Irish Writer’s Centre, Dublin: The Novel Fair

Being chosen as one of the 12 finalists in the 2017 Novel Fair, had a similar effect on my morale. Once the elation of making the final had passed, the reality of finishing ‘The Manuscript’ to its conclusion in less than two weeks, came between me and my night’s sleep – literally.

Withdrawing because I had no finished manuscript to present, was not an option, and I learned more about myself, my stamina and focus, as well as about my writing practice in the weeks leading up to the Novel Fair showcase day, through the manner in which I tackled the task and organised my time.

Sometimes it is good to have an intransigent deadline staring you in the face.