IWSG! Self-doubt

I don't think I could be more clear in my choice of topic today for Insecure Writer's Support Group (thanks Alex Cavanaugh for hosting).

Trouble is, expressing it... self-doubt... is not as easy as it sounds. It creeps in for me in more places than just in my writing... I find myself leaving projects undone because I feel that no one will care but me, that my creation is amateur, juvenile, worthless.

And then I remember the Artist's Way, a book given to me by my awesome Uncle Pat (everyone should have an awesome Uncle Pat, by the way... he's an inspiration. Remind me to tell you about him sometime). In the book, Julia Cameron talks about allowing your creations to take form, about not having expectations of yourself that each thing you create (especially the early attempts) be perfect.

It's helpful for me to think that way... that each thing I create (story, painting or stuffed cat) is a step along my journey... and each step is beautiful, even if it seems awkward to me.

Sigh... so I'm here, finishing things that I've started now and being happy that I'm a step closer to where I want to be.

Anyone else feel this way? Just me?

Blue Moon rising

The blue moon peeked through the trees out back on Friday night before unfurling its luminescence, washing the landscape in its milky glow. We had a fire in the pit and spent some time basking in the moonlight. I am often surprised at the turn of the season, at how quickly it comes up... it's time for new things now. Hello September... Hello Fall.

Writers' Week 2012 is coming!

Hey y'all! I wanted to make sure you all know about Writers' Week 2012. It's happening September 10-14 and is hosted by the FANTABULOUS Emily Suess over at Suess's Pieces.

This year's theme is "Self-publishing". Whether you're just getting your feet wet in the publishing world or you're an old pro, come share and learn and meet others who are going through the process, too. Full details are on Emily's blog.

So come on over to Suess's Pieces. It's where all the cool kids are at.

Veggies that I grew!

Remember all those weeks ago when I posted a picture of our seedling adventure... weeks, sheesh, who are we kidding? It was MONTHS! Anyhow, looky what I pulled out of my garden this season. I'm so proud!

Yes those carrots are red. They are still orange on the inside, but they're a brilliant red variant called "Dragon". The golden cherry tomatoes are the sweetest things ever, too! And that's just one of the different heirloom tomato varieties we grew. I've been enjoying tasting the literal fruits of our labor this harvest!

In other news, guess who got to go see the premiere of the new Doctor Who series in NYC yesterday? ME! That's who! I'm one lucky girl! And Stephen Moffat did NOT disappoint. Matt Smith and Karen Gillan were there, too!! Which is all well and good, except that I really want Matt Smith to be The Doctor and not Matt Smith... oh well.

Now to get started growing my T.A.R.D.I.S.

Important Tip from Internland: Research Your Submissions!

I am sure that you have heard this recommendation before, but in case you haven't and because you probably need to hear it again:

Research the agent and/or editor to whom you are submitting your manuscript!

People, I cannot stress this enough. How much time and energy you put in BEFORE you hit the "Send" button can make a world of difference between a publishing contract and a rejection letter. Never mind the fact that you should probably pay an editor to review/copyedit/develop your manuscript a bit more for you (let's face it, none of us can see all our own flaws, and our friends are often a little too kind to point them out, either). Acknowledging that agents and editors have specialized genres/areas of interest is more than just smart for you to do for yourself. It shows respect for the agent/editor's time and that you are invested in the success of your book (and they should be as well).

Seriously, people, if you wrote a non-fiction book about family law practice, don't submit it to a Romance novel editor (Yes, I've seen this done). There's no chance that your book will fit into the scope of that editor's publishing. All you end up doing is forcing the editor to waste their time rejecting you. That kind of character development is just plain unnecessary for you to have to endure.

The more you research and understand the nuances of the genre you are writing in and match it to the genres/areas of interest of the agents and editors you submit to, the higher your chances of success. If you really want your book published, give it the best chance you can! The world is not holding you back. You can be the architect of your own success!

Now, get out there and hire some freelance editors (me) to help you sculpt your manuscript so that when you submit it you really are putting your best foot forward!

Steppin' out

Back in January I read a blog post from Brightened Boy in which he mentioned his internship with a literary agency and it sparked something in me. I thought to myself, "I want to intern with a literary agency." And so I sent out 6 applications.

Within a month I had landed an internship with an agent, and so began my education. By the end of April, I had landed a second internship with an independent publishing company. I have learned a lot in the last 7 months. And all thanks to a blogging buddy who posted about his own journey. That's the magic of our little blogging world.

Now Brightened Boy is joining the ranks of professional agent. I am so excited for him! And to think I knew him when. ;)

I, on the other hand, am taking on the mantle of freelance editor. My internship is up at the end of August. Before the month is out I should have a website to point people to for information. I'm not expecting millions of people to beat down my doors wanting service. But I hope that some people will. I think there are a lot of brilliant manuscripts out there that just need a little bit of refining.

I wanna help them stand out.

WHAT IF? Fairytale Madness Blogfest!

Get ready y'all! It's here! And YOU can still sign up!

WHAT IF?

Fairytale Madness BlogFest!

AUGUST 13th – 17th

Hosted by: Cassie Mae, Morgan Shamy, Leigh Covington, and Mark Koopmans

Rules

To enter, think of your favorite "well known" fairytale and ask "What If…!" Then, pick one of these four categories: (be sure to mention which category you're joining, during your blog post!)

Finally, write a scene(s) illustrating a new detail of the fabled fairy tale that changes our perspective.
To recap,

• Is it a plot twist? (Cinderella gets knocked up by the Carriage Driver…)
• An unknown romance that comes to light? (Snow White dumps the Prince for Grumpy…)
• A tragic loss occurs? (The Three Little Pigs are too late to save their house…)
• A little comic relief? (Hansel and Gretel win a trip on Euro Rail, sponsored in part by M&M’s…)

Whatever the change…It's limited only by your imagination – but please keep it PG-13

Other Rules:

• Post your story during the week of August 13 to 17.
• Flash Fiction – 300 WORD MAX. (You don't have to tell the whole story in three hundred words. Pick what works to illustrate your point.)

JUDGING CATEGORIES and the respective judges:

• Best Plot Twist – Cassie Mae
• Best Love Story - Morgan Shamy
• Best Tragedy -  Leigh Covington
• Best Comic Relief - Mark Koopmans

PRIZES!

(Prize will go to the winner of judge's sponsored category. For example, Leigh's prize goes to the winner of Best Tragedy, Mark's prize goes to winner of Best Comic Relief, etc.)

• Leigh is offering: A Paperback Copy of "Save The Cat," by Blake Snyder!
• Morgan is offering: A full manuscript critique!
• Cassie Mae is offering: $25 Amazon Gift Card
• Mark is offering: a $25 Hawaiian care package (incl. $5 USPS Priority Shipping) Winner can choose from any number of small items such as candy, trinkets, Kona Coffee, etc.

So go!!! Please! Sign up and join me next week in coming up with some cool twists and turns to our favorite fairy tales! See you around!