28
Jul
I’m sick. Miserably sick.
Could the timing be any worse?
In around 24 hours I’m supposed to be picking up my registration materials at the Writers Workshop and happily beginning 2+ days of educational opportunities and networking with other writers. And sometime in the next couple of days, I’ll be making my first ever face-to-face pitch to an agent.
And I sound like I’ve been gargling broken glass and have a nose so red it would put Rudolph out of business.
But I’m not going to take this assault upon my immune system lying down! Oh, no. I’m currently pumping my system full of fluids, vitamins, and decongestants and praying I’ll make a rapid recovery by tomorrow evening. I’m even considering some of those crazy home remedies my aunts swear by — I seem to recall something about vapor rub and bacon fat… (Hey, at this point, I’d try just about anything if it would make me feel better.)
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a vat of green tea to consume…
15
Jul
Synopses are from the devil.
I don’t know of any writer who actually enjoys writing a synopsis, but it’s pretty much one of those things that must be done, regardless of how unpleasant — kind of like weeding flowerbeds in 95 degree heat, wearing pantyhose, and scrubbing toilets used by a houseful of boys, all of which rank right up there on my “Personal Hell” list.
Don’t get me wrong, I completely understand why synopses are useful and necessary, so I mean no offense to agents and editors who insist upon them, but that understanding doesn’t make the process any less disagreeable.
Fortunately, there’s an entire session at the Midwest Writers Workshop devoted to how to deal with writing a synopsis, so I’m hoping I’ll feel more comfortable with the process after sitting in on the session.
If not, well, perhaps this is what’s meant by suffering for one’s art… 
7
Jul
I’m currently reading Writer’s Market Guide to Getting Published, by the Editors of Writers Digest Books.
Writer’s Market Guide to Getting Published is a fabulous resource on writing query letters and synopses, working well with editors and agents, marketing and promoting your work, etc., and offers practical advice anyone can employ.
This was a particularly timely find for me as I prepare for the Midwest Writers Workshop at the end of the month. There I’ll be making my very first pitch to an agent! I’m incredibly excited and nervous as hell at the same time. Having a great resource like this one to help me prepare is keeping my anxiety to a manageable level (so far…).
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