Exhausted

I am completely exhausted. I have decided to enter a YA manuscript contest. Reading all of the rules (every word), making sure I understand each guideline, and putting together the submission packet has left me completely wrung out. And I still have the pitch and the author's bio to do. Who would have thought that this would be such hard work? Certainly not me.

I remember what it was like preparing, every night, for my comprehensive exams to proceed from master's level to doctoral. I feel exactly like that! Like then, the information is not new, nor is it anything I haven't done before. It's the emotional impact. Hooley-looley, this is draining.

My brain is numb. I can't think clearly enough to put together decent sentences, hence, the run-ons that are written here. I have decided to give myself a break from it all. I'm going to play solitaire until my mind has detangled enough to follow one thought to the next.

Another Day in the Neighborhood

I was thinking yesterday about what direction I want my life to take. It seems I often come back to this question. I guess it's because writing is so up in the air for me. I have no idea when someone will like what I write enough to publish it. I have no idea if when I get published what sort of following I'll have. And, at this moment, I'm still learning about connecting and networking in the writing neighborhood.

I read several blogs and I comment on them. Several people read mine and comment there. I'm on facebook and have 'friended' several writers, some published in my genre and some not. I guess what I'm trying to figure out is developing relationships with some of them. I have the members of my critique groups, but I would like more. I'd like to be a part of a social/professional network of writers, especially those who write for children.

Attending conferences and workshops has been a source of connection, but somehow we drop the ball in maintaining that. I have created great connections in the world of psychologists, but I haven't quite figured it out in the writing arena. So I will keep at it until I find the neighborhood and move in.

New Routine

Okay, so here I go. I've put together a new writing routine and hopefully I will get much more done. The old one was not challenging enough and left too many gaps for me to slip through. Now let's see how much this one helps.

I have neglected to do this for myself in the past because with my work schedule I had to squeeze it in whereever I could. It was not only a time factor, but one of energy and space in my brain. Being a psychologist I would often come home with so much buzzing around in my head ,I just needed to do something that would numb it. Now that I've retired, that is no longer the case. These days I have to remind myself that I have the energy and space to get it done, and tell mysel to go to it.

It's amazing to me that since I enjoy writing so much I would have to remind myself to get more done. I really do love writing. My brain feels differently when I'm doing it, literally. I think it has something to do with right brain vs left brain and may involve some level of endorphins. I wonder if this happens for others, too.

Do you notice a difference between writing and doing some other task? Let me know.

Cruises

Wouldn't it be fun to take a week-long cruise that was specifically for writers? I have this fantasy that all of my favorite authors and editors would be there.Then they would agree to facilitate writing workshops offering their expertise. Of course the editors would tell us what they are looking for and invite us to submit our work.

What a wonderful dream. I love getting professional feedback and direction. I wonder if a cruise like that could really happen? If there were, I would be among the first to book that trip. I get so much out of attending conferences that offer professional critiques. It gives me an idea of what I need to focus on.

I remember the first time I submitted something for critique. I was so nervous I took a digital recorder with me because I knew I would never be able to remember what was said. Their feedback was extremely helpful. It gave me a different perspective in the direction of the WIP.

This year I'm putting together a list of conferences and workshops to make sure I don't miss the ones I'm really interested in. To date, my favorite conference has be the SCBWI Summer Conference and the Agents' Day workshop put on by my regional chapter of the same organization. These two events have given me help, direction, and encouragement.

What are your favorites?

A great and Wonderful Year!

Happy New Year!

I'm really excited about this year--2010! I expect it to be a great one. I get a chance to do things I didn't get to do last year. Things like finishing the projects I'm working on, learning new writing skills, and meeting new writing friends. I hope you are one of them

This year I plan to write new stories and challenge myself to write that mystery I've always wanted to. I am so excited! Just think of all the things I can do with 365 days. I can't wait to get started.

I won't keep you long, I'm sure you have things you're dying to get back to. But I want to say one more thing. Keep up the good work, my writing friends and should we meet, let's share a story or two.