Vicar’s Close, Wells, the oldest continuously inhabited street in existence, apparently.
So, I didn’t place at the Wells Literary Festival, the comp I’d been shortlisted for- but I did get to spend a weekend in nearby Wales with my sis and a day out in Wells – probaby England’s prettiest metropolis (and definitely its smallest). I’ve also advanced no further than the shortlist with the Meridian Autumn comp – results out yesterday. Which leaves only the HISSAC longlisting for me to watch out there on the horizon- the shortlist will be announced on Thursday.
A friend said that winning sometimes blunts the urge to continue – so I’m meditating on that thought today.
How are all the six monthers going?
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About suehealy
From Ireland, Sue Healy is Literary Manager at the Finborough Theatre, London, a full-time Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Lincoln. Her book on theatre literary management is published by Routledge, December 2022.
Sue is an award-winning writer for stage, TV, and prose writer.
TV
Her current project, a 6x60minute TV series, is under option. She is under commission with Lone Wolf Media, producers behind PBS’ “Mercy Street”, to co-write the pilot and treatment for a six-part TV series.
Stage
Her most recent stage-play, Imaginationship (2018), enjoyed a sold out, extended run at the Finborough and later showed at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough. Her previous stage productions include Cow (Etcetera Theatre, 2017) and Brazen (King’s Head Theatre, 2016), funded by Arts Council England. Sue’s short plays have been performed at the Criterion (Criterion New Writing Showcase), Arcola (The Miniaturists) and Hackney Attic (Fizzy Sherbet Shorts).
Radio
Her radio work includes nine plays broadcast on BBC Radio 4 (Opening Lines winner), WLRfm and KCLR96fm.
Prose
Sue has won The Molly Keane Award, HISSAC Prize, Escalator Award, Meridian Prize and has been published in nine literary journals and anthologies including: The Moth, Flight, Tainted Innocence, New Writer, Duality, HISSAC, New European Writers. She has been writer-in-residence on Inis Oírr, Aran Islands, and at the Heinrich Boll Cottage on Achill Island. She has also benefitted from annual artist residencies at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, and at Ginestrelle, Assisi in Italy.
An academic with a PhD in modern theatre history, specifically the Royal Court Theatre, Sue has presented her research internationally. She spent eleven years in Budapest, editing Hungary A.M. She has a PhD in modern theatre history (Royal Court Theatre) and is a UEA Creative Writing MA alumnus.
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suehealy 
October 18th, 2011 at 09:40
Sorry to read on the not-so-great outcomes on some of those competitions, Sue. Onwards and upwards! What a thought-provoking concept your friend has presented there… off to ponder on that myself.
October 18th, 2011 at 19:20
Yes, it’s a thought to cheer up the losers so I’m all for it : )
October 18th, 2011 at 09:42
It’s always nice to be shortlisted though 😉
October 18th, 2011 at 19:19
It very much is, Cath. And I’m honestly happy with that – there was a time some years ago, when I never got near a shortlist, now I make them about 50% of the time. So, something is going right. I’ll possibly win the ManBooker when I’m 106. : )
October 18th, 2011 at 13:26
I’m not sure I agree with your friend. Too many disappointments can be disheartening to be point of preventing one from pressing on. Some good news every now and then is needed, so good luck with HISSAC.
Empi
October 18th, 2011 at 19:17
Thanks Empi, well I have to take on board what he says- It’s all I’ve got today! : ) Thanks for your wishes re the HISSAC. I’ll keep ya’ll posted.
October 18th, 2011 at 14:16
You know, we all have to develop thick skins and accept rejection as a part of this life we’ve chosen…
But that doesn’t make it sting any less. Sorry, dear. You’ll get ’em next time!
October 18th, 2011 at 19:16
Thanks for your support, Heather. I’ve grown a rhino’s hide – but it is surprising how needy rhinos are : )
October 18th, 2011 at 14:25
Sorry to hear it, but I’m sure you’ll continue on … it’s the life blood of an author … continuing. I once told my daughter that mistakes are wonderful opportunities to learn, I guess that holds true for not winning as well.
As for the six-months … I’m at roughly 12,500 words.
Best wishes!
October 18th, 2011 at 19:15
Absobloodylutely will I carry on.,, and I best start with my (presently poor) word count re six month novel. Many thanks for your support Gillian!
October 18th, 2011 at 15:54
Bummer about the turnout…maybe the last one will go better. At least you must know that you’re a good writer to have made those lists to begin with. Although I would be personally disappointed after having my hopes up, I would try to find encouragement in that fact alone. You must be doing something “write!”
I was slightly ahead before the weekend, and I used that as an excuse to slack off. I’m currently at 8512, but I haven’t written yet today, so hopefully I’ll catch up to a 500 wpd average.
October 18th, 2011 at 19:14
Thanks for your note, Amy. When this happens I fleetingly feel “why the bugger did they shortlist me, only to get my hopes up?” but then I remember that I can put a shortlisting on my CV- and it all counts. And yes, there were a few years in the early days when I never so much as got a sniff of a shortlisting, so I’ve come a long way.
I’m desperately ashamed of my progress re novel and plan to make up for it at the weekend. Thansk for motivating me!
October 21st, 2011 at 01:34
Re: Competitions: I have yet to enter that arena, but I am motivated by you and a few others to give it a try. So, thanks for sharing the “in’s and out’s.” To misquote Barbie, “Writing is hard.”
Re: word count: I am behind at his point, but writing continues. We’re having our annual Halloween Shindig (2 on the same day), so that takes center stage, but I am around 12,000 give or take. As Walt Disney said, “Keep moving forward.”
We own two other businesses (writing is our third), and one thing we’ve learned is it’s okay to be the turtle. I doubt you’ll be waiting until you 100+.
October 21st, 2011 at 07:53
Thanks Kori!