For my middle grade novel TROUBLE BENEATH THE WAVES, which I entered into the 2025 Mslexia Children’s & YA Novel Competition.
I was informed yesterday that I did NOT make the shortlist: 😦 However, I’m thrilled TROUBLE made the longlist. Once I’m done with my tiny pity party, I’ll enter the 2026 competition.
From Mslexia:
“We know from our previous research with 4,000 would-be novelists, that only 24 per cent who embark on a novel persist through to a complete manuscript. One fifth get no further than some notes and an outline; another fifth give up after fewer than 10,000 words.”
With 3 complete novels in revision (2 of them consistently placing in SCBWI contests and, now, Mslexia) and 2 more 1/2 written, I’m definitely NOT in that 24+% category. Nice to know.
And here is a puppy (see previous post): Bear.
Yours in simply carrying on writing and revising,
PB
PB Rippey Writes 
Oh my gosh, Patty, thank you. I’m behind in everything because it’s like having a toddler again, but we loooooove him so much!
Amazing achievement! And good luck for the future. I’ve not yet done a single novel, though I’m working on my first now. I hope one day… Well done and thanks for the inspiration!
Good luck on your novel!!! So very exciting!
He’s absolutely adorable!
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