Monday 12 November 2012

Graduation: feelings and stuff

I had my MA graduation ceremony on Friday.  When asked how it went by various lovely people at work today, the adjective that most frequently came to mind was 'cold'.  Because it was, I was, and I had my trusty thermals, fluffy socks and a relatively thick cardigan.  All those girls in their tiny dresses and inappropriately high heels must have been freezing their proverbial knackers off.

I'm not saying that it wasn't moving, interesting, fun and a hundred other things, but I can't help the fact that my overriding impression was related to the temperature.  It's sort of hard to concentrate on anything much when you're that uncomfortable.  And I have a lifetime's worth of experience with being frickin' cold the entire time.  Hence the thermals.

But I did have a good time.  A day off work was obviously something to enjoy right off the bat, but I also got to see friends and have a nice lunch and walk around Winchester which was looking especially pretty: fiery autumn leaves and other such sentimental nonsense.

I did feel rather sad when it came to giving back the gown, though.  I know it's been over a year since I handed in my dissertation but it still felt rather final, returning the physical symbols of my graduation.  I'm not usually one to find such things emotional but there you go.

In writing news, I finished Chapter 20 this evening.  My don't-break-the-chain thingy is still working well and is making my writing feel much more purposeful again.  I have my calendar tacked to a bookcase next to my desk and there's a certain degree of satisfaction in looking at the rows of little blue crosses which shows my consistency.

Now cometh the task of searching for agents.  I really do intend to do it, I promise.  There just aren't enough hours in the day.

4 comments:

  1. I suppose 2011's 'Writers and Artists' at 1p on Amazon would be unnacceptable? Bearing in mind how expensive the MA was - and congratulations on getting it! - £14 for 2013 would be a good idea, even! You will be able to count it against tax when you get that publishing deal, I did mine...

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  2. Why didn't I think to look at the 2011 one on Amazon? Because I'm an idiot, I guess. Thanks! If I don't find anything useful in the borrowed one I'll give that a go!

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  3. Or you could try the website: http://www.abarcy.co.uk/Literature/Literary_Agents/UK_Agents/ it's fairly up to date!

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  4. That's fantastic, thank you! When ever I tried looking for agents online all I ever seemed to get was US ones (hence going for books instead). I must have been searching the wrong things!

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