seem to have followed in Jane Austen's footsteps. First, a visit to the Cobb at Lyme Regis and last week I was in Bath, helping our son move out of his uni house (it took 2 cars to bring home his stuff!). In Bath I achieved two ambitions: meeting an online writing friend, Diane Simmons (@scooterwriter), in the flesh AND eating a Bath bun at the famous Sally Lunn bun shop where we met up (see above left - the oldest house in Bath built in 1482 and lived in by Sally Lunn in 1680). Mine came with cinnamon butter (see above right), but I found it rather sickly. The last few weeks have given me some good reasons to eat buns. I've always said on here how important it is to celebrate the small stuff i.e. any glimmer of writing success. Well, here's why I've been celebrating (with buns of course):
Soundwork Audio Play competition: my play 'Sleep Diary' was shortlisted, making the final six. Sadly, it didn't win but I'm still pleased with its success. (The winning plays will be produced so watch out for that). I have to thank Patsy Collins for mentioning this competition on her wonderful blog - wouldn't have know about the opportunity otherwise!
National Flash Fiction Day 100-word Micro story competition: came Highly Commended. You can read the story here. The story evolved from a workshop exercise when I found Railway Land, read more here.
Finally, while driving home from Bath I picked up an email from Ashley Stokes at Unthank books. A short story of mine has been selected to be part of Unthology 10 (an anthology to be published July 2017). This is a very prestigious anthology and I'm so pleased that my Commonwealth Writers shortlisted story 'Household Gods' has found a permanent home.
This week it's Teacake Wednesday with Wendy Clarke. I'm looking forward to reviewing May, setting new goals for June and feasting on even more buns!
Now where does the quote: 'There will be buns for tea?' originally come from? Leave a comment if you think you know. (Sorry, no bun prizes even if you do know.)
So pleased for you, Tracy, that you have had lots of fantastic successes. Bunderful news! Long may it continue - and I'm sure it will. I think 'buns for tea' might be from The Railway Children. xxx
ReplyDeleteKnew you'd have the perfect bun pun, Joanna! And yes, it comes from The Railway Children. If memory serves the mother said this (she was a writer too) when she sold a story.
DeleteSo pleased for you, Tracy, that you have had lots of fantastic successes. Bunderful news! Long may it continue - and I'm sure it will. I think 'buns for tea' might be from The Railway Children. xxx
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your micro story. It was memorable. Interesting to see which ones won the competition.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Veronica. Yes quite a mixture for 100 words.
DeleteCongratulations on your bun worthy successes - and thanks for the mention.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome, Patsy. Keep telling us about FREE competitions :)
DeleteWell done. I envy you walking in footsteps of Jane Austen
ReplyDeleteIt has been fun, Rosemary :)
DeleteWell done, Tracy. I too was thinking of the Railway Children's buns for tea! Was also wondering how you stay slim with all these bun success.
ReplyDeleteSpot on, Lindsay. Er not sure I do stay slim ... any appearance of slimness I owe to good underwear!
DeleteI don't know about buns but you certainly seem to be on a roll. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteLike it, Linda! Could mine be a pain au chocolate?
DeleteOh yes, half bread, half cake, why not?
DeleteCongratulations on all your success, Tracy! I once read a novel featuring Sally Lunn and if I ever get back to Bath (keep hoping) that's one of the places I wanted to visit.
ReplyDeleteYou must visit the tearoom, Rosemary. Inside it was like sitting in Jane Austen's parlour :)
DeleteLove Bath and I had tea in Sally Lunn's and buns when I last visited too. Well done for all if this recent successes. Such a shame our stories weren't in the same edition if Tab seeing as that was how we originally 'met'.
ReplyDelete