How lovely to be able to share some result-y type news with you - my story After the cat has made it down to the last 20 in this competition, though the final results aren't ready yet. But it's really good to be there, on that list (AT THE TOP! BECAUSE OF THE ALPHABET!). I'll know by the end of September if I get any further.
Interesting to see the 'note' at the bottom of the shortlist - out of the 209 entries 92 had to be disqualified for not sticking to the rules. They were pretty basic rules - Arial 12pt, keep yer name off of your entry, don't go over the word count. I think that was it. It was free-to-enter, so maybe a few un-seasoned writers entered, not clear on how easy it is to have your entry cast out.
But there were 117 qualifying stories so I'm feeling good about being on the shortlist. And this story is a bit of a shortlist queen. And, ironically (though it might not actually be ironic because ever since someone realised Alanis got it wrong I never feel confident about calling things 'ironic') the story made it onto a shortlist at Writers' Forum last year, and it wasn't until months later that I noticed that I, yes me - oh seasoned writer - had disobyed the rules because the story was UNDER the minimum word count they ask for. So I was lucky to get shortlisted, really.
Another interesting thing (tolerant smile, thank you) is that every so often, someone finds my blog by Googling 'Teresa Stenson After the cat' and they have an ISP address at the BBC London. I've never sent it to the Beeb, but I like to imagine there is a top talent writing executive (they exist) desperately seeking news about me and that story. So, friend at the Beeb - hello - and yes, okay, you can make it into a mini series starring Jason Isaacs or Paddy Considine or Keifer Sutherland, whichever one is available, even though the only male part is in his twenties. Sigh.
19 comments:
Hurray! Good luck with the next stage.
Thanks both!
Well done, Teresa, hope you reach the top!
Thanks you, Carole! But please remember I am AT the top already. Have I mentioned that?
Well done, when's the final judging? You must be excited! I still can't get anywhere with short stories. Great news and keep writing!
Thanks, Rebecca - winners will be announced by the end of September - so a bit of time to go yet.
I literally cannot wait for the forthcoming three-part BBC2 drama, Teresa Stenson's After The Cat.
Well done and good luck, T. I hope your reign at the top continues all the way.
OHMYGOD I CAN'T WAIT EITHER!!!!!
Even though the story is only 850 words and it's just one scene, I'm already imagining all the flashbacks and long drawn out pauses and drama and slow motion (a la Garth Marenghi) to make it into three episodes.
Thank you, Dan.
Everything should be done à la Garth Marenghi.
Sorry I'm late with the congratulations - I am like a sticklaback swimming in a canal of porridge on twitter - but I got here at last (and feel like a winner) to say CONGRATULATIONS on another listing - I'm crossing my...fish fingers and toes for you to win.
Side note: is it a bad sign (for me) that I've only heard of the Sutherland from that list of (taking your word for it) actors?
Under note: I often read the sub guidelines wrong, too :( Particularly if the list of sins is numbered. Numbers send my brain into dyscalculia shut down and I'm back being a stickleback in porridge...
(PLease, please, please, powers that be, let Teresa win! I promise I will watch her TV show!)
Well done on your success. Hope you reach the final cut.
YES DAN. YES.
Rachel - thank you, late sticklaback (another interesting spelling 'mistake'). YOU'VE ONLY HEARD OF THE SUTHERLAND FROM THE LIST??? It's not bad, just odd, cos he's quite an international kinda movie star. He was in 'The Lost Boys' (80s vampires). Thanks for the pledge to watch my TV show, which now feels like a real thing.
L - thank you :)
Rephrase: Sutherland is the only actor from that list that I have heard of (I don't know any of the others).
All his movies possible it is I have seen. 80s in contemporary with life of living. The back with a sickle. Ticklestack. Icklestack. Rumplestickleskin....
Ah! Okay, read it bad I did. I thought it'd be odd for you to have heard of the other two and not The Sutherstickleskin.
Twas error mine of grammatical arrangement allowing syntax creative for. Happen I had a moderate to sticklebrick and diminishing crush on the Sutherland, possibly in growth of knowledge surrounding potted meat (known in our family as potted dog).
YES POTTED DOG! MY FAMILY TOO!
I was trying to explain this the other day to someone, how you didn't think for one minute it was actual dog, nor did you question why the word 'dog' was used. It just was. Potted dog.
!!! My gran used to send me to the COOP to buy it by the ounce from the cheese counter. Ounce of potted dog, please. They always knew what I meant, too.
YES! We got it from the corner shop (remember them?) from the counter. Scooped from the vat and into a little white pot. Or maybe just cellophane. Sunday afternoon tea (few hours after your roast).
'MEMORIES...' (Thanks, Elaine) (Paige)
Congratulations, fingers crossed for you!
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