It’s IWSG Wednesday again. The Insecure Writers Support Group provides a place for writers of all stripes to let down their guard, share their writerly fears and questions, and find help. Have you seen the June 25 article on Goodreads Giveaways? Good stuff.
The awesome co-hosts for the July 3 posting of the IWSG are Nicki Elson, Juneta Key, Tamara Narayan, and Patricia Lynne. Thanks, y’all!
July 3 question – What are your ultimate writing goals, and how have they changed over time (if at all)?
Excellent question! When I started my first mystery novel, about eight years ago, my goal was traditional publishing, because that’s pretty much all I knew. A few encounters with poorly-edited, self-pubbed fiction reinforced that prejudice. These days, I’m wide-open to all paths to publication. I’m thrilled to have signed with The Wild Rose Press for my first contemporary romance, and nearing completion of the second novel in that series.
My big task for July is creating a three-minute in-person pitch for my cozy mystery romance. Later this month, I’ll be flinging same at a roomful of agents and editors at the RWA National Convention in Denver. Speed pitching, like speed dating. Sounds like slightly terrifying fun.
But hey, if after six months of querying hard, if I don’t get a nibble, I’ll indie-publish that series. Traditional publishing is no longer the be-all and end-all of the literary world.
My ultimate goal? To enjoy the process of writing and publishing polished, entertaining works of commercial fiction in the mystery, romance, and horror genres. Yeah, I know, marketing will be a part of that process, and I’m even looking forward to that. Learning new things keeps the ageing brain supple, eh?
In these fraught times, I hope to give readers something to smile about, be it smoldering smooches or the satisfaction of seeing some bad people get their richly-deserved comeuppance.
What are your publishing goals? And who are you rooting for in the World Cup?
I did an in-person pitching event once in New York, and it was so nerve wracking. The agents are really nice though. They all want you to succeed, and they’re used to nervous authors. 🙂 Good luck! And happy IWSG day. 🙂 http://www.raimeygallant.com
Hi,
Yeah! Another soccer fan. The only time I really get glued to the television is during the World Cup. Now that all of the supposedly best teams have been thrown out, the World Cup has really got exciting. Right now I have no idea who is going to win and that makes it even more exciting.
Thanks also for sharing that you’re writing momentarily for The Wild Rose Press. I have been thinking about submitting to them.
All the best.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
My goal is to get my kid outside to play soccer this summer. He could use the exercise. 😛
Love the new website! I really enjoy watching the fruit of hard work blossom. Good luck with your pitching session.
Looking forward to hearing how the pitch goes!
I’m not sure who I want to win the World Cup, but I’ve loved the games I’ve watched so far. Good luck with your goals!
Good luck on the speed pitching, hope it pays off with many requests. 🙂
Good luck with you pitch and your goals. Enjoyed reading. Happy IWSG!
Yes, I came back to the love of writing in my journey, too. Good job! Keep going 🙂
Best of luck speed pitching! I hope it’s much more fun than terrifying!
Like you, I was pursuing traditional publishing. Every now and then, I try again. I don’t even know why, since my self-published work does fairly well for me. But it’s like a grail–a validation that I’m worthy. Hmm.
Exactly!
I don’t follow soccer . . .but then again, I don’t follow sports, generally.
There really are a lot of paths to publishing these days. It’s good to keep your focus on the part that matters to you: the work itself!
(Just tell him you’re his Oma’s friend so he doesn’t get confused)
Good luck with your pitching session.
Best wishes for lots of conference luck!