....waiting....

The long wait for the 2009 Francis MacManus shortlist continues.

I don't know why I put myself through this. It's highly unlikely that I'll be shortlisted again. The story I entered this year was written in October, the week before Molly was born. It had some merit - I like to think - but Molly arrived a week early, so it was only revised two or three times.

Nevertheless, I like to imagine that I have a chance. I think the story has a certain atmosphere and immediacy, and it's topical.

On the other hand there were 1200-odd entries this year as against 700-odd last year. No wonder they're later with the shortlist.

And the long wait continues...