Smug git
It's been two and half years, but finally, I've finished the novel. Just wanted to say thanks to everyone on abctales who has taken the time to give me feedback or encouragement or a well-timed clip round the ear. It's late, so sorry if I miss anyone out, but, in no particular order:
Cheers Tony, for providing such a brilliant writing site, and for doing so much to encourage myself and others. Thanks very much for politely weathering the tides of obsequious fawning that I confronted you with at every abctales event, as well. Very good of you, squire.
Cheers Mark, for doing such a good job as editor and putting so much time into cultivating the egotistical fantasies of neurotic dysfunctional oiks such as myself. You're a very sound chap indeed.
Cheers Drew, for taking the time to read a very early draft of the opening three chapters. I've made many changes - you can certainly take credit for much of what has improved, though I don't hold you responsible for any of the duff bits. Your feedback on my various abctales submissions has always been thorough and positive. You've made a huge difference.
Cheers Liana, for basically being unflaggingly supportive and far, far nicer about my writing than I deserve. Your praise, besides being fuel to the rampant conflagration of my ego, always cheered me up no end. Thanks.
Cheers Andrew, for mercilessly laying into the sample chapters I posted on the site. I took it - eventually - as a huge compliment, since it implied that you felt I was competent enough not to be mollycoddled. You were clearly familiar with many of my sources, and your criticism prompted what became a root and branch rewrite of the entire novel. Without your feedback, I can honestly say it would have been a pale ghost of the story it's become. I needed a kick up the backside. Though I can't vouch for whether you'd think it's much cop now, all I can say is that I'm very grateful indeed for your support and insight.
Cheers Bes, for showing me how good a short story can be. Your sets on abctales are, in my humble opinion, unsurpassed, and since reading them I've always aspired to write at that level. Your feedback's always been very encouraging, and coming from a writer who I particularly admire, it feels especially valuable.
Umm... umm...
I suppose I should say thanks to Missi, for being rather intelligent and witty and not at all the curmudgeon I first took him for. And if that comes across as rather patronising, so be it.
I'm sure I've made some glaring omissions - I've consciously left out my Norwich friends, who I can thank in person. I guess I'll have to cringe and apologise profusely later. I know it's a bit wanky and perhaps arrogant to write a public acknowledgement list for an MS that's still sitting on my harddrive, but I'm feeling particularly sanguine and chuffed. So thanks ABC for helping me through it. I'm not sure whether I'd have made it to the end without this community's support.
TIM
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