To read the other posts or to join the fray, CLICK HERE.
(It's not that writers are neurotic, they're just, um, .......different. That's right, different! In a good way.)
My fears? That my book, Givin' Up The Ghost, won't be ready by April when I'll have a chance to pitch it at the Pikes Peak Writer's Conference. The first draft is complete and I'm halfway through the edit. But the middle is totally sagging!
I've also never pitched a book before so I'm at a complete loss.
Okay, rant over! How're you all doing?
21 comments:
I just joined the support group too. I've known about it for months now and it's about time I joined! By the way! You can do it. Finish your novel, I mean :)
Thanks Suzanne - Of course I can! Right?! Thanks for stopping by:)
Suzanne, I tried to comment on your site but it says for "members" only. Anyway - just wanted to say that it sounds like you got it together!
I'm sure that by hook or by crook, you'll get it ready, Gwen. And there's a first time for everything.
You'll do fine.
Just do a little every day and don't overwhelm yourself with the big picture. You'll be fine!
And thanks for joining the IWSG and my Catch Fire party. Following you now as well!
Deborah, it will be put together one way or another! I just wish I had more time. Thanks for the support:)
Alex, you are so right. I'm overwhelmed when I look at the big picture. I feel much better when I think of only one chapter at a time. Thanks for stopping by! And following, too:)
I know it can feel so daunting, especially when deadlines are looming on the horizon. I hope that taking it just a bit at a time helps with the fear. :)
Thanks for your support on my blog!
Thanks for your comment on my blog and glad to see you as a member of the IWSG.
There are plenty of agents who dish out heaps of advice on how to pitch, including many experienced bloggers/writers.
All the best with your book!
Breathe. Take it step by step. You can do it. I bet you'll surprise yourself in the end. :)
I'd rather boast of confidence than struggle over fears. My lack of publishing offers might be due to a lack of querying.
Boo Boo
http://joycelansky.blogspot.com/
You can do this. One day at a time, heck one line at a time :-)
Whether the book is super ready or not, if you're already going to the conference what have you got to lose?
I did a pitch session last April. It made me learn how to do a pitch, and as a result of it I made some major changes to my WIP which have made it much stronger. Go for it.
When I'm feeling overwhelmed, I like to break my novel down into chapters or groups of chapters, mark them on separate post-it notes and put them up on the wall. Then, once I've completed that chapter/group, I can take the post-it note down. It makes it easier (for me) to focus on a smaller goal but then you can also physically see the bigger picture shrinking as the post-its come down.
And you can do it :-)
Adrianne, Christine, Sarah, Mama J - that seems to be the concensus. One day at a time, one line at a time, one chapter at a time. So that's what I'm doing - looking at the small picture for a change. Thanks for your awesome advice and support.
Joanne - I need to do some more research. I'm finding lots of articles on querying, but not pitching in person. Thanks for stopping by and giving support:)
Joyce, I haven't queried either! Just not feeling I'm ready yet. Thanks for stopping by:)
Michelle, any advice for me on pitching in person? I'm so nervous about it. I don't even know where to begin. Thanks for your support and stopping by!
I know, I hate the middles. Although sometimes I hate the beginnings and ends too. You'll figure it out, just keep plugging away. I sometimes find it helpful to NOT write for a few days so my brain catches up with my typing fingers.
P.S. Thanks for letting me know about the critique partner blogfest on your side bar. I'll be looking for one soon.
Hey Gwen! I saw your comment about deleting the wrong link. Since the IWSG is every month, the link should be to your blog not the specific post, as there will be a new one each month. So I deleted the one to your post and left the one to your blog. You're good!
Sharon, thanks for the support. I don't have real critique partners, I mean people who will read whole chapters for me. It's hard putting yourself out there like that - what if they don't "get" me? But it's time! I hope to see you at the blogfest.
Alex, I wondered about the sign up. I didn't know if we have to sign up every month or what. Now I know - thanks!
Hey Gwen,
Sorry it's taken me so long to return your follow - been a busy few days here in middle earth :)
I love your post - I agree, writers aren't neurotic were are just super beings who like to live in our imagination a lot ;) Look forward to your future posts ;)
I bet that you can do it! I think that when faced with wonderful opportunities like these most people rise to the occasion. For the book pitching I have no advice, but just want to let you know I'll be excited to hear how it goes. ;)
I would be WAY more scared of doing the pitch than the possibility my book may not be ready.
Wait. That's not helping your insecurities? Sorry!
I'd say focus on what you CAN do at the moment. You CAN make that novel ready in time. And you CAN research as much as possible and ask other authors how to approach pitching a novel.
If you're as prepared as possible then you have nothing to worry about :-)
Jade, thanks for following! I'll be stopping by your place soon:)
Caitlin, thanks for the support. It's nice when people believe in you:)
Rachel, thanks for the advice! You're right - I'm just going to focus on what I CAN do and be as ready as I can when I make my pitch:)
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