Look at what I found!
This is definitely the season of surprises. Hopefully nice ones. Small wonders, big delights. It's about the unexpected. But also hopefully about the wonder.
What has surprised you the most this year? Have you made any discoveries about yourself that have lent something to your creative self? To your writing?
For me, the biggest development was that I gained the confidence to put myself forward in a big way. I started querying like mad. I spent a lot of time at this year's SIWC pitching to agents. That meant I didn't take as many notes (and yes, I'll be sharing more soon) but I was able to put myself out there. I memorized my pitch and was able to deliver it confidently. Not glancing down and referring to notes meant a lot because it meant I could respond to questions on the fly, make my pitch a conversation. Having a finished draft and being able to say, "Yes, it's finished" rather than "It needs a bit more work, can I wait to send it to you?" felt like an accomplishment, too.
And that led to me taking other chances. Like participating in #PitchWars. And I was delighted to find out that I'd been named an alternate for author mentor Rin Chupeco!
So, guess where my goals are right now? Yep, working on the thorough and precise feedback I've received. (Well, that plus beta-reading. One of the authors I featured here the week before last has given me the second book in her series to give feedback on, and I'm excited for that!)
Of course, not all surprises are good ones. Yes, there were rejections. (On the positive side, they were personalized, which itself was useful and encouraging.)
There was also non-writing-related heartache. Still is. There's a useful book I intend to delve into soon, our very own Denise Jaden's WRITING WITH A HEAVY HEART. But that's all I really want to say right now. I am, at my core, an incurable optimist and not afraid to self-assess. I have a wonderful and supportive husband, and a lot of good things to be thankful for in my life. For me, at this moment, staying focused on the writing stuff is where I need to be. Well, that and planning for our annual holiday party this weekend. :)
So, how have your goals been going? What have you discovered? And what has surprised you?
Speaking of surprises ... With help from Random.org, I drew another name for a surprise gift. Congrats to Carol Garvin!
