Photo by Denny S. Bryce
My recent vacation has given me a lot of new energy - more relaxed yes, but more confident, too. But I surely don't know why that's the case. After two weeks in Orlando (first week at RWA Nationals), I got a chance to meet and interact once again with a fabulous group of writers, women, and in general people who are doing the same thing I'm doing, trying to fit all of the things they enjoy doing into those snippets of life called 24 hour days. Which we know ain't really the case - we only get something like 18 hours of that day to really work with, the rest is sleep (and yes, six hours is really all you need:)...or at least that's what I've put into my head).
So what are the big plans? I got two agents interested in my manuscript - one requested the whole damn thing. That's a first. So, I guess the year of polishing has been worth it. I'll let you know when and if I get an actual contract with either one. I also had a request for a partial and a synopsis from an editor from a publishing house I'd love to work with. But after the excitement of last year this time - I'm guarded. I had an agent and an editor request the first three chapters - and to this date, I haven't heard a word. I hoped for at least a rejection email, but nothing. So I've let it go.
Next a published writer I admire gave me some encouraging words about my book, my process and my writing. That was a real boost, believe me.
But you know, it gets me how confident I am in my 'career' but when it comes to writing fiction, I really struggle with seeing every word I write as about as close to 'not very good' as you can get.
Some tips for writers - stop thinking and just write. Yes, simplistic, but it's amazing how much energy we put into the process and not into the actual writing. General, but I know it's true.
And by the way, I'm still looking for a focus for my blog, but just like everything else on my plate - it will come to me sooner or later.
Hey Denny...love the blog! Thanks for visiting my site and leaving me a message. I've got some great video shots of all of us at Rachelle's Chase the Dream table. I'm still floating from RWA..can't wait to do that again!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes for the manuscripts. I've just edited mine for the second time...may go back over it one last time to polish it up. But I'm going to send out queries by this weekend. Keep in touch!
Lori Leger (aka Cajunflair)
thanks for dropping by Lori. with all of this social networking we'd better keep in touch (lol). Best of luck with your manuscript!
ReplyDeleteDenny
I love the don't think just write comment! I needed to hear that right now. I had some of my work critiqued by a "general" audience and it wasn't as well received. I think partly because my main characters are African American. But it took me awhile to get that could be the reason. Had to take those rose colored glasses off and step back into reality.
ReplyDeleteI still like having people of various backgrounds reading my work. It helps me as a writer so I can write to suit all. So I'll stop "thinking" too much and just "write."
Hey Kim,
ReplyDeleteI believe your writing has to be critiqued by other writers who are interested in helping your writing improve so you can get published. The ethnic background of that writer shouldn't be an issue unless they have issues reading about African Americans or other ethnic groups - which is odd to me (see one of my later posts on that topic). But bottom line - getting critiqued is a two-edged sword - good critiques go a long way in helping you improve. Bad critiques can be discouraging.
I like your attitude though. Just keeping writing, and don't be shy about sharing what you write. That's the way to continue to improve so you can ... say it with me:) Get Published!