When did you first feel like a "real" author? The first time you took pen to paper? The first time you wrote a cohesive story - with a beginning, middle and end? The first time you let someone else read your work? The first time you had your work critiqued and were able to absorb the feedback and make changes? The first time you attended a conference? The first time you queried? The first time you took a work-for-hire assignment? The first time you got paid for your writing? The first time your work was published?
I think each of us has a different threshold. Some writers are never published, and that's fine with them. They write because they have to, no validation needed. Some writers dream of being published from the very first word. Others won't feel validated until s/he holds her book in her hand.
I had a phone conversation with an industry professional this week and received some great feedback on my book. The person treated me like a real writer. It was a wonderful feeling because, of course, I am a real writer. Have been since college. No matter that my first work-for-hire book just came out this past January, twenty years after graduation. Or that my novel is not quite ready to leave pre-query stage.
I am going to the NESCBWI conference this year because I am a writer. Writer's need networking opportunities, and workshops to enhance our skill-sets. I'll say it again, I am a writer. It is my career. It is not just a hobby.
I feel like I should be confident enough to not need the validation. But it feels darn good. What kind of validation do you need to feel like a "real" writer?
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
WIBIJ - Prizes this time!
Heather, Jon, and Tina at Where in the Blogosphere is Jon are at it again. And this time, they're offering Prizes. Cue the movie music.
I've played a couple of times and have discovered a few great new writer's resources and cool writer-ly types in the process. Not to mention the fact that the Trio are very cool. And hip. And they all have cool blogs of their own.
Heather
Jon
Tina
So, May 5. WIBIJ. Be there. Or be...not cool.
Unless you have to work. Or take a child to the dentist for another filling. Then, come late.
I've played a couple of times and have discovered a few great new writer's resources and cool writer-ly types in the process. Not to mention the fact that the Trio are very cool. And hip. And they all have cool blogs of their own.
Heather
Jon
Tina
So, May 5. WIBIJ. Be there. Or be...not cool.
Unless you have to work. Or take a child to the dentist for another filling. Then, come late.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Conference Prep
I’m attending the New England SCBWI conference in a couple of weeks and I’m getting really excited. I’ve scheduled a manuscript critique, and a quick-query review. I’ve also signed up for some awesome workshops. I’m meeting a few friends for the first time, and get to hang out “in person” with my incredible critique group.
In the spirit of preparing for the conference, I put together some tips. Feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments!
1. Plan to meet blogging friends and/or critique partners while you’re there. It’s not just about networking with industry pros – it’s also a great opportunity to connect with colleagues.
2. Research the faculty who will be presenting and critiquing. Have a sense of who will be there.
3. Be ready with pages and a pitch (but only when asked!) Memorize your pitch sentence in case someone asks you over lunch!
4. Bring Business Cards – in my experience, you won’t give these to agents or editors, but you might want to share them with fellow attendees. Easier than grabbing pen and paper and jotting down your email address!
5. Keep writing samples in your bag- if you have a finished manuscript, bring your first chapter and synopsis.
6. Volunteer, if you can. It’s a great opportunity to get involved and you’ll meet cool people.
7. Take a notebook with you everywhere. You’ll get helpful tips in the workshop sessions, but you might also learn something at the buffet table.
8. Meet at least two new people. This is hard if you’re an introvert. But, you’re in a hotel full of writer types, you never know where you’ll meet a new critique partner or beta reader.
Thanks to the following sources for some inspiration on putting together this list.
Janet Reid
Resources for Writers
Marian Merritt
If you're going to be at NESCBWI, give a shout -- I'll see you there!
** Update 4/29/10 - The QueryTracker blog has a great post today that goes into much greater detail than mine! Check it out!
In the spirit of preparing for the conference, I put together some tips. Feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments!
1. Plan to meet blogging friends and/or critique partners while you’re there. It’s not just about networking with industry pros – it’s also a great opportunity to connect with colleagues.
2. Research the faculty who will be presenting and critiquing. Have a sense of who will be there.
3. Be ready with pages and a pitch (but only when asked!) Memorize your pitch sentence in case someone asks you over lunch!
4. Bring Business Cards – in my experience, you won’t give these to agents or editors, but you might want to share them with fellow attendees. Easier than grabbing pen and paper and jotting down your email address!
5. Keep writing samples in your bag- if you have a finished manuscript, bring your first chapter and synopsis.
6. Volunteer, if you can. It’s a great opportunity to get involved and you’ll meet cool people.
7. Take a notebook with you everywhere. You’ll get helpful tips in the workshop sessions, but you might also learn something at the buffet table.
8. Meet at least two new people. This is hard if you’re an introvert. But, you’re in a hotel full of writer types, you never know where you’ll meet a new critique partner or beta reader.
Thanks to the following sources for some inspiration on putting together this list.
Janet Reid
Resources for Writers
Marian Merritt
If you're going to be at NESCBWI, give a shout -- I'll see you there!
** Update 4/29/10 - The QueryTracker blog has a great post today that goes into much greater detail than mine! Check it out!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Guide to Literary Agents - Be (Slightly) Afraid of Posting Your Work Online
Chuck Sambuchino advises against posting any part of your fiction WIP in the April 25 edition of Guide to Literary Agents blog. Guide to Literary Agents - Be (Slightly) Afraid of Posting Your Work Online
I've had two versions of the synopsis of my WIP posted for a few weeks. As soon as one of my critique partners shared this link with me, I immediately took them down. I had never considered the possibility of theft. The article scared me.
I'm curious now. How many of you post excerpts of your work? Have you considered the possibility that someone might pilfer your work? Or is it all worry about nothing?
I've had two versions of the synopsis of my WIP posted for a few weeks. As soon as one of my critique partners shared this link with me, I immediately took them down. I had never considered the possibility of theft. The article scared me.
I'm curious now. How many of you post excerpts of your work? Have you considered the possibility that someone might pilfer your work? Or is it all worry about nothing?
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