#PitchWars Aftermath

For those of you who are completely out of the loop, here's the skinny on Pitch Wars: It was a contest on Twitter where signed writers gave their time and skills to help unsigned writers. These honorable, beautiful people are called Mentors. The unsigned writers, like myself, submitted a query letter and the first chapter of of manuscripts to up to four out of seventy five Mentors. In this round, the Mentors picked one Mentee and one Alternate. I read the average Mentor got eighty submissions, so this contest was huge.

I'm going to make a separate post about Brenda Drake (who started all this) and the Mentors to whom I subbed, so you can check out their blogs and pre-order their books! These ladies are mad talented. And of course generous to the bone because they didn't have to participate in this contest, but they did. So, look out for that.

Now, for my personal results! I was not picked. Yes, sad face.

Except my face isn't actually sad because:

1. This is one contest, and there were a huge amount of submissions with tons of talent. I know I'm not the best writer out there. But I am the best writer I ever have been, so I can be happy with where I am now as opposed to where I have been. I'm giddy for all the writers chosen. They are talented and have worked hard to get that coveted spot. I wish them all the best in the agent round!

 

2. For the past couple weeks, I've been a part of a truly inspiring writing community. Never have I seen so many writers encourage and connect with each other. I saw courage. I saw vulnerability. I saw talent.

Because of that, I am more open to the idea of finding a writers group or critique partners either where I live or online. To be honest, this scares me a little because I don't trust people with my book. What if it gets stolen!? To be even more honest, I'm afraid if I join a writer's group or get a critique partner, they'll be one of those I'm-so-smart types who like to talk down and feel superior. Pitch Wars Peeps have proved to be a humble, fun bunch, though! That gives me hope. Yay, friends, and community and stuff.

3. A rejection does not mean I have failed. It means I have succeeded in finishing a project, and that I have the guts to put it out there. Being rejected means I'm trying. I won't get anywhere otherwise.

4. The Mentors are giving feedback to everyone who subbed, and I got my first feedback this morning from my favorite Mentor. I cannot tell you how important this was to me. This Mentor helped me with my query letter in such a huge way. She also gave me feedback on the writing in my MS that will help me grow tremendously.

Two things I need to work on: grounding my readers in the setting (I knew I wasn't very skilled at this), and "showing" instead of "telling". That one surprised me because I thought I'd been making a conscious effort to show not tell. See how hard it is to recognize our own flaws? That's why her feedback was so important. Now I can take that and delve into learning and revising in that aspect.

Another feedback wasn't as specific because she simply said she didn't connect with the voice. She was encouraging, though! I'm still waiting on feedback from the others.

5. This is the big news I've been waiting to tell. Drum roll, please.

One of the Mentors, Sharon Johnston, tweeted about needing a blog assistant, so I jumped at the chance because the more experience I can get, the better. We talked over email about the position, and then she said she wanted to offer me something else she thought I would like better. That is...a spot on the blog, YAtopia, as a contributor! As in, I am now one of the writers. To be real with you, I feel unqualified. These other writers have so much going for them, that they can and should absolutely write about books, writing, and publishing! Me? I'm just over here writing a few blogs and trying to get an agent for my book. But I won't argue! I feel so dang blessed with this opportunity.

 I'm brimming with thankfulness over it all.


Now, I'm going to bust out all my fun writing supplies and get back to it! Never surrender!