Month: March 2014

One More Clarion Post

~ emmakosborne ~ Leave a comment

No Clarion for me this year. I received rejections from both UCSD and West, much to my disappointment.

I know that it’s not the be all and end all, and I intend to continue to work hard on my writing. I will keep submitting. I’ve got three upcoming publications within the next 2-4 months and a few more irons in the fire.

Still, I would have loved to have taken six weeks away from my day job to write, to learn, to meet people and to improve my craft.

Next year. There is always next year.

I’m reminded of one of my favourite Robin Hobb quotes:

“The fight isn’t over until you win.”

― Robin Hobb, Royal Assassin

Tenterhooks

~ emmakosborne ~ 5 Comments

At this point, all I can do is hold myself in a state of cat-like readiness.

If you’ve found me by searching for people waiting on Clarion news, welcome. Pull up a chair. UCSD is pretty much sorted, I suspect, but you and I both know that West is a mystery.

Maybe a writing exercise would help pass the time?

You’ll have to excuse me, I’m far too frazzled to come up with something, but do hit me up in the comments if you’re up for some kind of word-related challenge.

General Villainy

~ emmakosborne ~ 3 Comments

It has been said many times over that a good villain is the hero of their own story. Couldn’t agree more.

Personally, I like villains with complex backgrounds and high ideals that make perfect sense if you squint. Y’know, like Magneto. He has lived through terrible things and is a product of those struggles. (Plus, him breaking out of his plastic prison in X-Men 2 is my favourite scene from any action movie EVER.)

Think about Walter White or Tywin Lannister. Arguably, Tywin is the more noble of the two – yes, he lies and schemes and kills his foes, but his declaration that his actions are all for his family and his legacy actually ring true when you hold his words up against Walt’s endless lies and ego.

Sometimes it is all in where you stand. Daenarys Targaryen is a conquerer as much as a liberator, and shows no mercy to those who have wronged the weak. Remember, this is the woman who has crucified people (OK, so they had just done the same to a bunch of slaves…) She fights fire with fire and rules in some cases by asserting her values onto several different ancient cultures (not that they were necessarily GOOD, of course.) Would the people of Meereen and Pentos and Yunkai see her as a villain or a hero?

I adore a good villain and I love a solid antihero. Got any favourites?

Clarion Season

~ emmakosborne ~ 18 Comments

It has rolled around for the fourth time. Like, oh, hundreds of writers around the world, I have submitted an application to both Clarion UCSD and Clarion West.

I can’t stop checking my email.

Usually I’m waiting on something writing related – a submission, a beta read, very occasionally a contract – but this is different. I know (promise) that I’m not going to hear anything for a little while. I still can’t help checking. And checking. And checking.

Brain, Please Stop.

I really, really, REALLY hope that this year is my year. But, you know, all of the other times I’ve missed out have only made me a better writer, and if I don’t go to Clarion then I’ll be off on a holiday to Europe. You could call that win-win, yes?

I’ll just be over here, pushing F5 and thinking positive thoughts.

*stares*

Edited to add: So, I’ve gotten a rejection from Clarion UCSD. Holding out for news from West. Eeeeeeeeeeek.