Second Guessing

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[Before I begin...for those interested, here's my query! And the first 250 words! And the title! I didn't "win" this contest, but I made it to the top 25 which is awesome in itself. I'd love to hear what you all think.]

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Querying. Is. Hard.

I knew it would be – every writer does – but I wasn’t prepared for it to be as engrossing as writing the actual book. I’ve been rejected a few times already, which is fine. I’m still going, still processing, still sending queries out. But like I said – it’s hard.

I think my biggest problem is second guessing myself. It’s smart to query agents who represent what you write. It’s smart to target those who have worked with similar books. But there’s still that…on a pedestal feeling, I suppose. I find an agent who represents YA contemporary romance. I look at their client list. I find authors I love. And then I feel…not worthy. As if my book doesn’t compare at all to those other books. As if it’s not as good.

Of course I shouldn’t feel that way, but sometimes it happens and I just skip that agent. When I shouldn’t. I should send them an email because, really, what’s the worse that could happen? I receive another rejection? Fine!

It’s easy to second guess. It’s much harder pushing through. So, today I’m doing just that. I’m querying those agents who represent similar books that I love. And perhaps I’ll be rejected, but that’s completely fine. At least I tried, right?

What are some things you’ve second guessed yourself about? And how did you power through? 

 

Show Up

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You know that quote “80% of success is just showing up?” I feel writing is similar. Success is just doing it in the first place. In regards to that, I just read a great post by author Allison Winn Scotch about writing. Check it out here.

I think it’s the same once you’re done writing the book. After you’re done, you have to do something with it, right? So I am! I’m not going to chronicle all of my queries and requests and rejections. That’ll just be annoying. But I will state one bit of success I’ve had thus far. My query has made it to the second round of a contest judged by two agents. There are 25 finalists in total. Six will have requests for full manuscripts, and quite a few will get critiques and comments, or even partial requests. Honestly, while I’d love a request, I’m just really excited about the critiques. I’ll know what I did right, did wrong, need to improve on. That way I can send a better more prepared query out next. It’s a learning process, no?

Once the contest is closed, I’ll link over to my entry. I’d love to know all of your opinions.

It’s that thing…

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I love me some Stefon. He’s by far my favorite sketch on SNL right now. The things he says are beyond ridiculous, and Hader’s laughing makes it even better. (It’s beside the point that I totally <3 Hader.) Anyway, with S’s birthday coming up, we decided to Stefon the Facebook invite up. What do you think?

SAMIR IS OLD

If you’re looking for a great way to spend a Friday evening look no further.

Orlando’s hottest party is “Samir is Old.”

It’s. Got. EVERYTHING.

Sting rays, collared shirts, Ukrainian people, a mortar without a pestle, And who’s that in the corner? Is that former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee? No, it’s a trashcan wearing a dress!

Come and celebrate with us and perhaps you’ll get to drink an Irish cement mixer.

You know, it’s that thing when when you mix a cocktail in the beak of a pelican and then immediately eat a raw potato and emigrate to the United States.

So come on over; we hope to see you there!

Edits

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First page of "Dharma Bums." Editor's comments in pencil. Kerouac's comments in red.

Here’s a fun fact for you: when Jack Kerouac wrote Dharma Bums, he wasn’t touring the country or in a small apartment in New York City, he was living here in Orlando. My library actually has the original DB manuscript, edits and all. It’s really remarkable to see.

What I found to be hilarious, though, was how Kerouac actually rejected most of the edits suggested. There’s actually a page where he wrote “Viking Press changes that I rejected.” How crazy is that!

I’ve discussed earlier how I actually love getting critiques. Sure it hurts somtimes, but that’s good. Because I know the people who are editing are helping the book, not hurting me. And that’s my ultimate goal, isn’t it?

I say all of this because…the editing phase is finally done on TNWSY. I sent out my first query yesterday. I’m nervous, of course, but also extremely excited. I know there will be rejections, I know there will be hard times, but I also know I worked hard on the book, and I’m excited that it actually turned into something. Something someone might see one day.

Wish me luck!

Wonderland Circus

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Wonderland Circus, Sideshow Coney Island by Reginald Marsh; 1930; photo from Ringling Museum of Art

I love this painting.  There’s something raw about it; something private, yet public. Like the artist happened upon this insanely rowdy moment, and no one cared that he documented it.

What I really love, though, is the woman in blue in the front. She knows the artist is watching but she doesn’t care. She’s in control, leading, pulling a guy along for the ride. The painting shows a group of circus performers, but somehow this audience member gets the spotlight.

And, really, who at one point doesn’t want that?