I've Done It!

I am thrilled to be able to write that I have been awarded my PhD. I submitted corrections in mid-July and had to wait until October to find out the result. It is a wonderful feeling. So what next? The great news is that I have a contract with a publisher. However, it is not for the novel that I wrote for my PhD. The subject of the latter is women in WW1 and I decided to pitch a project to a publisher for a factual book. I had an enormous amount of research material and felt that I could put it to good use. I now have a contract, advance and (of course) deadline. My book is due for publication in 2017. I will be setting up a new website soon and will provide a link. I intend to put my novel away for a year and then redraft it - taking into account all the feedback from my viva. 
I started on this path many years ago. Firstly with a local writing group and then an MA and PhD. I still do not have a published book but I am well on my way. Writing is not easy and requires considerable commitment, patience and time but it pays off. Whatever you dream of, work hard and you will achieve success in the end. 

Nearly There!

I have good news to report. At the end of May I had my PhD viva and passed with minor corrections. It was a strange experience: enjoyable and nerve wracking at the same time. For a couple of weeks afterwards I felt mentally and physically exhausted but to be fair moving house didn’t help. I have now returned to full-time work so progress on the corrections is taking longer than I would otherwise have hoped but the end is in sight. Future projects are bubbling away and I hope to be able to say more if all goes to plan!

A Good Week

There have been two highlights in the last week. Firstly, I attended the launch of Dark Aemilia by Sally O' Reilly (published by Myriad Editions); the story of Shakespeare's 'Dark Lady.' The novel was written as part of Sally's PhD. I have started it and can't stop reading - wonderful. Secondly, I gave a paper at a conference - Remembering and Writing Women's Wartime Lives. The conference was held at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire and was organised by the Midlands Region of the Women's History Network and the University of Worcester. After three years of work it was great to be able to share my research on women war workers and WW1 novels.  

On The Up

After my last post, I received another rejection letter. This one was, however, very positive. It was generic but the first sentence was specific to my material. Rather than get down about it (and let's face it I'm hardly going to be picked up by one of the first agents that I submit to) I submitted to further agents who are currently accepting material and have a particular interest in historical fiction. I received another rejection within one and half working days. Is this a record? If the rest reject me then no matter; I will persist.

The fantastic news is that I have been accepted to speak at a conference in March. I am very excited to have an opportunity to get my research out there. 

Post PhD Hand-In Blues

Since handing in my PhD I've been in the doldrums. Initially I was thrilled that I had completed on time and turned my attentions to preparing agent submissions and Christmas. However, once January arrived I found it difficult to adjust to no longer being obsessed with my study and associated deadlines. I understand that it's important to take time out to relax after such a sustained period of study but I wasn't enjoying it. A basic internet search revealed that what I was experiencing is common amongst PhD students. This week I have tried to change my mindset; focussing on revision for my viva and researching post doctoral options. I am fortunate to have full time employment but it's time for a change; that isn't going to happen unless I get off my backside and start taking practical steps rather than dreaming. 

I have received my first rejection slip from an agent. It wasn't a surprise as I expect to end up with a collection of them. It doesn't matter how many there are as long as there is one expression of interest. 

Here's to a New Year, a new outlook and of course more hard work.