Presenting...

...On Presenting.

I'll be doing my first writer presentation.
Where people sit at my heels and bathe in the wisdom of my experience.

Which boils down to,

Just keep running toward the goal line.

I've prepared. I have a PowerPoint and everything. (I even have plans to share delicious candy)
But, that doesn't eliminate nerves.

Someone shared this:

https://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are?language=en

TED talks. I should watch them on loop.

 

 

So I should be ready.

But, it doesn't end now.

I have to practice.

Oh that dreaded word.

The one that makes you tired because you know you demand as much, if not more, from yourself than anyone.

 

 

 

 

 

It's coming.

I've prepared. I must practice.

Just like writing.

Every. Day.

I'm going to go over my presentation. Again. Again. Again.
And hope I don't sound like a robot.

 

Unless I sound like Siri. That robot is alright.

 

 

Projecting. How to Pick What's Next

Recently, I completed a first draft.

Which means I'm this far into that project...


While that is sitting--and healing from 'first-draftness', before I go back with the delete button, I have to figure out where to focus my writing energy.

There are other MS in the revision queue, and story ideas lining up for attention.
This is the HARDEST part of writing to me.

I'll think I've decided and then...

...Not decided.

I'm sure having an agent would help--they could look at the pile of choices and say,
"crap, crap...crap. meh, crap... wait a second, this one has promise--oh no, I misspoke, that one's crap..."

My agent would be so awesome--and probably try to kill me.

Being an independent author--or a floundering writer, however you want to label it--a lot of this 'where are my strengths' business is up to me, which really makes the whole 'project roulette' a crap shoot.

Things I use to help me make the most informed choices I possibly can:
#MSWL http://manuscriptwishlist.com/
This site informs me of which types of MS are being sought by both agents and editors.
Publishing is a fluctuating industry. It's important to know what is being acquired and what is being cooled because of oversaturation already.

Writing Buddies/Critique partners
I am blessed to have a trusted group of fellow writers that I can field for how much weight certain projects might have. It's vital to have those people who can safely inform me, 'maybe not this' and I trust and value their opinion as helping me not waste my time.

Writing groups/networks
Twitter hashtags to do with writing help keep me grounded in both trends and support.
#amwriting
#amediting
#amrevising
#askagent
#PubTalkTV
 These tags help me network with people struggling/celebrating with similar writerly experiences. There is no shortage of writers. The support is there,

A last mention of something that helps me determine what to work on--contest horizon. Writing contests happen all during the year. I will often search for contests that interest me in the months to come and determine if I have a project that I can get ready in time to enter.
My book releasing summer 2016 is a contest winner from #PitchSlam 2015
Some others include:
Pitch Madness hosted by Brenda Drake.
Here's her contest schedule for this year--she is one of my favorite and most trusted contest hosts.
http://www.brenda-drake.com/contest-schedule/

There are regular contests from writers on Twitter. Follow fellow writers to learn about upcoming events and opportunities. The best thing I've gained from Twitter is talented and supportive writing friends--even more valuable than contest status is the support and encouragement the writing community shares.

Be Involved.

Now I have to go choose which file to open on my desktop...

What It Feels Like to Query

Stage the First:

I've been working on this for a year, it's AWESOME!
Every agent will be knocking down my door to rep this.

This is a delusional stage, by the way.

Stage the Second:

I totally nailed QueryShark suggestions to make demonstrate how un-live-without-able this novel is.

Hint: I have never nailed a query, unless the term is being used ironically.

Stage the Third:

Research all agents--like ALL. Achieve stalker level research skills.

How I travel in large cities...

Stage the Fourth:

Develop some serious Agent-Crushes.

Try to follow their specific guidelines from their individual websites and agent pages.
*still screw something up*

Stage the Last:

After you hit send

 
And you stay in this place for the rest of the day.


These are the reasons I want to puke, live I a hole, and in most ways become nothing more than a freckle after I send more than three queries. Also, I'm really good at being a doofus--not the best way to impress.

Luckily I have an awesome group of writing friends I can turn to and confess my insecurities.

I spent the weekend making a massive list of agents to query.
I revised my query and gave myself a little pep talk.
"These agents are looking for what I have. They might like my style."
I hit send.
Now I feel paralyzed with doubt.
Why does this happen?
I feel like every line of my query makes me sound like a dorkwad.
Like I should purchase buck-teeth and take a googley-eyed selfie to post as my profile picture from now on.

 

 

 

 

I highly recommend finding a group of writing friends who understand what you're going through as a writer. People that appreciate the work you put in and the product that comes out. I have that, and it's awesome.

 

It makes this whole process worth it.

I just hit send again.