My Journey So Far
So here we are. All things considered, I am roughly three months into this journey. In those three short months, I have:
- Written the first draft of my picture book, and sent it off for critique
- Received excellent advice on revisions
- Created a dummy and plotted action, dialogue and pacing accordingly
- Revised, ignored, revised, repeat
- Read blogs/twitter feeds/websites/articles etc. to soak up as much information about the industry as possible
- Bought Writing Children's Books For Dummies (Don't laugh!)
- Messaged complete strangers on Facebook about SCBWI
- Created a professional Twitter and Instagram account
- Created this website
- Written a first draft of my query letter
- Researched agents
- Revised, ignored, revised, repeat
- Started two additional projects
- Thought of at least ten ideas I want to write
- Connected with other writers as much as possible
I can't help but gush a little about how much I love this new writer life. I have always loved writing. But now, I am a writer. Not a published author (yet!) but definitely a writer. I love the stories I get to create and I love that every second I put in is for me. I love that something that for so long was in the back of my mind is now set into motion.
I also really love that there is so much to learn. Don't get me wrong - there have been times when I have been ridiculously overwhelmed. One thing about connecting with other authors is your realize just how many people are out there doing the same thing that you are, hoping for the same end result. But you also see the success stories. You celebrate. You dream. And you work.
So what's next? After the first of the month, I plan to join SCBWI and register for the upcoming conference in my area. My hope is to not only get new eyes on my manuscript but also to polish my query letter. Then it's time to send it off- Eeeek! I'm almost excited for that first rejection, just so I can see it's all real.
If you're traveling down the same road that I am, please don't hesitate to let me know if there is something I can do to help. The amazing thing about this industry is that one success doesn't negate another. The bookshelf is pretty big. We're all in this together!
