Exciting news: Alberta Foundation for the Arts Grant!


Here’s some great news! I got a grant from Alberta Foundation for the Arts to do the second revision of my novel, “Alexandre and the Pirates!” I have applied about 4-5 times for this grant and last fall I got one of those wonderful rejection letters: The project is approved, but it was below the cutoff for funding–but if there is funding left at the end of the year, it might still be funded. Of course, I couldn’t get my hopes up, but it was lovely to get the compliment.

Then about a month ago, I got a phone call asking: if I got the funding, is the project still viable? (It is: I took two months off to paint, then worked on another novel, so I haven’t come back to the second revision of Alexandre yet.) And, could I do the project for less funding than I requested? (Of course! I love that novel, and intend to pursue it in any case.)

So…this week, I got the final phone call. I got about half of the requested funding, but I’m still over the moon! So, I guess I know what I am working on, once the cheque arrives (they don’t like you to start the project before you get the funding–it’s a rule).

Back home and catching up


Retreats are amazing for getting stuff done, but there always seems to be a digging out when I come home. Sigh. Today: catching up on emails and volunteer work. Did get a grant application finished and mailed in before the deadline this week for When Words Collide–have another one due in two weeks, then grant writing season is over for this year!

Things settling down


The role of SFWA secretary promises to be a demanding one, at least for the first few months, but I’m getting a bit more efficient with procedures and routines. Whew! Also, back to the editing job and loving it. Making good progress. And, last night I got a draft of my AFA application done, and it’s not due until September. Looking forward to getting back to the novel, and AFA support would certainly help. Hope third time is the charm.

Rainy day today, and none of my family home. Just the perfect day to get lots of writing done!