Glenn McGoldrick completed the Short Story Writing For Magazines Course at UK Writers College in 2016. Since then he has enjoyed a spate of literary successes with several stories published, and final placement in two writing competitions. We find out more about his progress as a writer.
What made you decide to become a writer?
I enjoyed writing stories as a young kid at school. Then I grew up, had a career and did some travelling. I saved some money, took some time off and thought about what I really wanted to do in life.
I’ve always enjoyed reading, and reading books about writing. Then I took a writing course, wrote some stories of my own and enjoyed it. Then I just carried on writing stories, hoping to improve a little each time.
You recently completed a writing course with us, and since then you have enjoyed several publishing successes. Can you tell us a bit more about those?
I’ve had three stories published on short-story.me, one story published on fictionontheweb.co.uk and two stories published in Scribble magazine.
I placed third in a competition for Bookers Corner, UK. I then won first prize in a competition at http://thewritersnotebookgroup.blogspot.co.uk/. My story is being published in a collection on Amazon called ‘Misshaped Dreams’, which will be published in March/April.
I have published my own short story collection, ‘Nightmare Waiting’, on Amazon.
How did it feel to get published?
It feels great, especially if you’ve had a few rejections before success. It’s like validation, and you think to yourself, ‘Yeah, I can do this.’
What is the most important tool or tip you got from doing your writing course?
My tutor, Ginny Swart, was excellent. She encouraged me to keep writing, keep submitting, keep going – if my story wasn’t accepted one place, then try another. Basically, don’t be put off by rejections; just get on with the next story.
Do you have any writing rituals that you follow to get in the mood and get started with work? What does your typical writing session look like?
I get ideas from newspaper articles. I expand the original idea, work on it for three or four days, ending up with lots of notes on paper. Then when I’ve got most of the story figured out, I’ll get to my laptop, start typing it up, breaking it down by scene, in random order. I usually find that the first and last scenes are the easiest to write.
Any books or resources that you would recommend for other writers just starting out?
Try a writing course where you’ll get the chance to write and receive some friendly feedback. And try to write something daily, develop the habit.
