Ruth Rendell Short Story Award – Top Three
It’s been a bitter/sweet few weeks for this old farm girl!
I found out a week before my mother passed away (last blog post) that I had been shortlisted in the top three of the Ruth Rendell short story award and was invited to the Hampstead Theatre in London for the awards event. The judge was the lovely and talented Lynda La Plante and the award only occurs every two years, but (naturally) my place was by my mother’s side where I stayed until the end. When I told her I had been shortlisted she was over the moon (she was my biggest fan and absolutely loved Baroness Ruth Rendell).
The story I wrote is called Pocketful of Posies and is the first story I’ve written in four years. I had been suffering a chronic bout of writer’s block (or just pure laziness), but when this one came up I just couldn’t resist putting pen to paper. I think we all need a little nudge sometimes – and this was my nudge! As it turns out I came third and am deeply honoured to be part of Ruth Rendell’s wonderful legacy.
Ever since writing this story I have had two more in my head fighting their way to the surface. So I’m hoping to have two novels written by the end of the year (I said hoping).
My forte is short stories. When I start a novel I want to cut to the chase immediately, no superfluous rubbish, loads of movement and action and then – The End. Unfortunately, this mode of writing isn’t the ideal for novels. I feel like the European tourist when they first land in Australia when I start writing a novel. This land is so BIG, there is far too much SPACE to work in and I feel agoraphobic!
When writing a novel I need to describe a character slowly instead of the short, sharp, punch approach. I need to dig deep into their lives, breathe their air, walk in their footsteps and feel their heartbeat for months on end. By the time I’m finished with a character they become part of my extended family and I often feel like talking about them with friends as if we all know them personally.
I’ve been called an unconventional writer because I actually only write when I feel like writing. This goes against everything we ever read about being a real writer. Apparently we’re supposed to force ourselves to write every day. I can’t do this because I don’t feel like writing every day. I write when the moment takes me and not a moment sooner – but I’m very glad I decided to write this story for such a great competition 🙂
I have another nest of Red Finches ready to take flight so I’m hoping to have some photos for you very soon.
***Have a great week!***
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother but it is wonderful that you were able to share your good news with her. She must have been so proud. It’s good that you are writing again. I lost my mother in December and am just now starting to regain the joy of writing. Best of luck with your writing.
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Carol. The timing for telling my mother was amazing and I’m so glad she was still here to get the news – it really made her very happy in her last days. I am so sorry to hear about your mother. We will miss them a lot xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dianne, I’m so sorry about your mother. I know she was suffering, but it’s so hard anyway. Many hugs to you. It’s really thrilling that she knew you were shortlisted, and I think she probably thought in her heart you would place in the contest. AND YOU DID. Congrats to you, Dianne. What a HUGE honor. To always be able to put the words “Ruth Rendell” in your bio is a good deal!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re right – it’s a great name for the bio, Luanne! My mother was the happiest I had seen her in a long time when I told her and that is the memory I will be left with (and I know she would want that). xxx
Thank you so much for the congrats – I was stunned when I was contacted 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am definitely not stunned, but so happy for you!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hearty congratulations, Dianne. I’m so happy for you. Life does this–missing the ceremony–and I always assume God had a plan for why I shouldn’t be there. It staves off regrets.
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Jacqui! It would have been nice to go to London and meet Lynda La Plante, but it was not to be and I’m so glad I was there with my mother – I’m left with a very warm and comforting memory xxxx
LikeLike
So strange to combine condolences and congratulations in the same post response. What a whirlwind for you. I’m happy that you found the muse to write this story–I think your mum was behind it somehow. And, I hope more are on the way. But…even if you are gripped with the writing bug, please don’t forget your camera.
LikeLike
I was really struggling with this post, Alta. There is so much happiness and sadness all wrapped up in one – but the memory of my mother clapping her hands when I told her I was in the top three will stay with me forever 🙂
Don’t worry – I’ve already started snapping pictures and I’ve only been home for one day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s incredible! Congrats. 🙂 Write when you feel like it; I do. 🙂 I love short stories too. That format fits my writing style much better than a novel does. I’ve been told my books are too short. Well… there’s nothing extraneous in them, and that’s why! No filler, no unnecessary scenes. Just STORY.
LikeLike
I so agree with you, Fen! I just love to get the story out there without the fluff. When my father was alive he used to say I never wrote a superfluous word! My novels are also relatively short (the longest I’ve written is 60k) 😉
Thanks so much for the congrats – I was shocked when I heard and thought it someone playing a joke on me at first 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
So totally happy for you Dianne, and isn’t it great that Mum got to share in the good news before she left you? She must have been so proud of you.
I, for one, am not a bit surprised. Your short story collection was simply brilliant and I’m gagging to read this one – even though you might put it out there at A$1,000 or something 🙂
LikeLike
Haaaaa! I’d love to get A$1,000 or something for a short story – you’re wonderful, Roy 😀
My memories of my mother in her final days is smiling and clapping her hands – that’s worth more than anything in life! She was always so proud of me and a fierce advocate of my stories (wanting to walk through the city in the early days selling them to passers by! which I never let he do).
Thank you so much for the congrats – now it’s probably time for me to get into some novel writing 😀
LikeLike
How wonderful, Dianne. I’m so pleased for you. I’m so sorry about your mother, she had to be glorious. I will always picture her smiling and clapping her hands at your success. What a love, and you will take that love with you for your entire life, and pass it on to those you touch, including me and your other readers. I love your writing style, and I love that you don’t write when you don’t feel like it because I don’t either. I think you are one of the most amazing writers out today. Again, congratulations on your award.
LikeLike
Wow – what a beautiful comment, Marsha! Thank you so very much 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been thinking about you since your last post, Dianne. I’m so happy your mother heard the wonderful news about her talented daughter. I think it makes your achievement even more special. Congratulations! xo
LikeLike
It’s been a difficult month, Jill – but now I’m settling back in at home and all is quiet and peaceful again. Life will never be the same, but I love the fact that my mother’s heart was filled with joy – it’s a lovely memory xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll keep you in my prayers, Dianne. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sorry for your loss. What a difficult time this must be for you. I’ve been helping my own mother through some recent illnesses. Congratulations on your short story recognition though. That’s wonderful news.
LikeLike
There seem to be a few of us going through it at the moment, Carrie – part of life is caring for your parents and I’m so sorry to hear about your mother’s lymphoma. She is very lucky to have you around. Stay strong and I’m sending you big hugs my friend xxxx
LikeLike
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such great news for you! Yay!! That’s great your mother heard the news, too, and was a part of it. Congrats, Dianne. I’m so happy for you.
LikeLike
Thank so much, Amy – the prize was a shock (but a really great one!) 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
So great that you got to share your good news with your mother. That had to make you both happy. My forte is short stories also, so I understand the difficulty in writing books. 🙂 So glad that you are writing again though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m trying to write, Jackie, but my house is a bit of a mes so I’ll do that first. Hubby did wonders looking after the place while I was gone, but he doesn’t have my OCD cleanliness disorder (lol). It was wonderful having that bit of good news for her – the memory of her happiness is something I’ll hold on to forever xxxx
LikeLike
Congratulations! Third is good! As is Honorable Mention–as far as I’m concerned…
LikeLike
Thanks, Joy! It’s nice when people like what you write – the icing on the cake 😀
LikeLike
Not long after my sister passed away, I was notified that one of my novels was accepted. I was sorry that I couldn’t share the news, but still grateful and happy…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful news, Dianne . . . and your story is delightful! Loved it all the way through. Who knew working with flowers could be so dangerous. 😉
Glad you had a chance to share your happy news with your biggest fan before she passed.
LikeLike
Thanks, Nancy! And thank you so much for the lovely email you sent. It was wonderful to hear from you at a time when I felt very alone xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are wonderful – thanks for inspiring me to write again – my forte is the short story too.
LikeLike
For some reason they seem much easier (yet it is said that the short story is the hardest thing to write). Go for it, Julie! I can’t wait to read your stories 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations Dianne, and so glad your mum got to share your wonderful news! Sorry you couldn’t be with Lynda! And good luck with the 2 novels this year. Suzan
LikeLike
Lynda La Plante is one of my favourites! Oh well, that’s the way things go 😉 Thank you so much for the congrats, Suzan 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats, Dianne. What great news. And on the other side of things, I also send condolences on the passing of your mother. Mothers are such a remarkable gift. I’m glad she got to know that your story was short-listed.
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Cynthia xxx Mothers really are a remarkable gift and the smile on her face will stay with me for a long time to come 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I really am sorry for your loss Dianne. Congratulations on reaching the short list in such a prestigious competition and massive congratulations on a third place, that’s fantastic. Such a shame you couldn’t have been there in person for it.
I haven’t really written anything for 4 years ( apart from a book of animal poems for my grandson) and just can’t seem to put pen to paper. I could never write to order either, the mood had to be just right to write.
The very best of luck with the latest book and with the ideas rattling around still.
xxx Sending Massive Hugs xxx
LikeLike
Thank you so much, David (and thank you for the tweet!) xxx
Creativity is something that can’t be switched on and off, but your animal poems for your grandson sound fantastic!
xxx Sending Massive Hugs Back at You xxx
LikeLike
Your Mum would be so very proud, what an amazing achievement Dianne. I agree with you that you should write when the stories come and play within your head space. have been reading Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and she said if she had written Eat, Pray Love trying to create a best seller. She would not have written the same book. Write what is in your creative space and follow that good vibe. You are an amazing writer and Author.
LikeLike
That is a really interesting thing for Elizabeth Gilbert to say and so very true! We should write what’s in our hearts and not for others or for accolades because it changes the entire focus of the work. Sending big hugs to you, Kath xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a gift for both you and your mother that you were able to share your wonderful news with her. And how thrilled I am for you to have been awarded such a marvellous honour. Best wishes to you Dianne. Take care.
LikeLike
Thank you so much. I’ve really missed your blogs! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, Dianne… it broke my heart to hear about your mother’s passing in your last post, but I’m glad you got to share the news with her. The best feeling in the world is to have your parents proud of your achievements. Congrats on third place! That’s really wonderful.
I’m like you, by the way, I cannot write when I’m not in the mood, and I like to cut straight to the chase too, but at the same time I’m not all that good with short stories and prefer to stay with my characters a long time, haha.
Hopefully you’ll share your short story with us!
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Zen. It’s lovely to hear from you and I hope you’re in the mood for writing because I love your work! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Memories stay with you and bring smiles at odd moments. You’re mom will live on in them. What a great achievement, Dianne to be recognized and awarded for your work. I’m just the opposite of you. I’m trying to learn the art of short stories, because I can’t turn a story off. To me a novel is like a group of shorter stories that mesh together from chapter to chapter. I’ve also suffered from will to write and it bothers me as I sit and stare at my keyboard. You are inspiring in many different ways and I will bet you got much of that ability to inspire from your mom.
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Dannie 😉 I’ve had that ‘sit and stare at the keyboard’ moment many times. That’s why when I write I make sure I’m writing two or three different stories at once. If I get stuck on one, I just switch to another! (weird I know, but it works for me) 🙂
Thank you so much for your lovely comments and also the tweet! xxxx
LikeLike
Congratulations, Dianne. I’m so happy that your mom was able to share in your joy over being shortlisted for the award. That must have made it all the more special for you. I can’t imagine forcing oneself to write. I think you have the right approach, and it’s really paid off, as your writing is wonderful. Looking forward to seeing your red finches again. xx
LikeLike
I’m really looking forward to going back through your blog posts to see how the new place is going!
Thank you so much for the congrats my friend xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
So torn here! Wonderful about the award and sorry about your mom. Glad to hear you’re writing again. Also glad you have the freedom to write only when you want to. Peace, but only as much as you want. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Pat! I was torn too, happy and sad – it’s a tough one xxx
LikeLike
Congratulations Dianne. I’ve always enjoyed your stories. You deserve the award.
LikeLike
Thank you so much! Have you been blogging? because I’ve missed you. I’ll have to go over and check. Sometimes WordPress decides to play tricks on us 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Condolences for your loss and congratulations on your writing success.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Susan xxx
LikeLike
Many congratulations for the short story award! I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. My mother died almost eighteen years ago now and I continue to think of her most days. At times, it seemed we would both drive each other crazy – we were soooo different – but, more and more now, I see how alike we are. She was a great influence on my life and I am grateful to her. May all our moms rest in the peace they deserve when their time here on this earth has come to an end.
LikeLike
Your word are so beautiful (and true!) Francis. Thank you xxxx
LikeLike
Very sorry to hear about your mum, Dianne. 😦
How lovely that your story was about an awesome mum.
LikeLike
Haaaa! I’m so glad you picked up on that – thank you! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
So happy for you and so touched by the timing. it would have been wonderful if you could have attended the awards but being able to share it with your mum was the best.
The latter part of your post I can relate to in so many ways. I think I assumed that shortly after our move my creative-blog-short story writing would go on as usual, and even better with the much anticipated free time…that I would spend hours at my desk tapping away, and conjure up travel blog posts on the move… all hilarious assumptions in hindsight.
When I do get back to it, and I will, I’m reassured, as I can only write when inspiration hits and I tend to do so in blog – short story mode. Many assume that because I write I have novel potential. Maybe one day -with time & work- maybe not. Thank you for sharing that info, it’s made me feel much better.
I’d been thinking of you while we were travelling, and now I’m thrilled for your success 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much, my dear! I’m really glad this all made sense to you – I thought when I moved to the RUC that I would be sitting here every day writing, how wrong I was. I (if I forced myself) could probably have written four novels by now, but I’m glad I haven’t because I love writing just for the joy of it and hate forcing it.
LikeLike
So very sorry about your mother, Dianne. Had you been anywhere but by her side, you would be too full of regret to enjoy this award. Congratulations on this achievement and best to you on future endeavors.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Sharon. It’s been a roller-coaster xxxx
LikeLike
Lovely story. I have always found narration through the eyes of a child very charming. Congrats 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much xxx
LikeLike
Darling your non acceptance of this Award, totally warranted, to be by mums side. Congratulations on receiving it, your success as a writer, may it long continue. We can only write when we feel it, I totally understand where you’re coming from. Hope your thoughts are settling, the grieving process a tumultuous one. Again my condolences and love. ❤️
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Jen. You’re wonderful and a true inspiration to me xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hugs lovely and that’s so sweet, I don’t know how, but I thank you ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
What lovely news to be able to share with your Mother and how it must’ve helped you both through a very difficult time. Now the question is, is the story published in book form? I am looking forward to seeing those baby Red Finches launching themselves into the big, scary world. Your dogs will be so pleased to see you back home too.
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Pauline. I didn’t put anything in this post but one of my dogs had to be put down while I was away. I thought that info would have been a bit too much for this post. But the two remaining dogs are very happy to see me and howled when I got out of the car! They’re so cute and now I’m back to the regular afternoon walk to the mountains (wow – I really missed that).
Hubby bought several hand-made ‘finch nests’ and I have one in a window that the finches are using. This gives me prime photo opportunity but the chicks haven’t poked their heads out yet (I’m waiting like a big ogre for them to emerge) 😀
If you go into the link I put on this page, at the bottom of that page are the three winning stories so you can read mine 😉
LikeLike
Sorry to hear about your dog, just another layer of sadness, but I can picture the ecstatic welcome from the other 2. I’ll go check the link, thanks for that. What a lovely idea to have the finches so accessible for watching and photos.
LikeLike
Congratulations! Your mom must have been so proud 🙂 Hope you find the threads of story to start tangling you up soon. Thinking of you and your mom. Can’t wait to see the new pictures.
LikeLike
Thank you so much my dear! Yes – my mom was bursting with pride. It’s such a lovely memory to hold on to xxxx
LikeLike
Oh Dianne congratulations – which seems strange to write having just read of your mother…so glad you were able to share the nomination news with her though. x
LikeLike
It was fantastic and so nice that she was able to share the happiness xxx Thank you 🙂
LikeLike
Many congratulations Dianne, I’m glad your mother got to know about your success.
LikeLike
Absolutely, Andrea. It was just lovely and a fantastic memory to have of her xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s true that writers write, but it doesn’t have to be everyday. Letting weeks, months or even years go by may not be a good idea if you only want pleasure from your writing, because getting to live off of sales probably won’t happen until the words are on paper/computer.
LikeLike
I don’t think I’ve ever relied on living off sales and I think that’s the secret of truly enjoying the art, Donna. You’re so right about ‘writers write’ 😀
LikeLike
It is odd how life so often comes in a way calling forth both condolences and congratulations. My thoughts have been with you. Thanks for your insights into your writing life. We each have our own path to follow, I think.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Allen. Life is full of wonders and pitfalls and sometimes they come together too fast. I’m hoping my path levels out very soon xxx
LikeLike
Hello sweetheart 🙂 Thanks for reaching out to me this morning. When I saw your name in my comments I thought ‘oh dear’ but it still hits you when you read the words. So sorry, Dianne, but glad your Mum is at peace. Congrats on the award and on writing again. You can find peace (of a sort 🙂 ) in that. Warmest Easter wishes!
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Jo. My mother is really at peace now. It was a long and awful time for her and such relief when she passed. My memory is of her smiling and clapping her hands when she heard I had been shortlisted and that is one I’ll treasure forever 😀
I hope your Easter has been wonderful xxxx
LikeLike
🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bittersweet is a perfect word. I’m so sorry to learn about your mom’s passing. We have discussed our caretaker roles in past comments to each other. Your mom was so fortunate to have you by her side. And how wonderful that she was able to know about your honor in receiving 3rd place in the Ruth Rendall short story award. Congrats! Will we be able to read your story? You are the writer you’re meant to me – write when the words strike you. You’re obviously batting well.
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Pam. I think the news that I had been shortlisted was enough to lift her spirits for a few hours which was a wonderful sight to see (and one I’ll cherish for a long time). 😀
If you click on the link I put in the post for the award it will take you to a page where the three stories are (at the bottom of that page). It’s a wonderful charity that Ruth Rendell was part of where actors read stories to those suffering from stroke. She was an amazing woman xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dianne. I’m sitting here in my New England home at 7:50 in the morning crying my eyes out (just been teaching hyperbole to my writing students, but it seems like an apt expression right now). Your Posie story is incredible. Your mom was incredible. The ending of the story packs a punch as beautiful as bluebells. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re so wonderful, Pam xxxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Back at you. I think we’d be close friends if we lived nearby. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congrats on the award! And that paragraph about you being an unconventional writer and writing when you feel like it–that’s me too! Glad to know I’m not alone in that. 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you so much for the congrats xxxx
It’s true that some of us write only when we feel like it and that’s why I avoid all these books on ‘how to write’ because it really can’t be forced. You’re certainly not alone 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Congratulations on the award! I’m very sorry for your loss.
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Becky xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
So well deserved Dianne. Enjoy your writing so much!! (yesterday was 12 years since my mother’s death)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for the congrats, Karen 😀
Even after 12 years it’s still so raw – xxxx hugs to you xxxx
LikeLike
Dianne, That’s sad about your mother, but you did good with the story, for sure! (Yes, ‘did’ takes an adverb–usually.) Sure, write those stories. The impulse comes after you begin. miki
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Miki – I love the words ‘you did good’! And yes – I’ve already written two thousand words (yesterday) and now I’m back into it today. Those characters have a firm grip on me and just won’t let go now! 😉
LikeLike
Wow – it was great timing that I popped back in today. I love all of your pictures – so amazing, and you are so lucky to live surrounded by all those marvels, but I know you appreciate it.
I’m so sorry to hear about your mum. You really deserve that award though – well done, amazing job. xx
LikeLike
Thanks so much for the congrats, Piper and I’m so glad you like the pictures. I’ve been trying to take some more since getting back home, but the birds and butterflies just don’t want to play 😀
LikeLike
I look forward to reading more of your fantastic stories!! xx
LikeLike
Congratulations and sorry again about your mom. So tough, but I’m really happy she got to hear your good news. Something lovely to take with her. 🙂
LikeLike
Congrats Dianne! It’s rewarding and motivating as a writer to receive such good news. May you continue to create those fictional worlds with unforgettable characters (I still remember a novel of yours I read few years ago as if it were yesterday) that’s the staying power of your writing:). I’m happy your mom got to hear the wonderful news, what a proud moment! Sending love your way…xx
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Cocoa 🙂 Hugs and love to you xxxx
LikeLike
What a beautiful and moving post, captures perfectly the richness of this life and this universe…such beauty and happiness, such sadness and loss. How very special that you were able to share your wonderful news with your mother, a real gift to have that as a lasting, comforting, inspiring memory. I just read your short story on the competition website…wow! I loved it and will read it again. I have no doubt your Mum was totally awesome! I’m so looking forward to your new novels and didn’t know you had a short story collection…I will now seek it out:-) Huge hugs and blessings to you dear huge hearted, talented friend…Harula xxx
LikeLike